[CreeperSleeper]

I'm going in a week and a half to get my Tech. license. What do you guys use in your rigs? I'm trying to decide between what HT, mag mount ant and remote mic. Eventually I would like to have a mobile unit too, but I need to set it up on the cheap for the time being. Any help or ideas would be awesome! TIA

[bj70_guy]

Single or dual band? My preference would be a mobile first, then a HT later. YOu can get a VHF-only radio like a Yaesu FT2800 for around $130, cheaper than buying a HT and optioning it up with hand mike, power adapter, etc.

For HTs I have a dual band Yaesu VX-6R and like it a lot. My bro-in-law bought a single band VX 170 and has been very happy with it.

Antenna wise you could consider a good, permanently mounted whip, especially if you're thinking of a mobile down the road. I like the Larsen NMO 2/70 for a dual band. My bro-in-law has the single band version and it really works well.

You're not too far from the Portland Ham Radio Outlet, take a drive up the the "Candy Store" and ask them for advice as well. Maybe leave the plastic at home though - that place is trouble!

[CreeperSleeper]

LOL! Thanks for the advice. The problem that I have with getting a mobile first is I have 3 wheelers and am looking at picking up another one. I don't want to be moving the radio from my 80, to the buggy, to the 4Runner, to the 40, etc...

As far as dual or single band, I just need 2M and to be able to monitor 151 mhz

[bj70_guy]

My B-I-L has been happy with his Yaesu VX 170. He picked it up while on a road trip, grabbed an MFJ mag mount antenna for $25, and used it all the way home. It's a bit large as HTs go but it's not huge, just bigger than a VX 6 or 7.

Some of the guys in my club got a group buy deal on some Icom HTs a couple of years ago. They seem to work really well too, especially with an external antenna.
I would just go to HRO and ask about any HT with full 5 watts of power and preferably one you can use programming software with. They'll be glad to set you up and take your money...

[Miescha]

I have the Icom IC-7000 in my 80 and have it setup for a quick transfer to the family-truckster Denali (under 5 min start-to-finish).

But I too have been looking at the HTs and after nearly buying the Icom 92 with GPS mic for nearly $1k, I've pretty well decided to just spend $300 and go with a vx7.

It is really small but still really feature packed. I don't have any need for D-star even though everyone tells me it is the future and I'll eventually wish I had it. Ditto for the GPS mic.

I really wanted to stay with Icom just for the 'more similar' programming and features, but Icom just doesn't offer anything like the vx7 at the same price point.

[rusty_tlc]

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

LOL! Thanks for the advice. The problem that I have with getting a mobile first is I have 3 wheelers and am looking at picking up another one. I don't want to be moving the radio from my 80, to the buggy, to the 4Runner, to the 40, etc...

As far as dual or single band, I just need 2M and to be able to monitor 151 mhz

I used the same reasoning. FAIL!
I really wish I had gone with a cheap mobile first. I did an FT2800 install for a friend two weeks ago and really like the radio. It is simple to understand and easy to operate while driving. My VX7R in contrast is impossible to adjust while driving, I have to stop to change power or squelch settings.

I don't think it would be a huge deal to rig up a quick mount bracket and move a mobile from rig to rig. You would have to chop off the factory power connector and replace it with power pole connectors but the power pole connector is the standard for all emergency HAM agencies anyway.

You will want a mag mount antenna for the HT anyway so thats a wash. I doubt you could get a HT with a speakermic for the $130 that the FT2800 sells for.

Another consideration is the 5W power you typicaly get with a HT. Sometimes I can hear everybody but they either don't copy me at all or my signal is so faint they can't understand me.

Hope this helps.

[rusty_tlc]

Originally Posted by Miescha

I have the Icom IC-7000 in my 80 and have it setup for a quick transfer to the family-truckster Denali (under 5 min start-to-finish).

But I too have been looking at the HTs and after nearly buying the Icom 92 with GPS mic for nearly $1k, I've pretty well decided to just spend $300 and go with a vx7.

It is really small but still really feature packed. I don't have any need for D-star even though everyone tells me it is the future and I'll eventually wish I had it. Ditto for the GPS mic.

I really wanted to stay with Icom just for the 'more similar' programming and features, but Icom just doesn't offer anything like the vx7 at the same price point.

Buy the programing cable for the VX7R, it's a bit*h to program via the keypad.
Nice radio though, it's taken me a while to learn to use it simply because it is so feature rich. Actually I would never buy another radio with the programing cable, using a laptop to program the memory makes life so much simpler.

[CreeperSleeper]

Good info! Keep it coming, please... I need all the help I can get!

