I had my first successful APRS position spot over HF on 40M using JS8Call. Until this point I had only used APRSDroid with APRSIS. I also had registered and sent successful text messages to SMSGTE through APRSDroid. So I of course had to test this as well on JS8Call and while I couldn't get the message sent with 5w or 10w I was finally successful with 25w (possibly required as I was transmitting during the overpass of tropical depression Sally). But in an emergency conditions are probably not going to be optimal. The only thing left to test is SMS -> APRS where someone like my wife could reach me.
I now plan to order the Mobilinkd TNC and adapter cable for my Baofeng 5VR+ providing a VHF APRS mobile solution. I of course would have the HF if out camping, etc. The eventual plan for HF QRP is either a LAB599 TX-500 Discovery or the Xiegu 5105. The biggest difference from my perspective between these two are the TX-500 is rugged/splash resistant as well as the waterfall display, while the 5105 has a builtin ATU. Of course as long as I use a tuned antenna then I'm leaning towards the TX-500.
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