Two meter HAM

***Corey*** · 10-02-2008, 03:05 PM

I have been thinking for a long time about getting into a HAM setup for the rig.
I have found two good radios.

The Yaesu VX-8 handheld is brand new
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0008.html

The first vid loads very slow for some reason, been like this all day.

YouTube Video

Or a hard mount for the rig, the Yaesu 8800
http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...xvrs/0080.html

YouTube Video

YouTube Video

The latter one you can mount the guts under your seat, and the faceplate you can mount elsewhere.

Obviously the latter one puts out more power too.
But the handheld would also do fine with repeaters.
I am pretty sure there are repeater systems up near Greenwater where I like to explore.

I have to check into getting a license to run two meter.
I hear that is the best band that most use when off road.

What setups do some of you run?

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eric-the-red · 10-02-2008, 03:55 PM

I've got an Alinco DR635 in my 4Runner. I looked at the Yaesu 8800 as well but went with the Alinco on the recommendation of a friend who has one. The features of both are very similar. If you're using repeaters then the small handheld should have enough power, and some of them have the capability of connecting to an external antenna which increases the range. Generally in this part of the world we use 146.520 or 146.460 MHz.

Once you see the range and clarity of a VHF you'll wonder how you ever survived with CB before. The terrain here is similar to what you have and with CB I'm lucky to get a km or 2, with the VHF I've talked to people about 40 km away, using 50W.

Don't know much about the test and license in the US but up here it's very easy to pass. License is free and lasts for life too.

neoworm0 · 10-02-2008, 04:08 PM

I'm running a Kenwood TM-271A mounted in the dash under the stereo in my 95 PU. It was one of the few I could find that had a front firing speaker. I wasn't sure how the sound quality was going to be but it has proven to be excellent. It was also one of the most robust radios that I researched.

In 3 years of using it I have yet to have a problem with it. After you switch to VHF you'll be giving your buddies crap for still using cb's. Tha't been the biggest problem, most 4wheelers still use cb's. I use mine mostly for the logging trucks anyway.

**Tofer** · 10-02-2008, 04:32 PM

i've been thinking of getting my HAM license as well.....

scuba · 10-02-2008, 05:03 PM

why do you have to have a licence to have one ?

**Tofer** · 10-02-2008, 05:12 PM

because its controlled by the FCC... its amateur radio.

***Corey*** · 10-02-2008, 07:15 PM

Good book to buy for the technician class exam
http://www.amazon.com/Technician-Cla.../dp/0945053452
There are thirty five questions on the test.

Here is a practice site that has the questions on it
http://www.qrz.com/testing.html

Also found this site with a technician study document on it.
http://www.microhams.com/softcontent.aspx?scId=31

I called Radio Shack up earlier, and shame on them.
They use to always carry all sorts of books for hobbies.
Not anymore...

I will probably order that book tomorrow from Amazon.
I am leaning towards that Yaesu VX-8 too as my first radio.
With it being a portable, I can bring it into my home and play with it more than I could a dedicated radio out in the rig.

Down the road I will more than likely get another unit for the rig.

This is something that I should have gotten into thirty years or more ago,
Better late than never

Chris, what type of radio are you looking at?
I read up more on that handheld, and it is a dual receiver type which mean you can monitor more than one freq.

Eric, Neo, I am sure this will be a kick in the butt compared to CB, especially how clear it will seem compared to the scratchy sound of CB.

scuba · 10-02-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tofer

because its controlled by the FCC... its amateur radio.

Oh, i see.
is it hard to get a licence

***Corey*** · 10-02-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scuba

Oh, i see.
is it hard to get a licence

Take that 35 question on the URL I posted above, and you will see.
You need 60% of the 35 to pass.

georgiayota · 10-02-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

Here is a practice site that has the questions on it
http://www.qrz.com/testing.html

THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO STUDY!!!! When I took the test the questions were word for word from the practice test to the real test.

For my 2-meter setup I have a Icom 2200H, with a Diamond two meter antenna (I'm not sure on the model).

Also a good thing to pickup when you get your license is one of the ARRL repeater directory, it has all the repeaters with their frequencies, tones, and all that good stuff you need to know.

olharleyman · 10-02-2008, 09:01 PM

I run a 10 meter CONEX 99 DX in my 4runner but was toying with a 2 meter and the KENWOOD and Yaesu is what I have been looking at on the recommendation of a guy who designed the RANGER 2950 for RANGER.

