Truck to Truck communication?

[MARLIN375]

So what are you guys running?

CB, portable (handheld) VHF, mobile VHF,

Any Ham enthusiasts?

I wonder if we could get a "club frequency" or would there be toooo much buracracy.

 

[Gold Boy]

i'm using a fitted CB, works good for cruiser to cruiser....

breaker breaker... "rubber duck" is that you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBliamW08TM&feature=related

 

[We-Cruz]

So what are you guys running?

CB, portable (handheld) VHF, mobile VHF,

That's a big 10/4 on the CB!

Also have a set of handhelds... Which never seem "loud" enough.

I've always been interested in ham radio - I heard you had to write a test though....

 

[MARLIN375]

Yes I have been thinking about getting my Ham "licence". I believe you do need to take a basic test, I will look into it a little further and post up my findings if you guys are interested.

I have a VHF in my truck (I use it at/for work occaisionally) and it has the Ladd channels (4 common commercial frequencies that are used by mostly loggers, truckers and flaggers) I also have the local logging channels, very handy when the loaded logging trucks are coming at you.

 

[canucksafari]

They are two seperate licenses: one is HAM and the other is Commercial. Currently there is a FSR users committee in BC working on this issue and I believe they will be requesting that HAM license holders be able to braodcast their kms on commericial channels on FSR for the sake of safety. There is lots of HAM related info on BC4x4's: Radio Communications - BB.BC4x4.COM

BTW, I took part of the course but couldn't do all the classes because of work. Since then I have not doen as planned - just study on my own. The HAM club offered courses are very interesting but are really geared to the non-mobile HAM operator. I recommend you contact your closest HAM club and see if they have any courses being offered. They are also your usual source of authorized examiners - should you go the self-study route. For now, you can play with the Industry Canada test generator: Spectrum Management and Telecommunications - Amateur Radio Exam Generator

BTW, you will likely find that once you have your HAM lincense that you will have both a HAM and a CB radio in your Cruiser - just so you can still chat with the guys on runs who only have CBs.

 

[MARLIN375]

What is the frequency range for CB radios, they have 40 +/- channels that are preset correct? and low power Tx 5-10 watts?

 

[canucksafari]

CB are 4W max by law unless on Side Band. There are people who will illegally increase the broadcast wattage. Few CB radios have SB. I looked for a used one for some time without success. Ended up getting a Cobra NW 29ST. Pretty much everyone says the most important thing is your antenna and where you mount it. Best place is the centre of the roof. I don't like the idea of drilling a hole in my roof. Freeway Communications thought a back door mount or roof ladder mount would be better than a bumper or fender mount on my Patrol. I still have yet to pick up an antenna and do it.

 

[We-Cruz]

[There is lots of HAM related info on BC4x4's: Radio Communications - BB.BC4x4.COM

Good link -Lots of Info will have to "budget some read time".

BTW, you will likely find that once you have your HAM lincense that you will have both a HAM and a CB radio in your Cruiser - just so you can still chat with the guys on runs who only have CBs.[/QUOTE]

I was hoping "the ham" was a one stop shop...

 

[MARLIN375]

I was hoping "the ham" was a one stop shop...[/COLOR]

I have been thinking more along the lines of what Canucksafari said (regaurding the FSR user committee). I think if we could make a case for the safety of our club members on the FS roads that we use so often, it would be possible to get our members Licences for VHF radios. I know the loggers would back us.

Those are great links Canucksafari, thanks for the info.

 

[canucksafari]

I was hoping "the ham" was a one stop shop...

Decent multiband radios start at around $1200. It's cheaper to add a small CB for $80 and get a good dual band UHF/VHF radio.

Here's a good Canadian site for one stop (window) shopping.

Radioworld : Amateur & Ham Radio GPS Chartplotters Fishfinders VHF Marine SSB radios Shortwave Radio Scanners CB GMRS Toronto Ontario Canada

 

[MARLIN375]

Well boys, I don't know if you are interested in a decent radio (VHF) but there is a good deal on Ebay for an ICOM 2200H (10 available) the H stands for Ham.


ICOM IC 2200H IC 2200 on eBay.ca (item 360255800589 end time 23-May-10 10:24:32 EDT)



Its $80 less than I paid over a year ago, with a 85cent dollar.

Cheers, Marlin375.

 

[bj70_guy]

FWIW, that's only $20 less than Radioworld (in Toronto) charges - I bet Burnaby Radio could come pretty close to that and you wouldn't have to deal with the border or pay the $40 for shipping... plus if there's a problem (however unlikely) there's no trouble getting warranty in Canada.

Plus they're good guys.

 

[MARLIN375]

10-4 on that one Norm, dealing locally is always better when you have issues. I just noticed that that radio is shipped UPS , I would not buy it unless you can talk them into walking to the post office and sending it USPS.

If you got it in Burnaby there is also a chance they would "open up" the freq. range for you, not sure what it takes but I know it can be done.

CLiccchhhhtt...over.