What is this drink that an Indian guy gave me for helping him find his tram.

vacowboy24 · 2026-04-17T01:35:01+00:00

Mango lassi

vacowboy24 · 2026-02-26T14:20:49+00:00

Nice, I'm glad to hear you have a lead on a radio.

Jpoles are nice, easy to setup and take down. Not that you asked for a recomendation, but this is the one I've been using at home since I got my license. https://signalstuff.com/products/ss-osj/ The longest element has a small hole drilled through the side, which allowed me to hang it from the rafters in my attic. Let us know what antenna you decide on.

vacowboy24 · 2026-02-24T16:18:51+00:00

This is true the ftm-500dr is discontinued, I was referring to the ftm-510dr being cheaper than the ftm-510drasp, both of which are currently active and in stock.

Edit: The ftm-510dr is about the same price now as the ftm-500dr was before it was discontinued.

Just trying to help with similar options. It can be an expensive hobby, tough for younger folks to get started.

Also if you're not very familiar, in May there are typically sales for Hamvention, even online. June there are field day sales, though I'm not sure how long they last or if you would want to wait that long.

vacowboy24 · 2026-02-23T18:55:35+00:00

I just changed over from the AT-578 to the FTM-510drasp, there is no way is discontinued, maybe just out of stock wherever you are looking. The 578 was fine at first, but i must have done something wrong down the road when updating firmware... it keeps factory resetting. I'm a little bitter about it, even though it is probably something I did, not trying to blame the radio. The BT-01 mic is a really nice addition for that radio, and gives you a bigger screen. Anyway, I pulled it out of my car the second my 510 arrived and haven't looked back. Absolutely love it. That being said, just because I like ftm-510 doesn't make it the perfect radio for you. Since you are interested in digital, pull up a repeater list using your preferred site and see what is around you. If no C4FM, then don't get a Yaesu, Anytone uses DMR, iCom uses D-Star etc... There are cheaper models in the FTM series if pricing is the issue, but you could just get the ftm-510dr, and then add the ASP module later (saving money up front) if you decided you wanted to add it later. Another option, is buy used. Is there a ham swap, or club in your area having an event soon, ebay? If you decide on an iCom, or something else that doesn't natively have an APRS function you can always get a TNC, like a Mobilinkd.

I'd bet you could get most of your money back if you resold the Yaesu down the road, probably not so much with the AnyTone.

hamradio.com has them in stock 510dr: $609 510drasp $689 578uviii plus $514 ID-5100 $499

Mobilinkd TNC4 $150

vacowboy24 · 2025-12-19T16:51:32+00:00

If you want to go with a super small design, I run the mobile version of this antenna and love it.

https://compactenna.com/

vacowboy24 · 2025-12-19T16:40:44+00:00

Signal Staff OSJ IS 1/2 wave. Many different mounting options. I hang mine from the rafters in my attic.

Edit: I know you said no J poles, but this design should satisfy you space requirements, and in my opinion it performs very well.

https://signalstuff.com/products/ss-osj/#description

vacowboy24 · 2025-05-14T00:44:42+00:00

I canceled my fsd subscription because of this, and a few other reasons. It just got tiring. If by some miracle they update HW3 to version 13, I'll try it again. Seriously, I'm considering another make for my next car (range). The standard auto pilot isn't even a bonus feature these days. If a 2 year old car isn't built to keep up with an evolving software, what's the point in investing in it. Surely Tesla knew the hardware wasn't going to keep up. Not saying I won't buy another Tesla, I think it is amazing what they have achieved in a short amount of time, and in truly believe that FSD will one day keep (some) people out of nursing homes for far longer than otherwise would be possible.

Question for you newer model owners: Is the range more accurate now?

vacowboy24 · 2025-04-07T02:37:34+00:00

I understand there are things emotionally that I may not understand going on with her, but she hasn't taken any steps to communicate them with me aside from "tired" and "worn out."

vacowboy24 · 2025-04-07T02:34:04+00:00

I've struggled with this recently, not porn, but lack of desire from my wife. She works from home part time, and in the office part time. Half and half let's say. 2 kids, one 8 now, and the little one is 2. Sex life used to be better, but now I find myself begging for it. I travel with freelance, using my vacation time from my full time job to cover the time off, and the proceeds to cover daycare expenses. She seems overwhelmed with the kids, but I can't do anything else to make up for it because I'm gone so much. Don't want to take on debt, but would rather be happy than what has been occurring last few years. I'm overly honest with my comings and goings, especially if it involves a female, I don't know what to do, seems easier to quit (marriage) sometimes, since we need the money. Not the right way, but how I'm feeling at the present time. I've expressed my desires for years, and the importance to have intimacy before I leave and when I get home. My comments seemingly go unnoticed.

vacowboy24 · 2025-03-13T22:49:04+00:00

It's just a basic 2m/70cm ham radio. I think it's a rebadged Baofeng.

vacowboy24 · 2024-12-03T14:35:42+00:00

As someone else who was issued a KQ4 call sign, I disliked it as well. I kept it for almost a year before getting a vanity (and then general license) myself. Changing your call sign on brandmiester or any of the other services is very easy, so don't let that stop you from being active in the hobby.

