Amature Radio...

[oz97tj]

Well, I've been wanting to get my license for some time now and have kept putting it off. After talking with some non-jeep friends of mine, I decided to just bite the bullet. With their advice, I ordered a radio from Universal-Radio.com tonight.

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0080.html

Seems to be a good unit. Hopefully, if things work out, I will be taking the test on Tuesday.

The next step is setting this thing up in my Jeep. Anybody have some friendly advice? Is tuning similar to a CB?

[T-way]

You need to talk to Jim Mazzola or Jim Kitson!!!!

:thumb:

[mitrail400ex]

You need to talk to Jim Mazzola or Jim Kitson!!!!

:thumb:

Or OldSailor

[yj_hank]

What do you do with a radio like that? I have heard of people with ham radios but I just imagined people held up in their basement listening to them. Why is a test or license required?


Henry

[Creative Fab]

Henry,

A license is required for several reason, one of which is Ham radios are capable of reaching great distances and are used in emergency situations as well in areas with no other means of communicating. What the license does is add accountability to the users of these units, with your license comes your call sign which is your identifier in the Ham world.

This keep the riff raff from clogging the airways with useless crap like you find with CB's. We use Ham radios when we wheel in Canada or when we have multiple trail leaders out with groups we can stay in touch with each other.

[yj_hank]

Thanks for the information Pat. I Looks like you can get quite a bit of money rapped up in a nice system.


Henry

[oz97tj]

You need to talk to Jim Mazzola or Jim Kitson!!!!

:thumb:


Or OldSailor

The Jims are who guided me towards a radio with dual recieve. From there advice, it was high on my list of wants.

They, along with Bob, has also given me lots of great info over the past year or so. With what they've all told me, and what other operators have told me, I chose the radio I did. There are a bunch out there that are cheaper, but this one should be good so I don't out grow it.

Henry, like Pat said, HAM is great because of the range and clarity. Wheeling at the Mounds isn't a real use for it as cell phones and everything else work, but up in the UP or Canada or something where there isn't any cell phone coverage would be bad if something bad were to happen. With a HAM, you can reach out many many miles, and with a repeater even talk around the world, so you can almost always find somebody to help.

And, it's a cool gadget... lol

[yj_hank]

You learn something new every day. I had no idea these were made to install in vehicles. It would be nice if you could document the installation and learning the radio. It would make a great article for the boondocker also.


Henry

[phittie1100]

Where are you doing the testing at JR?

[rentalrider]

What does dual receiver mean when speaking of HAM radios? Both CB and HAM?? That would be kick-a**. And why is it OZ you always end up costing me money and we've hardly wheeled together? :poke: I've been toying with this idea for a year or more now due to where i live, hunt and wheel. No phone reception, and often alone.

[oz97tj]

You learn something new every day. I had no idea these were made to install in vehicles. It would be nice if you could document the installation and learning the radio. It would make a great article for the boondocker also.


Henry

You know, that's a great idea. I happen to know the Boondocker editor (and the guy who has carried him. Thanks Paul!)


Where are you doing the testing at JR?

There are tests tomorrow night in Oak Park and in Lansing. I was thinking of running to Lansing. On the 20th, there is a test in Fenton. ARRL.com has exam dates and addresses. You can search by state, or even put in your zip code and it will find the ones closest to you.


What does dual receiver mean when speaking of HAM radios? Both CB and HAM?? That would be kick-a**. And why is it OZ you always end up costing me money and we've hardly wheeled together? :poke: I've been toying with this idea for a year or more now due to where i live, hunt and wheel. No phone reception, and often alone.

