Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

K0BG is an awesome resource! I find it difficult to believe that a permanent trunk mount is 2dB down from any glass mount.

The roof is the best location. I have signal stalks and they are tough as nails. I hit all kinds of things with no issues. I leave them up for the car wash as well.

 

I would really like to know how they arrived at the numbers. A different vehicle profile would produce different numbers. Why do my antennas work so well inside the truck bed? Did they look at the car head on or from the side? On a step latter? Mount your antenna where it suites you it will work. A neat and tidy install with quality coax and connectors short cable runs go for it.

 

Speaking of, what's the best repeater freq for the Moab area? Every one I've tried so far is deader than dead calling "CQ" just to see if I could hail anyone.

 

There are several repeaters in the SDARC system: https://sdarc.us/

Abajo 146.610 - 88.5
Bald 146.76 - 88.5
Moab (only close in downtown.) 146.900 - 88.5

The GMRA repeaters are either down or don't work well at all. There's one called the San Juan Connection on Abajo that goes South.

I also scan a lot. 146.560 is what we use in our little community and 146.52, of course. When people who are unlicensed or don't care start getting on those frequencies, I stop scanning.

 

Another newbie question for you guys.

I’ve decided to go with a fender mount antenna on my truck. I can order the mount with a cable and PL-259 attached. The cable is 17’ long which is longer than I need. It appears this is a common length for premade cables. Is there any issues with coiling the extra cable or should I cut the excess off. Also, I will need to run the cable along the firewall where part of the main truck wiring harness is. Will this cause any interference?

Am I worrying too much about this stuff? Lol

 

In a perfect world you'd keep the antenna wire away from any stock harness and anything carrying power. In reality, just do the best you can. One thing to absolutely avoid though is coiling the wire. Either cut it to the proper length and solder or crimp a new connector on, or run it around the inside of the cab without coiling it up. A coil of wire (if it's tight enough, 12 inches in diameter or smaller) creates a choke and will raise impedance and SWR.

 

Big flex!!!

$399 Yaesu FT2980R FT-2980R FT-2980 | Original Yaesu 144 MHz Single Band Mobile Transceiver | 80 Watts | 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Yaesu FT2980R with unimag and antenna tunned for wxman down in Baja and another for local tx. Cheers!

KN6RJJ

 

Nice, a neighbor had that Yaesu radio but we cooked it with 24v when we changed his home solar system over from 12v but didn't consider the 2m radio. Oops!

I was trying to check in to a 2m SSB net with that antenna. Most of the people were 150 miles away and I didn't have success. But I went to Reno, NV last month and successfully checked into and heard everyone on a SSB net there. Then eventually I made a JS8 call contact from home to one of those guys 150 miles away with this antenna. It works but I need to build a bigger one still.

 

I heard in Baja you have to get a license to operate in Mexico? Have you seen that?

“HAM radios are quite useful in Baja, but technically require a permit from the Mexican telecommunication commission (COFETEL). Mexico does have reciprocal agreements with the US regarding HAM licenses, but the permit should be obtained.”

 

I have never cared to ask. Since it’s only for recreational use( race comms) I have asked the military down there and they don’t enforce anything in regards of that because they understand. It’s all about tact and etiquette I’ll say. Ps. I have never heard of anyone having issues with this.

 

That’s good to know, I’m actually planning a Baja trip. Will be my first time going to Baja so I was kind of wondering how much to believe on a lot of the things I’ve read. So I’m glad to hear that.

 

Yup, you Should be good man. If you’re looking for pointers down there you should take a look at this = https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/baja-california-trip-resource.749685/ lmk if you need any translation along the road. I was raised down there.

 

Great resource thank you!

 

No problem, btw I got informed that Coco (Baja’s legend) from coco’s corner passed away about a month ago.

Pa. Started following you in YouTube!

 

Sorry to hear that news about Coco..
and thanks for the follow on youtube! Swear the video will get better. Doing everything off iPhone including the editing.

 

Get a shorter cable if possible. Hacking together your own cables is annoying, and they do make shorter cables COTS.

PS @Gallowbraid nice signature

 

call: KG7GCQ
gear: ft-8800, ft-8900 and a anytone mobile.
working on getting the ft-8800 into my SR- trying to get a good, safe and reliable electrical set up

 

Welcome, Eric. You make any 6m or 10m contacts on that 8900?

 

not yet I had gotten the 8900 based on having the 8800 and being familiar with the 8800 and since it was discounted I got the 8900.