1. main@marchq.groups.io
   Date   
Re: new radio, VR-N7500 review

John Kristian W6JMK
 

On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 11:30 PM, Mark Kanzler wrote:
There is a Facebook group (public) ...
There's also a Google group https://groups.google.com/g/veron7500
5v Wiring

John Beckwith
 

Greetings,

Just thought I’d share.  My Garmin GPS runs on 5v (e.g. USB) power.   Their latest Zumo (and DriveSmart) units all come with cables that convert 12v power to 5v power at the mount.  Of course, they also plug directly into a USB port, but that’s a separate power supply port and is also used for Syncing.   For their new Zumo units, they provide a proprietary cable that connects to 12v on the supply end and 5v on the device end - with a converter box in the middle (actually near the 12v end.)

What I wanted to do is mount my Garmin 365 on the handlebars of my Heritage Softail, but provide power through the USB port I had previously mounted up on the steering head - rather than run another power cable up to the front.

Similarly - I wanted a quick-disconnect of the mount itself.

I came up with nifty solution to both of these problems. (Though a little scary at first.)  I basically cut off the mount cable near the mount, then I provide 5v supply to that cable in a couple of ways.   To connect the two I found a nice compact little waterproof connector.  (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LCV8DXQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) These connectors are waterproof (they say) to IP65.  Remember, the Zumo units and mounts are inherently water resistant (IPX7).

For the USB mount - I found this cable below (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GN3XQ7N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) that terminates in nice two wire ends (Black and Red) as well (after you cut off the plugs they come with.)  

The nice thing is - they both have a nice pair of Black and Red wires - so it’s natural to get them connected correctly.

Holler if you have any questions - or even want a pair made up.

John, N6JCB
Westchester, CA
jbeckwit47@...
http://www.johnbeckwith.net
https://john-beckwith.smugmug.com
VGC VR-N7500 - on a Hog?

John Beckwith
 

Greetings,

Check out Mark, KE6ZRP’s article on installing this “headless” radio on his Harley Davidson Electra Glide.   Good stuff.


And we’ll add Mikko’s experience as soon as he gets it to me.   And then there’s Chris Hoffman’s plans as well….

Enjoy,

John, N6JCB
Westchester, CA
jbeckwit47@...
http://www.johnbeckwith.net
https://john-beckwith.smugmug.com
Re: new radio, VR-N7500 review

John Beckwith
 

Mikko,

Great job and great pix.    If you wouldn’t mind - put it all together in an article for next months newsletter.   I’ll also use that and post it on the website.

Good Stuff,

John, N6JCB
Westchester, CA
jbeckwit47@...
http://www.johnbeckwith.net
https://john-beckwith.smugmug.com

On Jul 1, 2020, at 10:39 AM, Mikko Sannala, AB6RF via groups.io <mikkops@...> wrote:

[Edited Message Follows]

Hi John,

You have seen my setup from the "external view".
My radio is inside a metal box, so I had to add the external BT antenna.
The antenna itself is just a generic 2.4GHz stubbie with male SMA connector.

<IMG_5271_2 .jpg> 

I added an external SMA connector to the rig, and ran a mini coax to the point where the internal antenna connects to the BT module.

<IMG_5064.jpg><IMG_5062.jpg>

The internal antenna is just a meandering copper trace etched directly to the front panel circuit board.
The circuit board itself doubles as the front panel, there is no separate metal or plastic front face, just a plastic sticker covering the PCB.

<IMG00090.jpg>
(ballpoint pen for a size reference)

Yes, adding the external antenna connection requires cutting and soldering into the front panel PCB.

One more picture of the mess before if went into the enclosure.
<IMG_5066.jpg>

Mikko, AB6RF
 
Re: new radio, VR-N7500 review

Mikko Sannala, AB6RF
 
Edited

Hi John,

You have seen my setup from the "external view".
My radio is inside a metal box, so I had to add the external BT antenna.
The antenna itself is just a generic 2.4GHz stubbie with male SMA connector.

 

I added an external SMA connector to the rig, and ran a mini coax to the point where the internal antenna connects to the BT module.



The internal antenna is just a meandering copper trace etched directly to the front panel circuit board.
The circuit board itself doubles as the front panel, there is no separate metal or plastic front face, just a plastic sticker covering the PCB.


