Post up your mobile Ham radio set up.
Looking for ideas on mounts, radios, and antenna installation.
Looking for ideas on mounts, radios, and antenna installation.
Calling all Ham radio members (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter LandCruiserPhil
- Start date
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Phil, I have a Yaesu FT-8800R for a main radio and a FT-1500M for APRS and backup radio. The 8800 is really nice as it has the detachable head that is pretty small and can be mounted just about anywhere.
I drilled the roof and installed two NMO mounts.
I drilled the roof and installed two NMO mounts.
Not an 80 series....
I also use a Yaesu FT7800.
The transceiver resides under the driver's seat (homemade mount). Wired to my Blue Sea box under the hood.
I mounted the head unit on the dash on my FJ (homemade mount). Velcro holds the mic to the dash.
I have a remote speaker placed between the seat back and the headrest.
I use a Diamond MR77 magnetic mount antenna.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/...CEA221C-1212-0000034E78BE898E_zps6eb9c70a.jpg
I also use a Yaesu FT7800.
The transceiver resides under the driver's seat (homemade mount). Wired to my Blue Sea box under the hood.
I mounted the head unit on the dash on my FJ (homemade mount). Velcro holds the mic to the dash.
I have a remote speaker placed between the seat back and the headrest.
I use a Diamond MR77 magnetic mount antenna.
http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/...CEA221C-1212-0000034E78BE898E_zps6eb9c70a.jpg
- Thread starter
- #5
Thanks for the input
I was leaning towards dual band and it looks like everyone else is going the same
I like the detachable face with the hopes of mounting the main unit under the seat of my 80
I'm also leaning to a magnetic mounted antenna making possible to use in multiple vehicles if needed. Cfish your antenna looks great for the price. Have you had any problems with it falling off. I could not find a rating on the magnet
The Little Wil magnetic CB antenna I use is rated at 90 lbs and has been great.
Antenna question: Any problem mounting antenna's (CB/ham) near each other?
I was leaning towards dual band and it looks like everyone else is going the same
I like the detachable face with the hopes of mounting the main unit under the seat of my 80
I'm also leaning to a magnetic mounted antenna making possible to use in multiple vehicles if needed. Cfish your antenna looks great for the price. Have you had any problems with it falling off. I could not find a rating on the magnet
The Little Wil magnetic CB antenna I use is rated at 90 lbs and has been great.Antenna question: Any problem mounting antenna's (CB/ham) near each other?
Jim S.
SILVER Star
Phil,
On the Fj Cruiser, I mount the mag mount in center of my ARB roof rack. The CB antenna is attached to the upper hinge of the rear hatch. Have not had any problems with this set up. Try polling the Rising Sun members, they run multiple set ups over there.
On the Fj Cruiser, I mount the mag mount in center of my ARB roof rack. The CB antenna is attached to the upper hinge of the rear hatch. Have not had any problems with this set up. Try polling the Rising Sun members, they run multiple set ups over there.
...Cfish your antenna looks great for the price. Have you had any problems with it falling off. I could not find a rating on the magnet
Never an issue with the magnetic base. I've gone through some low hanging trees and mount never lost contact, the whip is pretty flexible. The whip unscrews to allow you to park in the garage as well...
Only issue I see with proximity is the antennas touching during HAM transmission...could be bad juju for the radio when pushing out 50 watts.
Mag mounts are convienient, but I don't recommend using them as a permanent solution. Mag mounts will collect lots of brake dust, and due to vibrations will act as very fine grit sandpaper and eventually damage the paint. Plus, if you moving/removing the mount it is very difficult not to scratch the paint. 
Given the intended use of these vehicles most people could care less, but thought I'd throw it out there.
Shouldn't be a problem if the frequencies aren't close (e.g. CB and 2m ham). Modern transceivers should utilize a system of high-pass/low-pass/band-pass filters around their band significantly reducing the sensitivity outside the band.
You will have issues if running two ham radios for example tuned to similar frequencies. If you transmit on high power on one radio and the other radio is listening on a nearby frequency right next to it, you may damage the input stages of the other radio.
Given the intended use of these vehicles most people could care less, but thought I'd throw it out there.
Shouldn't be a problem if the frequencies aren't close (e.g. CB and 2m ham). Modern transceivers should utilize a system of high-pass/low-pass/band-pass filters around their band significantly reducing the sensitivity outside the band.
You will have issues if running two ham radios for example tuned to similar frequencies. If you transmit on high power on one radio and the other radio is listening on a nearby frequency right next to it, you may damage the input stages of the other radio.
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Phil, I route the antennae out the rear sliding window and ususlly place them about a foot apart in the center of the roof. No issues of interference.
