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Missions

Max Transmitting Power: 50 W

This is one of Kenwood's mobiles we bought ours for $499.  We use this mobile because it is capable of decoding an APRS (Automatic Position Reporting System) signal without additional hardware. There is a newer model out now, but has basically the same functionality.

If you use it in the lab you'll need a 13.8 V DC Power Supply that has the ability  to handle at least a 12 Amp constant load.

In the car you need to make or buy a cigarette adapter to connect to your power leads from the radio.

Pros:

This mobile is one of the few with a built in TNC (Terminal Node Controller).  Having a built in TNC is not required for APRS communication but it saves you from having to use an external TNC module.

One of ours stopped receiving on the "B" channel. Not sure why (could be all the Black Rock dust), but otherwise still works fine.

Cons:

At $499 it's a little pricey.  Another mobile with an external TNC might be cheaper if cost is an issue.