[Kofoed]

Look for a model that has an ear piece/mic attachment to fit under the helment with a vox feature (voice activated mic) This is so you can talk "hands free"

[rusty_tlc]

Originally Posted by Kofoed

Look for a model that has an ear piece/mic attachment to fit under the helment with a vox feature (voice activated mic) This is so you can talk "hands free"

My wife wanted me to wear a helmet when I drive the 40 but I laid down the law on that one.

[FJ40_owner]

Originally Posted by rusty_tlc

I used the same reasoning. FAIL!
I really wish I had gone with a cheap mobile first. I did an FT2800 install for a friend two weeks ago and really like the radio. It is simple to understand and easy to operate while driving. My VX7R in contrast is impossible to adjust while driving, I have to stop to change power or squelch settings.

I don't think it would be a huge deal to rig up a quick mount bracket and move a mobile from rig to rig. You would have to chop off the factory power connector and replace it with power pole connectors but the power pole connector is the standard for all emergency HAM agencies anyway.

You will want a mag mount antenna for the HT anyway so thats a wash. I doubt you could get a HT with a speakermic for the $130 that the FT2800 sells for.

Another consideration is the 5W power you typicaly get with a HT. Sometimes I can hear everybody but they either don't copy me at all or my signal is so faint they can't understand me.

Hope this helps.

You should program the same freq multiple times with different power settings etc.
For example in Memory one I have the main repeater I use as follows.

805_RPT Repeater, Set low power, min squelch
805_R_HI Repeater, High power_Max squelch.
805_TA Low power simplex
805_TA_H High power simplex

No fumbling, just turn the knob

[Kofoed]

Originally Posted by rusty_tlc

My wife wanted me to wear a helmet when I drive the 40 but I laid down the law on that one.

I thought when he originally said 3 wheelers, he was talking about the 3 wheeled atc's. I guess that gives away my age.

HT for a mobile-only use a pain and it sucks.

[rusty_tlc]

Originally Posted by FJ40_owner

You should program the same freq multiple times with different power settings etc.
For example in Memory one I have the main repeater I use as follows.

805_RPT Repeater, Set low power, min squelch
805_R_HI Repeater, High power_Max squelch.
805_TA Low power simplex
805_TA_H High power simplex

No fumbling, just turn the knob

I usually put the HT in lock mode so it doesn't get off freq or whatever.

[CreeperSleeper]

Originally Posted by Kofoed

I thought when he originally said 3 wheelers, he was talking about the 3 wheeled atc's. I guess that gives away my age.

HT for a mobile-only use a pain and it sucks.

Nope, 3 different rigs. Does anybody have pics of a "quick disconnect" set-up on a moble unit? I would like to see how others have it set up... (Not trying to be annoying, I'm just a kenetic learner.)

[rusty_tlc]

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

Nope, 3 different rigs. Does anybody have pics of a "quick disconnect" set-up on a moble unit? I would like to see how others have it set up... (Not trying to be annoying, I'm just a kenetic learner.)

I haven't built mine yet but I have two plans.

Plan A: Make a "U" shaped bracket similar the the factory bracket but slot the radio mounting holes.

Plan B: Use automotive velcro to mount the factory bracket.

I'm leaning toward Plan A because it seems more secure.

For both plans the power cable and antenna cable would stay with the rig. All that would move is the Radio and antenna. My radio has a remote head so I will probably route the cable for that and a remote speaker in each rig as well.

[CreeperSleeper]

Can't wait to see it when it's done! Does anybody have any experience with the Kenwood TM-271A? It seems like it would hold up well to the open top rigs, hard wheeling and moving it around alot. I'm also looking at the Yaesu FT1802M or the Icom IC-2200H. Thanks again!

Just so you guys understand, these are not an expedition type rigs...

[CreeperSleeper]

Oh! I'm taking my test for my ticket on Sunday... Wish me luck!

[CreeperSleeper]

Got my ticket! (yeah me) Now I just need to get a radio...

[Miescha]

Congrats on passing!

FWIW, researching and choosing a radio (and antennas and coax, and swr/watt meters, and on and on and on) was more difficult and time consuming than passing the test.

Enjoy!

[CreeperSleeper]

I finding this to be extreamly true and I haven't even stepped past radios yet! I know that I want both a HT and a mobile. I would like to be able to use the same software to program them. They need to be MIL-Spec for durability. I want the mobile to have a weather band. 2m and monotoring Public Safty ch is most importand... Possibly will do a dual band as a mobile, but I'm not sure if it's neccessary. The biggest thing is the radio is going to get abused... I need something that can take it and is loud enough to hear in a buggy!

[Miescha]

I only know enough to be dangerous. I didn't need mil-spec for the mobile though I did have the Yaesu 8900 for a short time and it was pretty darn durable. I switched to an Icom 7000 for the wider band range and other nifty features.

