CB Radio and Ham Radio

ffxcores

[fully disclosed]
Supporting Member
Location
Virginia
Winter is near.. time to dust off those HAM radio's. Make sure they work good. Oh yea check your antenna's on the rig.. Mine was loose due to thumping tree's.

Some good weather Freq for your area.. If your able to program them.. Good to have handy.

I considered trying HAM but I’ve honestly avoided it because I don’t need yet another hobby to dump money into.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
I considered trying HAM but I’ve honestly avoided it because I don’t need yet another hobby to dump money into.
I could easily see how you can sink money into it. But. It's worthwhile methinks. Not as a money sinking hobby. But as a tool in the toolbox. I don't see a reason to go past the handheld with an antenna kit in the truck for wheeling. No built in mobile radio. No home station. No repeaters to talk to other radio nerds. Just a tool for wheeling.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
And I could see having a total of 3 handhelds. One to leave hooked up in the truck while wheeling, one to take out of the truck if I need to spot or do something else, and a 3rd just in case. They're so small and cheap that it's not a hindrance to have multiple.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
I could easily see how you can sink money into it. But. It's worthwhile methinks. Not as a money sinking hobby. But as a tool in the toolbox. I don't see a reason to go past the handheld with an antenna kit in the truck for wheeling. No built in mobile radio. No home station. No repeaters to talk to other radio nerds. Just a tool for wheeling.
It's nice to have a couple active Hams in a group. A couple of my buddies run APRS rigs as well and we can keep track of each other's locations without actively communicating it by using it in larger groups or split groups.

Sean has his tied to a tablet that displays RX locations on either APRSDroid's mapping software or Backcountry Navigator.

Also, being able to use repeaters and understanding proper protocol will allow you to communicate effectively in an emergency. Using repeaters to reach out for help over long distances should it be needed.
 

CHUG

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
And I could see having a total of 3 handhelds. One to leave hooked up in the truck while wheeling, one to take out of the truck if I need to spot or do something else, and a 3rd just in case. They're so small and cheap that it's not a hindrance to have multiple.
If you Know your area, and Repeaters for that area.. either manual Program Or Pre-programmed radios ahead of time. Them Cheap Chinese Radio's have 134 Slots of Memory.. Lots of room to add Freq's.

For Ref: 146.520 Calling Freq (2m)
441.600 70cm
those Two Freq.. are basically 911 in the Ham world. Someone always tends to scan those freq. Plus, Folks will do calling contests on hill tops Using that freq.
Just something to have Saved in radio, or Written down. Should you ever need it..

Old fart told me, when taking the Test. Study it, memorize the info.. Take the test, Flush all that clutter from head.!
Hard part is Radio use & protocols.. how to program, what Freq go to use for area. Etc.

Fun Hobby... And nice to know, when I be any location in my state. I have Communications Regardless. cell phones SUCK!!!..Most places I tend to drive in..
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Yeah. I've been doing practice tests and there's just so much information that I'll never use. Haha. I'll get it done here in the next month or so.

Already programmed the local GMRS repeaters in my GMRS radio. And have set some stuff up in the UV-5R. Though not doing any transmitting with it until I get my license.
 

CHUG

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Next time your out wheeling.. make a few contacts on your GMRS radio.. See what range you get For area your at. To more or less give you a mental map of Range.. etc.
It's another reason to go out an play in the outdoors!!.

My good HT, can transmitt on the GMRS/FRS freq. 5watts. Rather have it.. and not need it.. Vs need it and not have it.. Have Friends that travel with dang near nothing.. and expect Cell phone to work.. And bitch 5 hours later phone is dead & No 5G.. Mine is OFF and stuffed in glove box.. ;-)
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Next time your out wheeling.. make a few contacts on your GMRS radio.. See what range you get For area your at. To more or less give you a mental map of Range.. etc.
It's another reason to go out an play in the outdoors!!.

My good HT, can transmitt on the GMRS/FRS freq. 5watts. Rather have it.. and not need it.. Vs need it and not have it.. Have Friends that travel with dang near nothing.. and expect Cell phone to work.. And bitch 5 hours later phone is dead & No 5G.. Mine is OFF and stuffed in glove box.. ;-)
Yeah. The UV-5R can do GMRS. But that's a no-no. :: wink wink nudge nudge ::

So I got a dedicated GMRS HT (rebranded Baofeng with FCC certification). And I want to get something waterproof for the 3rd HT. UV-9R or potentially something nicer.
 

CHUG

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
Your bo-fung radio, can switch power setting to low. 1 watt.. and your legal.

