Amateur Radio

[Jerry]

Wow - you guys are quite serious about your communication devices .... your other half aka wife must be equally happy and benefited ...

The only reason why I might upgrade is for the 2-channel monitor or chatter noise monitor. I am using an older but small Realistic 40-channel CB where whatever channel I am on that is it - manual ;p

BTW I think I will order the Wilson antenna and give it a try. Photog's suggestion to slip around the door frame may work - worst cause is I will pinch the cable or it will always get wet as it will run on top of the weather seal.

We probably shouldn't discuss much about C.B. on the Amateur thread, and I will double-post this on the C.B. thread where we can continue the topic, but thought I should clarify that C.B. is still (and probably will be for a long time to come) our primary communication tool. Many of us have delved into amateur radio because it is usually a more reliable and longer reaching mode of communication in case of emergencies.
Jerry

[Jerry]

On the Owyhee Expedition Mick and I had 2-meter radios and played with them along the way. Our main form of communications was C.B., but it was fun testing the 2-meter rigs. Talking simplex (car to car) we found those rolling hills did a good job of blocking our signal, but not as bad as with CB. Of course CB is only 4 watts and Mick's 2-meter radio is rated at 65 and mine at 50 watts.

We tried to hit some far-off (everything was "far-off") repeaters and while I was playing with my radio near the OR/ID/NV "Three Corners" area I hit a repeater in Tuscarora, NV, about 50 miles away. Tuscarora is about 50 air miles from Elko and it, too, is out in the middle of nowhere. I also hit the Silver City, Idaho repeater.

The point is, had we needed to call for help our Two Meter radios would have been of great benefit. As it was, Dick had his satellite phone so it would have been our main form of communication should it have been necessary.

Now I want to find a couple of 2-meter rigs ($$$) for the Wrangler and the Bronco II.
Jerry

[Velogeo]

The Seattle Red Cross is offering a a class for folks to get their license. I'm hoping to take it myself at some point this winter.

I got this through a mailing list I'm on for CERT. The class is aimed at that type of use, but I think most of this crowd gets the whole be prepared to help out thing.

=======
AMATEUR RADIO LICENSING CLASS: If you are interested in getting your amateur radio license, here is a class for you. The class is being offered by the Red Cross and Mike & Key Club, so you can be assured that the instruction will be very high quality. All classes will be held at Red Cross Headquarters in Seattle. The dates are:

Friday July 18: 7-10pm
Friday August 1: 7-10pm
Sat. August 2: 9am - 5pm
Sun. August 3: 9am - 2pm (testing)

The cost is $50 which includes your manual and licensing test fee. If you would like to register, please contact Tim.Kane@seattleredcross.org. Fifty bucks, a few classes and you have your license!

[Jerry]

That's not a bad deal considering the book and licensee fee is built into the cost. I'm sure classroom students will not only be better prepared to take the test, but will retain more information than the average "do-it-yourselfer". That will pay off when it comes to operating the radio. Good move.
Jerry

[Binford]

Originally Posted by Velogeo

Friday July 18: 7-10pm
Friday August 1: 7-10pm
Sat. August 2: 9am - 5pm
Sun. August 3: 9am - 2pm (testing)

I take it that's a series of classes that one would attend all before the test? With my travel schedule, I'll probably just have to do home study. But I'm going for my Technician's this summer.

Anyone here have an opinion on the Icom IC-V8000? Looks fairly well rated. But knowing virtually nothing about mobile radios, I wouldn't know a dog if I were looking right at it!

[Jerry]

Anyone here have an opinion on the Icom IC-V8000? Looks fairly well rated.

