Even more 2 meter radio tricks

[toyman317]

I am wondering if the time has come for cruiserheads across the country to establish a standard simplex frequency to use that everyone with a 2 meter radio would know about???? There are so many frequencies to utilize that choosing one as a group might be very helpful at events, etc. Maybe TLCA might take this on as a goal.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I am wondering if the time has come for cruiserheads across the country to establish a standard simplex frequency to use that everyone with a 2 meter radio would know about???? There are so many frequencies to utilize that choosing one as a group might be very helpful at events, etc. Maybe TLCA might take this on as a goal.

Funny you should mention this. In the Norcal Wagons, we have more-or-less standardized on 146.460 MHz. This keeps us off the repeater input and outputs, and away from the "National calling frequency" of 146.520 MHz.

 

[toyman317]

....and maybe the same thing for CB. Here in Attica IN (the Badlands), we all use channel 14. Is that the same across the country...say at Moab? There are many good reasons to use certain frequencies; probably depending on what you mentioned and also maybe geographical related. How do we go about getting a standard established formally?

 

[alvarorb]

No formalities. Just by using it, first making sure that no one else is already using it. There are so many frequencies to choose from that staying with one all the time just makes sense.

Regards

Alvaro

 

[Kofoed]

I am wondering if the time has come for cruiserheads across the country to establish a standard simplex frequency to use that everyone with a 2 meter radio would know about???? There are so many frequencies to utilize that choosing one as a group might be very helpful at events, etc. Maybe TLCA might take this on as a goal.

As cruiser said, there is the 146.520 [edit the typo] calling freq. Most people, by gentlemen's agreement, move up in increments of 15 khz for FM simplex

ie:

146.535
146.550
146.565

.535 the most action on it.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Do a search on "2 meter radio band plan". You will see that most of the 2m band is off limits for simplex. The majority is reserved for repeater input/output, or oddball stuff like packet and Morse down around 144.000. Look in the band plan for unused spectrum-that's where your simplex frequencies are. Just pick one, make sure it isn't being used, and go for it. If it's in use, go up or down by 15MHZ and find a frequency that's open.

We have had great success at 146.460. We only picked up a local one time (in Reno) who said the frequency was traditionally used by the UNR buildings and grounds crew. I think he had a scanner and picked up our conversation. His first transmission was "what's your call sign" like he was the 2 meter enforcement squad. After we told him, he was more than helpful. Pretty funny.

KI6CXS

 

[alvarorb]

We only picked up a local one time (in Reno) who said the frequency was traditionally used by the UNR buildings and grounds crew. I think he had a scanner and picked up our conversation. His first transmission was "what's your call sign" like he was the 2 meter enforcement squad. After we told him, he was more than helpful. Pretty funny.

KI6CXS

You forgot to mention that he gave us directions to several Basque restaurants in Reno. Too bad that they were all closed Sunday afternoon.

Regards

Alvaro

 

[Bob_Garrett]

We have had great success at 146.460. We only picked up a local one time (in Reno) who said the frequency was traditionally used by the UNR buildings and grounds crew.

KI6CXS

Andrew,

I'm somewhat puzzled by that comment. It almost sounds like commercial or business use, which of course is a big no-no on HAM frequencies. Or were they using it for something unrelated to their work?

Just curious

N5UOU

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Andrew,

I'm somewhat puzzled by that comment. It almost sounds like commercial or business use, which of course is a big no-no on HAM frequencies. Or were they using it for something unrelated to their work?

Just curious

N5UOU

I thought it was odd as well. I have no idea how it was being used, but it did sound like they used it in the course of their work. We were perfectly within our rights to continue to use that frequency and we did.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

What happens if you get caught operating w/out a license? How would you get caught?

Not sure you would ever physically get caught... but it would truthfully take the fun out of it. Not knowing the proper use of call signs, codes, procedure, etc can make you feel like a complete newbie, in fact intimidated to talk. Here in SLC there are several very active radio clubs, that do weekly chat times, including a 4x4 "net" group that gets togther (on th air ).

So, could you learn all the jargon, and give yourself a fake callsign (must be used to transmit, etc). Sure, but then your 99% done with the test. We had an 10 yr old in our test session... its too easy.

 

[1990 LJ78]

Try a GLASS MOUNTED ham anntenna.. no holes no clamps..
You can get them at your local ham radio stores..Single or dual band..That's 2 meters and 70 centimeters..
I run a dual band radio in my cruiser with a Glass Mount antenna and I use it everyday on and off repeaters...
They do not look bad either.. search em up on the internet.
Took me 5 minutes to mount the radio in my crusier. and about 20 minutes to mount the antenna and route the coax.

Richard
Ham Call sign > VE3UOD

 

[Bob_Garrett]

But if you do get caught, be prepared for a BIG depletion in your bank account. The FCC can seize your equipment and fine you up to $10k for unlicensed operation.

Also, many HAMs have access to the FCC's license database, making it easy for them to verify call signs.

Bob
N5UOU

 

[ParadiseCruiser]

>> I am wondering if the time has come for cruiserheads across the country to establish a standard simplex frequency...

Not a bad idea, really. "Establish" in this context, of course, would mean everyone just getting in the habit of using a particular frequency when they are out, as Alvaro suggests. This would also serve for Cruiserheads to meet up on the trail, not otherwise knowing there were others in the same area.

>> Most people, by gentlemen's agreement, move up in increments of 15 khz for FM simplex...

