2 Meter Radio / OffRoad Use

[Elbert]

looking to get into a ham radio for off-road use..etc. From what I can tell mainly 2 meters...

Looking for a sturdy, dependable radio for use in offroad conditions.

Seems like the Yaseu FT-2900 R or the Icom V 8000 would be good choices. Looking for suggestions, simplicity and function would over-rule "fluff"...

Any suggestions, pro / con , should there be consideration of a dual band radio 2m/70cm?

Looking for something that is easy to operate, dependable , tough....etc.

THanks, Elbert
Yaseu FT-2900 R

 

[e9999]

yes, I would consider a dual band. Seems like having the 70cm adds up a good number of repeaters. (do they even have 2m only mobiles?)

 

[Jacket]

I've got the FT2800/2900 in my 40 - good basic unit. I went with the 7800/7900 in my 80 because of the detachable faceplate option. It gives you many more mounting options because you can install the bulky radio anywhere in the truck, and then wire it to the small face plate up front.

70cm seemed like a good idea when I was buying, but frankly we never use it. The 2M simplex and repeater system (in Colorado anyway) are more than ample.

 

[Elbert]

yes, I would consider a dual band. Seems like having the 70cm adds up a good number of repeaters. (do they even have 2m only mobiles?)

yes...both models above are 2m only to the extent I know.

 

[tgreening]

looking to get into a ham radio for off-road use..etc. From what I can tell mainly 2 meters...

Looking for a sturdy, dependable radio for use in offroad conditions.

Seems like the Yaseu FT-2900 R or the Icom V 8000 would be good choices. Looking for suggestions, simplicity and function would over-rule "fluff"...

Any suggestions, pro / con , should there be consideration of a dual band radio 2m/70cm?

Looking for something that is easy to operate, dependable , tough....etc.

THanks, Elbert
Yaseu FT-2900 R

Probably a dumb question, but I assume you intend to get the required license as well?

 

[Elbert]

Probably a dumb question, but I assume you intend to get the required license as well?

why is this even a question?

When I go fishing & hunting I have the proper license, when I operate a vehicle I have the proper license...etc.

 

[OGBeno]

I have the 2800 in my 80 and just got a 2900 for my 60.

IMHO, these are the simplest, best options for simple 2M communications both truck to truck and via the repeater systems.

Both are built to military spec. as well.

Can't really go wrong.

 

[1911]

I have the 2800 in my 80 and just got a 2900 for my 60.

IMHO, these are the simplest, best options for simple 2M communications both truck to truck and via the repeater systems.

Both are built to military spec. as well.

Can't really go wrong.

+1, the 2800/2900 are bulletproof radios, require no fan, they just work all the time and have more power than most dual-band radios. I've had several 2800's and still own my first one.

Dual-band is great if you want to run APRS or you live in a large metro area with 70 cm repeaters, but otherwise not a big deal. A single-band 2 M radio is fine for 99% of trail commo.

 

[Elbert]

thanks for the feedback

 

[george_tlc]

The simple decision is... Do you want/need remote mount of the faceplate or not.

Remote mount (at least in Yaesu rigs) means a fancier dual band (or more) rig - more $$.

If you have room to mount a rig where you have access to the front panel etc, then a basic 2m rig is an available option.

2m only rig will run you around $140

Remote mount faceplate moves you into a $300 rig (and dual band or more).

I've got an ft-857d in my 80 (2m/uhf/hf) with the rig mounted in the back passenger side cubby hole. The remote mount is great to put the radio's front panel where I want.

In my jeep I have an ft-1802 (2m) mounted up against the inside roof near the rearview mirror - no sun/moonroof to deal with.

In my oz patrol I've got a UHF CB (sorta/kinda like frs/gmrs here in the US) and am going to mount an FT-7900r in my center console and the remote mount on the dash (or by the mirror).

So, you have lots of choices, all depends on what freq you want to use (2m is perfect for vehicle/vehicle and hiking/vehicle) and if you have a place to mount the whole rig or only the front panel.

cheers,
george.

 

[Kofoed]

I have an Icom V8000. Personally, I do not like the menu set up. It does have a LOUD front-firing speaker and big display--good for an open 40.

I also have Yaesu radios, and I really like them. Don't be concerned about whether one radio puts out 55 watts versus 65 watts--it really is not much difference.

Kenwood, Yaesu, Icom Alinco, all make decent stuff. Make sure, anyway, it is Mil Std 810 rated (shock, moisture, dust, heat resistant)

As far as dual band radios go, there is not much activity on 70cm, most repeaters are closed--and I live in LA. Dual banders have their place and some cool functions, but for a trail rig, save your money IMHO.

The Yaesu 1900 is pretty small if space is a concern. I get one if my Yaesu 1500 ever went down.

