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Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Discussion in 'Sports, Hobbies & Interests' started by The Traveler, Jan 29, 2013.

  1. Nov 21, 2016 at 4:22 AM
    #2601
    AZCFII

    AZCFII Well-Known Member

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    Whats bands does he want to run? What radio? That will determine a lot about the antenna requirements. Also is he willing to cut a hole for installation of the antenna, or is that an absolute not gonna happen?
     
  2. Nov 22, 2016 at 2:18 PM
    #2602
    jim532

    jim532 .

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    Here is how I mounted my 2 antennas. they are both dual band. the drivers said is for my Kenwood TM-v71 I use that to talk on all the time I use a few repeaters a couple are a pretty good distance away.
    The other is a dual band antenna but I just use it for APRS on 2 meters. Both mounting brackets are leftovers from other radio installations in cars I had in the past. Both antennas are using UHF style connectors.
    I ran the antenna coax through a couple plugs that are on the back of the cab. I pulled the rear storage compartment out to get to them.
    I can give you more detailed photos and instructions if needed.

    Sorry the photos didn't turn out so great

     
  3. Nov 22, 2016 at 3:48 PM
    #2603
    foy1der

    foy1der Well-Known Member

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    You don't have any issues with grounding do you? Or are they ungrounded antennas?
     
  4. Nov 22, 2016 at 6:52 PM
    #2604
    jim532

    jim532 .

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    No issues. SWR is good on both. I've checked SWR on both with a 2 diffetent meters a couple times. No problem talking local simplex. Durring my commute, i talk on a UHF repeater that is 53 miles away from my house.
    My tx/rx is probably impacted a little bit because the antenna is close to the cab though.
     
  5. Nov 22, 2016 at 7:06 PM
    #2605
    jim532

    jim532 .

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    On the TR4, if he's work 2m/70cm, might look into a lip mount mounted high on the rear hatch and a commet SBB1NMO. the link below shows that setup.
    http://tinyurl.com/jrrozau
     
  6. Nov 24, 2016 at 2:13 AM
    #2606
    rileySB

    rileySB RileySB

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    Got my call sign today finally, KM6GTY! Can't wait to start using the handy talkie I have and invest in a nice mobile setup in the rig!
     
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  7. Nov 24, 2016 at 2:58 AM
    #2607
    foy1der

    foy1der Well-Known Member

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    Congrats, I hope you enjoy your new hobby
     
  8. Nov 24, 2016 at 10:50 AM
    #2608
    Welshy141

    Welshy141 Well-Known Member

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  9. Nov 24, 2016 at 10:51 AM
    #2609
    Welshy141

    Welshy141 Well-Known Member

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    Wouldn't you want a longer antenna for trails?
     
  10. Nov 24, 2016 at 10:57 AM
    #2610
    cllowe24

    cllowe24 Well-Known Member

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    Billstines with 885 coils 2”aal Lce header, pro dry drop in filter, charcoal filter removal, light bar in grill, ditch lights, yaesu dual band radio, and a bunch of other junk
    So I have a lip mount in my extended cab for my antenna right now but was considering relocating it on my hood with a relentless mount. Do you all have any experiences with this.
     
  11. Nov 25, 2016 at 6:31 PM
    #2611
    Tacodile84

    Tacodile84 Well-Known Member

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    @cheuer Did a good write up on using the relentless hood mount here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ham-radio-antenna-install.432754/

    I also use the relentless hood mount with a Comet SBB5 Antenna.
     
  12. Nov 25, 2016 at 7:06 PM
    #2612
    cheuer

    cheuer Well-Known Member

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    Thanks @Tacodile84. Relentless mount is pretty good, but since posting that I bought the driver's side mount and moved my antenna over and I'd definitely recommend doing that one instead.
     
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  13. Nov 25, 2016 at 7:35 PM
    #2613
    cllowe24

    cllowe24 Well-Known Member

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    Driver side where? Hood or door?
     
  14. Nov 25, 2016 at 7:52 PM
    #2614
    cheuer

    cheuer Well-Known Member

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    The driver's side Relentless Fab hood mount.
     
  15. Nov 26, 2016 at 9:16 AM
    #2615
    AZCFII

    AZCFII Well-Known Member

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    I've got a half wave diamond mounted on my ARB front bumper. It ends up being the same height as the antenna for the factory AM/FM radio. When I add on the HF radio it will mount behind the cab. I'll try to get some pictures of my install and put them up here.
     
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  16. Nov 29, 2016 at 7:41 AM
    #2616
    jim532

    jim532 .

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    The answer would depend on a few conditions. contrary to popular belief , longer doesn't necessarily mean better.

    On the trails you are typically talking simplex to the people on the trail with you. You would most likely be running low power so you're not desensing the receive of radios close to you. If you needed to reach out for help over the radio, repeaters are your friend. I program repeaters in my radio for areas I'm visiting.
    In California we are overwhelmed with repeaters.
     
  17. Nov 29, 2016 at 7:43 AM
    #2617
    Chipskip

    Chipskip N7MCS

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    Tons of repeaters covering almost every square mile in AZ too.
     
  18. Nov 29, 2016 at 7:37 PM
    #2618
    Welshy141

    Welshy141 Well-Known Member

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    The military lied to me :(
     
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  19. Nov 30, 2016 at 6:40 PM
    #2619
    redrider58

    redrider58 KG7TBQ

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    Amen to that. Love the linked repeater systems in AZ. Although i think it would be cool to have a state wide system like the NM megalink. Im in Durango, CO and can tx/rx perfectly into the most northern repeater in NM and QSO with guys in El paso.
     
  20. Dec 7, 2016 at 4:51 PM
    #2620
    foy1der

    foy1der Well-Known Member

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    I just passed my general over the weekend, it was pretty great being able to use the /GA and finally play with my IC-7300. It's a lot of radio for someone that is as new as I am, but I think it's a great way to learn.

    I'm also looking forward to getting rid of the mouthful 2x3 callsign.
     
    Chipskip likes this.

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