Ham Radio Operators

And, i wanna talk to my boys, out in the dark, while larping

 

i didnt measure for any of the mobile units im looking at, just had the thought since i know my midland will fit in there, but you're right the mobile hams are probably too big. i often travel w my gf and her two teenage girls who shove water bottles (sometimes as a bonus with the lids not screwed on right! haha), shoes, etc under the seat, so im not sure that is the best place as of right now.

just spitballin ideas for the moment. i have a rago dash mount and would like to put the faceplate there no matter where i put the unit, so thats the end goal.

i appreciate the feedback about the glovebox size, i didnt totally think that through and would have been pissed if i had my mind set on that spot haha

 

I've mounted my Icom 2730A under the driver's seat (on a plywood slide-out mount) and mounted the control head in the cubby using a cellphone clamshell mount that allows me to adjust the angle of the control head. Forward facing external speaker also mounted on the plywood for better audio.

Radio is powered directly from the battery via a switch-controlled relay.

I don't like the idea of mounting sensitive electronics at dash level. First, it increases the theft potential, but more importantly, it exposes the devices to baking in direct sunlight.

 

If your radio is small as many modern ones are, you could actually suspend the radio from the underside of the seat so it's not resting on the carpet. There is plenty of room there; just. leave enough slack to account for seat adjustment front/back. I suspended my external speaker from the underside of the seat using zip ties. I did not do the same with the radio because on this Yaesu unit, I need access to the MicroSD card slot to program it.

 

id probably take mine on and off for use as needed, but both good points to consider. thanks

 

Subd. I want to get into hamm but i have tried a coupe times to understand and can’t quite grasp it. Im not tech savvy and not sure what im missing but its not clicking. I have a few uv-5rs to get started im struggling. Luckily I have a couple neighbors that are licensed that are willing too help.

 

It is a tough test. I have a background in auto/aviation electric and it baffled me but if you go to the FCC website it will direct you to a practice test site where the tests are taken right out of the book (check Amazon - they have plenty of books to help you with the test). You can take the 25 question practice test as many times you want (free). I remember doing about 15 tests before I felt confident enough to take the real test. You really need a book to get you through it though.

 

Subd. I want to get into hamm but i have tried a coupe times to understand and can’t quite grasp it. Im not tech savvy and not sure what im missing but its not clicking. I have a few uv-5rs to get started im struggling. Luckily I have a couple neighbors that are licensed that are willing too help.

 

also check out hamstudy.org which is a free site where you can test and read explanations, etc. its been helpful for me, im gonna take my test this month.

 

Dave Casler's YouTube channel, Ham Radio Answers (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaBtYooQdmNzq63eID8RaLQ) is an excellent training site.

 

Yahoo! Just passed my exam today, now I gotta shop and build.

 

Congrats!!!

 

Congrats and 73s de N1DDS

 

Hamradioprep.com

 

When you're shopping, take some time to learn a little about radio theory and operating practices. Many new hams just memorize the test answers and are at a loss when it comes to actually using a radio or tuning an antenna.

Granted, there's a lot BS, even at the Technician level, but you should know something about RF exposure limits, wire gauge vs power loss in mobile applications, and basic antenna system theory and radio operation.

First radio purchases can be confusing with all the choices available today. If there's a ham club near you, I'd recommend getting to know some local hams and getting as much first hand information as you can. Local ham radio stores also used to be a good learning resource, but they're few and far between now.

73!

 

Thank you! I grabbed a Baofeng BF-F8HP a bit ago just to listen on the trails. Luckily the site I went to for test prep also gave me some training on how to use this.

I will for sure look for some groups in the area. I know the Overland Bound guys I’m Sac have one or two they talked about.

 

If the repeaters near him are anything like the repeaters near me, he won't need to study up on theory or antennas or equipment or really anything. All he's got to do is listen for a week because IT'S ALL THE OTHER NERDS TALK ABOUT!!!! I honestly don't understand how anyone can discuss anything to the extent that HAMs discuss their shit on the air. (This forum excepted, natch)

Yawn!!!! I quit scanning my local repeaters because I would contemplate suicide when ol' "Slow Talk Monotone Insert Random Old Man Chortle Here" would start to drawl on about his ham shack and APERS and borophyl.

I enjoy using the radio but anymore I limit my use to off road forays with friends, and monitoring 146.520 on x-country trips in case someone needs something.