Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Buy a Ram mount and mount it to the top of the factory radio, or buy a tech deck.

 

Here is a 10 meter antenna and tower I Built.

 

Scored a Yaesu FTM-400XDR from Craigslist! Got it installed today.

 

I just got around to caring about this again. I know this was radiated RF noise, not electrical, because another ham with mobile and HTs next to us was getting the interference too. Moving the fridge to the back, outside the cab and away from the radio/antenna, solved the problem (at least to the point where the noise could be squelched out).

I dug around online to see what others were saying and I came across mostly boating/cruising forums corroborating that they were having issues with the Danfoss/Secop BD35F compressors used in portable fridges (including my Indel-B). I even found an australian offroad forum for mitsu pajero's where someone detailed it out including different electronic control modules which the BD35F came with for different applications. Seeing as the indel-B is a cheaper fridge and is designed to run 12VDC and 110VAC, it's probably the multivoltage and not the EMI version. Crap in a basket! Nothing you can really do about that.

Some of the potential fixes (more of a cumulative effect rather than one being the key) bypass capacitor on the power leads at the 12v source, Faraday cage around the compressor (ya right, screw that), and somewhere else I had seen to put capacitors on the power leads at the compressor. I don't really like the idea of having to rip the fridge apart to fix this issue, especially since it's all of 3 months old.

Should I just take some of the more minor precautions, hope for a fix, and play the fridge shuffle game as required? Or go to the manufacturer to see if they can do something about it?


Reference Links:
http://www.secop.com/products/compressor-basics/faq/dc-powered.html
https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/archive/index.php/t-23448.html
http://www.oceannavigator.com/Web-Exclusives-2015/Reducing-radio-interference/

 

Asking the manufacturer to do this when it only affects a small group of amateur radio ops would be akin to screaming in the wind, they're likely too involved in the manufacturing process already to make any significant changes. That said, you could ask them politely, that never hurts, and if they don't respond, there's also the FCC Spec where they can't emit harmful interference but must accept interference. Also, have you noticed a difference if you wire it up via DC vs AC? I've never noticed an issue on my CB with radiated interference and my dual band HT seems ok with my Edgestar which is danfoss knockoff.

 

Read through this thread: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/122427-Opinions-on-this-noise-filter-for-my-Yaesu-7900

in short, capicator on the DC side will quiet that thing.

If I can open my expensive ass ARB fridge up, you can do it on your Indel.

What fixed my noise was, creating a short external ground connection from fridge chasis to frame and 5-6 ferrite beads on the DC power side... I didn't have to use a capacitor, but almost did.

 

Thanks guys!

Yeah I'm sure you're right on the manufacturer side. It's probably not worth my time to bark up that tree. I haven't had it powered by AC while in the truck since I can run it off 12v, instead of running an inverter. Though, I guess it would depend on what is making the noise, if it's the compressor motor, or if it is the ECM. You'd think if the problem is the compressor than 110v source would quiet it down. My problem may be worse due to the fact that I had the fridge sitting about 1' removed from where the radio and a couple feet of extra antenna cable sits.

Ahh, perfect thanks! You'll have to excuse my specific lack of knowledge of conducted vs radiated noise and how to combat each. Were the power wires then acting as an antenna to radiate the noise? As for grounding, that would mean making sure that the compressor and chassis are grounded to each other and then providing a good ground plane (e.g. the frame), correct?

 

I am very happy with the install I did of my Kenwood TM V71 with one exception.

When camping I hang out at the tailgate while cooking etc. I can't really hear the radio there.

I would like to put a speaker at the back but I have discovered to my amazement that not all my friends and family enjoy listening to amateur radio as back ground.

What I think I would like is to have a small amp with volume control that I can turn up when it sounds like something I want to pay attention to is on the air.

Has anyone here done something like this? Any pitfalls I should look out for?

 

The back of my rig. Diving not camping this weekend.

 

I always drive with the windows down. And have a http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=clr_spkr hose clamped to seat aft and fwd adjust. I also have a http://www.westmountainradio.com/product_info.php?products_id=pwr_spkr i use at home

 

Perfect, thanks!

 

I made a remote mount and added a speaker for my truck.



I have since added a shell and had to extend the cables, but in still attaches to the track system and hangs out the back. If others think it's too loud, I can just turn the volume down.

 

I wand to add, that I called Yeasu and got an extra face plate mount for $11 shipped. That way I would just disconnect it from the one in the cab and clip it into that mount.

 

Finally got a radio! It will do for starting out.

 

Nothing too exciting on 2m/70cm that keeps me interested anymore. So now I've downloaded the No Nonsense general class study guide and some android apps to start studying for the general class.
I live in HOA territory so that means NO antennas outside. I can build antenna and hang it up in the spare bedroom.
I'd like to setup a station that won't break the bank. Is this possible if I keep the budget under $500?

 

22ga grey jacketed wire is almost invisible.. There are ways to get around HOAs. You can build slot antennas out of dishes, and you can also put up antennas that look like plumbing vents.

Yes. Good used radios can be had for cheap. Good luck!

 

I'm in a 3 story condo on the first floor. Not even aloud to have Dish network antennas. I lived there for 3 years and have thought every scenario through, I just can't put up an antenna. I might be able to get away with it if I lived on the top floor.
I'll be happy If I can build an indoor 80 meter antenna that is convenient to take down and put away when I'm not using it.

 

I'd just run a wire from the roof to the first floor. It should work great if you have a standard 3 story town house.

 

You need to read PRB1. You're allowed lots of antennas.

 

Yeah for General.

Can you keep it under $500. Yes. Lets get a little more details about what you want, 20m? 80m? all of the HF bands?

You can also build an antenna in the attic. There are lots of articles about hidden antennas on the enterwebs. I also live with an HOA, seriously thinking about and a flag pole antenna for hiding from the HOA. In AZ an HOA can't stop you from putting up a flag pole, I don't know if that was a state or federal law.

Start surfing the qrz.com classifieds, for a good idea what is out there at what price. eBay is ok for buying used gear, but usually they are marked a little high. Also, what for hamfests in your area, they usually have people selling used gear too.