[d-star] Radio question, any systems, some thoughts?

[Erik Jacobson]

I looked through the mailing list archives quick to be sure I wasn't
just hashing what folks said.  It didn't take long to get through the
archives :)

I realize twinslan's interest is in the 1.2ghz data side.  I'm right now
wrangling with the idea of getting an ID-800H for my car, since I need a
new dual-band mobile anyway.  On the plus side, even if there is nobody
to talk to soon with d-star, at least it's a rugged solid rig. 
Unfortunately, you can't monitor both bands at once....  On the negative,
who wants to spend 2X on a radio and not use the features?  :) :)

I was also _toying_ with the idea of changing my little UHF repeater in
Bloomington over.  This is a small resource - just on my 70ft tower at
my house.  The cost is a big hill to climb - even just looking at the
repeater controller and UHF modules (I have junk computers that can
do the gateway piece).

If I have done my research right, I suspect initially I'd be able to 
talk to myself, and some folks in Texas and some other places across
the country - but probably not many in town.

I would think about 1.2ghz - but at $1000 for the mobile radios, I don't think
I'd end up with anybody to talk to.  Plus, I don't think my little 70 ft
tower is a good enough location for that sort of investment for digital
voice and data at 1.2ghz.  I don't really have a feel for 1.2ghz 
propagation but my feeling is my 70ft tower setup wouldn't be an ideal
fit :)

I know I'm rambling a bit; but I guess I'm trying to gauge

1. Should I get the ID-800H now and hope there is something to talk to soon?

2. Should I start saving up for the huge investment of a UHF d-star 
   system?  (This is as much a question of if anybody would use it as it is
   about personal finances :)  Who needs to invest tax refund money when you
   can throw it out on toys?  :)

Erik, N0SVX