Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

No leds

 

Defently sounds like RF interference. Do you have a handheld? With it off, key the squelch and see if you hear anything. Then turn it on and do the same thing. You should be able to get close to it the issue.

 

It kinda ended up fixing itself. Thinking something was messed up in grounding.

 

I dont have any issue with my antenna there.

 

@odomandr have you tested the SWRs on this mount? Just curious because I recently got to test my 18" dual band tram on my roof mag mount. I never had an issue with reception but tests showed I was over 5 on 2m band. Shortened it a bit and got it to 3 but still wasn't happy. Tested a 5/8 dual band Tram(24") and it was under 2. So I ordered myself one off of ebay.

 

Unplug everything that isn't stock. Lights, cell phone chargers, etc...

 

swr isnt great but it suffices. half the ground plane is non existent in that location so you have to compromise. I am unsure that the front ARB bumper spots would be better but people in other countries seem to do just fine there. I too get better swr out of the mag mount in the middle of the roof than i did behind the cab in the bed corner or on the front hood hinge.

 

mine is flat.

 

Santa brought a new toy for me this year, an Antenna Analyzer. If you guys were on the fence about which AA to purchase, I got the MFJ-226 Vector type hand held AA. It is sweet to say the least, uses (2) AA batteries and the lightweight and powerful Energizer Lithium batteries that do not leak work great in it. Works from 1-230 MHz continuously and has a PC interface where you can control the AA from the computer screen. You can save the data of a certain antenna and pull it back up later and still use the program to move the cursor around to different frequencies. Like it isn't just a screen shot saved but the entire session gets saved. They do have a VHF/UHF model that does the UHF 70cm band but it costs just as much as the Hf model. Menu is easy to use, even does a Smith Chart of your antenna system. Let's see if I can post some pics of it.

 

Very nice little toy you have there.

 

Antenna Analyzers are like Chronographs. You don't use them often but when you need one, you really "need" one. I was all set to get one of the MFJ metal box ones as I have used them and they do work great. But the Hand Held model that used (2) AA batteries with the sweep plots just made me have to choose it.

 

Howdy. I’m KI7RYA up in the great PNW. Prepping a mobile ham base station for 2m/70cm and a cheap APRS system for my truck. Looking forward to bouncing some questions off you guys.

 

The little KISS style tnc is pretty popular. I have two of the Mobilinkd units paired with a baofung ht. Just be aware their connections ate fragile.

 

How far afield have you been able to see APRS data with your Mobilinkd and Baofang combo ?

 

Baofung is 4W.

It depends on the antenna used and LOS.

But I've got out 250 mi with a yagi.

 

That sounds like a nice set up - do you have the Yagi mounted full time, or just set up when you're in camp/stationary ? Also, why are you running two Mobilinkd units ? Perhaps I misunderstood your post. Thanks taking the time to answer my questions.

 

Got my license back in November, said 'Hello' around then too but haven't gotten a chance to use my little Baofeng yet because of work. Was thinking of taking a hike up to Mt. San Jacinto this weekend and seeing if I can at least get a reply from the nearby repeaters. My question is, how'd y'all get over your first contact jitters? I'm assuming this is just one of those "Just do it" kind of moments.

 

It's an Arrow satellite backpack yagi. I've only used it in the backcountry.

I have one tnc for the baofung ht, and it's my everyday APRS unit. It's used in the cab then terminated to nmo through the roof. The second is just a spare. Because my first unit separated at the 3.5mm audio jack to pcb board solder point, ruining it. It was replaced under warranty. That's why I brought up that they're delicate.

The Tinytracs are nice and seem pretty robust. And baud rate is selectable within the firmware, so HF APRS can be used. If you are or decide to go general or extra licensing.

 

Yep, just do it. Nobody is going to push the button for you. Just listen for a bit and get a feel for how a QSO generally goes and don't forget to have fun.