[OZAPRS] APRS With Codan radios

[Marc Robinson]

Hello Jim,

Firstly, there are good Codan auto-tune antennas and there are bad 
ones. Make sure it is the type with the tapered barrel and not the 
older version with the constant diameter barrel. They are nasty!

The 9323 is a fine radio. You need to check that it has been 
programmed with Option TXE (Transmitter Enable) otherwise you can't 
easily enter new frequencies from the keypad. You definitely need to 
make sure you get the two Instruction books with the set or get a pdf 
copy for printing. They are a monster to learn to drive. They handle 
data very well and you won't cook them.
Two issues:
1. While you can freely tune the receiver VFO style across any 
frequency, the transmitter does not follow. You have to actually 
programme a spare channel with any Tx/Rx frequency you want to use. 
No good if you are used to QSYing around the bands.
2. The data modem connector mating the rear 10 pin GP (General 
Purpose) socket on the rear of the radio is no longer available as 
the Japanese supplier has ceased making them. The rear panel 
connector can be changed back to the 8 pin used on the earlier 8528 
transceiver as these are still a Dick Smith item.

The earlier 8528 transceiver can be programmed as a true Ham rig with 
full VFO operation across all HF ham bands. However Options are 
needed:
1. Option H (Ham) which includes fitting a 1647 KHz crystal to provide
LSB.
2. Option PS (Plug Special) which is the fitting of the rear 8 pin 
connector for a data modem, along with about 15 components that must 
be soldered into the mother board. Codan made the provisions but did 
not populate the PSB. The mods cost around $180.

Don't get any ideas about trying to push AFSK into the microphone or 
remote control audio inputs on any Codan radio. The audio circuits 
are carefully tailored to round off any clicks during the change from 
Tx to Rx and the first bits of data will be lost. You have to use the 
proper Option inputs mentioned above.

Both very good radios.

Regards,   Marc

--------------------------------------
Marc Robinson Email pca.cc at bigpond.com
<http://www.pca.cc> Skype Call: pca.cc
Home+61 2 8011 4928 Mob+61 4 2525 4928
PO Box 869 Artarmon NSW 1570 Australia
--------------------------------------

>Hi all,
>I'm interested in buying a mobile HF radio for touring. I've got a codan
>auto tune antenna and I don't know wether to go for a Codan 9323 or a
>Icom 206mk2g.
>has anyone used a Codan for HF APRS and other data modes? is it easy to
>do?
>Thanks for any info,
>Jim
>VK4HJD
>_________________________________________________________________________
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