Colin:

Thanks for helping put things into perspective here, and you are correct.

We indeed do have a cheat sheet of needed frequencies (repeaters, simplex, 
and otherwise), in our area.  In fact, I helped design it.  I believe it 
amounts to something like 65 memories we are programming into these rigs.

So, as you say, I can manage, I'm sure, if I have to.

It's just the lack of consultation thing that really gets me.

And, here's another interesting wrinkle to add to the mix. ... When they 
ordered the rigs, noone thought to order programming cables and software for 
the rigs.  I brought up the need for those items with our county officials, 
indicating that for a mere $100 or so, we could get the needed cables and 
software, but was turned down.  Fortunately, thanks to a donor in our group, 
the cables and software were purchased and given to the group.  But, I have 
to tell you, all of this is making me seriously re-think giving up endless 
amounts of my time and energy in the future as County EC, if this is the 
approach the leadership in our area is going to take.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 2:45 AM
Subject: Re: In a state of disbelief here


> firstly, no, these two radios don't have options for speech synthesisers.
> I believe the 2200 has an allowance for direct frequency entry, and memory
> location entry via the mic keypad...the 2820 may have that as well
> I assume the reason 2820H's were chosen was for the DStar option...even if
> it wasn't purchased as an option with the radio, it can be added on later 
> if
> needed.  Emergency stuff is really embracing DStar technology now.
> While these radios don't have speech output, it doesn't make them totally
> unusable by a blind op.
> Presumably your EOC has a standardized frequency list for all facility
> radios and for members radios.
> These two will have  that standardized list programmed in and that will 
> make
> them usable if you have at least a cheat sheet of the channel numbers
> assigned to various frequencies.
> Most EOC's, ARES and other various agencies will program their radios with 
> a
> standardized list of frequencies that will include any and all major
> repeater and simplex frequencies one would ever need.
> So, make up a braille sheet or keep a list on a portable note taker with
> that list.
> Beyond that, both the 2200 and 2820 are physically no more difficult to 
> use
> as a blind op...volume is still volume, and squelch, and one can memorize
> button layouts like you would have to do with any other rig.
> Anoying for sure, but not a deal breaker in my book.
> I doubt they're going to send the radios back if they wish to have DStar
> capability.
> I would be pissed in your position though.  Someone somewhere made
> recommendations as to the biggest, best, most modern radios to buy, and 
> they
> went for it.
> Also, Icom is big on the patriotic Icom america thing, so many agencies
> automatically turn to "Icom america" for their equipment.
> Their marketting is second to none in the US.
> Anyway, insure that you make your views known and perhaps they'll do
> something about it, but if nothing is done, fear not, you can manage with
> what is there.
>
> 73
> Colin, V A6BKX