Ham Radio Install help

**MickMc** · 05-17-2007, 09:50 AM

Hello,

I'm looking for some help installing a ham radio in my FJ. I want to make sure it's powered properly and not screw it up taking a stab at the install myself. Home is Burbank but I'm willing to travel a bit.

Hopefully I'll get to meet some other local FJ owners up for some off road adventures in the local mountains. I'm new to off roading and after taking my boys across the Santa Clara Divide (including jaunts down some of the turnoffs) I'm hooked.

Thanks,
Michael

**SoCalOcFj** · 05-21-2007, 08:22 PM

Do a search in the interior electronics section on cb radio & you will find a bunch of stuff on cb radio install that will help you with the ham radio install.

gascolator · 05-21-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

MickMc previously said:

Hello,

I'm looking for some help installing a ham radio in my FJ. I want to make sure it's powered properly and not screw it up taking a stab at the install myself. Home is Burbank but I'm willing to travel a bit.

Hopefully I'll get to meet some other local FJ owners up for some off road adventures in the local mountains. I'm new to off roading and after taking my boys across the Santa Clara Divide (including jaunts down some of the turnoffs) I'm hooked.

Thanks,
Michael

Callsign? Not to be suspicious, but most hams toss their calls in nearly
every communication. You DO have a license, right?

Greg (K3GWB)

Expat · 05-22-2007, 07:30 PM

Did you get it in?

If not I can lend you a hand. I put my Ham radio in myself. Hardest part is usually deciding where you want it placed.

I work in North Hollywood so not too far from your home.

Cheers
Mark

(W6XPT)

**MickMc** · 05-24-2007, 10:35 AM

It's not installed yet. Hopefully soon.

miketino · 05-25-2007, 11:48 AM

Curious...how does one get their own (callsign)? I'm new to this too and someone told me I need to get at least a CB... any suggestions?

Expat · 05-26-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

miketino previously said:

Curious...how does one get their own (callsign)? I'm new to this too and someone told me I need to get at least a CB... any suggestions?

If you are talking about a CB callsign, you just make up your own. CB is basically free other than purchasing one. You are limited in your range (usually around 10miles max.) due to the FCC limit of 4Watts.

With Ham radio you have to complete a test first (no morse code). Once you have completed the test, you will be allocated a Licence Number (Call sign) that you will use when you either monitor or transmit. You can also apply for a vanity callsign after you have been allocated your first Licence Number. This is also issued by the FCC.

CB is great for comm.s with people you are driving trails with. It is a very common feature of offroading. It is cheap and easy to use. Search the forums for info. I assume there is plenty here although I have not searched myself. I would highly recommend you get a CB and trail drive with a group. You will get so much out of being with a group. You will learn quickly about your trucks abilities (and yours LOL).

Ham just steps that up a bit with a much better range (+60 miles) due to the ~60Watts, and some better features. It is less common although several people I wheel with have now purchased Ham and I think will become the main source of comm.s for us with a little more time. Note Ham and CB don't as a rule "talk" to each other because they work on different frequencies.