Clean VHF/CB radio installs

I guess in theory, an HT would fit that bill. But for comparison, a man's radio is going to have ten times the power of an HT or that Cobra. Just get one with a detachable face. If all you are after is analog FM, I can't recommend the v71a enough.

 

I bought a

$50 UV-5R 8Watt UHF/VHF Radio with 2 Rechargeable Battery, Portable Radio for Adults with Earpiece, GV-771 Antenna, Compatible with BAOFENG Programming Cable (3rd Gen)

UV-5R last week and plan on getting a mag mount antenna as kind of a stop gap solution, so I'm with you there. Just planning out what my next step should be. I don't know if I want more than analog FM, so I'm open to suggestions there. I think I just need to learn a little more about ham before I drop too much more money. I'll look into the V71a

 

Slee offroad

 

Is there a mounting solution that allows and antenna to be folded down and raised back up when needed?

Our old Harris radios had bendable antennas and they were on these springs on vehicles that could fold down.

 

My 42" diamond antenna has a folding hinge built into it. Use it to fit it in my garage.

 

Which do you have specifically, I'm a radio noob and have no idea what I'm looking at on their website.

 

https://www.diamondantenna.net/nr770hbnmo.html

got mine from ham radio outlet. Works quite well with my Yaesu 7900. Much better reception than a -152

 

Most mics allow you to do almost everything with the DTMF keypad and a few other buttons, though not as efficiently as using the radio controls. Honestly a remote head is the way to go in newer vehicles. I'm a HAM noob in the sense that i really only use it to scan VHF public safety and listen to local 2m repeaters, and for 2 way comms on trips and such; so I only wanted a 2m basic setup with a remote head. Best bang for buck while staying name brand I think is the Icom IC2730a. Dual band but I only use it on 2m. Like $230 or so.

4R:

 

Comet cp-5m for me. Hooked up to a TM-V71a which I love.

 

I got one of these for my CB antenna. For my 2m antenna I normally just unscrew it from the so-239 mount and throw the weathercap on.

 

Congratulations on getting your ham license. There are lots of good choices in ham radio, get on eham forums, lots of info there. You can't go wrong with any of the top brands but my fave is the tm710ga. Or the Kenwood tm-v71a both have detachable control heads and dtmf misc too. What ever you get put some thought in the antenna, that's where you get the most out of the radio. Beware of mag mounts for long term use, they can ruin the paint where the mag attaches..don't ask me how I know..

 

Diamond also has the K9000 dual band antenna. Motor driven.
I use a Larson nmo 2/70SH. It's a short spring loaded at the base antenna. Works very well on a diamond mount or into the body. We're talking ham radios right?

 

How do you like the radio in the console? Do you keep anything else in there? Can you hear the radio at all when the top is closed?

 

Vhf is fun but please don't stop at getting your Tech license , the real fun starts at General class, with a good antenna install and good grounding you'll be talking all over the world on Hf with 100 watts in your Taco. Right now we are at the stage in the solar cycle when it`s bad, but it wont stay bad forever.

Also with the 3rd Gen, we have a composite bed, any antenna works best over a good ground plane, try to keep your grounds as short as possible, when I got my 3rd Gen I went with the hitch mount for my screwdriver antenna which gives me a good ground, bond your vehicle as much as you possibly can, it makes a world of difference.

I`ll put this link here so that I don't have to type everything , this guy did a good write up some years back, he is spot on with what hes talking about.
http://www.k0bg.com/bonding.html

 

I would use a standard roof NMO mount antenna mount and then add a NMO to UHF adapter. The benefit of NMO is it's very low profile so if you sell the truck you just put a cap on it and it's not too obvious.

 

Hmmmm
How have I missed this thread?


Or Perhaps it was hidden from me......

#feelslkkeaconsiracy...#feelslikeaconspiracy

 

How do you like the radio in the console? Can you still hear it with the lid closed or does it need to be open all the time?

 

Hey Brenden,
I love the radio being in my console, keeps the truck inside looking clean. I did have to have the console lid open anyways because the mic cord would get really bent if you forced the lid closed. I have since got a new mic cable with a 90 degree connector on and ran it under the center console and had it come out near my seat..so I could mount it near the e-break. Now I can leave the mic plugged in all the time. In addition, I have purchased a CB speaker and mounted in near my feet on the driver side.

 

Just moved my NMO fender mount up to the ditch light bracket. Was sitting right in front of the Squadron and reflecting most of the light back at me..

 

Got any info on that antenna? Planning out a UHF/VHF Antenna that will need to go on a ditch bracket.