Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

I have the Yeasue FTM - 400DXR and it is all set up for APRS all I need now is a cheap laptop to hook up. I like the radio , easy and does A Lot !

 

This thing has been sitting on my desk for months. Special thanks to @fajitas21 for doing all the exploratory work. I really like the location and I'm glad to get the cords filed away. Next step is to trim down the 5 feet of coax that's coiled under my driver's seat. If anyone is curious, the mic holder is a Nite-Ize Steelie that I epoxied to the empty spot on the switch panel.

 

A few HAM related updates:

Think I got some water in my rear cable coupler, as my rear antenna signal report is bad. New coupler and (way over do) my own SWR meter will be here today.

Also, realized this last weekend that my FT-60r didn't have the MARS/CAP mod done. Did it last night, yeah! The accessory bag for it also got misplaced, so had to visit HRO and get a few new spare batteries, new antenna, and RT system's cable. I forgot to get a 12v power cable, but with the inverter in my truck I can get away without it for away.

My AvMap (for APRS) went into a crazy boot loop. Worked with CS for a month, no go. They said send it to to the North American office and then they would forward it to Italy to get it fixed, even though it was out of warranty. Right about that time, AvMap closed down all North American offices. My packages was returned to sender, unopened. I reached out to AvMap again, they said I could pay to send it to them in Italy, but now I would have to pay return shipping and any repairs. Screw that. So the AvMap 6 APRS edition is just a paper weight now. I am picking up a local android tablet to directly connect to my Kenwood D72a for APRS. I didn't want a full tablet, but the other benefits of maps and messaging will work out in the edge. Just need to work out the tablet mounting option. I am also adding the ram mount ball and HT holder to the driver side grab handle. Pics will come when it is all done.

I have a few other projects in the work, but I think they will all have to wait until after Christmas.

73s

 

You could possibly get one of those Android based after market stereo systems and use that with APRS as well. It's basically a fully functioning tablet. if you need data, just tether from your phone

 

I only have single DIN available for the radio. By using a tablet, I can use it at base camp, or move it to another car. Another benefit of using a D72a over a 710.

I still plan to tether it off my phone for data, this will be an APRS only (well mainly) tablet. So it will live with my ham radio stuff when not in use.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

I have been using APRSdroid with the Mobilinkd Bluetooth TNC with a Wouxon UV3D mounted to a roof mounted antenna. Works great in the urban areas but not so much when in the wilderness or in the most interior parts of the Mohave Desert because it's only pushing out 5watts.

Edit: the APRSdroid app is on a dedicated Samsung Galaxy Tab4 Tablet along with my navigation app.

 

Nice. I will be playing with W2APRS and APRSdroid. The D72a has built in GPS and TNC, so I will just be plugging straight into the tablet. I have an antenna on a hood mount, that does very good. I have always been happy in AZ with it's ability to get to an iGate. I like the D72a because it is a digitpeater too. enough of those around and you will always get the igate.

My parents are traveling across texas in there RV this mount. I gave them the d72a and switched it to his call. I have been having fun tracking them.


EDIT: Damn you typing skills.

 

I'm going to be taking my technician test tomorrow afternoon. Do you find out right away if you passed or not?

 

Yes, the VECs will grade it right then. if you failed, they will allow you to retake right then and there. If you pass, ask to take the general. It will be free to take it right then and if you get lucky and pass... YEAH! If not, you are still a Tech.

 

Good idea! May as well try. I'm just over dealing with CB on the trail. I'm constantly having trouble being heard, so I'm trying to convince all my wheeling buddies to convert to HAM. Getting it myself is the first step.

 

Good luck.

With the price of the cheap radios being about the same as CB, it's easier to get people to convert. Then, if they really get involved, they can spend the extra money to buy bigger and better rigs.

Also, if you get enough people together, most VECs would be willing to do a special testing session for your group.

 

There's only a few of us, but I'll see what they say. You're right about the cost though. I just plan on getting that inexpensive handheld linked on the bottom of the page to get my feet wet.

That should time out well because I want it by september 30th for an off road event near me! I look forward to getting into it because there seems to be a whole lot of stuff to learn and mess with.

 

They also make a cheap mobile rig. give you 50w or 5w. But you are doing exactly what I did. Got my license, got a cheap radio with mag mount antenna, then a few years later decide that I wanted to get more into certain things. Like owning a Tacoma.... bye bye money!


My wife and 10 year old son are studying for their Tech now. I plan to take my Extra next summer.

 

Having one of those cheap Baofengs is handy even with an expensive full power mobile. I toss it on my ATV when I ride and keep it in the truck most of the time. Get the programming cable and download the CHIRP program and it's super easy to setup.

 

You should, yes. Just have to wait a bit to get your registration from FCC afterwards with your callsign.

 

So to start out, I'm going to get an inexpensive handheld (Baofeng UV-5R) and want to get an external antenna. I was thinking an NMO mount with a bracket attached to my roof rack with a small antenna attached. Then when I want to get a more permanent mobile solution, I'll just utilize the same antenna. Is this acceptable practice for a basic trail set up? I'm trying to avoid a magnet mount antenna. Here are the parts I was thinking.

Radio:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HX03AMA

Antenna:

$34 Nagoya NMO-72 19.25" Antenna NMO Mount Dual Band VHF, UHF (145/440Mhz) (Requires NMO Mount)

https://www.amazon.com/Nagoya-NMO-7...ie=UTF8&qid=1505268436&sr=8-4&keywords=NMO+2M

NMO cable:

$23 Browning BR1010 - UHF NMO 3/4" Hole Mount,Black

https://www.amazon.com/Browning-BR1..._3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505268504&sr=8-3&keywords=NMO

Antenna mount:

$9 L-Bracket 1255 3/4 Hole Stainless Steel NMO 3/4 Hole Mount L Bracket Mobile Antennas Motorola Kenwood Vertex HYT for UHF VHF Coax NMO Mount Cable Mobile Antennas Car Truck Hood install by

https://www.amazon.com/L-Bracket-St...TF8&qid=1505268577&sr=8-11&keywords=NMO+mount

 

Roof rack on you truck or a shell? As long as it is has a good metal ground plain you should be good. Go ahead and order a 12v charger for the radio, so you don't have to worry about power.

 

Over my cab. I'd figure out a way to mount it in the center for the best ground plain. I just wasn't sure if it's like CB where the grounding of the mount plays a crucial roll, or if this would be an acceptable solution. I'm also not opposed to just drilling a hole in my roof, but if I get the same performance mounted on my rack, may as well do that.

 

You do need to ground the mount. But you can do that with a wire or a strap if you don't want to drill into you roof just yet.