just purchased the D710A dual band (echolink/ APRS) and will soon be getting the AvMap G5 Navigator GPS. I am sort of evolving away from the useless/under appreciative, little used cb 11meter truckers communication device. this is my first ham rig. will be using the diamond nr770 antenna.
what else will i be needing for this radio to operate at top notch performance at this level?
how does this system match up with the icom ic 2820 dual band(D-STAR, GPS)
As for the AvMap, if you haven't bought one already, save yourself the trouble. I had one, and donated it to my old amateur radio club. If you're only using it for an APRS display, it's cool. If you want more out of it (like turn-by-turn navigation) it's a pain in the butt, and inaccurate (sometimes off by a mile or more for where you're going). Oh yeah, the maps are kinda outdated.
Regarding the Diamond, it's not my first pick, but a decent antenna.
Between that, proper SmartBeaconing settings (now that Kenwood FINALLY implemented that), and proper radio-GPS comms, you should be set.
Actually, it doesn't 'match up' to the IC-2820. D-STAR is a whole other can of worms. I say you made the better purchase with the 710. I'm actually looking into getting the V71A (which is the same radio with a different remote head, which lacks a TNC) and using it with a HamHUD and Tracker2 combo.