Dual recieve means you basically have two radios in one. It does NOT allow CB communication. The FCC keeps amature radio and CB very seperate. The radio I purchased is cabable of both 2 metter and 70 cm freq. There are also 10 meter and 6 meter, but I believe you need higher license class to use those. It seems 2 meter is the most common in the wheeling world. HAM radios have so many frequencies, you have to program in the ones you want, and scanning them all isn't really an option. With some radios, you can set up a group of channels to scan, but it still only allows one to be heard at once. With dual recieve, I can have my radio set to two different channels, and even two different bands (2m or 70 cm) at the same time and listen to both without having to scan everything. Another cool feature is this radio (and many others) has a repeater function. If I have a handheld HAM, I can go off on foot and all it has to do is be able to reach the jeep, then the jeep with amplify the signal from 5 watts to 50 watts so I could still talk over large areas. Could be helpfull if I'm off hiking for some waterfall in the UP and break my leg or something.

Lastly, I think your old CJ is scared to wheel with me... lol With what you do, a HAM would be a great option. My rig is a bit pricier, but you can get mobile units for the jeep for just over $100 bucks.

[GL08JK]

"The radio I purchased is cabable of both 2 metter and 17 cm freq."

I think that you mean 70cm and not 17cm. I am pretty sure that that radio does not do 17cm because those frequencies would be out of any legal amateur radio bandplan. It is a good dual band radio though.

[WhiteRhino]

Henry, here's a simple way to look at it. A CB radio is rated at a max allowable output of 5 watts. A mobile ham is rated at a max allowable output of 75 watts.

I have been 17 miles north of Sault Ste Marie in Canada and been talking to Jim Mazzola just after he crossed over the Mackinaw Bridge.

[oz97tj]

"The radio I purchased is cabable of both 2 metter and 17 cm freq."

I think that you mean 70cm and not 17cm. I am pretty sure that that radio does not do 17cm because those frequencies would be out of any legal amateur radio bandplan. It is a good dual band radio though.

Your right. lol. Like I said earlier, I haven't taken the test yet. Thanks for the correction. I will correct my post.

[oz97tj]

Henry, here's a simple way to look at it. A CB radio is rated at a max allowable output of 5 watts. A mobile ham is rated at a max allowable output of 75 watts.

I have been 17 miles north of Sault Ste Marie in Canada and been talking to Jim Mazzola just after he crossed over the Mackinaw Bridge.

Jim, we talked about this before, but please refresh my memory. Was this running radio to radio, or was this using a repeater?

[Mr-S]

and with a repeater even talk around the world, so you can almost always find somebody to help.

So if yer stuck in Canada you can find someone in Hong Kong that can help you?

[WhiteRhino]

It was with a repeater. But, that's the beauty of the the ham's. Without a repeater we've talked at least 20 miles.

[oz97tj]

So if yer stuck in Canada you can find someone in Hong Kong that can help you?

Maybe I need somebody with a small hand...


It was with a repeater. But, that's the beauty of the the ham's. Without a repeater we've talked at least 20 miles.

Thanks for the info! Now, what about setting them up?

[WhiteRhino]

Plug & play, tune with meter just like a CB. Only difference is a CB SWR meter won't work. You need a different one.

[oz97tj]

Thanks Jim.

[Greenway]

JR, did you take a class or read a book for your studying?

[Jarhead]

JR, did you take a class or read a book for your studying?
Are you serious, JR looked at the pictures...:lmao:

[shawn]

I'm pretty sure the boondocker did some articls on CB's and Ham radio, maybe a year or two ago? Is it in the archives?

And didn't Brian make some really good threads on this board for Ham Radio stuff? I'll have to look it up, he has a really bad ass setup in that CJ of his.

[oz97tj]

JR, did you take a class or read a book for your studying?

I purchased a book (it did have some pictures) but it was rather dry. Still fairly easy stuff to grasp. I've also spent a bunch of time on hamtestonline.com. You can do practice tests for free, or you can do their online training. Classes didn't really fit in my schedule as pretty much everything I found is on weekends and I work weekends. You are free to use the book if you would like.


Are you serious, JR looked at the pictures...:lmao:

:flipoff:


I'm pretty sure the boondocker did some articls on CB's and Ham radio, maybe a year or two ago? Is it in the archives?

And didn't Brian make some really good threads on this board for Ham Radio stuff? I'll have to look it up, he has a really bad ass setup in that CJ of his.

