Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

The D710 has 5 Programmable Memory Settings, more than Ill ever use. There is free software available to download from Kenwood and it's pretty good and straight forword to use, it's a better user interface than CHIRP's interface.

 

Some may not agree but if you are using SmartBeacon on APRS then use a separate radio and antenna if possible. I do this because when I have the radio on I'm usually talking on it.
APRS can be done pretty cheap with a Baofeng (BF-F8, 8 watts), a short MFJ dual band antenna, Mobilinked TNC, and an old android phone (no carrier required) for the GPS source.
Some of the less expensive off-brand radios are dual band with a removable head unit now too.

I have the Kenwood TM-v71a which is a great dual-band and dual receive radio.
for APRS I'm using either the Baofeng or the FT-1900r.

Also keep in mind, if you use APRSDROID on your Android phone you can post your position using mobile data or Wifi. This is good for smart beaconing only if you know you will have some sort of internet connection.

 

A Wouxun UV3D, Mobilinkd Bluetooth TNC and a rooftop mounted antenna is what got me into APRS and it's functionality. It all worked great, just got tired of the associated cables needed to make it all work that was like an octopus of crap coming off of the handheld.

 

Kenwood D72a and a hood mounted antenna work great. I had an AvMap APRS edition, loved it, until it had a software issue right as they were closing all North American operations. So now I am thinking an Android Tablet for mapping, etc.

 

Passed my Technician exam today, but failed the General. I hadn't even studied the General, but the examiners said "what the hell, take it anyway so you know what's on it and you'll know where you need to study."

I also have a GMRS license, not that any more than 2% of GMRS users do so legally anyway. Looking forward to learning more and getting out on the net.

 

the only folks I've come across with a GMRS license are the ones using GMRS repeaters. There are only a few active repeaters. Congrats on passing your tech license.

 

License finally got posted. KI7REZ checking in!!!

 

Can any of you guys recommend a lightweight flexible noodle of an antenna? 2m or 2m/70cm NMO 1/2 or 5/8.

I have a Comet 2x4sr NMO roof mounted, but it's a heavy honking stiff antenna! Everytime I'm off-roading I take it off for fear it'll just mangle the roof.

I remember Motorola made one years ago that'd be perfect...

 

Congrats!

 

Passed the Technician and General level exams 19 Oct 2017. Just received my call sign 30 Oct 2017. KN4HCK checking in too.

 

Larsen NMO 150 is a VHF noodle

 

Call sign was activated today. KD2OMU. Made contact via repeater to a good sized net here in NYC. I was working up in Harlem on a big hill, I had great coverage and was communicating with guys between lower Manhattan and Yonkers. Not bad for a HT.

 

I have 2 of these guys, one tuned for 2m and one tuned for race radio. Definitely takes a beating from low hanging limbs and what not without flexing the roof. And no problems going fast in the desert going through the rough stuff..

 

So I definitely need help figuring out what antennas I should be using on my truck. I'm against the idea of drilling through my roof as I occasionally need to transport something up there. I don't have a winch bumper on the front, and on the rear I have an All Pro pack rack over my Softopper. In the warmer months (what are those anymore anyway, it was 72 degrees in New York today) I run a RTT and awning on the rack.

I'm still learning, but I know I'll need to mount to some type of surface for GMRS and dual-band ham stuff. I already have a CB antenna on the rear, using a BAMF mount.

 

OK, I think I got my ham radio shopping list all set. Let me know what you think or have better recommendations.

I am ultra-opposed to drilling holes in my roof as I am planning on a Prinsu / already mount skis up there. I also have a rack / RTT / bikes in the bed almost always. Truck below for reference.

For what its worth, I plan on running a switchpro / bluesea system behind the engine bay fuse box. Anybody have interference issues between the Switchpros / HAM setup?

Yaesu FTM100DR Radio (body under seat, head over mirror)
scangauge mount for mirror (edit: @demo243 You used the scangauge 2 blendmount correct?)
NR770HB Dualband Mobile Antenna

$47 Diamond C101 Antenna Mount Cable Assembly, UHF, 6ft

Diamond C101 UHF cable
Ditch light bracket (dr side for hood mount)

 

Gonna add to the pile. Larsen NMO 2/70B. I have beaten it severely and it's still attached 4 years later.

 

Awesome thanks guys.

Well I'm glad to hear that, because that's the one I ordered a few days ago.

 

Relentless Fabrication has a Hood Hinge mount. Mine works perfectly. Only deal is it is made with a 1/2" sized hole. I had to widen it to 5/8" to mount my SO-239 base. The metal is thick and work hardened. Before drilling it, heat to cherry red and place in lime or sand for about 20-30 minutes to cool down slow. Then it takes a drill bit like hot butter. No need to re-heat treat the metal as it is 3/16" thick and it is not going to bend on ya.

 

I wish I had some video of when I drilled mine out. Cutting fluid wasn't helping. I used one foot to hold the piece and the other foot to angle a running garden hose to put water on it. It cut right through.

 

Yeaaa homies, Took the Tech test Friday night. I'm in the club.