CB Radio and Ham Radio

[Prime]

Drilled another hole in the roof.



Reception is ufcking terrible. Rubber ducky does a better job. I blame the coax splice first. The PL259 in the truck 2nd. And the cheap antenna 3rd. Going to order another mount with longer coax so that I can just replace the entire cable and eliminate the splice. Also going to get it with pre-installed BNC so that I can easily connect HTs.

After lunch I'm going to a high spot and see if I can hit some repeaters. Just to check.

But. Reception on the NOAA weather bands is perfect in my driveway with the rubber ducky. And almost inaudible on this antenna.

 

[CHUG]

That stubby Roof Mount. I would suspect it sucked!. Wonder if your antenna had a bad short? Or something funky..

When you get your Correct Cable and antenna.. Take a Pizza Pie Plate, ( If magnetic antenna base? ) Place the set up, in back yard, Or front yard.. Either on the Ground, or Top of BBQ.. plug in HT and Ping your Repeater.. should be Easy Plus, your reception should be really good.

Antenna makes the radio!. Its all Witchcraft Magic

 

[Prime]

So I hit these repeaters with both the rubber ducky and the roof antenna using the Radioddity GM30 GMRS HT.

Confirmation was that the rubber ducky had better sound quality. But was intelligible on both antennas.

Google shows total distance. So short line is about 8 miles which means long line is about 27 miles. Tried to reach out to one that was technically closer (18 miles) but couldn't get a response. That one is just west of where it says "Golden" on the map.

Was in elevated position with clear line of sight to each of the repeaters.



Definitely replacing entire NMO and coax to eliminate fittings and shiat. Then will try again.

Also, might buy and SWR for UHF just to see Not that I can tune a shorty antenna. Tried the CB SWR meter. It doesn't work on this new shiat. Too much power? Wrong freq ranges? Something. Just garbage.

 

[Prime]

That stubby Roof Mount. I would suspect it sucked!. Wonder if your antenna had a bad short? Or something funky..

When you get your Correct Cable and antenna.. Take a Pizza Pie Plate, ( If magnetic antenna base? ) Place the set up, in back yard, Or front yard.. Either on the Ground, or Top of BBQ.. plug in HT and Ping your Repeater.. should be Easy Plus, your reception should be really good.

Antenna makes the radio!. Its all Witchcraft Magic

But I want a stubby. And I want it to work.

I already have a hole in my truck for a 3/8 NMO. haha. So no magnet mounts here.

 

[outback97]

@Prime how are you connecting the radio to the antenna? I have not had much luck with that part of the system. For the UV-5R I got a cheap SMA Female to UHF Female SO-239 adapter, and it seemed to work for a while, but then I think the coax wire pulled out so I was getting nothing.

I just found a company that makes these in the US, and they're cheap, but the shipping is 4X the product cost:

RG58 8IN SMA FEMALE JACK BULKHEAD TO UHF SO239 FEMALE CABLE ASSEMBLY - pre-made cables

LMR and MILSPEC custom RF coax antenna cables

usacoax.com

I am using the same 1/4 wave antenna that @TerryD mentioned, and it has worked well when my adapter was working.

Amazon.com: Tram 140MHz-170MHz + 430MHz-470MHz Dual Band NMO Antenna (1181) : Electronics

Buy Tram 140MHz-170MHz + 430MHz-470MHz Dual Band NMO Antenna (1181): Antennas - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

If I were worried about it getting caught in leaves I think a length of heat shrink tubing over the coil section would help with that. Most of our travels are in the desert though so I haven't had too many things snag it.

It's mounted to the corner of the hood with this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E48AI7O

I got my ham ticket about four years ago and have never moved beyond the handheld radio stage. I think about a vehicle mounted one, then look at what a good one costs, and scratch my head thinking about where I'd mount it, and then never really have gone beyond that. But I do need to sort out a good external antenna solution, because as @CHUG pointed out, the antenna really makes a difference.

 

[Muadeeb]

Also, might buy and SWR for UHF just to see Not that I can tune a shorty antenna. Tried the CB SWR meter. It doesn't work on this new shiat. Too much power? Wrong freq ranges? Something. Just garbage.

Wrong range. CB is ~26 MHz. You're much higher now.

 

[Prime]

Wrong range. CB is ~26 MHz. You're much higher now.

Figured

 

[Prime]

@Prime how are you connecting the radio to the antenna? I have not had much luck with that part of the system. For the UV-5R I got a cheap SMA Female to UHF Female SO-239 adapter, and it seemed to work for a while, but then I think the coax wire pulled out so I was getting nothing.

I just found a company that makes these in the US, and they're cheap, but the shipping is 4X the product cost:

RG58 8IN SMA FEMALE JACK BULKHEAD TO UHF SO239 FEMALE CABLE ASSEMBLY - pre-made cables

LMR and MILSPEC custom RF coax antenna cables

usacoax.com

I am using the same 1/4 wave antenna that @TerryD mentioned, and it has worked well when my adapter was working.