The IC-V8000 is mil spec rated so solder joints should hold up on bumpy roads. The radio also features 75 watts of transmit power, 25 watts more than the average 2-meter mobile. That feature alone could turn out to be a lifesaver as it may make the difference between being heard or not. The Icom V8000 also has a front-facing speaker making it easier to hear than typical 2m radios with down-facing speakers. I have heard good reports from an acquaintance who has run one for 3 years and have read good things written by other off-road users about the V8000 installed in 4x4 rigs so it should be a good choice. Another radio similar to the V8000 is the IC-2200H, a 65 watt version, but without a fan. Sometimes fans are temperamental and noisy. I am currently trying to decide between the 2200H and the V8000 for my Wrangler and Bronco II and next to trying to justify buying ANOTHER radio I am having difficulty in choosing.
Jerry

[Binford]

Hmmmm... So it looks like my intuition (which is pretty much all I have to go with so far!) wasn't too far off.

I notice some of the other radios list several levels of transmit power. For instance, something like 5W, 10W, 25W and 65W. Would there be any advantage to being able to step down in power? I'm guessing it might be handy perhaps when two mobile units in fairly close proximity are trying to talk to each other (but then just go to CB, eh?)

What caught my attention with the V8000 was the higher-than-usual wattage and the high user ratings. I'm encouraged by your comment that it's a unit you're looking at as well, Jerry. Reports seemed to indicate the users weren't bothered much by the fan noise....

[RidgeRunner]

The main reason you step down in power is the FCC. They want you to use the minimum amount of power to accomplish you communication task. In larger metro areas, it's more important to use lower power since there can be many users on the same freq.

You'll find that 2-meter amateur band is so much clearer than CB, even at close range that you'll probably prefer to use it. The problem is not enough people are equipped at this time.

Mick

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by soggymountain

The IC-V8000 is mil spec rated so solder joints should hold up on bumpy roads. The radio also features 75 watts of transmit power, 25 watts more than the average 2-meter mobile. That feature alone could turn out to be a lifesaver as it may make the difference between being heard or not. The Icom V8000 also has a front-facing speaker making it easier to hear than typical 2m radios with down-facing speakers. I have heard good reports from an acquaintance who has run one for 3 years and have read good things written by other off-road users about the V8000 installed in 4x4 rigs so it should be a good choice. Another radio similar to the V8000 is the IC-2200H, a 65 watt version, but without a fan. Sometimes fans are temperamental and noisy. I am currently trying to decide between the 2200H and the V8000 for my Wrangler and Bronco II and next to trying to justify buying ANOTHER radio I am having difficulty in choosing.
Jerry

Ain't this something, replying to my own quote! Some people! Anyway, I thought I would play the Devil's Advocate and pass along some of the issues I have been pondering

First, if a LOUD, high wattage radio is desired it can be achieved with ANY radio if you couple it to a linear amplifier. Linears are legal on ham radios, but as with any ham gear you are responsible for any spurious signals. There are several 160 watt linear amps on the market for reasonable prices. And you can go much higher than 160 watts if you so desire. But, make sure your antenna can handle the load.

A front facing speaker is a good idea although they are quite small, smaller than most down-facing speakers and, therefore, do not have as good a sound quality. Most drivers prefer - no, they need - a larger external speaker thus eliminating the issue of front vs. bottom speakers.

Regarding user reports, just about all radio models have good reports. I own a 50/40 watt, Yaesu FT-7800R dual-bander that we installed in my wife's car. In searching for user comments I found a bunch of guys who use that radio in 4x4 applications. I can't find whether it is mil spec or not and it has a fan that may or may not be susceptible to bearing failure from dusty conditions. But, hey, off-road guys like the radio!

And what about single or dual band? We live in Yakima where there are both 2-meter and 70 cm repeaters, but there is little traffic on 70 cm. On the other hand we can expect someone to be monitoring the more popular 2-meter repeaters around the clock. I expect the same is true around most smaller towns. Therefore my inclination is to go with a simple, single-band, 2-meter radio. But, on second thought could UHF capability be an important option? In case of an emergency you would have an extra band at your disposal. Maybe you could hit a UHF repeater when VHF was dead? Of course using that theory maybe we should buy a 4-band, Yaesu 8900 capable of 10m, 6m, 2m and 70cm - covering all legal spectrums for Technician licensees.

