Even more 2 meter radio tricks

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PKP80,

If you like to study from a book, I recommend "Technicial Class 2003-2007" By Gordon West. I like this book better than the ARRL book. For one the answers to the questions are right below the questions.

This is a direct link to the book on Amazon

Regards

Alvaro
 
Sam and others...

The Technician test is comprised of 35 questions drawn from a pool of (200 or so) standardized, publically available questions. The current exam / question pool will expire next month (30 Jun 06).

This means that any current, or older hard-copy exam study guide (Gorden West is generally a good one...) would be based on the old, rather than the new questions that will go into effect on 1 Jul 06. I would recommend avoiding the older, printed material unless you plan to take your exam during the next six weeks!

Both the old and new question pools can be found on the ARRL site.

Good luck!

Ron - K6RG
 
NorCalSam said:
It will increase the odds of me being able to reach someone if needed.
And most 4x4 owners on a trail or caravan do not have 2 meter.
:cheers:
Sam
Click to expand...

You are right, most people in a single group do not have an amateur radio.

But, I have found that there are a lot more people running ham gear on streetable, back country rigs (as opposed to buggy/hard core rigs) than you would think. Most every trip somebody spies the 2m antenna on my ride and the conversation begins. I get way, way more contacts on the 2m than CB in the desert.

Plus, when your range is a magnitude of order greater with the 2m, somebody is nearly always there to hear you on simplex or a repeater :beer:
 
My CB was $11, and the antenna was another $30, so real radio is more, but then you get much, much more.


KI6CXS

$11 bucks?:eek: Know wonder you cant wait to get rid of that thing.:D

Mine was like $150 bucks. I talk all the time to people that also have good CBs 15-17 miles away. I know that can't compare to 2meter but you get want you pay for. You can also see one of the reasons why the CB will stay in eh. $$$$$.

I am very happy that Little Boss got the better CB some of you guys have "short stick syndrome".

Truth is I have aways planned on getting a long range radio for emergencies. The + is that most of the NorCal guys have them.

These guys don't mess around. I remember seeing a cruiser on mud with a 2 meter and I think it was Marty that said something about it. I posted a thread for ideas on antenna placment radio brands etc. And by the time I looked up everyone had ham.
:cheers:
Sam
 
NorCalSam said:
$11 bucks?:eek: Know wonder you cant wait to get rid of that thing.:D
Click to expand...

Actually, the $11 CB does as well as anyone's CB. It was a factory reman that were selling 2 for $22 so I got two. I should have bought 10. By law, CB is regulated to 4 watts of output no matter how much you pay for the unit, and I doubt they put a quality receiver inside for small $. The performance differences I have seen on CB, seem to be all in the antenna. Good antenna = good CB performance. I have a medium good antenna that was cheap and has been very adequate.

I agree, that for the forseeable future, CB has a role to play, but as more and more people step up to Ham, there won't be any going back.

Sam-you remember being able to talk to Ernie 2 canyons over when we were in Ruin canyon. That just isn't possible on CB. Study up and take your test before Tree beats you to it.:D
 
Alvaro and Andrew,
Thanks for the info on the antenna mounting. I'll have to scope my rig out a bit more to see where I can mount it. The rear ambulance door idea is attractive becuase it puts to RF (50w high two meter) away from me.

Doug
 
A number of us in the Norcal Wagon group all have Yaesu FT2800-M radios. It's vibration tough...
Click to expand...

Tough? Just what is tough? Is an 80 "tough"? Well, what do the experts have to say...














I just couldn't resist: This is a non-chopped ad currently running in the radio mags... another of the Yaesu 2 meter radios. And as to the truck... :D (No affiliation, yada yada)

Cheers, R -

KI6CXS de K6RG 73 ;)
yaesu_lc_ad_rev_200x300.webp
 
Last edited:
ParadiseCruiser said:
Tough? Just what is tough? Is an 80 "tough"?
Click to expand...

Tough as in vibrated through 200 miles of backcountry Utah, and 300 miles of washboard in Death Valley. For a sophisticated piece of electronic equiptment, it seems to do pretty well. Curious if the Yaesu HF mobiles meet the same vibration specs?

That ad is cool with an 80 series in the background.

80's are pretty tough, but 40's are really tough. The jury is still out on the 100s...:D
 
Um Waiter....

I'll just have what Andrew is having :flipoff2:

No need to re-invent the wheel, I'm just gonna copy Andy's/Alvaro's setup. All I gotta do now is pass the darn test!

Ali
 
What happens if you get caught operating w/out a license? How would you get caught?
 
The FCC could fine you. They can use radio direction finding equipment (RDF). Other operators will likely help in shutting you down as well.

Easier to just write the test

Cheers, Hugh
 
Before someone says it, I was just asking. Don't hate me for being young and curious.

Soon to be HAM
 
Yes, you can operate without a license but I understand the penalties assiciated with doing so are stiff. About the only way that your location could be found was if you mentioned it or through triangulation. Just get a license, it's a lot easier and less worrysome. The codeless tech license is all that is required and very easy to get.

KC6ZWY
 
Do you need to get an external speaker with a HAM Radio? or do they have models that have built in speakers?
 
Just remember that being a HAM is a hobby. There are groups out there that live to triangulate a find someone. They do it for fun and practice. The test is easy for basic needs, with no code. If you always run with a group with a few hard mount rigs you can get by very well with just a handheld, then move up as you need or want to.







KG6NLC
 
PKP80 said:
Do you need to get an external speaker with a HAM Radio? or do they have models that have built in speakers?
Click to expand...

PKP80,


My Yaesu FT-2800 radio came with a built-in speaker. It's you can raise the volume quite a bit and still be clear.

I like this radio

Alvaro
 
nats-fj40 said:
Just remember that being a HAM is a hobby. There are groups out there that live to triangulate a find someone. They do it for fun and practice. The test is easy for basic needs, with no code. If you always run with a group with a few hard mount rigs you can get by very well with just a handheld, then move up as you need or want to.







KG6NLC
Click to expand...

KG
I'm a firm member of the do it once do it right (the way you want it) camp. Plus a respectable hand held is not all that cheaper that doing the whole setup.


Alvaro, thanx for the tip.
 
I JUUUUUUUST bought a new CB and now I can hardly stand it I am looking at these 2meter radios... You guys are KILLING ME!!!

WOWERS!:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:
 
I used a hand held Alinco for a couple of years and didnt go the license route. The radio had been modified-clipped was the term used--to work on our local EMS system freq and police freq. I had written approval to use it on those freq and never got into the other 2m use. Great little radio. Still got it around here somewhere.
 
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