Amazon.com: Tram 140MHz-170MHz + 430MHz-470MHz Dual Band NMO Antenna (1181) : Electronics

Buy Tram 140MHz-170MHz + 430MHz-470MHz Dual Band NMO Antenna (1181): Antennas - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

If I were worried about it getting caught in leaves I think a length of heat shrink tubing over the coil section would help with that. Most of our travels are in the desert though so I haven't had too many things snag it.

It's mounted to the corner of the hood with this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E48AI7O

I got my ham ticket about four years ago and have never moved beyond the handheld radio stage. I think about a vehicle mounted one, then look at what a good one costs, and scratch my head thinking about where I'd mount it, and then never really have gone beyond that. But I do need to sort out a good external antenna solution, because as @CHUG pointed out, the antenna really makes a difference.

Currently it is SO239/PL259 to SMA adapter from Amazon.

However.

Ordered new NMO with pre-terminated BNC. And got some SMA to BNC adapters. So when I wheel, I remove the rubber ducky, attach BNC adapter, and connect coax. Minimal fittings. Remember that each fitting is traditionally a 1dB loss. So the fewer the better.

 

[Springfield]

I've been running this one for a long time. I'm on my 2nd one. Cheap enough that when they get broke on the trail I'm not heart broken.

Tram 140MHz-170MHz + 430MHz-470MHz Dual Band NMO Antenna (1181) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IDTJ2KE/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_NRC199Y1NKW1043V4Y47

I have a similar Tram antenna with a mag base (model 1185) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045EQUBK
It seems to work fine but have not mapped the SWVR. I just run the antenna down to driver's rear door, and diagonally across the door's weatherstrip to under drivers seat to radio. This soft mount allows it to move to another car or even into the house (with a ground plane).

 

[Prime]

Found this on Amazon. It's branded as Rugged Radios. But I couldn't find it on their website.









The finish pretty much perfectly matches the silver of the center stack. Belt clip on the radio locks it in place. Perfect.

 

[TerryD]

My radio is mounted on a plate under the passenger seat.


Then the control head is mounted on a Ram X-Grip on the dash.



My mic hangs below the flasher button on the opposite side.

 

[Prime]

My radio is mounted on a plate under the passenger seat.
View attachment 19917

Then the control head is mounted on a Ram X-Grip on the dash.

View attachment 19918

My mic hangs below the flasher button on the opposite side.

That coil of wire tho!

 

[TerryD]

That coil of wire tho!

It's excess cable for the remote mount head. I have the ends to shorten it but it doesn't bother anything.

 

[Prime]

$26 on Amazon. Travel case. Done.

 

[TerryD]

$26 on Amazon. Travel case. Done.

View attachment 19976

Go-kit.

 

[CHUG]

Nice Go Toss Kit.. Radio is living the good life all protected like that!

One of mine antenna is removed and tossed under back seat near the Jack. about every three to 4 months will take it out for a Charging check..

 

[Prime]

Yeah. The other one will live in the glove box. Is USB chargeable. Blah blah. Wanted one setup that wouldn't get ufcked up.

 

[CHUG]

Been watching this (LoRa Meshtastic ) Free texting unlimited Since it's WIFI with Long range ( depends on Urban jungle? but open woods And low rolling hills?) Line of sight and antenna.

.. Cheap, tracking system & Texting ability With GPS. Toss solar panel And unit in a water proof container on the Roof of the X. IT becomes hot spot for good 3-4 miles between other unit. on same freq range.
i like the fact.. No Dam cell phone towers required.

Bad part. the Dang supply in shipping is 2 months..

ah more toys!!.
LINKY:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DumgHz56IjI

 

[CHUG]

Just Pinged the ISS space station as it flew past.. weak To other station, drats.

Need to set up my Yagi with powerful Watts Aimed at station. Make them astronauts skin itch from my RF energy ;-)

 

[CHUG]

Well crap.. OOP'S
Talking with a Buddy 20 miles away on the ham Radio & Repeater. We both Bitched and whined the Signal sounds like crap. I was using 5 watts, as he was.. I bumped up to 50 watts, and I sounded better but his signal was crap.. Eh figure just bad band day, happens.. Repeater was 25 miles away from both of us.. Good way to burn up a radio!.. Ugh...

I Just happen to glance at my Antenna when I parked.. Well CRAP!!!. That explains allot!!. Least it fell inside the Roof Basket Vs Tumbling down the road Or into some Bikers Chest.



Its now Re- attached and wrench tight, And set screw will check Saturday.. ITs fricking raining now..

