Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Thanks for the information.

 

Got it last week. Woot! Only studied for two weeks for tech and gen and hadn't studied since March. Passed without even studying the updated exam.

Only have a $30 baofung HT atm. Been listening to the old-timers on the win-sys seeing how the cadence and general mannerisms are before I start broadcasting. Gonna get a icom/kenwood/or yaesu mobile unit for the rig soon.

Anyone have any recommendations on a 2m/440 band antenna for the truck?

 

All antennas act exactly the same no matter who builds them. You need to determine how much gain you are looking for how high you want to extend above the truck and how well built it is to with stand abuse and the weather. I guess in other words I could built a simple antenna out of wire that would work equally as well as one costing $100 but would you want it on your truck? Diamond, Comet, Larson are all good brands. I tend to use Diamond antennas because I like their build quality but there is no lack of choices. You passed your exam wait for an opening and toss your call sign out get a conversation going let them know your a new ham that helps don't get mike shy now!

 

No.

 

A 1/2 wave antenna (mobile vhf/uhf) built by X preforms just like a 1/2 wave built by Y. A 5/8 wave antenna built by Z preforms just like A's it's all about the math they all resonate the same the only variable is power handling and matching coil saturation, more than anything else it comes back to build quality. Gain figures can be very miss leading and the manufactures take great advantage of this any gain in dbi is based on a theoretical antenna that has no gain.

 

Anyone listen in on the OUTDOOR ADVENTURE USA AMATEUR RADIO NET?

Going to try and listen in tonight from Phoenix.

Each week we have a different expert who leads the discussion, including medical doctors, lawyers, engineers, 4WD drive mechanics, and off road driving instructors. We are always on the lookout for new Net Control Operators and new topic ideas.

If you are interested, we can suggest several ways to listen or participate.

A. We have direct 2 Meter and 440 repeaters in the following areas:

1. Pahrump Nevada, 449.750, (-), 123.0
2. Portland Oregon, 440.4000, (-), 123.0
3. Sebastapol, 441.3750, (+), 88.5 (covers the greater Santa Rosa California area)
4. Palomar Mountain, 449.300, 100.00, (-) (covers greater San Diego California)
5. Keller Peak, 146.385, 146.2, (-) (covers LA, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties)
6. Santiago Peak, 447.540, 100, (-) (Covers coastal counties from San Diego to Ventura)
7. Las Vegas N7ARR 447.000, 123 (-)
8. Las Vegas W7AOR 448.225, 123, (+)

B. Through IRLP (internet Radio Linking Project) we can link any IRLP node to the Western Reflector at node 9251. This includes any repeater that is IRLP equipped. If your favorite repeater is so equipped, and they will allow us to run our nets once a week, you will be able to participate through that repeater.

C. With the aid of your computer (no radio needed), you can participate in the nets through Echolink by connecting to *World*, (you must use the asterisks) which is a connection to the Western Reflector at node 9251.

Nets Start at 7:30 PM (PDT) every Thursday.

 

didnt pass for extra upgrade, back to the books.

 

Better luck next time.

I am studying for my Extra right now too.

 

Build quality, materials selection, etc. etc. This is what makes antenna "A" different from antenna "B". Material selection alone can affect bandwidth and power handling not to mention durability.

(A 1/2 wave made out of 1/2" copper tubing will have a flatter SWR curve than say a 1/2 wave made out of a piece of stainless tig wire.)

I generally don't look that closely at gain figures when buying mobile antennas, but rather design and intended application.

 

Yes a larger element will give you a broader range of frequencies and slightly lower SWR at the far ends but not very practical mobile! It is very hard to see how a mobile vhf/uhf antenna is made inside a good clue is power handling (if they post it) How are the traps? Made well and sealed? How good is the fit and finish? What are the contacts for the antenna mount made of? How nice is the power coat? So far as I have recently seen if you can pronounce the name or at least one you recognize it’s probably a fairly well built antenna most have been around for a good while and that says something. Everyone has their favorite something and will swear there is nothing better but there never seem to be the real facts to back it up too many variables.

 

There are some folks who have took to using some of the shorter base antennas, mobile. I've considered it myself.

I use Diamond 5/8ths wave antennas when mounting to roof racks, mirrors, that kind of thing, and the Larsen NMO 2/70 whenever a proper NMO mount is installed.

The Larsen doesn't like being elevated off the ground plane at all. Works OK, but better results with the diamond.

I've beat the fool out of both diamond and larsen, they both hold up very well.

There are some diamond/comet clones I've seen at hamfests. Some of them are okay, some are awful.

 

$40 Baofeng UV5R Dual Band 3800mAh Rechargeable Two Way Radio Walkie Talkies for Adults with Earpiece,Speaker Mic and Programming Cable Full Kit (Black-1Pack)

Baofeng UV5R vs UVB6? Going to start studying and take some classes with the local HAM club this Fall.

 

They're both basically the same radio as far as the guts and UI are concerned.

Get the UV5R, last I checked the 3800 mAh battery pack worked only on the 5R.

$19 BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band Two Way Radio (Black), 144-148MHz & 420-450MHz

http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5R-...&qid=1408831006&sr=1-1&keywords=baofeng+uv-5r

$36

And be sure to replace the ducky. Cuz it sooo sucky.

 

Any particular antenna recommendation?

 

For what?

 

If you are in an area with a lot of radio traffic adding a better antenna may give you results you don't want! You may get pounded with intermod. Also be sure you get an antenna for the UV5R it looks like an SMA but it has an inverted contact and a standard SMA will not work. Got to admit I have zero respect for the radio and do not think it should have ever been imported. I predict that it is going to cause a lot of problem for hams and the general public a like. They do work but some shady deals were done to get it into the states and now any one can get on the air on any frequency they like for cheap money.

 

The rubber sucky replacement mentioned above.

Any other brands and models recommended? My purpose of use is for wheeling and handheld capability while out backpacking.

 

Yes, I vaguely understand about intermod. I'll look into it as my experience and knowledge grows.

The Baofeng has female/female sma.

I kinda of agree. Especially when some of these radios are marketed as walkie-talkies. But they're a pretty stout and cheap little dual bander. And a good way to get into ham.

I got a cheap expertpower 14.5" antenna off Amazon for around $10. I can talk clearly on the repeaters 13-15mi away. And on some days tctcss on a repeater 50mi away. I recommend one of the Nagoya's for the actual radio and a mag mount for your vehicle.

 

I find that the stock antenna is better than people give it credit for. I'm usually the first to snatch an antenna off and throw a diamond on there, but with my last 3 HTs, I ended up going back to the stock rubber duck. 2 Baofengs and a Icom ID51.....

But, if you HAVE to have another antenna, I usually use this:

http://www.diamondantenna.net/srh519.html

You'll need an adapter for your Baofeng. They have them at rat shack if you don't want to order them.

 

Wife's car broke....It looked like the repairs were gonna cost between $600 and $700....Ended up only costing $200...I took the difference and ordered a Kenwood TH-D72A.