Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

10m is really active right now. There's FM action from 29.600 through 29.690. And if anyone has a CB in their truck, look out!

 

Some time ago I bought a used Yaesu FTM-350 for my first radio. I haven’t installed it yet as I still need to take the license test . I’m reworking my dual battery setup and while I have trim panels off I was going to go ahead and run the power cable for the radio to my house battery. That’s when I realized the power cable has 2 fuse holders, one on both the positive and negative wires. I’ve never seen this before and they are in a really bad spot as they will be under the door sill trim and there’s not enough room for the fuse holders.

Will it be ok to cut them off and go with just the fuse at my secondary fuse block (positive only)?

 

http://www.k0bg.com/wiring.html

"The pictorial at right is courtesy of the ARRL. It clearly represents the correct wiring scenario, whereas the negative lead goes to the same chassis grounding point as the battery's chassis ground point. And as shown, the negative lead fuse shouldnot be removed. The reason is, if the grounding point should lose its integrity, excessive current could flow through the transceiver's negative lead. It also prevents a minor ground loop between the leads. It should be noted, that in some cases, the battery's chassis grounding point is inaccessible. If this is the case, attach the transceiver's ground connection as close to the battery's grounding point as possible."

 

There is no permit for foreign Ham users anymore. When they redid the laws in 2013, the actually eliminated all ham radio, but the locals spoke up and got the licensing back for citizens. However, they haven't done anything for non-citizens since the change. My parents have lived and traveled all over the Baja and main land for the last 17 years, using their ham radio on a regular bases. As was already said, no one cares. Don't interfere with a military or commercial channel and they will leave you alone.

So legally, you could only transmit under the supervision of a Mexican Ham. However, the law doesn't matter as there is no one to enforce it.

 

The Texas guys have been chatty Cathy's down there on 10m FM. I think they can claim the title of unofficial directors down there with the repeater which is linked in on 29.600

 

Hey folks, looking for the best place to post this question, this seems to be a good thread.

I see the Yaesu FTM-6000R is on sale for $199 right now. Does anybody have any experience with this unit, and can comment on quality/cost?

 

I've seen some reviews on it though have never operated one myself. It is intended as an entry-level radio with few adjustments quickly available. It has a data jack if you want to connect it to a TNC to operate traditional packet (including Winlink) or APRS. The main downside I see is it is a single receive radio. You can't monitor 146.520 while running APRS on 144.390 for example. One frequency plus scanning is all you get. If that's all you want, that's a good price for a major manufacturer's radio. It will probably much much better than an Anytone, Baofeng, TYT, etc.

I own Kenwood mobiles now. The only Yaesu I still own is my FT-891. I did own an FT-991A, FT-857D, and FTM-400. They make good radios but I found I prefer most of the Kenwood models.

Joshua
KJ7LVZ

 

Appreciate the input. I think for now, simpler is better and it seems to get good reviews for that. It scans really fast, so that may be a way to pseudo monitor multiple channels.

It was $199 down from $299. I pulled the trigger.

 

Cool. If I wasn't running APRS or traditional packet, I wouldn't really need to monitor two frequencies at once, scanning works just fine for voice stuff. Show us once it is installed!

 

Has anyone here messed with a bugcatcher antenna? I picked one up for free and know very little about it. I have a few whips for it and it has two coils; I think the lower is supposed to be a matching coil and the upper one is a loading coil. I know nothing about tuning it.

Joshua

 

In an automotive application you defiantly need the ground wire and the fuse. All mobile radios use the twin fuse setup. If a ground is lost the power will use the radio as a ground not at all good for the radio hence the ground fuse.

 

https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/volunteer/volunteer-descriptions/amateur

This group of volunteers are communications specialists and assist in the transfer of both emergency and routine messages during the race. An FCC Amateur Radio license is required to act as an Amateur Radio Volunteer, much like you need a driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. If you are not already licensed and are interested in getting licensed reach out to us at contact hamradioboston.org. There are certain volunteer jobs that do not require (although encourage) an FCC Amateur Radio license. Our service is made effective as it focuses upon the clarity, efficiency and accuracy of the communications links we provide. Volunteers who have public safety communications experience are among those so qualified. Please write contact@hamradioboston.org to see if you qualify.

Race day is Monday, April 17th this year!

 

If you want to volunteer by all means show up there are plenty of things to do to help. It is a good opportunity to learn about ham radio most ham are more than willing answer even what you think might be stupid questions. Plenty of female hams out there too!

 

I picked up an Alinco DX70th and a Hustler hf antenna with a couple resonators, has anyone installed one in a 2nd generation Tacoma? Let's see your HF setups for ideas, there isn't much room in these these things for HF

 

Screw driver antenna works the best, covers just about any thing from 6 (pushing it) to 80. All of my antennas are inside of the bed 6-2- 220-440 and HF don't buy into the ground myth.

 

It really helps if the radio has a detachable face. Most do and hopefully your does. From the pictures it does, under the seat is a good spot for the radio faceplate any where convent. You will need to fabricate something to lift it off the floor a bit an inch is enough. Usually they are fairly generous with the power cable the battery is the best place to connect the radio. It should be at least a #12 wire better with a #10. Both + and - need to be fused that is important with any mobile install. I used the audio in connection in my 2011 for the speaker. Take your time neatness does count for a good install. HF on the road is a lot of fun when the bands are open you can work the world mobile. It's snowing pretty good in my door yard I'll try a picture or two later today.

 

It does have a removable faceplate and I have the separation kit already, I just need a bracket for the radio and faceplate.
No go under the seat it won't fit in the Tacoma, anywhere around the dash is out too no room. It doesn't look like the power cable or separation cable is long enough to go behind the seat so bummer. I also have a Hustler mobile antenna with the breakdown 54" mast and some resonators I was going to use, hopefully

 

Mine is a 2011 how come it doesn't fit? There is plenty of room. My bad it's an access cab but there should be room they are not that big
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