Overwhelmed with radio setup.

[anono]

I'm a very green ham. My only previous experience with radios has been aviation and the old walkie talkies from Radio Shack. Turn the knob to the freq you're looking for, ptt, follow the protocols and all good. The ham test was straightforward and made sense.

But this? Hole-E-poop. I work in technology and I've never seen a less intuitive interface in my life. Is this all ham radios or did I choose the worst ones in the universe (Anytone 878).

Does anyone have any resources for teaching people like they're three years old?

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

There are some videos out there that will help you set up that Anytone 878 .

For strictly HAM use, no DMR, the Yaesu dual band HT's are about the simplest to program, same for their 50 watt mobile dual banders and their HF rigs.

Setting up a 2 meter and 70 CM Ham rig is easy, there you only need to know and understand the terms "simplex", "Repeater", and for the repeater, know the input and output frequencies of the repeater, and if it requires a "PL" tone, what tone that is, and if the tone is simple CTCSS tone encode, or DCS tone encode.

No need for talk groups, etc.

 

[anono]

There are some videos out there that will help you set up that Anytone 878 .

For strictly HAM use, no DMR, the Yaesu dual band HT's are about the simplest to program, same for their 50 watt mobile dual banders and their HF rigs.

Setting up a 2 meter and 70 CM Ham rig is easy, there you only need to know and understand the terms "simplex", "Repeater", and for the repeater, know the input and output frequencies of the repeater, and if it requires a "PL" tone, what tone that is, and if the tone is simple CTCSS tone encode, or DCS tone encode.

No need for talk groups, etc.

I know all the terms, but getting them into something usable in the radio itself is one of the single most frustrating things I've ever experienced in tech. It's like someone deliberatly made it difficult. I just honestly can't imagine someone did this without trying to make it nearly impossible.

 

[TRDPilot]

@anono What are you using to write your code plug? I don't own an 878 but have heard that if you don't have the right selections made it will give you grief.

-M

 

[anono]

@anono What are you using to write your code plug? I don't own an 878 but have heard that if you don't have the right selections made it will give you grief.

-M

Just the Anytone software for the 878. V2.05. I've made a little headway, one youtube video at a time, but that obviously takes forever. Oh well, hopefully once it's set it will be robust enough to not need major reprogramming.

 

[DonTom]

or did I choose the worst ones in the universe (Anytone 878).

Did you read the owner's manual? What parts do you need help with?

If you're not familiar with the terms, there are several people here who can help.

While I own several VHF/UHF portables, I almost never use them. I don't think I have even turned one on in a year. But I am a fairly active ham on HF CW.

73, -Don- AA6GA/7 Reno

 

[Cujo]

Another option is a local club where you can get “hands on” help. If you’re in the Vegas metro area, the Henderson Amateur Radio Club (HARC) meets up Tuesday mornings at 8:30 am at the Skyline Hotel and Casino for breakfast. The members that I’ve met there really know their stuff, and are just a good bunch of guys. Some are members here. Check their calendar because one day a month they have a general membership meeting so they skip breakfast that Tuesday.

They also hold a “New HAM Net“ on Thursday evenings at 6 pm for those that are new to the hobby. It is very well run (usually Andy or Steve) and anybody can participate. It’s been a big hit and they encourage any/all questions and participation. The Vegas metro area has quite a bit of activity. I highly encourage you to listen/check in on Thursday evenings. W7HEN H2 (Apex) on 449.925 and PL 131.8.

https://w7hen.org

My friend’s father had a bit of difficulty setting up his Anytone 878 and they were able to hook him up pretty quickly. Granted, he’s 91! Gene at Gigaparts knows how to program an 878 so that’s another option as well.

 

[anono]

Did you read the owner's manual? What parts do you need help with?

If you're not familiar with the terms, there are several people here who can help.

While I own several VHF/UHF portables, I almost never use them. I don't think I have even turned one on in a year. But I am a fairly active ham on HF CW.

73, -Don- AA6GA/7 Reno

Hi Don, yes I'm reading through the manual, but there are a lot of things in terms of settings that aren't in there or incorrect. I'm not super familiar with the import rules, etc. but Ive read a bunch of settings get reprogrammed by the importer to make them legal to sell. So each importer has it's own software (PowerWerx is what mine says). Just getting the keys unlocked and basic functions working took about two hours of searching and finally watching the right youtube video because the manual was incorrect.

Like I said from studying the ham stuff, which of course was mostly just basic math, em and electricity stuff that I already knew, I guess I was just expecting an easier process of getting going.

 

[DonTom]

on, yes I'm reading through the manual, but there are a lot of things in terms of settings that aren't in there or incorrect.

Just take them one at a time and post your questions here. There are many VHF/UHF users in this forum who will be happy to help and get you set up for the area you're in.

-Don- Reno