And lastly, for me anyway, since I already have a Yaesu FT-7800R, and considering all brands of mobile radios are such a pain to program, would it be in my best interest to keep things uncomplicated, to say nothing of my sanity, and stick with the 7800 for my next radio purchase?

Decisions, decisions.
Jerry

[alanh]

My two cents worth...

First, if a LOUD, high wattage radio is desired it can be achieved with ANY radio if you couple it to a linear amplifier. Linears are legal on ham radios, but as with any ham gear you are responsible for any spurious signals. There are several 160 watt linear amps on the market for reasonable prices. And you can go much higher than 160 watts if you so desire. But, make sure your antenna can handle the load.

And also make sure you're not exposing yourself to excessive amounts of RF radiation. There are maximum exposure limits that a ham radio operator is supposted to adhere to. I'd have to look at some of the tables to see at what limit one might be exposing themselves or even worse, someone else, to amounts over the legal limit. That depends on where your antenna is too. Personally, I like a bit of sheet metal between me and 50-75 watts of RF so an antenna on the front fender wouldn't be my first choice as an example.

I'm not sure that a linear amp for FM at those frequencies will do a whole lot for more range since line of sight is probably going to be the limiting factor out on the backroads.

A front facing speaker is a good idea although they are quite small, smaller than most down-facing speakers and, therefore, do not have as good a sound quality. Most drivers prefer - no, they need - a larger external speaker thus eliminating the issue of front vs. bottom speakers.

Agreed. Another thing to consider is if you be running two radios at the same time (e.g. CB and amateur) where will the speakers be? It can get a bit confusing if they're both in about the same spot so you can't tell immediately which radio someone was on.

Regarding user reports, just about all radio models have good reports. I own a 50/40 watt, Yaesu FT-7800R dual-bander that we installed in my wife's car. In searching for user comments I found a bunch of guys who use that radio in 4x4 applications. I can't find whether it is mil spec or not and it has a fan that may or may not be susceptible to bearing failure from dusty conditions. But, hey, off-road guys like the radio!

With the exception of a few brands or models that most everyone says is bad, you'll find people who love or hate every radio out there. Its very hard to make a really objective decision.

And what about single or dual band? We live in Yakima where there are both 2-meter and 70 cm repeaters, but there is little traffic on 70 cm. On the other hand we can expect someone to be monitoring the more popular 2-meter repeaters around the clock. I expect the same is true around most smaller towns. Therefore my inclination is to go with a simple, single-band, 2-meter radio. But, on second thought could UHF capability be an important option? In case of an emergency you would have an extra band at your disposal. Maybe you could hit a UHF repeater when VHF was dead? Of course using that theory maybe we should buy a 4-band, Yaesu 8900 capable of 10m, 6m, 2m and 70cm - covering all legal spectrums for Technician licensees.

I have a dual band rig, but have never actually used the UHF band. For the few trips I've been on where people had ham radios, I was (I think) the only one that actually had a dual band radio. It may come in handy though, so I'd say if you can afford the extra cost go for it, but I wouldn't consider it a necessity.

I don't think I'd go out and get something that covers the 10m and 6m bands unless you're really into ham radio as a hobby. You're looking at physically larger antennas with another set of issues to deal with. If you want long range emergency communications, you could get an hf radio and a portable antenna that you could stop and set up if really needed.

And lastly, for me anyway, since I already have a Yaesu FT-7800R, and considering all brands of mobile radios are such a pain to program, would it be in my best interest to keep things uncomplicated, to say nothing of my sanity, and stick with the 7800 for my next radio purchase?

Very good point. If you like the radio, commonality is a good idea. I've got two different radios that I don't use that often. I can't remember the details of operating either one. If I really needed to program a new repeater in a hurry, I'd have to dig out the manuals. It would be easier if I only had one kind. Of course, technology marches on and there are some newer radios with pretty nifty features like bluetooth microphones and such.