If Emergency need.. Crank power grab any radio.. and your golden.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
There is a 0.5w cap on 8-14 which it can't do. And the UV-5R isn't part 95 compliant. So technically it's against the rules. Though. No one is going to catch you unless you're being an ass.
 

Muadeeb

Nissan al Gaib
Admin
Location
Dallas
That's the thing about the Friendly Candy Company : everything's legal in an emergency. Even in my world, if something drastic happens (tower falls, pattern problems for AM), you get operational THEN file that something is wrong
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
Even if you aren't super active, you need to get in with a local club just for the good info you can glean from them. And partice in a local net at least occasionally for the practice.

And for gobble's sake, programming software is awesome but PLEASE learn to program your radio from the menu for on the fly use.

It will all pay dividends.
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
Is anyone else here rocking the 3D printed radio dash mount for their handheld? Still one of the coolest little mods out there if you have a UV5R and / or Midland 75-822.

2hRICiYq4yYSbsN93K3I-Tf1AkmRhJ6kS_JwT9x6b_P9-u15wWZZLz8TVAFQqfXZ0Mhu7SIZkqnd6h3dQHeMm0HF6INplOsdMz5VxCz26taS1d4NbGILmvfw7tpVpPlRezYntwZRgn0=w2400


mNS73cNbL4Pt5zXjFHqTQj5XRcPx7KK4JwIDEjsw2PSDpA5oypHronh2BX4Gma4093e9LPxXu-iTaZKNxLOYYwaj-ZqZFbhh354wVlu3UanfhLf67kYlVC-N9ksOVZ2VT0ZhHivUNSQ=w2400


L-U1H7YJDotjh6Cp7CEp2iMiB5w_GLtH0URZNCquVflt59vaYXIJjGhNYsYupP6w4Uip1Jf2HWFwdEmdRHhAlaxk3gH9398q4eu7sDBHJPwPF_GRW0sBFgPlGMoeQFro3RVe37Bb8Dw=w2400
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
And for gobble's sake, programming software is awesome but PLEASE learn to program your radio from the menu for on the fly use.

I definitely need to practice this more. We are almost always solo and take so few trips with others that I just don't get to use the radio as much as I'd like to.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
And for gobble's sake, programming software is awesome but PLEASE learn to program your radio from the menu for on the fly use.
Been doing that. Is easy. No thang. Trying to decide on 3rd HT. and I need a carry bag for all this new found crap to keep in the truck.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
Been doing that. Is easy. No thang. Trying to decide on 3rd HT. and I need a carry bag for all this new found crap to keep in the truck.
My HT is a Yaesu FT-60R. Built like a tank, rides on my pack about everywhere I go. A spare battery, 12V charger and Nifty Manual round out my kit.

The 65 and 70 are newer radios and pretty nice too for about the same money. Once you have your first quality HT, you won't want to use your cheap ones.

Ham fests and clubs are great places to get used gear for a good price as well.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
My HT is a Yaesu FT-60R. Built like a tank, rides on my pack about everywhere I go. A spare battery, 12V charger and Nifty Manual round out my kit.

The 65 and 70 are newer radios and pretty nice too for about the same money. Once you have your first quality HT, you won't want to use your cheap ones.

Ham fests and clubs are great places to get used gear for a good price as well.
I've been looking at the Yaesu radios and they look really cool. But I don't think I want to spend that kind of money. I'm really only going to use it while wheeling or in an emergency where there's no cell.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
I've been looking at the Yaesu radios and they look really cool. But I don't think I want to spend that kind of money. I'm really only going to use it while wheeling or in an emergency where there's no cell.
You'll be glad you spent the money once you've used one. I would get another FT-60R in a heart beat. The VX series is pretty good too. Lighter weight but I prefer a squelch knob to menu driven squelch.
 

Brunnie

Bumpers Installed
Supporting Member
Location
Colorado Springs
I've been looking at the Yaesu radios and they look really cool. But I don't think I want to spend that kind of money. I'm really only going to use it while wheeling or in an emergency where there's no cell.
At Ham Radio Outlet, 8400 Iliff, I picked up an Icom IC-2300H for $189
IC-2300H Radio
Seems easy to use and program, although you do need a special cable. Programming cable
And this antenna PulseLarsen

Total right at $300ish and I was set.
 

CHUG

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
At Ham Radio Outlet, 8400 Iliff, I picked up an Icom IC-2300H for $189
IC-2300H Radio
Seems easy to use and program, although you do need a special cable. Programming cable
And this antenna PulseLarsen

Total right at $300ish and I was set.
I have that Icom 2300 good little Radio.. picked it up for $230. Few years back.. BUT... Its only 2 meter @ 65 watts max
Wished I spent little more for Dual band.. for added flex in freq range.. But then again.. most of the activites are on 2meter side. haha.. never ends!

having ability to adjust the sqlch, helps when your hearing weak stations.. Vs pushing buttons and missing the contact.. OR Satellite, that I tend to Ping with my radios..
 