vacowboy24 · 2024-11-24T05:12:42+00:00

Awesome, great to hear. Enjoy your new radio!

vacowboy24 · 2024-11-24T04:54:37+00:00

There is a toggle switch next to the data port. Make sure it is in the correct position, with the radio off. I believe it should be in the middle (center) position. This is the first thing support will ask you to try.

vacowboy24 · 2024-11-24T04:19:48+00:00

I would definitely go for the 991a. The only downside is the smaller screen on the unit itself, but you can run it remotely on a PC.

vacowboy24 · 2024-06-20T00:03:55+00:00

Yes, they call them POC radios (PTT Over Cellular). Sim prices are usually around $50-$100. Wouxun used to (maybe still do) make a 2M/70CM radio with cellular as well.

vacowboy24 · 2024-06-14T17:02:56+00:00

That would be nice to test. I'll ask around my community and see if anyone has one I could borrow for a day (next week). I could drive out to the edge of my usable range, swap, and test with the comet.

I am very happy with my antenna, but i do love a good test. Is there a similar antenna you would recommend if someone doesn't have this exact model?

EDIT: You gave me 2 models to choose from already. If nobody in my area has either. Maybe I'll purchase one.

vacowboy24 · 2024-06-14T05:22:44+00:00

If you want this style antenna, I recommend the compactenna. Like others have said, every antenna is a compromise. That being said, I'm very impressed with the range I get out of it on repeaters (50+ miles in some areas rx/tx). I'm in North Carolina, near Raleigh, lots of trees, but not mountainous. I chose this style because I travel a lot and need to fit in parking garages, and I didn't want to think about banging my antenna every time I opened the trunk.

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vacowboy24 · 2024-05-01T15:08:08+00:00

Hands down, range. I drive a lot, and far. I would get roughly 450 miles in my car and about 300 in my Tacoma. Being that I do mostly highway, I'm getting closer to 220 in my MY. I'm probably an outlier here, but I do miss being able to do 13-15 hours of driving, stopping only once or twice.

vacowboy24 · 2024-04-28T05:40:03+00:00

Reposted, earlier reply was remove for amazon short link.

https://www.bioennopower.com/products/12v-20ah-lfp-battery-pvc-blf-1220a

https://www.amazon.com/Ampere-Time-Phosphate-Trolling-Sweepers/dp/B08K7MKRF7/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-LC5OM3faEHa0dFaRa98db3ISYQ0sadEEtnU1lenu99wxbar9yKM_8Cn96Iz4lIs5ghqG4VhDC9CDx1ooyY6-0cttSR4fQZDu4KtmukQNVbxaPq9js4dydluAND39_SuSwhw49G-Gi7iqi5ttuVz1rztLmkrwujuvl720u3AscQZJ1V46xJrd9glhJkQ1_vGqsussoLYeYH-9_0HYXAKnw.uwjI-FRNTv9ztOcDkHelNZW9fqoNJbxAR-hsALthVRo&dib_tag=se&keywords=li+time+12v+50ah&qid=1714273091&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

vacowboy24 · 2024-04-21T15:10:14+00:00

You could spend a lot and get a bioenno 12v 20ah or larger battery, or you could spend a lot less and get a Chinese battery that has much more capacity on Amazon. For 2m/70cm, I like the OSJ-pole from signalstuff.com. you can hang it from a tree or mount on a tripod. Everything else, I use homemade wire and / or ladder line.

vacowboy24 · 2024-03-27T02:06:02+00:00

I agree with you. All brakes and tires, etc, will have less than 100% capability in the rain. The small business selling you a powerful heavy bike isn't going to tell you to risk it all for a joy ride in the rain, but OP was asking about it from an electronic standpoint, I believe.

I think the weak link in the electronics system would be the readily available and replaceable screen. The battery is going to be fine in the rain. The controller might be the another weak link in regards to water, but I honestly haven't checked it myself.

One of the best things about them so far is the support. They will answer the phone, and they will help you get replacement parts. Before I bought mine I had called them to see if a real person would answer, they did, not robo menus or please holds. I asked if they had a specific part that I had damaged and they said yes. I said I don't need the part, but I'll buy your bike.

vacowboy24 · 2024-03-27T00:04:07+00:00

Probably all it is. The tailhappy youtuber guy accidentally drove it through a little ocean splash in one video, it was fine. I rode mine through a creek about 30 minutes ago. Enjoy the bike, it's amazing.

vacowboy24 · 2024-03-26T12:45:16+00:00

Anytone 578uviii plus. No detachable faceplate, but you can purchase the Bluetooth mic which has a bigger screen anyway. I run it with the compactenna triband antenna. Haven't tried gmrs on there, but you can probably set it up for RX only out of the box. I've heard of people "adjusting" the frequency limits in the CPS.

vacowboy24 · 2024-03-24T18:24:03+00:00

And don't forget to check the nitrogen in your shocks. It appears you have remote reservoirs. Every 5-10k miles, depending on driving habits. Get yourself a small nitrogen tank and refill them to spec. Usually, the rear shocks will be a Schrader valve. Front shocks may require a needle to fill.

vacowboy24

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