Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Possibly a defective antenna? No idea on testing with a multimeter but I'd guess no continuity between the center and threads.

 

That's what I guessing also. Replacement from Amazon is on the way

 

Get an SMA-f to BNC adapter like this:

$6 DHT Electronics 2pcs SMA Female to BNC Female Convert Adapter for Two Way Radio BaoFeng UV-5R FD-880

https://www.amazon.com/DHT-LLC-AD075-Convert-Adapter/dp/B00CVQK466

This will expand your antenna choices immensely. Personally I think either Diamond or Comet antennas are the best options.

 

Thanks @golfindia, just ordered a set

 

Finally, got through to Brazil on 20m! Slowly collecting the continents.

 

Hmmm...a V71a is only 1/10th of an inch taller than my FT7900 face. May just fit...

Also, props to DX Engineering for being the only people to list radio faceplate dimensions anywhere.

 

I've been looking to do something similar and had a few questions.

How does the prinsu work as a ground plane?

How well does that antenna hold up to brush and branches?

What brand antenna?

 

Prinsu works good

 

I have a Diamond N770hbnmo, works quite well ground planing off the roof and rack as far as I can tell because at 50W I could hit repeaters like 40 miles away. Get excellent reception as well.

I also run a trivec x-wing for 70cm and satcom. Receives like nobody's business but has a very high swr on Tx. Like 30.0 high. Yes 30!

Utah doesn't have much in the way of overhead foliage, but it has stood up against a few bank atm roofs and the like.

 

Just picked up my Technician ticket. KI5DVK. Ordered a Yaesu dual band for the truck. Any recommendation for antenna? Looking at mounting it at the rear of the truck bed.

 

Congrats on your ticket. I mounted this antenna here. Like it.

More info here...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/amateur-ham-radio-bs-and-callsign-thread.260643/page-236

 

Which antenna is that? Im trying to figure out what kind of antenna I need to get. I see 1/4 wave, 5/8 wave, nmo, pl-259 (not sure if one connector style is better than another). Trying to sort it all out, and find some with decent reviews.

 

I just got my Yaesu FTM 400 XDR and will be installing it in the next week or so...I too have a DMM...what RAM mount did you end up deciding on?

 

Maxrad 5/8 wave (I think it is part no. MWV1322HDS) w/nmo mount on a hood bolt mount bracket that I found on TW.
Link to the hood mount...

https://www.victory4x4.com/product/VT3CB-BARE.html

 

Drilled NMO in the center of the cab with a

$53 Comet B-10nmo 146/446 MHz Mini Dual-Band Mobile Antenna 12" NMO Connector

Comet B-10nmo. The tip of the B-10nmo is lower then the tip of my OEM am/fm antenna. (2015 DCLB)

 

I went with the Universal X-Grip IV large phone/phablet with 1-inch ball. I ordered it from Amazon for about $30.00. Fits the Yaesu 400 XDR nicely.Here is a picture of my setup.

 

I called DX Engineering a while back with a question on a ht I bought and they went on the floor to get one and open the box to check it for me. Awesome guys working there.

 

Made my first HF contact today at the clubs tailgate gathering.

K5T in West Texas

 

Needs a bigger dial, might grab the wrong one by mistake..

 

Canadian source for fender antenna mounts. They do most of their business supplying commercial users.

http://www.westmobilemounts.com/category-s/100.htm

specific to Tacomas
http://www.westmobilemounts.com/cat...=100&f-Toyota=115&show=30&page=1&f-Tacoma=176

with the Cdn US dollar exchange, makes good value for something that is model specific, stainless steel and easy to mail.