He has told me they are both very well built and designed and top of the line and the biggest difference is mostly price but that parts and easy of use for both is very compairible.

***Corey*** · 10-02-2008, 09:16 PM

Another good test
http://www.hamtestonline.com/

eric-the-red · 10-03-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

Take that 35 question on the URL I posted above, and you will see.
You need 60% of the 35 to pass.

Only 35 questions?? Our test up here is 100 questions, with a pass mark of 70%. Above 80% gets you an honours certification with access to all the amateur bands. Not to boast or anything but I scored 88%

***Corey*** · 10-03-2008, 09:30 AM

There seems to be three different 35 question tests on that site, so I am not sure.

Going to order a book today, but not that one I posted earlier.
I hear the AARL book is better.
http://www.arrl.org/
I also plugged in my zipcode, and I found two places not to far from me that do the testing.

***Corey*** · 10-03-2008, 02:47 PM

An advantage to not working and being home is I get to surf a lot and do research.

Found the Yaesu VX-8 operators manual
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf

And pictures
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf

scuba · 10-03-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey

Take that 35 question on the URL I posted above, and you will see.
You need 60% of the 35 to pass.

Major Fail on the test.
Guess i wont be thinking about one of those for like...ever

***Corey*** · 10-03-2008, 06:32 PM

If you take a study guide online or get a book to help, you can pass.
I ordered this today.
http://www.amazon.com/Technician-Cla.../dp/0945053452

Hayes · 10-03-2008, 07:00 PM

I want to get my license. One of the guys on my club has his and at lunch one day we picked up a guy from Wyoming, over 200 miles away...

Just cool enough to get one

***Corey*** · 10-03-2008, 07:04 PM

Did he have a handheld or a mobile unit?
That handheld I posted at the beginning I am going to get is five watts maximum.

The mobiles on the same frequency are like fifty watts.

With repeaters installed around though, the handheld should do fine for my first unit, plus give me more time to play with it when in my home.

I will end up with a nice mobile unit after I get familiar with the handheld first.

Hayes · 10-03-2008, 07:07 PM

He has a unit more like the second one. He is a radio geek though, and he has a really...nice(since I know nothing about them) unit.

***Corey*** · 10-03-2008, 07:12 PM

Yeah, that is the model I would put in my rig too.
Unit under the seat, the faceplate somewhere on the dash.

It is cool how a lot of those have the detachable faceplate for them so you can mount the guts elsewhere.

Hayes · 10-03-2008, 07:20 PM

I'll have to find out what kind of unit he uses.

96redtoy · 10-03-2008, 07:32 PM

(disclaimer- I know nothing about HAM radios) but I think Corey you should go for the nonhand held one first because it does have that much more power and in the long run as you stated you would get it anyways. When the pop hits the fan and for what ever reason your hand held is out of batteries you would be kicking your self for not having it. I know that battery technology is pretty good but still the one that is hard wired into your truck is going to work when the handheld battery light is flashing. Even though your hard mounted one in reality is battery powered look at the size differents and tell me which one is going to last the longest. Now don't get me wrong for your apllication it seems like the handheld will work for you pretty good. Just my .02cents

Good luck with your purchase and keep us posted

***Corey*** · 10-03-2008, 07:48 PM

Will do 96.
I hear that HAM radio is an addiction, so more than likely I will end up with both units, and an extra battery pack for the handheld.

The handheld would afford me to get into the hobby right away, where as the rig unit would take much more work as installing it and an antenna on the bumper up front.

**Yoda** · 10-03-2008, 10:01 PM

There is a test administered in Renton the 3rd Sat each month

http://www.mikeandkey.org/education.htm#ve_mikeandkey

Other tests in area also.

I tested with the Boeing BEARS. I have a dual band HT with an external ant. When I had my big wreck some years ago (before my cell phone) I called for help through the Search and Rescue repeater (145.110). There was an active search and a county Deputy called it in for me. 5 aid cars, 2 engines and about 6 troopers.