(ballpoint pen for a size reference)

Yes, adding the external antenna connection requires cutting and soldering into the front panel PCB.

One more picture of the mess before if went into the enclosure.


Mikko, AB6RF
 
Re: MARC Website

John Beckwith
 

Peter,

Good point - I should have done that in my original e-mail.   Here ya go…



John, N6JCB
Westchester, Ca




On Jun 30, 2020, at 3:08 PM, Peter Krarup <peter.b.krarup@...> wrote:

And a link to the website, for us forgetful types...

Peter Krarup
KK6YGH

On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 2:39 PM John Beckwith <jbeckwit47@...> wrote:
Looking forward to it - include pix (you know, that thousand word thing…:-)

John, N6JCB
Westchester, Ca




On Jun 30, 2020, at 1:56 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:

I'm going to have a small writeup on my experiences pairing the new Sena 50S with the machine and a radio.... still getting the procedures down and establishing why they work.

On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM JOHN EDWARDS via groups.io <kc6zozjohn=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Thank John B, your work is greatly appreciated.

John E

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, 10:48:57 AM PDT, John Beckwith <jbeckwit47@...> wrote:


Greetings,

Made a couple of changes to the website.   I added an article about getting started with radios on motorcycles to the Tech Center section.

I also added a Videos page - and posted a couple of videos I found from non-members.   Now - how about some videos from actual Members?   Anything?   How about just a walk around your bike showing us how you mounted things etc.   Any tricks or tips you might share.   Doesn’t have to be professional - just interesting and/or informative.

At some point, I’m hoping to put together a collection of short member videos and post it on Youtube (which will be a first for me.).  Get out name and content out there.

So?????   Send something along.
Re: MARC Website

Peter Krarup
 

And a link to the website, for us forgetful types...

Peter Krarup
KK6YGH


On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 2:39 PM John Beckwith <jbeckwit47@...> wrote:
Looking forward to it - include pix (you know, that thousand word thing…:-)

John, N6JCB
Westchester, Ca




On Jun 30, 2020, at 1:56 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:

I'm going to have a small writeup on my experiences pairing the new Sena 50S with the machine and a radio.... still getting the procedures down and establishing why they work.

On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM JOHN EDWARDS via groups.io <kc6zozjohn=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Thank John B, your work is greatly appreciated.

John E

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, 10:48:57 AM PDT, John Beckwith <jbeckwit47@...> wrote:


Greetings,

Made a couple of changes to the website.   I added an article about getting started with radios on motorcycles to the Tech Center section.

I also added a Videos page - and posted a couple of videos I found from non-members.   Now - how about some videos from actual Members?   Anything?   How about just a walk around your bike showing us how you mounted things etc.   Any tricks or tips you might share.   Doesn’t have to be professional - just interesting and/or informative.

At some point, I’m hoping to put together a collection of short member videos and post it on Youtube (which will be a first for me.).  Get out name and content out there.

So?????   Send something along.
Re: MARC Website

John Beckwith
 

Looking forward to it - include pix (you know, that thousand word thing…:-)

John, N6JCB
Westchester, Ca




On Jun 30, 2020, at 1:56 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:

I'm going to have a small writeup on my experiences pairing the new Sena 50S with the machine and a radio.... still getting the procedures down and establishing why they work.

On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM JOHN EDWARDS via groups.io <kc6zozjohn=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Thank John B, your work is greatly appreciated.

John E

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, 10:48:57 AM PDT, John Beckwith <jbeckwit47@...> wrote:


Greetings,

Made a couple of changes to the website.   I added an article about getting started with radios on motorcycles to the Tech Center section.

I also added a Videos page - and posted a couple of videos I found from non-members.   Now - how about some videos from actual Members?   Anything?   How about just a walk around your bike showing us how you mounted things etc.   Any tricks or tips you might share.   Doesn’t have to be professional - just interesting and/or informative.

At some point, I’m hoping to put together a collection of short member videos and post it on Youtube (which will be a first for me.).  Get out name and content out there.

So?????   Send something along.
Re: MARC Website

Chris Hoffman
 

I'm going to have a small writeup on my experiences pairing the new Sena 50S with the machine and a radio.... still getting the procedures down and establishing why they work.