On the HT, you will hear a lot about the Yaesu vx series (vx-6 and vx-7 especially). Super tough radios with dual vfo and tons of memory and features for comparatively little money. You'd have to spend a lot more to get the same features from Icom (but you'd also get D-star if you wanted that). I went with the Yaesu vx-7.

As for programming, if you go with the manufacturer cables, it seems you'll need different cables even if both the mobile and HT are the same brand - I'[m not sure on this as I'm just now researching, but it seems to be the case. But if you go with a third party setup, you'll be able to program a wider range of radios - both HT and mobile (and for less money).

As for having a speaker loud enough to hear in a buggy, if you're referring to the mobile you'll likely be mounting it remotely anyway and so you'll need an external remote speaker. Once you go that route, you can get something plenty loud (and clear) and mount it right next to your ear if you like, so the internal speaker won't matter.

If you're talking about the HT, you'll just have to hold it to your ear (though you could also hook up an external mic and speaker, but that costs more).

Good luck!

[panoramic]

I have a dozen HT's and about six mobile units. The portability of an HT as a first radio is hard to beat on a small budget. I have two Yaesu Vx-7r's . They are dual-band and very water resistant. You can also get a water-resistant mike for it. If you are wheelin' with an open top or while hiking you drop it in the water, you don't have to worry so much.

A buddy in town had the same issues as you and he has a open-top 40. He strapped the Vx-7r to the inside of the roll cage with velcro and pulls it out when in camp to talk.

The biggest limitations of the HT's are limited power (usually 5 or 6 watts) and the antenna efficiency/location. I would DEFINITELY opt for an external vehicle antenna and cable adapter for each rig - you can use that same antenna later if you upgrade to a mobile unit. Be wary of long HT antennas that mount directly to the hand-held units - they tend to put A LOT of stress on the connector and can easily break the circuit board if dropped. Another limitation is the small screen/keys when driving.
The VX7R can be configured to have a BIG playschool font (with less info) though.

The casing of the VX7R is magnesium. It is mil-specd. Every connector is gasketed. My VX7R's have worn paint edges like a well-iused gun or camera (brassing). I have them for many hiking expeditions, travel-trips and offroading. I used to carry my VX7R strapped to my belt during the day because that was the alert method for our office of emergency managent in San Francisco. I carried the VX7R strapped to my backpack whenever I mountain biked (rain or shine) and pulled the extension mike to my shoulder - lots of intense vibration, dust and moisture. Neither unit has ever failed. The radio can be either s/w or h/w modified to have expanded Transmit capability (if you are licensed for that).

The free Commander software is much better (and cheaper) than the Yaesu s/w.
You will need a programming cable for it.

These radios have been in production for about 5 years so there are no s/w or h/w revision issues any more (ALL of the manufactures have h/w and s/w bugs when first released). There are variants of the same radio for Aviation (different internals) with aviation headsets (that ARE compatible!).

One other thing: This radio does not have built-in APRS. You can adapt any 2meter radio to APRS, but that is a lot of wires. There is a next-generation call the VX8R coming out next month that does APRS if you can wait (and risk bugs).


One other HT option. There is NO brand of radio that is more rugged and available in the USA than Motorola commercial HT's.
One specifically that I own is the HT-1000. It can transmit up to 7 or 8 watts. This is the radio that many 80's/90's cops have worn. It's speaker and speaker mike are meant to be louder than a crowd and be HEARD! It has a large battery. The dials are simple, responsive and hard to knock off frequency. The quality of the sound, tuning and accuracy of the radio are professional grade. The speaker mike cable bolts into the radio so a fall will not separate the super-tough cable. This unit is meant to be in a life&death scuffle so you know it is TOUGH!

The extra's available: vehicle cradle/adapter, several speaker mikes, factory earpieces, sturdy cop-belt holster, gang battery chargers.
The problems are:Requires a radio shop to program the frqeuencies, single band, typically has no lcd display, typically not water proof but water resistant (but there are EXPLOSION proof mining/fire variants!).

If you need more details or help I would be glad to respond on any of this.

[CreeperSleeper]

I would like some more info on the Motorola's. Do you have to modify them for 2m? Sorry, I haven't even tried to look into that aspect!

What is the durability of a Vx150 or VX170? I really don't think I will need a HT that's more than a 2m radio. It would be nice for the moble, but I think that will be around Christmas time! I have a couple of events to run that will require me to be out of my rig, so a HT makes more sence at the moment...

[rusty_tlc]

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

I would like some more info on the Motorola's. Do you have to modify them for 2m? Sorry, I haven't even tried to look into that aspect!

What is the durability of a Vx150 or VX170? I really don't think I will need a HT that's more than a 2m radio. It would be nice for the moble, but I think that will be around Christmas time! I have a couple of events to run that will require me to be out of my rig, so a HT makes more sence at the moment...