Primarily to keep the wide, broadbanded FM signals separated. In fact, an older gentleman's agreement dictated a 30 khz separation (seems a bit much to me, though in close proximity 15 khz often is not enough). Common sense dictates your choice here.

>> We have had great success at 146.460...

This is a particularly good choice. Not only does it satisfy the 15 khz separation increment, but the 30 khz as well - for what that's worth. Also, it seems to be ignored by most locals (there are always exceptions, as noted) and not a busy frequency. In fact, I often use this one with locals for 2m > 6m full duplexing, just for the reason it is not often used, and away from the crowd.

Although the "bandplans" (more gentleman's agreements) suggest that repeaters are lower than this in frequency, there are some up this high. When encountered, simply go up 15 khz

>> ... or oddball stuff like packet and Morse down around 144.000.

Not oddball for the many that use these modes Actually, there is another simplex calling frequency on 144.200 for SSB, and 144.2 up to about 144.5 or 144.6 are all simplex frequencies for SSB (FM not permitted in this portion of the band). Just FYI, because I do not believe that SSB serves much of a useful purpose for the type and kind of trail communication we are considering here.

Another "oddball" thing you'll find down on this end of the band, are CW beacons. Extremely useful for determining propagation, and what kind of range you can expect from where you are located. Unfortunately, the common FM only radios most guys are using cannot hear the beacons.

>> Try a GLASS MOUNTED ham antenna...

I am not fan of these. In major metros where repeaters are easy to hit they work fine. However, the inductive losses thru the glass are quite high and in the woods, might be the difference of making the contact or not.

Anyway, welcome Richard! There are over 40 licensed Cruiser hams on this forum... more than this particular thread would suggest

>> Not sure you would ever physically get caught...

If there is one thing that seems universal among hams, is they do not cut much slack for interlopers. Anyone who does not know the protocol, or is faking a license call sign (or both ) will stick out so bad they wouldn't last the day.

In addition to the other comments about such transgressions, the FCC (don't know about Industry Canada) has a "character" element in the licensing process. In short, if you have a prior FCC conviction, it may well prevent your ability to get a license at all, even if you pass the test. "Even a 10 year-old can do it..." Pretty well sums it up.

Cheers, R -

 

[1990 LJ78]

Thanks for the welcome here Ron.
I was not tring to say the glass mount was a better antenna than any other..
Over the last 20 years the glass mount has saved me drilling many holes for mounting antennas. (i have also drilled many of those in my day) I only offer it up as another option for mounting an antenna rather than drilling the preverbial hole in the Cruiser. I just couldn't bring my self to drill a hole in my Crusier.

Regards
Richard >> VE3UOD

 

[squeezer]

"Anyway, welcome Richard! There are over 40 licensed Cruiser hams on this forum... more than this particular thread would suggest"

Sound Off...

KD7KTO

 

[toyman317]

N9wtk

 

[ParadiseCruiser]

Richard, Chris, Ron (and others)...

I started a thread several months ago intended to gather all of the licensed hams on Mud in one place as a point of reference for anyone interested in upgrading their communications.

You (and anyone else that missed it) might want to have a look, and post up about your set up...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=82416

Thanks! Ron - K6RG

 

[FJ40_owner]

More on Ham radio.

My Red 40 will be at Rubithon, going in on Thursday. Camping somewhere on Wednesday afternoon. Anyone is welcome to checkout my 2 meter 70 Centimeter radio install. I can demo my APRS system that transmits my GPS info, my call sign, location in Lat Lon, elevation, speed, and a 100 character message whenever I choose to transmit it. Anyone with access to the Internet can view all the data listed above with my jeep icon superimposed over a map....And my wife can check it out as well.

I can also demonstate talking all over Northern California from my 1/4 Watt handheld or do an autopatch if required.


And just so I can talk to all you non hams I bought and installed a Chicken band er I mean criminal, no I mean Citizens Band radio. I can't wait to make all the funny noises everyone seems to make. Do you guys really like all the racket you have to listen to?

What channel on the CB?

Seriously looking to answer any questions anyone may have.

JB
Big Jim
N6KML
146.805 Simplex
146.805 /R -600 PL123

 

[panoramic]

Glass mounted antennas - some warnings

Try a GLASS MOUNTED ham anntenna.. no holes no clamps..
You can get them at your local ham radio stores..Single or dual band..That's 2 meters and 70 centimeters..
I run a dual band radio in my cruiser with a Glass Mount antenna and I use it everyday on and off repeaters...
They do not look bad either.. search em up on the internet.
Took me 5 minutes to mount the radio in my crusier. and about 20 minutes to mount the antenna and route the coax.

Richard
Ham Call sign > VE3UOD

If you use a glass mounted antenna make sure you test it with a buddy holding it and an SWR meter. Do this BEFORE using the permanent/non-removal adhesive mount. Alot of vehicle glass is PASSIVATED. This means there is lead content in the glass to shield from UV. There is typically no way to tell by looking at the glass or the DOT labelling. I ran some experiments on my FJ40 and found that only the ambulance door windows were not passivated for my antenna.

Another funny warning is about RF power. If you transmit enough power you can actually shatter your window.

regards,
Eric (KG6GAN)

 

[1990 LJ78]

Hey Eric KG6GAN, would you please post up where this info came from.
I've been useing this type of antenna for years (since the 1990's) and never heard of any of the stuff your talking about..
I'd like to read the articule...


Regards
VE3UOD