On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM JOHN EDWARDS via groups.io <kc6zozjohn=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Thank John B, your work is greatly appreciated.

John E

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, 10:48:57 AM PDT, John Beckwith <jbeckwit47@...> wrote:


Greetings,

Made a couple of changes to the website.   I added an article about getting started with radios on motorcycles to the Tech Center section.

I also added a Videos page - and posted a couple of videos I found from non-members.   Now - how about some videos from actual Members?   Anything?   How about just a walk around your bike showing us how you mounted things etc.   Any tricks or tips you might share.   Doesn’t have to be professional - just interesting and/or informative.

At some point, I’m hoping to put together a collection of short member videos and post it on Youtube (which will be a first for me.).  Get out name and content out there.

So?????   Send something along.
Re: new radio, VR-N7500 review

John Kristian W6JMK
 

To add an external Bluetooth antenna, would I have to open up the radio, cut wires, solder etc.? I aim to install the radio inside a metal box, which I suppose would block the Bluetooth signal.


On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 05:33 PM, Mikko Sannala, AB6RF wrote:
I installed the VR-N7500 into a "toolbox" ... Because the box is all metal, and the rig relies on a reliable BT connection, I added an external BT antenna connector to the radio, and brought the BT antenna outside the metal box.
Re: MARC Website

JOHN EDWARDS
 

Thank John B, your work is greatly appreciated.

John E

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, 10:48:57 AM PDT, John Beckwith <jbeckwit47@...> wrote:


Greetings,

Made a couple of changes to the website.   I added an article about getting started with radios on motorcycles to the Tech Center section.

I also added a Videos page - and posted a couple of videos I found from non-members.   Now - how about some videos from actual Members?   Anything?   How about just a walk around your bike showing us how you mounted things etc.   Any tricks or tips you might share.   Doesn’t have to be professional - just interesting and/or informative.

At some point, I’m hoping to put together a collection of short member videos and post it on Youtube (which will be a first for me.).  Get out name and content out there.

So?????   Send something along.

Thanks,

John, N6JCB
Westchester, CA
jbeckwit47@...
http://www.johnbeckwith.net
https://john-beckwith.smugmug.com
Re: MARC Website

John Reynolds
 

Thanks John I’ll have a look.

 

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

From: John Beckwith
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 10:48 AM
To: MARC
Subject: [marchq] MARC Website

 

Greetings,

 

Made a couple of changes to the website.   I added an article about getting started with radios on motorcycles to the Tech Center section.

 

I also added a Videos page - and posted a couple of videos I found from non-members.   Now - how about some videos from actual Members?   Anything?   How about just a walk around your bike showing us how you mounted things etc.   Any tricks or tips you might share.   Doesn’t have to be professional - just interesting and/or informative.

 

At some point, I’m hoping to put together a collection of short member videos and post it on Youtube (which will be a first for me.).  Get out name and content out there.

 

So?????   Send something along.


Thanks,

John, N6JCB
Westchester, CA

jbeckwit47@...
http://www.johnbeckwith.net
https://john-beckwith.smugmug.com

 

 
MARC Website

John Beckwith
 

Greetings,

Made a couple of changes to the website.   I added an article about getting started with radios on motorcycles to the Tech Center section.

I also added a Videos page - and posted a couple of videos I found from non-members.   Now - how about some videos from actual Members?   Anything?   How about just a walk around your bike showing us how you mounted things etc.   Any tricks or tips you might share.   Doesn’t have to be professional - just interesting and/or informative.

At some point, I’m hoping to put together a collection of short member videos and post it on Youtube (which will be a first for me.).  Get out name and content out there.

So?????   Send something along.

Thanks,

John, N6JCB
Westchester, CA
jbeckwit47@...
http://www.johnbeckwith.net
https://john-beckwith.smugmug.com
Newsletter Reminder

John Beckwith
 

Greetings,

Just a reminder - it’s about the end of the month - so, if you haven’t already, put something together and send it to Jeff or myself for the July Newsletter.   We have several new members, so we’d love to hear from you.   Anyone - travels, travails, bikes, radios, past trips, future trips, dream trips - whatever.

C’mon y’all - let’s make this newsletter newsworthy!!!