I'd shy away from any radio that needs to be programmed by a shop. There are plenty of inexpensive choices out there that you can program with your own PC.

Most HT's are pretty durable, in fact most HAM radios are pretty durable. I think you need to take a look at a couple of radios first hand. The average HAM radio will more than stand up to anything you are likely to throw at it. These units are not built like the consumer radio you probably already have in your rig, they are built for rugged use.

[panoramic]

Some ham HT's are actually pretty fragile and not meant to take abuse. I think that use in an vehicle, especially offroad is extremely harsh on equipment - dust, water, heat, vibration etc... Not to mention what can happen on a backpacking trip on in a campground! There are some great freatured HT's out there that do NOT stand up against abuse in the field.

I would opt for a dual-band radio. The reason is that H.T.'s really shine when using a repeater. Most repeaters are either 2M or 440. Typically rural areas use 2M because it travels better, city-slickers use 440 because there is better audio quality.
I like to have both covered.

Motorola's must be programmed by either a shop or someone who has the licensed s/w and tether. The HT1000's (and other series) do come in 2M variety. They typically can be soft programmed for the ham band. Some require minor adjustment (check out the website batlabs.com for details). Motorola's are only ONE band (2M or 440 etc...) at manufacture and can not be changed into a multi-band radio. You select the motorola radio for the band you want. Some guys just use two radios if they want dual band because they love the Motorola radios.

[CreeperSleeper]

Well, I think that I've decided on a Yaesu VX-170 HT and a Yaesu FT-7800R mobile. That should give me everything that I need plus be durable and I will be able to program them with the same software... Now on to coax and antennas... From what I hear, LMR 400 coax is the cat's meow. But as for antennas, I have no idea. I would like to get a dedicated 2m mag mount for the HT, but I have no idea what to get...

[Miescha]

I know a lot of mud guys have the Yaesu 8800, so if the 7800 is anything similar you've made a good choice.

On the coax, I don't think you'll need or want LMR 400 for a mobile application. You'll probably want to just order a premade assembly that matches your antenna (and that will probably be RG8 unless you go with a Diamond setup). Loss in a mobile setup is generally not an issue as the distance is never great. Durability is the bigger issue, followed by heat (avoid foam core coax, so RG8x is out).

check out Welcome to KØBG's Web Site for more than you ever wanted to know about mobile installs. I spent weeks (hours a day, literally for weeks) on his site and it made my head hurt at times. There is tons of info about radios, antennas, ground (image) plane, RF plane, DC ground plane, ground loop, noise, loss, gain, bonding, and on and on and on. Tons of advise on antennas also.

The short answer from him though is buy a Larsen NMO 2/70 for vhf/uhf and call it a day. I have two. I also just (yesterday) ordered a Larsen NMO 2/70 SH (shorter, stubby version of the NMO 2/70 with an integrated spring at the base - for heavy off-road abuse), and also a Larsen NMO 27 (for 11m CB) and also a Diamond NR 770 HNMO with the matching Diamond coax kit (I ordered the Larsen NMO K kit for all the Larsen antennas).

Enjoy, and post up as you have more questions - someone here has probably just went through whatever you are asking.

[rusty_tlc]

Originally Posted by panoramic

Some ham HT's are actually pretty fragile and not meant to take abuse. I think that use in an vehicle, especially offroad is extremely harsh on equipment - dust, water, heat, vibration etc... Not to mention what can happen on a backpacking trip on in a campground! There are some great freatured HT's out there that do NOT stand up against abuse in the field.

I would opt for a dual-band radio. The reason is that H.T.'s really shine when using a repeater. Most repeaters are either 2M or 440. Typically rural areas use 2M because it travels better, city-slickers use 440 because there is better audio quality.
I like to have both covered.

Motorola's must be programmed by either a shop or someone who has the licensed s/w and tether. The HT1000's (and other series) do come in 2M variety. They typically can be soft programmed for the ham band. Some require minor adjustment (check out the website batlabs.com for details). Motorola's are only ONE band (2M or 440 etc...) at manufacture and can not be changed into a multi-band radio. You select the motorola radio for the band you want. Some guys just use two radios if they want dual band because they love the Motorola radios.

I just noticed there is an article in last months* QST on programming Motorola radios. I'll read it when I get a chance, but at a glance you also need a computer to radio interface and some cables.

*I get QST second hand from a co-worker so I'm always a month behind.

[CreeperSleeper]

Got my call sign!!! KE7VSA

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

Got my call sign!!! KE7VSA

Congratulations! It is great to see how many are taking the time to learn the material, take the test, and acquire the equipment.



-B-