 

[rusty_tlc]

For a first radio you can't beat the FT-2900 IMHO. Butt simple to operate, just a few buttons that are large enough to press while driving (on the trail, never while on the street). I have it's predecessor, the FT-2800, in my FJ40 and it's perfect for that rig since 100% of the use is trail comm.

I have the FT-7900 in my FJ60 but that's only because I found a deal on a used one from someone that had up-graded to a FT-8800. I really don't like the tiny little buttons on the radio though.

 

[Elbert]

thanks...I'm pretty much sold on the FT-2900.. Appreciate the feedback. On some of the reviews I've read...some commented that at full power the radio would overheat after extended talk.. most everyone else had positive comments.

On reviews of the above referenced ICOM unit...there were a lot of comments about quality issues with the mic.

 

[Kofoed]

On reviews of the above referenced ICOM unit...there were a lot of comments about quality issues with the mic.

An easy fix. Take the cover off, dab a bit of alcohol or contact cleaner on the push to talk button assembly under a rubber boot, and you are good....

 

[1911]

On some of the reviews I've read...some commented that at full power the radio would overheat after extended talk.. most everyone else had positive comments.

It has four different power levels, switchable by simply pushing one of the rubber buttons on the front. As with all ham radio operations, only use the minimum amount of power required to make the contact. In most trail situations, low or one of the medium power settings is more than adequate. Also, mount your 2900 so that the large cooling fins in the rear have air flow.

 

[rusty_tlc]

thanks...I'm pretty much sold on the FT-2900.. Appreciate the feedback. On some of the reviews I've read...some commented that at full power the radio would overheat after extended talk.. most everyone else had positive comments.

On reviews of the above referenced ICOM unit...there were a lot of comments about quality issues with the mic.

In practice I never talk that much, most of the time it's three or four of us on simplex with the normal flow of conversation no one person talks long enough to cause heat problems. Also as 1911 mentioned if you use the lowest power that will make the contact you will probably never have a problem.

 

[Elbert]

bought the FT-2900R today, along with enough other stuff to get it installed, antenna, mount ...etc. I'm going to see if I can mount the antenna to the lip of the hood, and potentially mount the radio to the outisde of my (between teh seat console)... Alt antenna mounts would be the lip of the cargo door or to the front bumper. Can't have the antenna too high as tree limbs and stuff are everywhere ...where we ride in TN and other places I go. Waiting on stuff to ship and got to take the lic test soon.

 

[tgreening]

why is this even a question?

When I go fishing & hunting I have the proper license, when I operate a vehicle I have the proper license...etc.

Wasn't trying to pinch any nerves, but a surprising number of people think it's just like a cb, pop it in and go, so that's why it was a question.

 

[Elbert]

Wasn't trying to pinch any nerves, but a surprising number of people think it's just like a cb, pop it in and go, so that's why it was a question.

OK.. I try to play legal on most things.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

bought the FT-2900R today, along with enough other stuff to get it installed, antenna, mount ...etc. I'm going to see if I can mount the antenna to the lip of the hood, and potentially mount the radio to the outisde of my (between teh seat console)... Alt antenna mounts would be the lip of the cargo door or to the front bumper. Can't have the antenna too high as tree limbs and stuff are everywhere ...where we ride in TN and other places I go. Waiting on stuff to ship and got to take the lic test soon.

Really good choice for a radio. You should get years of reliable use from it.

Antenna mounts-There is no perfect location, but the best is in the middle of your roof. Often not practical with trees and stuff.

Various lip mounts are good, and likely a lip mount on your rear lift gate will be the best compromise. Just remember every mounting option is a compromise.

For 2m only operation, you can't do better than a Larsen 150 antenna. It's just a steel whip that can take serious punishment. As a bonus, it's inexpensive. The whip part of it can be replaced for less than $20. There are higher gain antennas, but they are more complex, more expensive, and don't take abuse as well. Avoid the antennas with the little coil in the middle of the antenna whip. They get bent very easily.

If you are mounting on or near the roof, use a 5/8 wave antenna. If you mount somewhere suboptimal like a bumper or hood, you might consider a 1/2 wave antenna. It will be easier to tune, but the gain will be less. Again, it's all a compromise.

Regarding power, it's all ad hype, because either 1/4 watt will work or nothing will work. Occasionally, you need higher power, like for working a distant contact or repeater, but for trail coms, assuming everyone else has a well set up antenna, you need virtually no power. I leave mine on 5 watt output and can talk from one end of the Rubicon to the other. If I need to increase power, it usually means the person I'm talking to, did a poor antenna install. We have talked from the Rubicon trail head, to the Mt Diablo repeater (150 miles or so) on 5 watts. It's all about the antenna set up, so do a good job with this.

Good luck. And welcome to real ability to communicate on trail runs. Don't sweat the test.

KI6MIE