John, N6JCB
Westchester, CA
jbeckwit47@...
http://www.johnbeckwith.net
https://john-beckwith.smugmug.com
Re: New Member: N6QR

Chris Hoffman
 

Thanks, Tim. I really appreciate the advice.

I've already joined up with the wsbmwrg, which is the bmwmoa and bmwra chapter club for Washington State. They just purchased a wifi-enabled GS-911 diagnostic tool for the club, so hopefully I'll be covered when the time comes. 

For now, I'm going to be enjoying my break-in rides. 

On Thu, Jun 25, 2020 at 3:41 AM Timothy Lindstrom <ab0tstim@...> wrote:
Chris,
 
I have had BMW motorcycles since  1984.  From the R75/3 to now I have the R1150RT and the K1200RS.  There is one more accessory that you may need.  Code Reader.  I ordered one due to messing with the Throttle Positioning Sensor on the RT... 
 
With your new steed and all the electronics on these new beemers.. either find someone who has the code reader or buy it. 
 
2015 I was at the Billings, Montana rally... A rider was planing to head home on Sunday morning.. his RT would not start.. so he headed to the u haul dealer and got a van... however another rider asked if he could check the broken RT... Found a fault code... erased it off the computer... The fellow returned the uhaul van back and rode home... 
 
Are you a member of the BMW MOA? 
 
Yep, I buy older ones and try to ride them over the 100,000 mile odometer.  the e book listed in my name I did that in 5 years. on a BMW K1100RS. 
 
take care! 
 
 
100,000 BMW Prayer Miles by Timothy Lindstrom, www.smashwords.com 


Please note: message attached

From: "Chris Hoffman" <choffma@...>
To: main@marchq.groups.io
Subject: Re: [marchq] New Member: N6QR
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:38:46 -0700
Re: New Member: N6QR

Chris Hoffman
 

Thanks, John!

I have injection-formed earplugs with embedded sound buds. I'll definitely be putting these in for the longer rides. With the Sena 50S I have, I can turn on ambient noise in order to hear all of the toll attendants and highway officers.

There was a gentleman that would take ear molds at the local motorcycle show, and send back custom plugs, made-to-order. I believe I have their info on my plugs case, in fact, if anyone is interested.

On Wed, Jun 24, 2020 at 9:13 PM John Beckwith <jbeckwit47@...> wrote:
Very Nice!!!    Congratulations!

As for the wind noise - if you have a 20S or 50S - there’s an alternative.  The mount for those two (which are the same for both - except the speakers - supposed to be better on the 50) - but both have a headphone jack on the front of the mount.   

I use that because my hearing isn’t what it used to be and I use in-ear headphones plugged info the mount.   They’re a significant improvement.   Especially if you use noise-cancelling (e.g. Bose) or noise-blocking (something with foam ear pieces.).   A significant improvement for me - and should help with the wind noise.    Just a thought.

Enjoy.....

John, N6JCB

On Jun 24, 2020, at 8:42 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:

Beautiful day to bring the new Steed home!
<image4.jpeg>
<image2.jpeg>

A quick bite to eat...
<image6.jpeg>


... and a gentile boat ride home on the Bainbridge Ferry.
<image0.jpeg>
<image5.jpeg>



First impressions: 
- The Sena headset interfaces with the bike perfectly, but the helmet makes more wind noise on the highway than I remember... I’ll have to keep playing with positioning of the helmet speakers, as currently they are behind the cheek pads on my Arai RX-7 Corsair.
- At 6’4”, there is a surprisingly small amount of buffeting at any speed, regardless of cross wind, which is a big change from my screen-less DL-1000. The adjustable windshield does help, but so far I’ve been happiest just leaving it all the way down. 
- Fitting a mobile rig will be a fun challenge... there is not as much space under the seat as I remember, thanks to the advanced audio system, so I’ll be getting creative.
- Excellent ride on the highway, and in the city. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

/ch
N6QR

Sent from my thumbs

On Jun 24, 2020, at 20:14, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:


Chris,

I’m familiar with some of those BA routes as well - unfortunately never on a bike.  (I grew up in the Bay Area - but haven’t ridden much up there.)

And, if we make it up for the ALA event, I’m hoping to stay up long enough to enjoy some of those rides as well.

