To ham or not to ham?

[slimbuddha]

OK, I am thinking I may be able to start getting more time to go out and do a few trails, or rallies in the next couple years, and I am wondering what I should do for communication. I am starting fresh, (I have used CB's before, as well as basic two-ways), but I am wondering if I need to move towards Hamming. I am currently leaning towards getting a CB.

So I am basically looking for suggestions:

1.) Maybe used once a month (this is more like the ideal, probably considerably less).
2.) Most common form of communication in the boondocks, among off-roading/back country enthusiasts.
3.) At this point, I do not want to make major mods such as: permanent antennae, permanent receivers, etc. Possibly something portable, or quick removal, and magnetic, or other easy removable antennae, and plugs into cig lighter.
4.)Most bang for the buck.
5.) Brands/specific equipment recommendations that have are known for quality.

Thanks in advance

 

[spressomon]

OK, I am thinking I may be able to start getting more time to go out and do a few trails, or rallies in the next couple years, and I am wondering what I should do for communication. I am starting fresh, (I have used CB's before, as well as basic two-ways), but I am wondering if I need to move towards Hamming. I am currently leaning towards getting a CB.

So I am basically looking for suggestions:

1.) Maybe used once a month (this is more like the ideal, probably considerably less).
2.) Most common form of communication in the boondocks, among off-roading/back country enthusiasts.
3.) At this point, I do not want to make major mods such as: permanent antennae, permanent receivers, etc. Possibly something portable, or quick removal, and magnetic, or other easy removable antennae, and plugs into cig lighter.
4.)Most bang for the buck.
5.) Brands/specific equipment recommendations that have are known for quality.

Thanks in advance

Regardless of the form of communication you select you need to be using the same form/type of communication as other's in your group...assuming that is the purpose. For instance: If all your trail buddies utilize CB then you would be best served with a CB for this application. If everyone else is on CB a HAM would not serve you any purpose with respect to communicating with the members in your group.

However getting your HAM license, getting a radio (HT or mobile) and learning how to use it could be beneficial in an emergency situation if nothing else until other members of your group graduate to HAM and/or you start running with folks that have HAM. Just a couple of the benefits to HAM/2m: Longer distance communication potential particularly with mobile radios that use typically up to about 60-watts of power; FM quality audio; repeater accessibility for very long distance communication potential (hundreds of miles); etc.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

You can't really plug a Ham radio into the cigarette lighter as it draws too much power. Almost by definition, a 2m radio will require hard wiring to the battery. A Ham radio also requires that you get licensed by the FCC.

Since you are just starting out, I would get an inexpensive CB with a Mag mount antenna. Most of your fellow trail users will have CB anyway, and I don't see that changing for years.

Once you get frustrated with the range and clarity limitations of CB, then start studying and move up to Ham radio.

There are a bunch of Ham guys in your area-you should hook up with Alia, Beowulf, Cruiserdan and the rest of that crowd. They can help you make wise communication purchases.

Don't get me wrong, Ham is really great, but it has taken a concerted effort getting everyone in our group licensed, and running 2m radios instead of CBs. There are still a few hold outs and we are working on them too.

 

[1990 LJ78]

Well as a Ham I have to tell you my dual band radio works just fine plugging it into the old cigarette lighter socket. It has been there since I purchased the truck.
So not all that work is always required to get the radio up and running..

Cheers and 73's

VE3UOD

 

[slimbuddha]

There are a bunch of Ham guys in your area-you should hook up with Alia, Beowulf, Cruiserdan and the rest of that crowd. They can help you make wise communication purchases.
.

Yeah, was going over this with locals as well. It seems, like stated here, that many are still doing both, and trying to convert the rest. I've come to the decision to get a CB, and in a couple weeks take the HAM test (there is a HAMfest going on here aug 17-18). Initially, I am going to look for a used 2m single band (hopefully find a good deal at the swap), and look at buying a decent dual-band antennae. From what I have read, it should work. Then, once I have a bit more experience, i'll move on two a new dual-band.


Thanks

PS.. if you all could provide a list of some recommended equipment pieces, that I may find out the HAM swap, that would be great. I wouldn't mind being able to find a good deal if there is one to be had.

 

[cruiser_guy]

You will find DRAMATIC increases in transmit and receive distances with a ham radio. A CB is not for long distances, maybe 10-15 miles MAXIMUM. We've had 2m ham transmissions in simplex mode (radio to radio) of 80 miles plus (and that wasn't even at maximum power)! With high frequency you can get "round the world" in the right conditions!

I'll be installing my high frequency antenna in a few weeks on my truck.

 

[alvarorb]

Slim,

A good 2m radio with a mag mount antenna is around $200.
That's as much as a good CB with a good mag mount antenna costs.
I'd get a new one, just because new radios have a nice rich feature set that you'll enjoy. Including easier configuration.

Regards

Alvaro

 

[groucho]

You can't really plug a Ham radio into the cigarette lighter as it draws too much power. Almost by definition, a 2m radio will require hard wiring to the battery. A Ham radio also requires that you get licensed by the FCC.