I don't recall seeing anything in the Boondockers since I've joined up a couple years back. I would like to see this info if somebody could point in the right direction.

Lastly, if anyone is wondering, I didn't take the test tonight. I was in the garage all day working on the jeep and I didn't really feel like driving to Lansing in the crappy weather. I'll be taking one very soon though.

[Deathdealer]

Here's a little tip. I picked up the books and had Old Sailor handy to talk to about HAM before I took my exam. A week before my exam I started taking these tests on eham.net

http://www.eham.net/exams/

I did crappy the first time and kept taking them over and over until I started getting 100%...I aced my exam

The exam on eHam and the real test were spot on...It was great practice for the real one.

[GL08JK]

Another place that is free for online practice testing is on QRZ. You can practice over and over. The technition test is somewhat easy.

http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl

[Jarhead]

What is the differance in:

Technician
General
Extra

[oz97tj]

Here's a little tip. I picked up the books and had Old Sailor handy to talk to about HAM before I took my exam. A week before my exam I started taking these tests on eham.net

http://www.eham.net/exams/

I did crappy the first time and kept taking them over and over until I started getting 100%...I aced my exam

The exam on eHam and the real test were spot on...It was great practice for the real one.


Another place that is free for online practice testing is on QRZ. You can practice over and over. The technition test is somewhat easy.

http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl

I've been playing with the online tests at hamtestonline.com. It's pretty helpful taking the practice tests.


What is the differance in:

Technician
General
Extra

I'm sure there is more to it, but the higher levels allow you to play on more freq. than the tech. However, for our use, tech seems to be enough.

Also, the test is a 35 question test that is based on a pool of 400 (I think) questions. Most of them are pretty simple if you really think about it. For instance, I was doing pretty good taking the online tests before I even started studying, passing about half the tests I took. For me, the hard parts are the parts asking volts times amperes equals whatever crap. For whatever reason, they want you to know the idea behind how the radios work and such. This may have been helpful years ago when everyone was building their own radios, but in todays world it doesn't seem relevant. Also, the question pool is supposed to change in June or July of this year so who knows if the test will become harder or easier.

[Greenway]

JR, I would like to borrow that book. Thanks.

[oz97tj]

JR, I would like to borrow that book. Thanks.

Consider it done. I plan to take the test on the 20th in Fenton now. So, hurry up and learn it and you can take it with me.

[Greenway]

I'd like to, but the Two Trackers have a snow run that weekend.

So, when can I get that book from you?

[oz97tj]

I'd like to, but the Two Trackers have a snow run that weekend.

So, when can I get that book from you?

You going to be around this weekend?

[oz97tj]

I got home from work last night and my radio was sitting on my porch waiting for me! It's very cool, and I can't wait to get it hooked up. I'm pretty excited. Now I need to hurry and take the test.

[yj_hank]

Any updates JR?


Henry

[WhiteRhino]

Just remember. Watts/ torque = BTU's

[yj_hank]

Just remember. Watts/ torque = BTU's

I thought it was beans + beer = BTU? Oh well.


Henry

[oz97tj]

No real updates right now. I recieved the radio, and it's cool. lol

I got the day off work to take the test on the 20th. Still have to order the antenna and other misc. stuff to hook it up, but the place I want to order from requires a call sign before I order, and I won't have that until after the 20th. It may be a bit before I have any real updates. I will document everything though.:thumb:

[kb8ymf]

Oz,
Congrats on following up and getting your 'ticket'. Saw a few questions in this post along the way and figured I'd answer them.
Differences in Tech, General, and Extra licenses.
First off, no license requires Morse Code any more. There is much controversy over this but the fact is, code was detering many individuals from upgrading. The ARRL, equivalent to UFWDA, lobbied to remove from requirements. They were successful and there has been a steady increas in license upgrades.
Next, differences. Tech is an entry level license. It allows voice and data operation on VHF, UHF, and HF which are 2 meter (144ish) 70cm (440) and 10meter (just above the 11 meter band of CB's) and 6 meter. It also allows CW operation (Morse code) on some HF bands but without the knowledge, there aren't many there.
Overall, the 2 meter and 440 are the most popuar with 2 meter probably 10:1 over 440. The benefit of a dyual band radio is that you can tune both side of the radio to 2 meter and listen to the local conversation with your group and also have a repeator on the second side listenting to far distant communication from your group and others who are on the band.