CHUG

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
I have a yasue HT, ( use strictly for Kayaking. If I go for a swim and its gone.. No biggie.. Not a fan of it) least its splash proof, great to scan Ch16 & 22A while on the water.

them cheap chinese radios are great for starting into the ham world.. I had up to 7 of them.. Few went for a swim, Ran over, Just out failed. Sledge hammer.. & toss.

Antenna makes the radio, do not use the antenna Inside the cab.. Range sucks.. Place on roof, or step on sliders your range will improve.
just bunch of tricks you will learn to max your range.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
I have that Icom 2300 good little Radio.. picked it up for $230. Few years back.. BUT... Its only 2 meter @ 65 watts max
Wished I spent little more for Dual band.. for added flex in freq range.. But then again.. most of the activites are on 2meter side. haha.. never ends!

having ability to adjust the sqlch, helps when your hearing weak stations.. Vs pushing buttons and missing the contact.. OR Satellite, that I tend to Ping with my radios..
I started with the 2100. They are really good little radios but like CHUG said, 2m only.

I discovered Kenwood mobiles when I purchased a TM-G707 at a ham fest. I'll never buy anything other than a Kenwood mobile. I have two of the TM-D710GA, one in the X and one as a base station. Had intended to get a third to install in my truck but they stopped making them because of the microchip shortage. Gotta wait to see what they replace it with now.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va

Holy shiat, $800. Yeah. Nah.
That price is way up because they are discontinued. They were $499 and would go on sale for $50 off occasionally.

The 710GA was a little more? $600 maybe? But would go on sale too. But if you want a full featured APRS full dual watch dual band, they can't be beat. Buy once cry once.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
That price is way up because they are discontinued. They were $499 and would go on sale for $50 off occasionally.

The 710GA was a little more? $600 maybe? But would go on sale too. But if you want a full featured APRS full dual watch dual band, they can't be beat. Buy once cry once.
Or buy for less and cry less? I just don't see the value. I have WAY better uses for $600.
 

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
NMO mount for the truck came today. Got a cheap dual band stubby for that. Thinking about buying a Nagoya 4ft dual band if that sucks. But I don't want to be 12 feet tall all the time.

Also, I got a splice for the coax so that I don't have to pull the interior and re-run the entire cable.

Now I need to convert the PL259 to a BNC for quick attachment to the radio. Or maybe SMA. I haven't decided.

I have some RG59 BNC tips at the house for cctv. But they're 75ohm tips. So I can't use them on the cable. I'm trying to limit the connectors to keep the dB drop to a minimum.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
NMO mount for the truck came today. Got a cheap dual band stubby for that. Thinking about buying a Nagoya 4ft dual band if that sucks. But I don't want to be 12 feet tall all the time.

Also, I got a splice for the coax so that I don't have to pull the interior and re-run the entire cable.

Now I need to convert the PL259 to a BNC for quick attachment to the radio. Or maybe SMA. I haven't decided.

I have some RG59 BNC tips at the house for cctv. But they're 75ohm tips. So I can't use them on the cable. I'm trying to limit the connectors to keep the dB drop to a minimum.
1126-B Antenna Tram Black UHF 1/4 wave NMO Pre Tuned 410-490Mhz Antenna Motorola Kenwood Icom Vertex Blackbox HYT Hytera Mobile Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L9D2N6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_MPE476TF4PFC3TMQG8YH
 

CHUG

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
With that set up.. Your range in simplex will average 15-50 miles.. And if on hill top 60 Plus miles.. with 5 watts.. That is a LARGE Range, chances of someone being within that Radius is good..

Once your antenna is up.. You can start scanning freq.. If you hear Call signs.. Write them down.. and note location your at when heard them.

Type them in.. and see location.. Of the owner.. Unless they are Broadcasting from a location, Road. ETC.. most of the time during the ragchew, they will make mention of location.. Gives you a Idea on range.. If you can hear them clearly, your chances to talk to them are really good.


Call sign look up: http://www.arrl.org/advanced-call-sign-search
 

CHUG

Lockers Installed
Supporting Member
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
Bad part about those. That dam coil. will strip every dam leaf on every dam branch has you pass a low tree.. Had one that was packed with leaves, that it stretched the coil..

Reminds me, I need to check my antenna near Radio for Water seepage from antenna.. New 5/8wave antenna is better brand..

Just keep eye on them. And watch drive up food joints.. if antenna is too high, makes lots of noise.. clicking.. ;-)
 
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