I've been reading through a lot of threads here and seems to be some very knowledgeable individuals when it comes to the mobile stuff. I have had a license for a few years now but have never used anything bigger than a 5w portable. On a recent trip down to the Ozark national forest I noticed some definite limitations to this setup and would prefer to have a more powerful mobile rig.
I would love to do something like dual band/receive and APRS so the wife would be able to track my on the trails in case of trouble, but, given my limited understanding of using repeaters, GPS, etc, I just don't think it feasible. I don't want to have buyers remorse getting into a cheaper unit, but at the same time I don't want to be overwhelmed with features.
The unit will be installed into a Tuffy 003 console in my FZJ80. I think the opening is standard DIN size at about 2"x 7.3". I have thought that maybe the Yaesu 2900r would be a good first radio, though there wouldn't be much airflow for it in that compartment. It seems to have good power levels combined with sturdy construction, and the faceplate seemed pretty simple and user friendly.
For the antenna I would like to put one just behind the rear hatch, I have a mount that fits inside there. However, I already have an NMO mounted dead center of the roof that used to go to my CB. Currently it routes down and terminates right under the center console where I need it. I believe it has a PL-59 connector on it, whatever CB normally uses. I'm not sure what HAM mobiles call for as far a coax but it would probably be super simple to just plug this into the 2m unit and run an antenna off of the roof. The only thing I don't like about that option is 1) it looks goofy 2) it will hit every tree I drive under on the trails.
I have no idea what antenna to use. I have heard nothing but good things about diamond though. Anyhow, for those of you who are more experienced in this kind of thing, I would love to here your feedback on what I have listed. Please feel free to offer up whatever advice or equipment recommendations you might have. Thanks in advance for all the help.
I would love to do something like dual band/receive and APRS so the wife would be able to track my on the trails in case of trouble, but, given my limited understanding of using repeaters, GPS, etc, I just don't think it feasible. I don't want to have buyers remorse getting into a cheaper unit, but at the same time I don't want to be overwhelmed with features.
The unit will be installed into a Tuffy 003 console in my FZJ80. I think the opening is standard DIN size at about 2"x 7.3". I have thought that maybe the Yaesu 2900r would be a good first radio, though there wouldn't be much airflow for it in that compartment. It seems to have good power levels combined with sturdy construction, and the faceplate seemed pretty simple and user friendly.
For the antenna I would like to put one just behind the rear hatch, I have a mount that fits inside there. However, I already have an NMO mounted dead center of the roof that used to go to my CB. Currently it routes down and terminates right under the center console where I need it. I believe it has a PL-59 connector on it, whatever CB normally uses. I'm not sure what HAM mobiles call for as far a coax but it would probably be super simple to just plug this into the 2m unit and run an antenna off of the roof. The only thing I don't like about that option is 1) it looks goofy 2) it will hit every tree I drive under on the trails.
I have no idea what antenna to use. I have heard nothing but good things about diamond though. Anyhow, for those of you who are more experienced in this kind of thing, I would love to here your feedback on what I have listed. Please feel free to offer up whatever advice or equipment recommendations you might have. Thanks in advance for all the help.