nater
Adventurer
Well, this Saturday is my exam, and I am fortunate enough to be local to universal radio (where the exam is being held). I figured it would be a good time to pick up my first radio while I am there.
I am currently considering the Yaesu FTM-400DR. I like the touch screen and the built in APRS. Currently there is a $100 mail in rebate, so it brings the price of the unit down to "reasonable" for me. The other contender is the Icom ID-5100A (which is on the high end of my budget). My understanding of this radio is that I would have to add APRS somehow? I know there is a huge debate over digital formats, and with a little google action, it looks like my area has several D-STAR repeaters.
What would it take to add APRS to the Icom? How important is my choice of digital format? What am I not considering here?
I am currently considering the Yaesu FTM-400DR. I like the touch screen and the built in APRS. Currently there is a $100 mail in rebate, so it brings the price of the unit down to "reasonable" for me. The other contender is the Icom ID-5100A (which is on the high end of my budget). My understanding of this radio is that I would have to add APRS somehow? I know there is a huge debate over digital formats, and with a little google action, it looks like my area has several D-STAR repeaters.
What would it take to add APRS to the Icom? How important is my choice of digital format? What am I not considering here?