And Congrats on the bike - send pix asap....:-)

Good luck - 73’s and keep the shiny side up...:-)

John, N6JCB
Westchester, Ca

On Jun 24, 2020, at 12:19 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:


Thanks for your warm welcome, Mikko!

Ships passing in the night, eh? 

Thank you, as well, for the Cascades route recommendation. Any excuse to pass through Leavenworth will always be welcome. 

I will admit that I miss some parts of the Bay Area. Riding from Woodside to Skyline and then out on Route 9 was my go-to when I needed to blow off some steam... I have many fond memories of the 130 and Mines, as well.

Kristin and PAARA, indeed, make an amazing radio club. I get to see many of them during the mothly meetings on Zoom, which -- for now-- has become a welcome diversion.

BARF is a fantastic group, BTW: My brother would ride with them for years before moving to 5-land, and a number of my old friends (none are hams) are still actively participating in rides out of the Central Coast. 

It turns out I should be taking delivery of a new machine this afternoon... this is getting exciting.

/ch
N6QR

On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 7:06 PM Mikko Sannala, AB6RF via groups.io <mikkops=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

[Edited Message Follows]

Hi Chris!

(another ex-DL650 rider here)
Well, you've sure had a colorful life, done a lot in a relatively short time. Good for you!
I currently have three (used to be four) RF engineers in my team who also graduated from Cal Poly, so I can see where you got such a great start for your career.
Oh, and I'm also active with PAARA. :-)  What a great club.

You currently live in a very beautiful area, even years after living up there, I still very much miss the North West.
And when you get that RT, I highly recommend the "North Cascades Loop".
Hwy-20 to Winthrop, then 97/153 to Wenatchee, and Hwy-2 back to the coast.  It's really a great ride. Some sections along the Hwy-20 look almost like the Alps!
Man I miss riding up there...

If you have any questions about the VR-N7500, or how I have it setup, all you need to do is ask  :-)

Mikko, AB6RF

Re: New Member: N6QR

Timothy Lindstrom
 

Chris,
 
I have had BMW motorcycles since  1984.  From the R75/3 to now I have the R1150RT and the K1200RS.  There is one more accessory that you may need.  Code Reader.  I ordered one due to messing with the Throttle Positioning Sensor on the RT... 
 
With your new steed and all the electronics on these new beemers.. either find someone who has the code reader or buy it. 
 
2015 I was at the Billings, Montana rally... A rider was planing to head home on Sunday morning.. his RT would not start.. so he headed to the u haul dealer and got a van... however another rider asked if he could check the broken RT... Found a fault code... erased it off the computer... The fellow returned the uhaul van back and rode home... 
 
Are you a member of the BMW MOA? 
 
Yep, I buy older ones and try to ride them over the 100,000 mile odometer.  the e book listed in my name I did that in 5 years. on a BMW K1100RS. 
 
take care! 
 
 
100,000 BMW Prayer Miles by Timothy Lindstrom, www.smashwords.com 


Please note: message attached

From: "Chris Hoffman" <choffma@...>
To: main@marchq.groups.io
Subject: Re: [marchq] New Member: N6QR
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2020 20:38:46 -0700

?
message/rfc822

Re: New Member: N6QR

John Beckwith
 

Very Nice!!!    Congratulations!

As for the wind noise - if you have a 20S or 50S - there’s an alternative.  The mount for those two (which are the same for both - except the speakers - supposed to be better on the 50) - but both have a headphone jack on the front of the mount.   

I use that because my hearing isn’t what it used to be and I use in-ear headphones plugged info the mount.   They’re a significant improvement.   Especially if you use noise-cancelling (e.g. Bose) or noise-blocking (something with foam ear pieces.).   A significant improvement for me - and should help with the wind noise.    Just a thought.

Enjoy.....

