HAM radio thoughts

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Dimples

Dimples

I owe my soul to the TRD store.
Joined
Nov 19, 2015
Threads
28
Messages
1,419
Location
Arizona
I just passed my technician class test last night. So, now i am on the hunt for a radio. I am seriously considering an icom ic-2300h. It is a single band radio which leaves me with a couple of questions.

Does anyone use any other bands besides 2 meter while mobile regularly?

What is a good mobile antenna for 2m?

Not wanting my cruiser to have a flagpole flying. What is a good mount point for the antenna? I was thinking of mounting on the front bumper.
 
I have a Kenwood 710 radio. It is a dual band rig with APRS capabilities (I used to own a Yaesu FT 7800R).

The beauty of dual band is the ability to monitor different freqs. I can run comms on one band and APRS on another, or monitor two freqs at the same time.

Icom is a good brand as is Kenwood and Yaesu. I find the user interface to be more friendly with Kenwood.

I run a Diamond antenna on the back of the FJ. Works very good.
Ham does not require a ground plane like CB does...
 
Thank you Fish,

I went into a shop today and checked out some rigs. Diamond definitely makes a good antenna. Without needing a ground plane like AM the back bumper may just get a new addition. I think I am going Icom. The menu structure makes more sense to me. Just a personal preference there.
 
Cee Fish said:
Ham does not require a ground plane like CB does...
Click to expand...

Not true. Anything but a 1/2 wave antenna requires a proper groung plane for efficient radiation. If you are mounting it on a bumper or roof rack I would definitely recommend a 1/2 wave.

Check out Larsen antennas. They make higher quality stuff than the Pacific rim stuff like diamond and comet.
 
I was actually planning on getting a 5/8 wave. Another mount point I was considering is the AM/FM antenna location. My radio antenna is bent beyond repair any way.
 
It is an off road vehicle. Accidents happen.
 
I like how it bent. It matched the angle of the window, at least for a while.

I have been trying to figure out which HAM radio until to get, all while studying for my test. Curious to see your set up when you get it installed.
 
I should have it setup in time for the next meeting. I thought you were already licensed.
 
Ssshhh, don't tell anyone.
 
Mums the word. but the test was really easy.
 
sdnative said:
...Not true. Anything but a 1/2 wave antenna requires a proper groung plane for efficient radiation...
Click to expand...

Should have been more precise. I run a Diamond NR770HA which is a 1/2 wave antenna.
 
Cee Fish said:
Should have been more precise. I run a Diamond NR770HA which is a 1/2 wave antenna.
Click to expand...

I run that antenna on a YodaTeq rear hatch strut mount (Wilson Trucker 2000 on the other side for running 'ol school) and it has worked well with my Kenwood TM-V71A.
IMG_1001.webp


 
oilbrnr, I'm surprised that works at all. With what looks like at least half the antenna mast masked by steel. Have you ever measured SWR?

And my .02... I use a Larsen (Pulse) NMO2/70SH Half-wave center loaded NMO mount antenna, with a NMO mount clamped to my Yakima roof bar on my 4Runner. Oh and a older Yaesu FT-2800M single-band. Works great. No real reason for using the larger NMO mount other than sturdiness and it's what I had bought.

I think there's a confusion between ground plane and GROUNDED. You definitely don't want to ground a HAM (70cm/2M/etc) antenna but it needs a ground PLANE to "bounce" or "reflect" from, whether mobile or not. A CB antenna is grounded to the vehicle. At least that's what works for me.

One more thing... please fuse BOTH your positive and negative leads to your radio.
 
I would definitely recommend NMO mounts for UHF/VHF antennas. Very robust connection.

I use a Diamond NR770HB (dual band) and a Larsen NMO-150 (2m only). The Larsen 2/70 that msahr uses is excellent as well.

email9448.jpg
 
I have the Icom 2200h with D-star I could sell you at a discount, I'm keen on buying the Icom 880h (want the removable face plate).
 
As much as I know elevation would be great for the antenna. It cannot be mounted in any location that would it taller than my roof rack. (Sad trombone sound plays) I would have to take the antenna off every time I parked at work. Mounting on the hood is probably pushing parking clearance right to the limit.
 
Dimples said:
As much as I know elevation would be great for the antenna. It cannot be mounted in any location that would it taller than my roof rack. (Sad trombone sound plays) I would have to take the antenna off every time I parked at work. Mounting on the hood is probably pushing parking clearance right to the limit.
Click to expand...

I have the same antenna mounting location problem. If you are not willing to go above the highest point of your 80 you will receive no love here or at any HAM store.

So I end up using the worst possible magnetic antenna available ($13.50 shipped EBay:hillbilly:) mounted in the worst location (front bumper) until I find the magic antenna.
 
sdnative said:
I would definitely recommend NMO mounts for UHF/VHF antennas. Very robust connection.

I use a Diamond NR770HB (dual band) and a Larsen NMO-150 (2m only). The Larsen 2/70 that msahr uses is excellent as well.

email9448.jpg
Click to expand...

Why 2 antennas?
 
LandCruiserPhil said:
Why 2 antennas?
Click to expand...

The Diamond is for general purpose use and is connected to a Yaesu FT-8800R. The Larsen is for dedicated APRS and backup 2m use and is connected to a Yaesu FT-1500M. More details and pictures are in my build thread (link in sig).
 
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