Hello,
I certainly wouldn't want to use a Mode which depends on the Internet with no other means of Communication.
When the Internet goes down for some reason you won't have a backup method.
Personally I would just go for the 80 foot Antenna and no Echolink or other Internet Digital Method without a good noninternet Communication Method.
Colleen Roth, N8TNV;



----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Ryan <[log in to unmask]>
,to3 [log in to unmask]
Date: Sunday, August 25, 2013 2:21 pm
Subject: DStar and other Internet based modes

>
>
> Wel tit for tat. 90% of radio type communication could be handled over the I=
> nternet and no radio on each end of the circuit at all but we still have HF a=
> nd VHF availabledd=20
> I wouldn't mind accessing dStar because, the echolink repeater system up her=
> e in Newfoundland are poorly maintained and crap or not functioning at all a=
> nd vary few available or private. =20
> The local dStar repeater on the other hand is well maintained and is located=
>  where I could either hit it with a 5w handi or a 50w mobile from my cottage=
> .. I also wouldn't have to install an 80 per month basic Internet/cable packa=
> ge to access it. Lol=20
> 733=20
> Michael DE VO1AX=20
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone=