Ham Radio

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Elbert

Elbert

Joined
Jul 20, 2006
Threads
244
Messages
9,502
Location
AL, USA
I know there is a discussion area over on the main board but wondered if hams here? Thinking about adding ham radio to the tan box. Of course I have to get the all important license before transmitting.

My assumption is that most 4wd traffice on ham is on 2meters...

Seems like this would a basic level capable radio for 2meters?
Ham Radio Outlet | YAESU FT-2900R | 2M 75W W MH-48A6J DTMF MIC
Yaseu FT-2900 R
Seems like this radio would be very functional and good for off-road use (no fan required)...


I know there are dual band radios, radios with expandded bands for receive and all kinds of features, but would the above radio work fine and interface with repeaters on 2meters without issues? Just trying to figure out if the radio lacks some necessary feature that is a "must have".

Is a dual band radio worth considering...2m/70CM?

Looking for feedback
 
Andy mentioned that there was a class coming up and I think he said it was free. What is the deal with this Andy? If the timing is right I am in for it.
Since we had no phone service in the Cove last week, a ham might be nice.
 
I ordered a study manual from the ARRL web site. There may other good sources or "in-person" live study sessions exam sessions. I see on the ARRL web site that I can take the exam local (where I live).
Some of the electronics related questions seem a little crazy for no-code exam but I guess the FCC makes the rules.
 
Rob, Todd and I have 2 meter radios, we got them for the AK trip
Rob and I went with the ICOM V 8000. This is the radio that most of the AK cruiser crew runs , it has a front speaker so works well as dash mount and fits hole in 60 dash below radio.
 
Elbert said:
I ordered a study manual from the ARRL web site. There may other good sources or "in-person" live study sessions exam sessions. I see on the ARRL web site that I can take the exam local (where I live).
Some of the electronics related questions seem a little crazy for no-code exam but I guess the FCC makes the rules.
Click to expand...

What did that cost you?
Is there an annual licensing fee and a test fee?
 
https://forum.ih8mud.com/electronic-toys/522299-2-meter-radio-offroad-use.html

I posted on the main board similar question...use link to see comments there. I'll probally get the Yaseu brand version and will use an external speaker...since I have some challenges with my hearing.

CB's will be the mainstay for comms I suspect because they are affordable and everyone that chooses to do so can get a workable solution...easy to operate. Ham stuff is more $$ pluse harder to use depending on system, and you have to get a license to operate the thing. + for ham is ability to communicate over larger distance and use repeater systems. You can spend a lot of money on ham gear but the radio I listed is affordable (under $200).

no-one is saying you are required to have ham gear..

Gigaparts is located in Huntsville, AL... off Hwy72 just west of the Lexus car dealership area (just west of Huntsville) as you approach Madison. I think Gigaparts and HRO (ham radio outlet) have competitive prices allthought I've not really tried to watch prices on the ham stuff. I see Gigaparts has similar pricing to HRO.
 
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Optionally I may install a large PA speaker so I can get everyone's attention....at least those within a hundred yards or so.. :)
 
I bought the FT-2900R. Plus the stuff to install (antenna...mount) etc. Going to try and see if the mount will work on the hood lip first and then go from there. Waiting on it to show up via UPS... also waiting on study guide for test to show up.
 
Hugh Heifer said:
What did that cost you?
Is there an annual licensing fee and a test fee?
Click to expand...

something like 20$ for the study manual... I don't know if they charge to take the test or not.
To the extent I know the tests are conducted by volunteers, who may be associated with ARRL or other HAM related organization. I assume the FCC permits this for ease of access or maybe there is some MOU between the FCC and ARRL as to facilitating the test portion, because I'm guessing there are not too many FCC offices around the country.

I looked around teh ARRL web site. THere is a link somewhere there where you can find test locations by zip code and also a link to the books and other things they offer, a couple of which are related to the various ham lic.

I think the lic fee is a one time deal and then there is a re-newal every 10 years ( I recall reading that somewhere). Maybe one of the people who has their ham lic can state the facts for us. I should get the manual tomorrow or by early next week I assume.


http://www.arrl.org/
 
For those interested....there are some additional comments over on the link I posted above to the "electronic toys" section on the main board. FYI
 
If you have an iphone look in itunes for the ham radio pod class and grab it. Its about 10-15 podcasts and it covers everything you need to know. The test isn't hard and the radios are sooo much better.
 
Todd recorded the those classes on CD for me, I listen to them on a trip, took test and passed.
 
thanks for the tips on the ipod ham class.

FYI ...maybe common for ham radio gear ..I don't know. It looks like the Yaseu has to see 13+ volts before it will power on...(ie engine has to be running). I've quasi installed mine and was trying to figure out why it would not power up (its direct wired to battery)... then recalled seeing in manual that it needs 13+ volts...Started truck and reciver powered on. Don't knwo if thats common with ham gear or not. The power harness is 10 ga wire... so don't know if this impacts anyone's selection preference.

I've got my antenanna mounted on the hood for now and have a commet dual band antenna on there for now (one of the shorter antennas I could find for the nmo mount). So hopefully the branches and other stuff will not be a problem. Even fixed the cb antenna too (bumper mout to avoid the branches).
 
guys if you want a printed reference to study for the Ham lic....this is it.. ARRL order # 0977... The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual / Technician. It has a cd that has practice test questions and has very good, well written chapters with explanations for the content of where the test questions are derived. Here is a link...I have no affiliation. I did purchase another book that I will shortly throw in the trash... If you want to buy one book, my reccomendation is to get this one.

ARRL :: Licensing, Education & Training :: Ham Radio License Manual Revised 2nd Edition
 
tech class study guide

Hi Guys,

I just got my Tech class license last month. I used one book by Gordon Scott, but it was out of date and I kept failing the practice tests.....until
I stumbled onto this study guide.
http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2010_Tech_Study_Guide.pdf

passed without any problems. I owe the guy a donation though....
I ended up with a HT yeasu VX6R with a diamond 320 antenna.
Gigaparts in AL had the best prices and matched anyone and had quick delivery.
Obviously, I get only 5 watts of power, but more use with the radio rather than leaving it in the car.
I also purchased the programming software from RT systems to load in all the repeaters around.

PM me if you have questions.
 
pillguy said:
Hi Guys,

I just got my Tech class license last month. I used one book by Gordon Scott, but it was out of date and I kept failing the practice tests......
Click to expand...

Yes...I made the mistake of buying "Technician Class / FCC Element 2 Ammateur Radio License Preparation" 7th edition by Gordon West, which is current but its going in the trash. The ARRL prep guide is far better.

If anyone wants it I'll save it... and mail it to you, but money and time would be better spent on the other book. I'll hold the book for a few days...first to pm me will get the book...after that if no-one wants it...its future home is the dumpster.
 
pillguy said:
Hi Guys,

I just got my Tech class license last month. I used one book by Gordon Scott, but it was out of date and I kept failing the practice tests.....until
I stumbled onto this study guide.
http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2010_Tech_Study_Guide.pdf

passed without any problems. I owe the guy a donation though....
I ended up with a HT yeasu VX6R with a diamond 320 antenna.
Gigaparts in AL had the best prices and matched anyone and had quick delivery.
Obviously, I get only 5 watts of power, but more use with the radio rather than leaving it in the car.
I also purchased the programming software from RT systems to load in all the repeaters around.

PM me if you have questions.
Click to expand...

thanks I'll review this information too... since I've gotten the other book I"ve passed a few of the practice exams...I'm planning on taking the test early next month.
 
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