Mobile HAM/Amateur Radio Choices - Page 6

n9emz · 06-05-2008, 04:23 PM

Thank you, Wayne.....I will be sure to do that. But, for the moment, I'm having so much fun with the new VX-1700 I just can't tear myself away from it.

73.

**KD7NAC_07FJ** · 06-06-2008, 02:57 AM

HAHA - that definitely looks like a fully stacked shack! I see by your sig you do some LSB chewing, I've got to get my antenna set up (just got the screws taken out from broken ankle) but as soon as I can get on the roof I'd like to see if I can hit you.

-73's and get some sleep

**BobGeisel** · 07-02-2008, 07:44 AM

Just got my Tech ticket. KE5VLI will be broadcasting soon...at least as asoon as I get a rig. I like where you guys are going with the mobile radios mounted in the FJ but I will also even more portablilty. I'm talking Hand Helds! I currently leaning toward the Yaesu VX-3R as I want the wide-band receive.

Any advice, comments, opinions?

TIT-CRUISER · 07-24-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

LandCruiserSteve previously said:

Great!!

I know that a lot of members are now getting ready to graduate into the amateur radios (myself included), and it sure would be nice to see what's out there when it comes time to buy.

Let me know (PM me) when you guys got something started and I'll sticky it up for ya!! Thanks.

Did this ever happen?

I just passed the Technician Exam last night, so I am ready to start looking for a rig.

n9emz · 07-24-2008, 01:42 PM

Congratulations....don't stop there. Pick up the Gordon West kit and in a few more weeks you'll be able to operate everywhere. Until then, hope to catch you on 10 Meters soon.

73!

**Mountainclimber** · 07-24-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Voodo Ray previously said:

Have an Icom 208H in both my FJ and Disco 2. Also have the Icom IC7000 that will go in the FJ soon. Like the 208 off-road, very easy to operate, can always keep one hand in the wheel. Use a small Comet antenna off-road and a larger dual bander on-road. The IC7000 will replace the 208 and be used for VHF-UHF-HF.
KI4TCJ

Voodo Ray-

I'd like to see a pic or two of the 7000 when you have it installed.
I've been considering this radio for a bit.

Thanks

TIT-CRUISER · 07-25-2008, 04:37 PM

To not hijack the other thread further I have a radio question.
Thanks to FJ Wolf and acruxksu for your feedback. I think you have swayed me over to a mobile radio.
I just passed the Technician Exam and am going to Ham Radio Outlet tomorrow for a rig, possibly the FT-8800.

I currently have a CB on the Bandi mount so what type of antenna do you recommend for the FJ and where should I mount it. I would prefer not drilling any holes in the roof.
Are most Hams using the Bandi for the Ham antenna? If so, where are you mounting the CB antenna?

**w5wi** · 07-25-2008, 05:16 PM

I use the bandi mount for my ham 2m/70cm radio. I just drilled out the hole a bit. You can get good reception with a mag mount on 2m/70cm also.

On my FJ I mounted a 4' Firestick CB antenna on my front ARB bumper. It works fine with low SWR.

Wayne KD7NAC also uses his bandi mount for his ham antenna. Check around for other ideas.

cheers and 73,

dale de W5WI

**FJ Wolf** · 07-25-2008, 05:32 PM

Quote:

TIT-CRUISER previously said:

I currently have a CB on the Bandi mount so what type of antenna do you recommend for the FJ and where should I mount it. I would prefer not drilling any holes in the roof.

You can use the Bandi mount "as-is" if you choose a 2-meter only antenna from FireStik - It uses the standard 3/8" mount your CB antenna uses. However, if you want to go dual-band, you will have to drill the Bandi out a bit to fit a UHF mount for a Diamond dual-band antenna.

If you want to keep the CB in the vehicle and use the Bandi for it's antenna, Diamond, Maldol, and Comet all make an assortment of UHF-style mounts that clamp on to the door frame, roof rack, etc. The key to a solid Ham antenna setup is grounding - which is a whole subject in and of itself. There are two things we call "Ground" - electrical ground to the vehicle and ground plane or the "image plane" - and that is the metal mass of your vehicle acting as the other half of your antenna system.

So, two basic things to keep in mind when choosing a mount - make sure it is anchored to a solid chassis ground (if you use a clamp-on/bolt-on mount to the door, etc. - make sure the set screws dig in deep). Second, the higher above the roofline the better, so if you can put it -on- the roof, that is your best bet. However, if you haven't overcome the fear of drilling, you can just toss the CB and use your Bandi for the Ham, or if you do want to put an antenna on the roof, take your FJ to a local two-way radio shop (like where the police get their systems from) and have one of their technicians drill and mount the antenna for you. They have all the cool tools and can drop headliners without damage, etc. as they do it every day. Places like that usually charge $50-$100 for a simple ham antenna install and you can be in and out in a couple hours.

Hope that helps!

Howls,
FJ Wolf

**spincycle** · 07-25-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

n9emz previously said:

Congratulations....don't stop there. Pick up the Gordon West kit and in a few more weeks you'll be able to operate everywhere. Until then, hope to catch you on 10 Meters soon.

73!

Gordo's books are excellent!