Been studying for the test, but want to buy a HAM radio while I have the cash. Any help is appreciated.
Keith
Keith
Ham Radio
- Thread starter primer7
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Mobile or HT?
What bands & features do you want?
When I raised the question a bit ago, folks recommend a variety of radios. I got a Yaesu VX-8GR (dual band with APRS integrated GPS) HT, which I am quite happy with.
Haven't yet decided on which mobile to get. For now, I'll rely on a mag mount antenna and external mic/jack I picked up for my HT.
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
FT-2900 for a first mobile, cheap and very easy to learn and operate while driving. FT-60 for or a China knock off an HT, same thing inexpensive and easy to use.
If you get into the sport and want to upgrade there is a good resale market for either radio
If you get into the sport and want to upgrade there is a good resale market for either radio
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- #4
Don't want a hand held the 2900 looks good at 75w and is kind of affordable, well fits my budget.
You can't go wrong with the 2900. I'd recommend calling Ham Radio Outlet. Tell them your studying and want that radio. They will put together a nice antennae and coax "kit" for you that will work well together.
p.s. Your 40 looked good tonight at the intersection.
p.s. Your 40 looked good tonight at the intersection.
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
For cost comparison I'd check with Ham City, they consistently have lower prices in my experience. Their techs support before and after the sale is great.
I'd check out the Larsen antennas for your FJ40. I went through a few others before I got mine they look to be bullet proof. Shawn and Cruiserdrew run the Larsen and are true believers, that's what sold me.
Whatever antenna you get go with an NMO mount, it is far and away the best system.
I'd check out the Larsen antennas for your FJ40. I went through a few others before I got mine they look to be bullet proof. Shawn and Cruiserdrew run the Larsen and are true believers, that's what sold me.
Whatever antenna you get go with an NMO mount, it is far and away the best system.
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- #7
Man that white troopy is Bad Ass sweet, was just coming back from the car wash after loading up on oh...ten tons of mud after play'n at moon rocks.
Thanks
Thanks for the compliments. That makes sense because your 40 was shining bright. Your tall skinnies look a lot better than my fatty 12.5's. I need to pony up for some 16's and go back to 255/85's for sure.
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- #9
O.K. so I am ordering the YAESU FT-2900 with the Diamond K400SNMO mount, so what cable do I need and how long. The mount would go in the 80. Oh and I want to get a Larsen...any suggestions?
rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
- Thread starter
- #11
Ordered from Ham radio Outlet, should have the radio in a day or two.
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- #12
This came in today, question is I have no idea where to mount the antenna. Thought about the front bumper but really have no clue?
Generally a L bracket just below the roof line on the rear of the top to give it some protection. The antenna would still be above the roof line.
Front bumper mounting in my area would only last about 1 trip through the catclaw and manzanita.
Front bumper mounting in my area would only last about 1 trip through the catclaw and manzanita.
Congrats... Great setup.
I had mine mounted on the top bar of my arb when I had my 80. I believe the flat surface of the hood aided in the signal strength I enjoyed with that particular setup. It lasted on many trips without a problem including competing in the Nevada trophy.
Redline had his setup professionally installed by a tech and he too placed the mount on the blade portion of his front bumper. relying on the hood to give it a flat surface to "Bump" off. It's stayed there without a single issue for around 40k miles. Including the NV Trophy and the now defunct Expedition Trophy challenges.
Here's a pic of the mounting, this was right before taking third in the Nevada Trophy
I had mine mounted on the top bar of my arb when I had my 80. I believe the flat surface of the hood aided in the signal strength I enjoyed with that particular setup. It lasted on many trips without a problem including competing in the Nevada trophy.
Redline had his setup professionally installed by a tech and he too placed the mount on the blade portion of his front bumper. relying on the hood to give it a flat surface to "Bump" off. It's stayed there without a single issue for around 40k miles. Including the NV Trophy and the now defunct Expedition Trophy challenges.
Here's a pic of the mounting, this was right before taking third in the Nevada Trophy
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- #15
Connecting the radio up, is there a area freq I can input to see if the radio/antenna is receiving anything?
Here is your area info, again in case nobody advised and I understand you would never transmit without a license.
SNARS Repeaters - Sierra Nevada Amateur Radio Society
SNARS Repeaters - Sierra Nevada Amateur Radio Society
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- #17
Thanks!
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- #18
Another question, is there a place in Reno/Sparks where I can take the radio and make sure it's working properly?
p.m. sent.
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- #20
Antenna install, even clears when the hood is lifted. Need to clean up the wiring and mount the radio inside. I ordered one on those roof shelves, hope that will work as I'd like to put a stereo in as well. The green is silicone aquarium hose...it was green and matched the hood.