Incidently, for those who remember, the 'Canada, three day and two nights in the Canadian Bush' sage, The OPP, Ontario Provincial Police, WERE listenting in on the whole resuce mission and even chimed in once confirming our own rescue operation was going ok. The OPP were ready to call out the Ontario Search and Rescue BUT, our communication and apparent orderly conduct of getting the vehicles and people out of the woods satisfied them that we knew what we were doing.

General allows voice access to the HF bands, but only to a portion that is allotted to Amatuer operators.
Extra test is the hardest and almost requires MacGiver like knowledge to building a radio. It however allows total access to ever band allotted the Amatuer radio spectrum.
This chart shows it a little better if you're more interested. It's amazing how much more band width is available by simply upgrading to General. That is on my To-Do list for this spring.

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/bands.html

My suggestions going forward.

Listen...............by that I mean, tune in to some of the local repeators and listen. I think I listened for months before I got the courage to press the mic button. By listening to the local conversations you will become accustomed to the typical etiquitte.
Talking to someone you know, will also make it WAY easier to break the ice and get over your nervousness. Plus, newbies are a dead givea away to those who have been around for a while! Most will cut you some slack when it comes to doing things spot on. But they WILL correct you if you're out of line. Don't take it a being an 'arse, but rather keeping the professionalism of the hobby in tact.

One additional piece of 'hardware' you will need. A repeator book. Usually available @ local ham swaps. It will be invaluable to locate and find the local repeators. Here's the book:

http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?category=VHF%2FUHF%2FMicrowave&words=repeater+directory

This is an absolute must if you travel around and would like to listen in on the local chit chat. It can become especially handy when traveling through an area during the time of a thunderstom. You will be able to find the local storm chaser and spotter conversations.

One last thing, I did write a whole article on Ham Radio communication quite a few years back and even brought a ton of equipment to the Quarterly to demonstrate the ability.

Let me know what antenna you're interested in. My preference is Diamond SG7500. I have at leat 4 of them as does Kitson and Doug. No complaints from any of them to my knowledge. You WILL have to devise your own spring mount to keep the antenna from getting broke. I've got a picture of mine I can send you if you're interested.

Also try AESHAM http://aesham.com/
or Ham Radio Outlet http://hamradio.com/
for prices on antennas.

jim-kb8ymf

[oz97tj]

Thanks Jim! It's funny you mentioned listening to the radio. As I progress through learning the stuff for the test, I've realized for the most part it doesn't really actually cover how to use it. There is lots of theory and some etiquette and safety discussion, but I'm thinking it'll be a second phase of learning once I get it all hooked up and operational. Should be fun.

Last night, I was working a little OT and was stuck in a booth with not much to do but surf the web. I ended up ordering an antenna and cable and dummy load from universal-radio.com I hope the antenna is a decent one. It was recommended on many websites and the reviews on eham.com are positive. Also, it seems to be a good unit for what we do as it's fairly flexible. It's the Diamond NR770HA.

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantm/2568.html

I thought about ordering a meter to test it so I can tune it myself, but wasn't sure what to get and I don't know how to use it anyway. I've been in contact with OldSailor and he said he would help tune it so I should be good to go.

Lastly, you said you wrote an article. Where was it published? Is it available to see now?

