Ham Radios

[DiscoveryXD]

So I've talked to a couple of you guys about this, and I'd like to look into it some more. I've browsed around on the QRZ.COM Callsign Database website, but wasn't sure where to find the online study guide.

I'd also like to look at some radios and antennas. Any particular suggestions? The radio is more than likely going to go under my seat in this....

Thanks!

 

[chicago]

This is the one that I have

Hamcity.com - Detail

Its pretty cheap and seems to work very well.
Im not totally GEEKED out, nor do I claim to know much of anything about hamming, but it has worked very well on the trail for me.
Most here will tell you to go with a NMO type mount (which is what I went with for my set up). Rusty TLC had pretty much run it for me, and its a hatch mount system.
For trail use, there is a "rubber duck" antenna that I just picked up as I had busted and lost my other on the trail.
BTW, the place you plan on mounting the radio might not be the best choice...Youre gonna want to have quick access to the raido, so a more user friendly location may be advised.
Many others will chime in here...Others who have far greater knowledge than I have.
This site...Hamcity.com - Ham City has the best deals Ive found, and their ship time is AWESOME.
On the QRZ.com there is a test area on there. That is how I studied. Just go over and over the questions till you know em COLD and youll be GOLDEN. I got 100%, and Im one step up from a chimp.

The 2M are a great tool for this hobby. I was a "nay sayer" in the beginning, but I got into some trouble on the trail where the 2M was the primary instrument that saved a bad day from being WORSE.
I immediately started studing for the test.
Pick a date to take a tests (seems to be a lot in Gardenerville) and study your ass off. There is a link to the test being offered on the QRZ site.

Keith

 

[spressomon]

I concur...if you don't want/need a radio with a removable faceplate design the 2800 is the best radio out there!

You'll own several antennas before its over! I've broken a the rubber antenna mounted on my hatch lid (tree branches at Bronco Canyon claimed it )...didn't care for the performance so I've gone to the center of the roof with a mag mount and 5/8 wave antenna. And now I have a NMO mount and Larsen antenna waiting in the garage for the 'drill the hole in your roof' project...as I'm tired of the antenna cable running along the roof rack back through the rear hatch.

FYI: I also have the hatch mount installed; if....errr I mean "when" we get into height challenging trails/areas I can easily switch the antenna lead at the radio over to the hatch antenna and fold the current roof antenna over...hopefully the Larsen will be flexy enough for me to eliminate the hatch mount.

 

[rusty_tlc]

QRZ Practice exams<-----THIS A IS A LINK!

As soon as you get into the remote face plate the price goes up. The nice thing about the FT2800 is how easy it is to use, and the low cost.
What kind of budget do you have?

 

[chicago]

I concur...if you don't want/need a radio with a removable faceplate design the 2800 is the best radio out there!

You'll own several antennas before its over! I've broken a the rubber antenna mounted on my hatch lid (tree branches at Bronco Canyon claimed it )...didn't care for the performance so I've gone to the center of the roof with a mag mount and 5/8 wave antenna. And now I have a NMO mount and Larsen antenna waiting in the garage for the 'drill the hole in your roof' project...as I'm tired of the antenna cable running along the roof rack back through the rear hatch.

FYI: I also have the hatch mount installed; if....errr I mean "when" we get into height challenging trails/areas I can easily switch the antenna lead at the radio over to the hatch antenna and fold the current roof antenna over...hopefully the Larsen will be flexy enough for me to eliminate the hatch mount.

I didnt realize that the antenna would work with it horizontal?
Thats a pretty good idea, if so.
How do you plan to run the wire concealed throught the headliner?
If there was a cheap and easy solution for this dilema, Id consider that for sure.

K

 

[rusty_tlc]

I didnt realize that the antenna would work with it horizontal?
Thats a pretty good idea, if so.
How do you plan to run the wire concealed throught the headliner?
If there was a cheap and easy solution for this dilema, Id consider that for sure.

K

I think you miss read his post. The antenna needs to be vertical.

The NMO mount has a nice 90* connector and the 100 has gap between the headliner and the steel roof so he should be able to snake the wire back to the radio.

 

[spressomon]

I didnt realize that the antenna would work with it horizontal?
Thats a pretty good idea, if so.
How do you plan to run the wire concealed throught the headliner?
If there was a cheap and easy solution for this dilema, Id consider that for sure.

K

Keith,
I just "store" the antenna in the folded over position when not being used. Regarding the coax under the headliner: What Rusty said above

 

[chicago]

Got it
Wonder if the 60 series have a slot in the head liner?

K

 

[spressomon]

Got it
Wonder if the 60 series have a slot in the head liner?

K

Hmmm...I don't know about a slot but just push up on your headliner. Typically there's enough space to allow the thickness of coax to be run.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Got it
Wonder if the 60 series have a slot in the head liner?

K

Hmmm...I don't know about a slot but just push up on your headliner. Typically there's enough space to allow the thickness of coax to be run.

What the other Dan said.

A lot of ham sites talk about locating the antenna over/near the dome light to allow easy access without removing the whole headliner.
Pulling the dome light might give you an idea how much room you have.