 

[CHUG]

Bought few Signal Stick Antennas For my HT radios. One for Kayak life Vest and my Hiking walk around HT radio.
Love the antenna.. Can toss in my Back pack, antenna bends to a 90.. Pull it out 2 hours later Twingggg.. back to straight. Vs the older style antenna's. Just have not used on Kayak yet, but Does fit on my Life Jacket and antenna slides over shoulder. For Keep tabs on the Coast Guard & River Lawdogs. Did Check into few Repeaters To confirm ALL good.. Rule of thumb.. TEST before Needing. ;-)

Using my Alinco, I Talked to a few Repeaters, Zero issues Low SWR.. Power out put was good.. Really like this antenna.. They do make a Mobile antenna.. Tempting.. Will wait till Next bird strike on Antenna.. for excuse to Buy new toy antenna. Beings, current antenna on the X Roof rack is pushing 9 feet. ( No car garage For this X )

Linky. Just another Tool to play with in ham world..

https://signalstuff.com/products/st-sma-m/

 

[CHUG]

Bought new Fancy SWR, LOG, "Nano NVA meter", with graphing Etc.. Witch craft device.. Really like it so far.. Other than the china no instructions. YOUTUBE To Solve. Used Mainly to Check my HF long wire, And The Xterra Antenna SWR.
Results are good.. Antenna really good Low SWR, as with my Long wire on the HF rig. Pretty slick.



More Ham toys. ;-)

 

[TerryD]

Bought new Fancy SWR, LOG, "Nano NVA meter", with graphing Etc.. Witch craft device.. Really like it so far.. Other than the china no instructions. YOUTUBE To Solve. Used Mainly to Check my HF long wire, And The Xterra Antenna SWR.
Results are good.. Antenna really good Low SWR, as with my Long wire on the HF rig. Pretty slick.

View attachment 30866View attachment 30867

More Ham toys. ;-)

Very nice. A built in tuner will eat that up no problem.

 

[TerryD]

Installed the TM-D710G I bought from my buddy's estate in the GMC today. It's not a final install but it's a good start.

I need a better mic extension cable and I've got to get a mount plate for the radio body made.

 

[CHUG]

Unit does not allow Mic to Plug into side..

nice clean install, good clear display.

 

[TerryD]

Unit does not allow Mic to Plug into side..

nice clean install, good clear display.

Nope, only the side of the radio. Have to use an extension.

 

[CHUG]

Now that is a Comm's.

 

[IM1RU]

Wrong Forum Thread I know,

But.....

I have for sale a Yeasu FT 2900R Ham Radio brand New in the box, never installed, nor even taken out of the box.

Welcome to Yaesu.com

Yours for $130.00 You pay shipping.

 

[CHUG]

Playing with New Toy. 915 Mhz, range seems to be 80 miles average.. still playing.

Text message to other stations.. Lora, with a Heltec. Mesh network.
No stinkin cell towers, Internet, Just a Cell phone wifi, and or IPAD with wifi..

More playtime. Beer time now.. Sun is starting to fall from sky.

Made Fancy High tech Box. And high speed drill. Few Mods..

 

[xyoverland]

Playing with New Toy. 915 Mhz, range seems to be 80 miles average.. still playing.

Text message to other stations.. Lora, with a Heltec. Mesh network.
No stinkin cell towers, Internet, Just a Cell phone wifi, and or IPAD with wifi..

More playtime. Beer time now.. Sun is starting to fall from sky.

Made Fancy High tech Box. And high speed drill. Few Mods..

View attachment 33667

I’ve gotten into this recently as well. Yesterday hit a node 2 hops away at 141 miles!

Working on a permanent mobile setup now. And if anybody local is interested I’m selling a pair of heltec v3 with battery, antenna, and 3D printed cases.

 

[CHUG]

I was able to hit a hop to Seattle.. 250 ish.. with out doing the mapping. But can safely say.. 60 miles so far, but I be 600 feet Elevation and mesh antenna is sitting on Roof shelf. ;-)

3000 Mah battery lasted about 24 hours. Could be my settings, No clue yet. haha. steep learning curve.. Add a Cell phone Bulkbattery pack to unit. 10,000 Mah. rating.

Thing I like about it.. its NO cell tower use, Or Internet Use. Total Off grid dependent system. Other them a Wifi ability cell phone or Ipad. It will hop signals when other units are in area.. a Repeater hop.

way better then APRS. And not tracked by Dam GOOGLE Data miners.. ;-)

 

[Prime]

Go Box. Two Baofeng HAM Radios that can do all the GMRS things and a dedicated GMRS. Plus batteries and charging things.



I have a smaller case that has another single Baofeng if it's just me.

 

[CHUG]

Nice looking Box A over kill for those Bofungs.. haha. @$16 bucks for a UV5.

Great radio for Ham use, as good antenna Or Add 20 foot coax with Roll up J-pole toss in a tree. ( If have tree's in area). Really expands range.
Bad part about UV5R, Volume knob likes to fail. One has to adjust for volume. For Cost.. eh.. cheap.

Tri-band radios ( Radtil Rt-590) are nice.. $35 bucks. so one now has 2m, 70cm & 1.25m (220band) And Aviation Rx Freq They can be charged up with a USB to C cable.

Bought one of these. Lifepro 12 volt Battery.. Thing is amazing light. ($29 bucks) Can use the Fancy Charger to Re-Charge it. But great back up power for awhile. Just more options inside the Tool box..

Amazon.com

added the Buck 12 volt USB to 5 Volt connector to it.. Now, I can charge Cell phones, HT radios, Or Gator clip my Big Ham radio. Which would drain fast @ 50 watts.. As with running my Heletic Lora Meshtastic to battery.. last about 7 days.

ugh More toys..