Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Nah, you're good.

 

I have the same one for my baofeng HT I didn't notice any issues until I bent it to a 45 deg angle.
I have mine mounted on the a pillar and the windshield bends it pretty good. Had to take it down until I can get an external antenna. The bend killed reception!

I marked the bend of the antenna with a red line, not sure how viable it will all be.

 

You will not be able to get out or receive much like that.
You might want to consider an external mag mount. Stick it on the roof and hook it up to your radio and you will be good to go. I also added an external mic/speaker. Makes it easier to use while you are driving.
I keep the antenna in the truck and if I get out, put that one on.

 

Nope. You need a d710g.

 

Yep, I quickly figured that out. That's why I spoke up about the "bending of the antenna" in the original question. I also found that the windows/body kill reception both in and out. Currently saving up for a nice lip mount to put on my hood and a couple external antennas. I plan to keep the HT antenna in my under seat storage for when I have the radio but get out of the truck. Now that I have an antenna mounted at my house I barely use the HT antenna now.

 

If you are interested in getting a better signal you may want to use an outside antenna. I just finished installing my 2-way radio antenna. I used Victory 4x4 (JC Off-road) 3rd gen. Tacoma mount.
I like the look because the truck did not come with a regular AM/FM radio antenna so it almost looks stock. Well, not quite stock but it doesn’t stand out too much. I also like not having to drill holes in my truck. My only comment is that I neeed to put a small bend in it (otherwise, the whip would have been on a steep angle). On their website it almost looks like it comes pre-formed with this bend but it is not. It is merely a flat piece of aluminum with three pre-drilled holes (one for the NMO and two for the hood bolts). Not a big deal. The whole thing took me only a few minutes. They have a install vid on YouTube.

 

Looks like a nice mount. I have a ditch light mount on mine -- I wonder what the clearance is with that mount. It looks nice and tight.

 

It fits perfectly. Does not rub; plenty of room. Also, the antenna does not hit against the windshield when the hood is open. I think it is made out of 1/4” thick aluminum plate.

 

Link here...

https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VT3CB-BARE.html

 

KN4SBG here. got general and tech license a couple weeks ago in central Alabama. Testing for extra this weekend.

 

I’m missing something here. I have a GMRS and my ham licensees. I cannot transmit on the GMRS frequencies on any of my ham rigs because they are not capable of only transmitting at only a half watt, and they all have detachable antennae. If your handheld meets these criteria I’d be surprised as that would be the biggest piece of shit ham radio on the planet.

 

I did specify that it’s not a certified radio. That said, GMRS is not limited to half watt power or non-detachable antennas.

 

I have been asked a question that I cannot answer. Is there an inexpensive means to listen to the aviation band. No transmit, just listen.

 

Absolutely. Cheap software defined radios can be had from Amazon for around $40 and will allow you to listen to all bands.

 

Yeah, I have a SDR dongle attached to my computer for such things, but this is too sophisticated for the individual asking. A simple handheld unit sort of thing would be good for him. It's a coworker, not someone I'd suggest get his HAM license....ahem...

 

Ouch...that stings a little hahaha

 

$100 Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner, 300 Channels, 10 banks, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, NOAA Weather, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A1VSO9M/ref=psdc_2230642011_t2_B0073F7ZMQ

 

Yeah, that should have crossed my mind before I threw the question out there....oops!

 

All good. Aviation radio is pretty boring, might as well sit and listen to a traffic cop direct cars and potentially have the excitement of seeing idiot drivers wreck.

 

Might be the reciprocal of 1/2 ... 2 watts max. Either way I’d not want to lose my licensing over buddy’s too lazy to take the exam. If they are in range for GMRS why not just all of you use the Disney frequencies and keep it on the level.