[arm-allstar] Recommended Radio for Node

[M M]

The BF888 is a single band 4 watt UHF HT that is not designed
for high duty cycle. I still think he'd be a LOT happier with
a low  power (1-25 watt) Motorola CDM.  Yes, the power output
level is programmable.

CDMs are single-band radios and are available for VHF, UHF,
and 220.  The 220 one takes some software tweaks to get it
to the 220 amateur band, but once there works just fine and
programs like any other CDM.

The Maxtrac version of the RIM-Lite plugs into the back with
no issues other than making sure you get it right side up and
position it on the center 16 pins of the 20 pin connector.

USB programming cables are available from multiple sources.
Chinese ones are as low as $8, USA ones are in the $25 region.

The programming software runs under Windows (98 through 7),
and can be found on the net.  Look for "Professional Radio
CPS HVN9025"
Version R06.12.02 is the last one that allows both wide and
narrowband programming.
The next (and last) version is Version R06.12.08 has identical 
functionality but is narrow only and requires a "wideband
entitlement key".

While the original poster is running a simplex node I thought
I'd toss the following info in...

I know of several 220 and UHF repeaters that are based on
twin CDMs and the owners are very happy.
<http://www.novexcomm.com/store.php#Dual%20Motorola%20CDM%20750/1250/1550>. 
  The seller also has an optional power supply.

The photo is of a 2 unit high rack panel, they also make it
in a 3 unit high version in case you want to fit a power
supply, an allstar node, a fan or anything else in the same
rack-mount package.

Mike WA6ILQ