[kb8ymf]

You're right in the fact just passing the test doens't give you a 'hands on understanding' to operating the radio. That job usually falls to individuals called 'Elmers'. Old Sailor would be a perfect example of one.
Anything Diamond is a great antenna. The only thing you might find annoying about that antenna is its propensity to try and 'eat tree branches'. The little curly cue in the middle of the antenna grabed branches when I had it mounted on the front fender of my truck. That antenna is now retired as a back-up antenna.
I really wouldn't bother with a dummy load, rather a good Daiwa crossed needles SWR meter will be a good investment.
The article should have been in one of the Boondocker years ago. I'll bet early 2000's.
I'll look around and see if I can find the original submission.
j-kb8ymf

[oz97tj]

Good point about the curly portion. I think I will be ok though because I'm going to mount my antenna like my CB antenna is mounted (if you remember how it's mounted).

It's on the tailgate near the center of my jeep, and I plan to only have 10 or 12 inches above the roof line. I know, it's not ideal, but it protects the antenna pretty well. I've had great luck with my CB antenna mounted this way, and it doesn't cut down on my reception much. I obviously get better range to the rear of my vehicle than the front, but it's not that much of a difference. We will see how that works out with this one though. lol

[Greenway]

Well, I decided to go ahead and get the license.

Now, the question is, how to get my hands on a radio. I've looked at new ones, but the prices are scary expensive.

How much would I save buying used?

How does a noob find a good used unit without being ripped off?

Can I get anything decent for $200 - $250?

I'm not a rookie with electronics, just ham equipment.

Elmer?

[oz97tj]

Well, I decided to go ahead and get the license.

Now, the question is, how to get my hands on a radio. I've looked at new ones, but the prices are scary expensive.

How much would I save buying used?

How does a noob find a good used unit without being ripped off?

Can I get anything decent for $200 - $250?

I'm not a rookie with electronics, just ham equipment.

Elmer?

Gary, check out universal-radio.com You can look at the mobile units there. You can get a nice 2m mobile for under $150 new. eham.net is a good place to look at reviews of pretty much anything you could imagine as well.

On a side note, I got my antenna and stuff yesterday, but the coax is on backorder. grrrrr

[oz97tj]

I took the test today, and I passed!!! WOOO HOOO!

Should be on the FCC website in 7 to 10 days, and then I'm official. I would be installing the radio, but my coax is on backorder. Monday, I may get a little fiesty and go buy some locally...

[GL08JK]

Congrats on passing your test....

[Greenway]

:thumb::yourock:

[T-way]

Nice job!

:thumb:

[DDS4X4]

WELCOME to the world of HAMS! :wave:

From one Ham to another BIG HAM :thumb:

[WhiteRhino]

Good job. Now we can't talk about you.

[Greenway]

What bands do you guys usually use out on the trails? Would I need a dual bander or will a simple 2 meter work?

My only other reason for having it is managing a backwoods emergency.

[oz97tj]

Good job. Now we can't talk about you.

I'm sure you'll find a way...:blahblah::flipoff:

[T-way]

I'm sure you'll find a way...:blahblah::flipoff:


PMS work!!!!

:poke:

[oz97tj]

PMS work!!!!

:poke:

??? I'm confused. Jim and I are just having a little fun with each other. No need to take that to PMs.

[T-way]

No, no, no.....

I'm kidding you guys back, saying that even though they can't talk about you on the radio anymore (since you're on it), that they can still talk about you with PMs!!!

:poke:

I'll butt out now!!!!!!

:thumb:

[oz97tj]

No, no, no.....

I'm kidding you guys back, saying that even though they can't talk about you on the radio anymore (since you're on it), that they can still talk about you with PMs!!!

:poke:

I'll butt out now!!!!!!

:thumb:

lol. Ah, I get it now.

[Greenway]

I ended up ordering the Yaesu FT-7900R. I was all set for the 2900 but the 7900 is so much easier to mount space wise. I also took Jim's advice and got the Diamond SG7500. The coax was backordered so I ordered the parts to build my own.

My fingers still hurt from typing in my credit card numbers. Ouch.

[oz97tj]

Gary, what coax did you order. Everything of mine was delivered except for it because it was backordered. Ugh.

