TTC ☆ OFFICIAL

I've got two ham radio transceivers in the truck. Both have VHF (2M) and UHF (70CM), which account for four of the five antennas on the roof. The fifth is for a GMRS radio, which is similar to the hand held walkie talkies you can buy at Best Buy, or Wal Mart (along with virtually every other retailer.) Channels 1-7 on GMRS overlap with FRS, meaning that mobile radio CAN communicate with folks using walkie talkies out on the trail, or at Cars and Coffee, or wherever.

There's also a CB radio in the truck which has an antenna. That's because the majority of off road clubs around here haven't seen the light, and realized that AM on the 11 meter band, is terrible.

 

I know nothing about radios, so why the need for two hams?

 

Kinda like Guns, ham radio is a massive hobby with a lot of aspects.

The radio connected to the driver's side antennas is also HF (in addition to VHF, and UHF). It has a third antenna connected to it. I've used that radio, and antenna combo to talk to hams as far away as Moscow Russia, while driving down Hwy 71, at 70mph.

 

Holy hell!!!! Had no idea that was even possible. WOW!

 

Would I need a license to use a ham on trails with other people? Or just if I’m trying to talk far distances?

 

The License to use Ham Radio is attached to the Operator, so yes, you would need a license to use it on the trails with other people. The test is an easy 35 question multiple choice test.

 

5:30 will be here too soon. Night folks!

 

Self study and take online?

 

self study, or find a local ham radio club that's doing a class.

Test has to be in person. Austin has two testing sessions a month. Houston has more than that.
I recommend the audio CDs and books from Gordon West as an easy way to study. The Technician license test is pretty easy. I listened to the CDs driving from Milwaukee to Indianapolis, took the test two days later and aced it. (that was a little more than 12 years ago.)

 

Gracias Amigo.

 

Why didnt you do roof rack rails then a 1/4"aluminium plate and attach all the uhf antennas to the plate? Easily removable and clean look. You could do a simple 25 pin twist lock connector to make just 1 penetration through the roof. If you ever had to add an antenna or remove one, you could flip it up and make it easy.

 

Dave and Busters?

 

Have you ever looked at being a Disaster Responder? With all that comms ability you are valuable when Tornados take out repeaters and 800 mhz 911 systems.

 

You would have to do a short operator training and a simple test to obtain your license. Several ham groups throughout Texas offer courses every month.

 

We're looking at volunteering with ADRN (Austin Disaster Relief Network.) I've done more than enough of the FEMA NIMS courses to volunteer with both ARES and RACES (amateur radio emergency service / Radio amateur civil emergency service) but the county I live in ARES isn't regularly called on to provide communications.

I'm moving to Travis county in a couple of months. Their group is somewhat more active. Providing communications for Marathons and the like as good practice events.

 

It’s one month from yesterday at St Eds. I’ll be going for general and extra. Passed technician yesterday. Others got licensed as well but I’ll let them chime in. We have a growing number of licensed folks in ham and others with gmrs licenses now in the squad . Crystal clear comms are nice

 

over the last couple of years, several guys from Heart of Texas Off Road have gone and gotten licensed as well.

Usually AFTER they take a trip out to Colorado, or Moab UT.

 

We used gmrs and MURS with baofengs last time in Moab and it worked great. I can’t wait to get a proper radio and antenna.

Which icom do you have?

 

No offense to ADRN, look into American Red Cross Disaster Communications. Did some work with them during West, and wildfires, while I was finishing my COML task book. They have lots of toys, and a great radio programming system that can do 20 handheld radios at once with ramps and sub groups.

 

Have you ever thought of getting your COMT or COML certification? And Travis County Emergency Command relies on Austin HAM operators and Citizens Band operators to take up demand during large events.

As a great benefit everytime they do an event, or an exercise you get to come play, and learn more.