Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

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?

 

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

 

You don't have any issues with grounding do you? Or are they ungrounded antennas?

 

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.

 

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

 

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!

 

Congrats, I hope you enjoy your new hobby

 

He's looking at this; https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EG665FC/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AA3MGRC7F9EI2

Or a similar dual band (wants VHF for SAR stuff we do)

 

Wouldn't you want a longer antenna for trails?

 

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.

 

@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.

 

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.

 

Driver side where? Hood or door?

 

The driver's side Relentless Fab hood mount.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Tons of repeaters covering almost every square mile in AZ too.

 

The military lied to me

 

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.

 

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.