Radio Q&A and Information

[Land Speeder]

Most organized events will highly frown upon the "whip" style antenna. I'm pretty sure there's something in the TLCA event rules that state no whips. And I have seen folks get popped by them. But it was one of those 15' power whips.

 

[Land Speeder]

I prefer the Uniden PRO-520XL to that Cobra, only because the Uniden has an auto noise limiter circuit in it. It's $9 more than the Cobra.

Uniden PRO520XL - Amazon.com $49.99

If you're only going to ever use it wheeling, buy one of these, throw it on the middle of the hood, and call it done.

Wilson Antenna - Little Wil' - Amazon.com $36.18

That's exactly what I've run the past couple of times out, and it works great for talking on a trail. You'll have to cut the whip to length to tune it the first time, and after that it's plug and play.

It is not an "ideal" installation, in that it uses 18' of coax as a counterpoise for the radiating element rather than having a proper ground using the metal structure of the vehicle. This has a negative effect on the efficiency of the antenna system and creates some RFI in the cabin. It'll work ok though, and at 4-6w the RFI isn't anything to worry about. I sure as hell wouldn't run a CB amplifier like that though.

I think this setup will be what I try. Never owned the uniden, maybe that's my problem. But I'd rather have a permanent antenna so I will look cool going to work.

 

[ClankBang]

I have had three of those (or similar) Unidens; they get the job done.

FYI one of the largest ham stores in the country is in Huntsville.
http://www.gigaparts.com/

Also the Pilot off of Danial Payne north of town has a "cb shop" in it.

Here is a good deal on a 2m
http://www.gigaparts.com/Product-Lines/2M-Radios_2/Yaesu-FT-2900R_2.html

 

[xodeuce]

Most organized events will highly frown upon the "whip" style antenna. I'm pretty sure there's something in the TLCA event rules that state no whips. And I have seen folks get popped by them. But it was one of those 15' power whips.

The way the rules were written for Cruise Moab, it was 48" limit. For purposes of antenna nomenclature, a "whip" is simply any metal portion above the coil. Totally agree that the 102" whips are uncalled for. Put that on a spring and it's a friggin weapon. I think the rules are that if it's over 48" it has to be secured at both ends, a'la the semi-circle whips that you see on military Hum-Vees. I can't remember exactly how it read though.

I think this setup will be what I try. Never owned the uniden, maybe that's my problem. But I'd rather have a permanent antenna so I will look cool going to work.

Hit me up when you buy it. We'll get that antenna in and tuned up so that it's working well.

I have had three of those (or similar) Unidens; they get the job done.

FYI one of the largest ham stores in the country is in Huntsville.
http://www.gigaparts.com/

Also the Pilot off of Danial Payne north of town has a "cb shop" in it.

Here is a good deal on a 2m
http://www.gigaparts.com/Product-Lines/2M-Radios_2/Yaesu-FT-2900R_2.html

Yeah, gigaparts is sweet. I've ordered from them before and had great results. I kinda want to see their showroom sometime, never been.

That's a stellar deal on that Yaesu. In the "entry" price point for a 2m mobile, I also really like the Kenwood TM-281a. Forward facing speaker, and mil-spec for weather resistance, dust, and vibration. They're both fine radios, and that Yaesu has a slight edge on power (75w vs 65w).

Kenwood TM-281A - Gigaparts - $137.00

The other place I like is www.hamcity.com. They're in CA, so the shipping takes a bit, but their prices are good, and no sales tax.

 

[matt32]

Uniden ordered but I will need some help with the install. I can trade chicken, chili, jambalaya, etc....

 

[xodeuce]

Yeah, hit me up when it comes in. If anyone else orders anything, post up and we can have a mini work-meet at my place.

 

[jemsec]

I'll bring a case of real cold beer. If it's ok.

 

[xodeuce]

I'll bring a case of real cold beer. If it's ok.

I mean, I guess. Twist my arm. Ok, ok.

 

[matt32]

I might bring bottom shelf bourbon but we should do the CB thing before we partake.

 

[jemsec]

Name the place and time. Maybe we could pay dues and get the phantom decals also. Unofficial meeting so to speak.

 

[Land Speeder]

I would say I'm available tomorrow, but I'm heading to the shop to try and help wrench on this POS truck I bought. Ready to get it back on the road!

 

[xodeuce]

I'm no good tomorrow.

 

[TX4Runner]

I'm down for some radio install live action. Tuning CB is pretty simple. I have an SWR meter as well if we need more than one.

Likely sent from the bathroom stall using IH8MUD

 

[Blackdog]

Radios on sale

These radios are available at Costco for 59.99 a set with goodies if anybody wanted to go the GMRS route.
Cant vouch for quality but they are Motorola

 

[matt32]

So the Uniden 520 that I ordered has been placed int the Barbie Jeep but I need some help powering it. Please disregard the Jeep part.


It can wait but like any child it's a new toy and well....

 

[Land Speeder]

So the Uniden 520 that I ordered has been placed int the Barbie Jeep but I need some help powering it. Please disregard the Jeep part.


It can wait but like any child it's a new toy and well....

Sweet!
Remind me. It's 4dig drive right? I see no reason it can't come on rides... I mean, it ain't no Isuzu.

 

[matt32]

It is 4dig and if needed I can add a flag and some flower stickers.

So do you know how to power the radio?

I don't so I'm not messing with it.

 

[Land Speeder]

Yes. It should have two lines. One red one black. ground the black, run the red to the battery. The red should have a in-line fuse. VIOLA!

Wanna get fancy, run the red to the fuse box and hooks it up there... I'm not fancy.

 

[matt32]

Dammit everything is in pastel.

 

[xodeuce]

Avoid tapping into the factory fuse box. There's lots of stuff terminated in there with varying degrees of line noise that can bleed over. Pull straight to the battery. Like he says, red to +, black to -. You'll probably need to extend the lines. Best way to do that is to solder the wires together, then put a crimp sleeve over it, crimp, and then liquid electrical tape. That's belt and suspenders, but if you're going to be slinging mud up in the engine bay it doesn't hurt. Other option is just solder and tape. I kinda like the mechanical reinforcement of a crimp personally.

Other option is to run a sub-fuse panel for in-cab accessories. That's what we did in Hal's truck and it turned out really nice. The blue sea panels are like $50, and it makes future accessory wiring a cinch. I've got one for the 100 to put back in the cargo area... need to do that when I do the radio install.