Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

That's why I'm leaning toward a gmrs 40w from Midland. It's not as versatile but - how many jamokes are going to have amateur radio and a VHF setup. Besides it's the same thing - 40W simplex.

Might want to do it for MURS though. And general shenanigans. I'll probably land on a VHF uhf rig and a HT gmrs and HT CB if I ever need one. Also the Midland.

 

I have the IC-7100 in my truck. Don't have an HF antenna connected yet, works great on UHF/VHF. Used it as a portable prior to install on various antenna set ups - really like it for portable/mobile.

 

I really like the FT-891 for portable. Have a single all-in-one radio isn't as good as it sounds. VHF and UHF are used quite differently than HF so I've settled that a single radio for all bands isn't sufficient.

The 891 has a remote, compact head, it has good noise reduction, pretty simple to use mobile, and not $1000. Watch the QRZ swapmeet, you might find one for $500.

 

Have you consulted our lord and savior of consumerism, Jeff Bezos?

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pool+noodle&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

 

No I don't patronize that business.

 

I found some Pool Noodles at lowes in a hidden corner, picked up 2.

 

Call me Bond... R.F. Bond.

 

Looking at installation of a rooftop NMO antenna on my 2014 Tacoma dual cab.
I read there was a part of the roof frame which crosses near the middle of the cab
from left to right side. Any diagrams which show how to miss that cross member while drilling the NMO hole?

 

Just take down the headliner

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2012-dc-interior-head-liner-removal-write-up.247104/

 

I don't remember exactly what was on the bottom side of my roof when I took the headliner down but you definitely want to take the headliner down. You don't want to drill through the headliner too and you need to route the cable around to the pillar on the side. I also strongly suggest sanding down to bare metal on the inside around the hole so you get good metal on metal contact; the inside has a heavy coating of paint and the NMO mount probably won't cut through it on its own.

Congratulations on going with an NMO through the roof, it's a solid install. Have you settled on an antenna?

 

Can someone help identify what this thing is? Looks like a telescopic antenna array on a Tacoma.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-is-mounted-on-top-of-this-truck.747264/#post-26608681

 

I posted a brief, high level analysis.

 

No, install it properly by exploring between the headliner and the roof. Add some sound dampening while you're up there.

Careful with the visor clip tabs, they break easily. I managed to work it back in and the GF dropped it out taking the blame.

 

Was looking at a Diamond dual band,NR72B. I need to be shorter than 15". I understand about pulling the liner down before drilling. Are you suggesting drilling a pilot from the inside of truck so you get the hole to miss where light is, etc?

Never done the hole in roof thing, just doing research at this point. Thanks for any help!

 

Buy me a Larsen 2/70NMO and I'll send you my short dual band Larsen. Haha. I own both and I get a bit better coverage with the 1/2 wave on 2m.

Once you get the headliner down enough you can either measure where to drill by what you see underneath or drill a pilot hole up like you said. You definitely want a pilot hole either way though.

 

I drill from the top and use masking tape, then use a punch. With the headliner removed. Step bits are brutal, Antenex/Laird has a nice hole saw, you can borrow it for a once in a decade project.

 

How did the bonding go? My FTM400XDR just arrived today and working on the install plan. Next is a FT-891 and likely one of the Tarheel antennas. I want to make sure I do the bonding right before the HF mobile install.

 

@L.A. I have not installed the bonding straps yet; they are going on my 1992 Toyota Pickup though. I have been gone on work. Hopefully this week I will get around to it.

If you need any tips on installing that radio in your 2020, let me know. I have it in my 2020 right now. I'm looking to replace it with a TM-D710G though so if anyone has that Kenwood, let me know. I'm up to a trade.

 

RF Bond?

I thought it was RF Galore!

 

i have the KENWOOD and it’s a great unit