I like the mag antennae because they are easily removed and won't break off if I hit a low branch. I have never really knocked one off as the magnets are very strong. I do not worry about marring the paint on the roof too much.....and I have not noticed any marks to date. When done wheeling I just pull them off and bring them inside.
I leave them hooked up and stored next to my ARB fridge in the back so it is just a matter of sliding open a window and slapping on the antenna. Good to go!
I like the mag antennae because they are easily removed and won't break off if I hit a low branch. I have never really knocked one off as the magnets are very strong. I do not worry about marring the paint on the roof too much.....and I have not noticed any marks to date. When done wheeling I just pull them off and bring them inside.
I leave them hooked up and stored next to my ARB fridge in the back so it is just a matter of sliding open a window and slapping on the antenna. Good to go!
I went from a Yaesu 7800 dual band back to a 2900 2m only rig as I rarely was on 70cm and I wanted more power on the 2m band I do use all the time.
I will try to snap a pic in the morning.
Now understand the 2m only radios usually don't have a detachable face so that makes mounting more CB like, so while the radio is 1/2 the cost it might be worth it to have a dual band for the ease of install.
I am tossing around the idea of a big ol' HF setup with the monster antenna and all the bands to play on...but that would mean more study, another test, hundreds $$ more....oh yeah that is why I keep it simple
One final thing, if you go to Baja or like any of the desert races....or if you just want to be ready for an emergency then doing a open freq mod on your radio if worth it. A little google time on the model you own will usually show how easy it is.
I will try to snap a pic in the morning.
Now understand the 2m only radios usually don't have a detachable face so that makes mounting more CB like, so while the radio is 1/2 the cost it might be worth it to have a dual band for the ease of install.
I am tossing around the idea of a big ol' HF setup with the monster antenna and all the bands to play on...but that would mean more study, another test, hundreds $$ more....oh yeah that is why I keep it simple
One final thing, if you go to Baja or like any of the desert races....or if you just want to be ready for an emergency then doing a open freq mod on your radio if worth it. A little google time on the model you own will usually show how easy it is.
- Thread starter
- #13
No worries there is room for both...I dont plan on dumping the CB anytime soon.
The Ham offers much better, quieter, longer communication, and is gaining popularity with several groups.
My main reason is to provide immediate communication when out of cell range. For many years Amateur radio has provided communication during natural disasters when other types of communication has failed.
I do have a (1) brand new in the box Uniden 510XL available for $33.33 if you or anyone else is interested
Man, I live on a shoe string budget. Most of my cruiser mods were things that I knocked off or clearanced on the trail. So buying both is not what I want to look into. (would be nice, but as I can't afford to even drive this pig every day, it is a pipe dream).
If the future of trail communicating is leaning towards ham, ill start saving. Till then, ill keep using the horn, flashing lights and yelling method.
If the future of trail communicating is leaning towards ham, ill start saving. Till then, ill keep using the horn, flashing lights and yelling method.
Is your 2900 in an 80-series? I'm kicking around going with a Yaesu 2900 for simplicity and budget reasons. I would be interested to see how some have mounted a 2900 in an 80-series.
Thanks.
- Thread starter
- #16
Smoking deal on a Yaesu FT-2900R ($125 shipped) <link for anyone thinking about stepping up.
I have been measuring and it looks like if you have upgraded your stereo to single DIN you have room below to install a Yaesu 2900R in the dash of a 80.
EDIT - after more measuring, it may fit but you will need a crowbar
CSC has a new member that is an ARRL accredited volunteer examiner. He has offered to conduct an exam session. PM me if you are studying and we can plan a private exam date whenever we are ready to take a test!
I have been measuring and it looks like if you have upgraded your stereo to single DIN you have room below to install a Yaesu 2900R in the dash of a 80.
EDIT - after more measuring, it may fit but you will need a crowbar
CSC has a new member that is an ARRL accredited volunteer examiner. He has offered to conduct an exam session. PM me if you are studying and we can plan a private exam date whenever we are ready to take a test!
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CSC has a new member that is an ARRL accredited volunteer examiner. He has offered to conduct an exam session. PM me if you are studying and we can plan a private exam date whenever we are ready to take a test!
Not sure when I'll get a radio, but I'm interested in at least getting certified. I'm in.
- Thread starter
- #18
Purchased my 2m yesterday Kenwood TM-281A plan is to install in the dash under the stereo in the blank DIN.
Anyone else looking to get certified post up if interested in a study group. Certified CSC members have offer to help and answer question if there is interest in a study group.
Saddletramp
GOLD Star
Do you have a Canadian version?