John, N6JCB

On Jun 24, 2020, at 8:42 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:

Beautiful day to bring the new Steed home!
<image4.jpeg>
<image2.jpeg>

A quick bite to eat...
<image6.jpeg>


... and a gentile boat ride home on the Bainbridge Ferry.
<image0.jpeg>
<image5.jpeg>



First impressions: 
- The Sena headset interfaces with the bike perfectly, but the helmet makes more wind noise on the highway than I remember... I’ll have to keep playing with positioning of the helmet speakers, as currently they are behind the cheek pads on my Arai RX-7 Corsair.
- At 6’4”, there is a surprisingly small amount of buffeting at any speed, regardless of cross wind, which is a big change from my screen-less DL-1000. The adjustable windshield does help, but so far I’ve been happiest just leaving it all the way down. 
- Fitting a mobile rig will be a fun challenge... there is not as much space under the seat as I remember, thanks to the advanced audio system, so I’ll be getting creative.
- Excellent ride on the highway, and in the city. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

/ch
N6QR

Sent from my thumbs

On Jun 24, 2020, at 20:14, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:


Chris,

I’m familiar with some of those BA routes as well - unfortunately never on a bike.  (I grew up in the Bay Area - but haven’t ridden much up there.)

And, if we make it up for the ALA event, I’m hoping to stay up long enough to enjoy some of those rides as well.

And Congrats on the bike - send pix asap....:-)

Good luck - 73’s and keep the shiny side up...:-)

John, N6JCB
Westchester, Ca
jbeckwit47@...

On Jun 24, 2020, at 12:19 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:


Thanks for your warm welcome, Mikko!

Ships passing in the night, eh? 

Thank you, as well, for the Cascades route recommendation. Any excuse to pass through Leavenworth will always be welcome. 

I will admit that I miss some parts of the Bay Area. Riding from Woodside to Skyline and then out on Route 9 was my go-to when I needed to blow off some steam... I have many fond memories of the 130 and Mines, as well.

Kristin and PAARA, indeed, make an amazing radio club. I get to see many of them during the mothly meetings on Zoom, which -- for now-- has become a welcome diversion.

BARF is a fantastic group, BTW: My brother would ride with them for years before moving to 5-land, and a number of my old friends (none are hams) are still actively participating in rides out of the Central Coast. 

It turns out I should be taking delivery of a new machine this afternoon... this is getting exciting.

/ch
N6QR

On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 7:06 PM Mikko Sannala, AB6RF via groups.io <mikkops=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

[Edited Message Follows]

Hi Chris!

(another ex-DL650 rider here)
Well, you've sure had a colorful life, done a lot in a relatively short time. Good for you!
I currently have three (used to be four) RF engineers in my team who also graduated from Cal Poly, so I can see where you got such a great start for your career.
Oh, and I'm also active with PAARA. :-)  What a great club.

You currently live in a very beautiful area, even years after living up there, I still very much miss the North West.
And when you get that RT, I highly recommend the "North Cascades Loop".
Hwy-20 to Winthrop, then 97/153 to Wenatchee, and Hwy-2 back to the coast.  It's really a great ride. Some sections along the Hwy-20 look almost like the Alps!
Man I miss riding up there...

If you have any questions about the VR-N7500, or how I have it setup, all you need to do is ask  :-)

Mikko, AB6RF

Re: New Member: N6QR

Chris Hoffman
 

Beautiful day to bring the new Steed home!

A quick bite to eat...


... and a gentile boat ride home on the Bainbridge Ferry.



First impressions: 
- The Sena headset interfaces with the bike perfectly, but the helmet makes more wind noise on the highway than I remember... I’ll have to keep playing with positioning of the helmet speakers, as currently they are behind the cheek pads on my Arai RX-7 Corsair.
- At 6’4”, there is a surprisingly small amount of buffeting at any speed, regardless of cross wind, which is a big change from my screen-less DL-1000. The adjustable windshield does help, but so far I’ve been happiest just leaving it all the way down. 
- Fitting a mobile rig will be a fun challenge... there is not as much space under the seat as I remember, thanks to the advanced audio system, so I’ll be getting creative.
- Excellent ride on the highway, and in the city. I can’t wait to get back out on the road.

/ch
N6QR

Sent from my thumbs

On Jun 24, 2020, at 20:14, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:


Chris,

I’m familiar with some of those BA routes as well - unfortunately never on a bike.  (I grew up in the Bay Area - but haven’t ridden much up there.)

And, if we make it up for the ALA event, I’m hoping to stay up long enough to enjoy some of those rides as well.

