Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Great grond should work, but it didnt fix the problem. When i go to calibrate and tune the antenna i cant move the swr meter at all with the knob.

 

When did we start talking about the Chicken Band??? Are we not here to talk about Amateur/Ham radio topics?

 

http://www.13colonies.info/

 

This isn't in my Tacoma, but I did take some time to install my very first VHF/UHF mobile radio in my wife's car today. I still haven't run the power or external speaker, but the majority of the install is done. The control cable was cut to length with a small service loop on each end. It's run entirely under interior body panels, and can't easily be spotted inside the cab of the car other than where it comes out to meet the control head.

A little magnet mount antenna that came with my APRS transmitter.


Interior shot of the control head


Closeup of the mount in the center of the trunk.

 

Looking to see what everyone is using for their antenna mount. Trying to decide what is my best option. Looking at purchasing my Ham Radio and accessories this week. Going with the Kenwood TM-281A and a Diamond Fold-overn antenna .Thanks for any input.

 

Best way is to go through the roof

 

I use GMRS/FRS often for vehicle convoys. I never bothered with a license, I try and stay legal and keep to FRS freqs whenever possible. There exists a GMRS repeater community in San Diego that I find quite amusing. They are fun to listen to at times. Much more lively than the typical hams on repeaters.

 

That's good, and you'll be way ahead of the curve if something happens. I live about 3 miles from my work and I put up a very modest antenna at home on a 20' pole. It's a ham mobile antenna that goes on your vehicle, but with a base station ground plane. My cost is about $85. The home antenna is hooked up to a 5W hand held radio. I can talk around town to mobile stations using 2-5 watts just fine.. Our terrain is hilly, so it will affect things. But the point is, I can talk to my wife clear as day while I'm at work. And this is in San Diego too where there is lots of RF happening, QRM happens, but mostly very usable.

I forgot to add that with my little home radio setup I can talk to a few major repeater sites including some linked systems, i.e. Calzona Link, WinSystem, etc.

 

Currently have my Tech class license (had it since I was 13) and just started studying for the General. Mobile HF rig here I come!
KF4CSS

 

Good to see some new blood in here.

where do you live?

Do you have a radio in your rig now?

 

Well update on my end, got the 857 installed in the truck. But I keep hitting it with the gearshift in 5th gear.

Debating on just going with an Atlas 120 for the HF side of things. I do have a screwdriver already but its so tall

 

If that 857 is in your way, I would be willing to take it off your hands. Don't want you driving in an unsafe manner.

 

Ha ha.

It will be moved soon enough. You wanna see unsafe you should see me operate CW mobile

 

I havent heard anything good about those Atlas 120 antenna. Tarheel antenna for cheap, Scorpion on the high end of $
www.k0bg.com is your friend

 

I'm in Michigan. Should have the 2m in the new truck in a few weeks

 

I know this.. but the other antennas are unable to tune automatically like the ATAS does with the 857.

 

The others can tune automatically, but I think you need a tuner between them.

 

Picked up an FT-60r and Gordon West's Extra study guide and audio book.

 

Where did you get the Gordon West audio book?