For the Elmers out there, will CB coax work? Both are 50 ohm wire so I assume they will? I purchased some at a truck stop yesterday, but I forgot the little adapter thing to mount the wire through the mount to my antenna so I haven't been able to try it yet.

Edit: A little birdie told me that there is a guy in Flushing that sells radio equipment and is a Diamond dealer. I plan to call him up in the am...

[Greenway]

I got 20 feet of RG 8 coax and a couple PL259 connectors. I hope they're the right ones. I'll see when I get the stuff.

[DDS4X4]

Hey Oz,

Tell Dennis (w8qwl) I said Hello and the Diamond 7500 antenna is working GREAT.
I picked up a replacement on the way up to SnoFari. He even stayed open late since I was driving up from Ohio and couldn't make his usual closing time of 5:30 PM.
With everything I saw in his shop, he probably has what you need IN STOCK.
I think he mentioned 8000 part numbers he was entering into his new computer after his old one CRASHED.

[oz97tj]

Doug, I will pass the "Hello" along. Truth be told, I was talking with Paul and he told me how you got the antenna from him. I was completely unaware that we had somebody close that was a dealer for this stuff.

Hopefully, I'll be going to see him either tomorrow or Friday morning.

[oz97tj]

Woo Hoo! My name finally appeared on the FCC site so I'm legal now.

KD8NFX

[Greenway]

Where is this place?

[oz97tj]

Where is this place?

Dentronics, in Flushing.

I spoke with the guy today on the phone, and he didn't have the part I need. Ugh. He ordered it up for me and said it should be in in less than a week.

[DDS4X4]

WELCOME
Kilo, Delta, 8, November, Foxtrot, X-ray

from
Kilo, Delta, 8, Echo, Delta, Hotel

[oz97tj]

WELCOME
Kilo, Delta, 8, November, Foxtrot, X-ray

from
Kilo, Delta, 8, Echo, Delta, Hotel

Ha! I'm more used to the police phonetics, such as

King, David, 8, Nora, Frank, X-ray.

Is that acceptable, or is it really supposed to be the military version?

[Greenway]

When in Rome...

[oz97tj]

When in Rome...

lol. I didn't think my question was that bad. I know the books say to use phonetics, but it doesn't exactly say what to use either.

I suppose once I actually get to listen to chatter I'll know right away.

[WhiteRhino]

Well, I try to remember call signs that fit the person. Let's see, KD8 (most of us) NFX.........
Not F***ing extra? Works for me.:lmao:

[oz97tj]

Well, I try to remember call signs that fit the person. Let's see, KD8 (most of us) NFX.........
Not F***ing extra? Works for me.:lmao:


:flipoff::lmao:

[Greenway]

Kilo Delta Eight November Hotel Charlie

Or for WhiteRhino

JK Dude's Non Hairy Cranium

[phittie1100]

Kilo Delta Eight November Hotel Charlie

Or for WhiteRhino

JK Dude's Non Hairy Cranium

Wow - I think that one still needs some work Gary!

[oz97tj]

Wow Gary. You got yours fast.


I finally got my radio all hooked up and functional today. Still need to take time to hide wires and such. Then again, I have pretty much no idea how to use it so I should probably learn that too. lol

[Greenway]

I fixed Sunday's flat and mounted my head unit. I had to order more coax parts. I think I need to make a microphone extension cable too.

[oz97tj]

Where did you mount the head unit? I mounted mine like I told you. I was a bit surprised how short the mic cable was. It's coiled so will stretch out, but it seems like I'm always tugging on it. Hopefully it loosens up with use. I now need to get an external speaker. I forgot to order one, and the truck stops locally don't carry much. There is a truck stop up north that has a good selection, but I didn't think to stop before it was too late.

[Greenway]

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt285/tomjefferson/Jeep/P1010116.jpg

[oz97tj]

Hmmmm, I like that. Makes me think about moving mine. Looks out of the way so it wouldn't interfere with the top. And a little more hidden so less likely to be stolen.

[Greenway]

I just did it because the dang thing is so tiny that I know I'll have trouble reading it. Close to my eyes this way.