And Congrats on the bike - send pix asap....:-)

Good luck - 73’s and keep the shiny side up...:-)

John, N6JCB
Westchester, Ca
jbeckwit47@...

On Jun 24, 2020, at 12:19 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:


Thanks for your warm welcome, Mikko!

Ships passing in the night, eh? 

Thank you, as well, for the Cascades route recommendation. Any excuse to pass through Leavenworth will always be welcome. 

I will admit that I miss some parts of the Bay Area. Riding from Woodside to Skyline and then out on Route 9 was my go-to when I needed to blow off some steam... I have many fond memories of the 130 and Mines, as well.

Kristin and PAARA, indeed, make an amazing radio club. I get to see many of them during the mothly meetings on Zoom, which -- for now-- has become a welcome diversion.

BARF is a fantastic group, BTW: My brother would ride with them for years before moving to 5-land, and a number of my old friends (none are hams) are still actively participating in rides out of the Central Coast. 

It turns out I should be taking delivery of a new machine this afternoon... this is getting exciting.

/ch
N6QR

On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 7:06 PM Mikko Sannala, AB6RF via groups.io <mikkops=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

[Edited Message Follows]

Hi Chris!

(another ex-DL650 rider here)
Well, you've sure had a colorful life, done a lot in a relatively short time. Good for you!
I currently have three (used to be four) RF engineers in my team who also graduated from Cal Poly, so I can see where you got such a great start for your career.
Oh, and I'm also active with PAARA. :-)  What a great club.

You currently live in a very beautiful area, even years after living up there, I still very much miss the North West.
And when you get that RT, I highly recommend the "North Cascades Loop".
Hwy-20 to Winthrop, then 97/153 to Wenatchee, and Hwy-2 back to the coast.  It's really a great ride. Some sections along the Hwy-20 look almost like the Alps!
Man I miss riding up there...

If you have any questions about the VR-N7500, or how I have it setup, all you need to do is ask  :-)

Mikko, AB6RF

Re: New Member: N6QR

Chris Hoffman
 

Chris,

I’m familiar with some of those BA routes as well - unfortunately never on a bike.  (I grew up in the Bay Area - but haven’t ridden much up there.)

And, if we make it up for the ALA event, I’m hoping to stay up long enough to enjoy some of those rides as well.

And Congrats on the bike - send pix asap....:-)

Good luck - 73’s and keep the shiny side up...:-)

John, N6JCB
Westchester, Ca
jbeckwit47@...

On Jun 24, 2020, at 12:19 PM, Chris Hoffman <choffma@...> wrote:


Thanks for your warm welcome, Mikko!

Ships passing in the night, eh? 

Thank you, as well, for the Cascades route recommendation. Any excuse to pass through Leavenworth will always be welcome. 

I will admit that I miss some parts of the Bay Area. Riding from Woodside to Skyline and then out on Route 9 was my go-to when I needed to blow off some steam... I have many fond memories of the 130 and Mines, as well.

Kristin and PAARA, indeed, make an amazing radio club. I get to see many of them during the mothly meetings on Zoom, which -- for now-- has become a welcome diversion.

BARF is a fantastic group, BTW: My brother would ride with them for years before moving to 5-land, and a number of my old friends (none are hams) are still actively participating in rides out of the Central Coast. 

It turns out I should be taking delivery of a new machine this afternoon... this is getting exciting.

/ch
N6QR

On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 7:06 PM Mikko Sannala, AB6RF via groups.io <mikkops=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:

[Edited Message Follows]

Hi Chris!

(another ex-DL650 rider here)
Well, you've sure had a colorful life, done a lot in a relatively short time. Good for you!
I currently have three (used to be four) RF engineers in my team who also graduated from Cal Poly, so I can see where you got such a great start for your career.
Oh, and I'm also active with PAARA. :-)  What a great club.

You currently live in a very beautiful area, even years after living up there, I still very much miss the North West.
And when you get that RT, I highly recommend the "North Cascades Loop".
Hwy-20 to Winthrop, then 97/153 to Wenatchee, and Hwy-2 back to the coast.  It's really a great ride. Some sections along the Hwy-20 look almost like the Alps!
Man I miss riding up there...

If you have any questions about the VR-N7500, or how I have it setup, all you need to do is ask  :-)

Mikko, AB6RF