Since you are just starting out, I would get an inexpensive CB with a Mag mount antenna. Most of your fellow trail users will have CB anyway, and I don't see that changing for years.

Once you get frustrated with the range and clarity limitations of CB, then start studying and move up to Ham radio.

There are a bunch of Ham guys in your area-you should hook up with Alia, Beowulf, Cruiserdan and the rest of that crowd. They can help you make wise communication purchases.

Don't get me wrong, Ham is really great, but it has taken a concerted effort getting everyone in our group licensed, and running 2m radios instead of CBs. There are still a few hold outs and we are working on them too.

Seems to be the common thing, those holdouts. 1990 LJ78 might be an exception to the rule for the cig lighter socket as a power supply depending on his setup. Unless it was an HT (and I would try not to do that either), I would side with Drew to hardwire your Ham radio.

Slim,

A good 2m radio with a mag mount antenna is around $200.
That's as much as a good CB with a good mag mount antenna costs.
I'd get a new one, just because new radios have a nice rich feature set that you'll enjoy. Including easier configuration.

Regards

Alvaro

I second that. The Yaesu FT-2800M is going right now from HRO(with compettitors a buck or so more or less) for $139.99. That is my suggestion. go to Ham Radio Outlet to check out stuff.

 

[bj70_guy]

I second that. The Yaesu FT-2800M is going right now from HRO(with compettitors a buck or so more or less) for $139.99. [/URL] to check out stuff.

FWIW, hamcity.com is still featuring new FT2800s for $118.

 

[groucho]

FWIW, hamcity.com is still featuring new FT2800s for $118.

Well done. Even better. For that radio? That is a sweet enough deal to want to pick up two.

I gave HRO as first 'cause it is a short drive across town. Including the cheapest shipping rates, hamcity only beat out HRO by about $7. If someone had to ship from either store, HRO offers free UPS ground with orders over $100.

Anyway, I think most folks here would agree it is a great rig to have especially due to the price.

 

[slimbuddha]

Just a quick update, I went to a Hamfest on the 17th, and passed the Technician test. It's pretty simple, and common sense. I hadn't even really studied very well. I'm now going to take my time and pick out a radio over the next couple months (no big rush). I'll take a look at the FT2800. I believe it has come up as a recommend in several places.

Thanks all

 

[JO MAOMA]

Just a quick update, I went to a Hamfest on the 17th, and passed the Technician test.

cheers! took mine on the 19th, call sign showed up yesterday - KE7OQC...

 

[BPMOU]

However getting your HAM license, getting a radio (HT or mobile) and learning how to use it could be beneficial in an emergency situation if nothing else until other members of your group graduate to HAM and/or you start running with folks that have HAM. Just a couple of the benefits to HAM/2m: Longer distance communication potential particularly with mobile radios that use typically up to about 60-watts of power; FM quality audio; repeater accessibility for very long distance communication potential (hundreds of miles); etc.

I am considering getting my license and a radio prior to modding other things on my 80 for the simple fact of communication in an emergency situation. Can someone tell me what type of emergency infrastructure is set up within the ham community? Is it limited to other ham users etc?

 

[1leglance]

there are a couple of levels of emerg comm aval. to you as a ham..

1st many repeaters have something called autopatch where the repeater is connected to phone lines and you can use that to call for help
2nd is that ham is monitored and used by folks in their house and if they hear your distress call they will keep you on the air while they phone for help and they will relay info
3rd if things are really bad and no one is listening and you have mod'd your radio for out of band transmission and you have either scanned for gov/police others or have the freq list on you then you are allowed by the FCC in a real emerg (life threatening) to call on police/gov/other freq

there is much more to cover but that gives you an idea at least

 

[ThePookieBear]

Yeah, and try to get a a book with any repeaters in your area. I have used 2-meters a LOT in Texas. I was in a situation where I was in a different car every day and would use a cig outlet to power it with a magnetic mount. I was chasing hanglider and parglider pilots out on world record distance attempts and we could go a couple hundred miles sometimes when they were in the air. It is great. You will love them for many reasons.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

I'd go with both. I have a Cobra 29 LTDWXST and am going to take it to a CB shop to see if I can 'improve' its performance. After I get a lift and tires, and ARB bumper I am gonna go with a HAM radio as well.

 

[Foreigner]

Cb + Ham

X2. If you go with both, you'll have all of the advantages of HAM listed above, as well as being able to work with more people, ie holdouts. I'd go for a nice 2m outfit and a cheaper CB, myself.

 

[alvarorb]

I've had a Cobra in-dash CD for years. The antenna, a Wilson 5000 mag mount is awesome for a CB antenna, but a PITA to install and un-install.
I got my HAM license over a year ago and my 2m is always ready to RX/TX. In the last 18 months a lot of the people in our group have gotten their licences as well. So much that on our last few trips I've not installed the CB antenna. I just run 2m.
In our group, only CB trucks are the minority.

Regards

Alvaro