I am KC7OFP

10-02-2008, 04:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
neoworm0 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 604	I'm running a Kenwood TM-271A mounted in the dash under the stereo in my 95 PU. It was one of the few I could find that had a front firing speaker. I wasn't sure how the sound quality was going to be but it has proven to be excellent. It was also one of the most robust radios that I researched. In 3 years of using it I have yet to have a problem with it. After you switch to VHF you'll be giving your buddies crap for still using cb's. Tha't been the biggest problem, most 4wheelers still use cb's. I use mine mostly for the logging trucks anyway. __________________ 1995 Toyota PU SR5. 2000 3.4l V6 and a few other mods. my album: http://www.yotatech.com/album.php?albumid=101 my SAS: http://picasaweb.google.com/areinhol...eat=directlink www.overlandcanada.ca www.alltracwagon.net

10-02-2008, 04:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tofer Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tacoma WA. Posts: 6,902	i've been thinking of getting my HAM license as well..... __________________ 94 4runenr: all the good stuff....... 89 4runner: 3.0, Auto, 5.29 lockright f/r. 31x10.5 wildcountry ATs. 81 2wd pickup: 22R \| 5-sp \| long bed \|Civic SI seats \| LockRight \| Hella 500s pacific-crawlers.com For all your Trail-gear and HID lighting Solutions Needs check out yotaworks.com Online store coming soon :)

10-02-2008, 05:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: WHEELIN BIG BEAR Posts: 6,968	why do you have to have a licence to have one ? __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

10-02-2008, 05:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tofer Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tacoma WA. Posts: 6,902	because its controlled by the FCC... its amateur radio. __________________ 94 4runenr: all the good stuff....... 89 4runner: 3.0, Auto, 5.29 lockright f/r. 31x10.5 wildcountry ATs. 81 2wd pickup: 22R \| 5-sp \| long bed \|Civic SI seats \| LockRight \| Hella 500s pacific-crawlers.com For all your Trail-gear and HID lighting Solutions Needs check out yotaworks.com Online store coming soon :)

10-02-2008, 07:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Good book to buy for the technician class exam http://www.amazon.com/Technician-Cla.../dp/0945053452 There are thirty five questions on the test. Here is a practice site that has the questions on it http://www.qrz.com/testing.html Also found this site with a technician study document on it. http://www.microhams.com/softcontent.aspx?scId=31 I called Radio Shack up earlier, and shame on them. They use to always carry all sorts of books for hobbies. Not anymore... I will probably order that book tomorrow from Amazon. I am leaning towards that Yaesu VX-8 too as my first radio. With it being a portable, I can bring it into my home and play with it more than I could a dedicated radio out in the rig. Down the road I will more than likely get another unit for the rig. This is something that I should have gotten into thirty years or more ago, Better late than never Chris, what type of radio are you looking at? I read up more on that handheld, and it is a dual receiver type which mean you can monitor more than one freq. Eric, Neo, I am sure this will be a kick in the butt compared to CB, especially how clear it will seem compared to the scratchy sound of CB. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-02-2008, 03:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
eric-the-red Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Port Coquitlam, BC Posts: 2,493	I've got an Alinco DR635 in my 4Runner. I looked at the Yaesu 8800 as well but went with the Alinco on the recommendation of a friend who has one. The features of both are very similar. If you're using repeaters then the small handheld should have enough power, and some of them have the capability of connecting to an external antenna which increases the range. Generally in this part of the world we use 146.520 or 146.460 MHz. Once you see the range and clarity of a VHF you'll wonder how you ever survived with CB before. The terrain here is similar to what you have and with CB I'm lucky to get a km or 2, with the VHF I've talked to people about 40 km away, using 50W. Don't know much about the test and license in the US but up here it's very easy to pass. License is free and lasts for life too.

10-02-2008, 09:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
olharleyman Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 3,291	I run a 10 meter CONEX 99 DX in my 4runner but was toying with a 2 meter and the KENWOOD and Yaesu is what I have been looking at on the recommendation of a guy who designed the RANGER 2950 for RANGER. He has told me they are both very well built and designed and top of the line and the biggest difference is mostly price but that parts and easy of use for both is very compairible. __________________ 1990 4 runner 5 Speed Pro Comp Stage II 4" Lift 6" coils rear Aussie Locker front 5.29's Front And Rear 35 x 12.5 x 15 MT's Micky Thompson Classic II Wheels Super Charged 3.4 on the way 1993 SAS 4runner 22re 5 speed 4" front 5"rear 5.29's 35 x 12.5 BFG KM'S Dick cepek DC 1's 88 stock 4runner 3.0 auto for now 1955 Harley Davidson Springer Stock 1955 Hardtail Frame 4 Speed Kick Start Only 1998 Harley Custom Dresser 107 rwhp 139 ft.lbs.trq.

10-02-2008, 09:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Another good test http://www.hamtestonline.com/ __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-03-2008, 09:30 AM	#14 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	There seems to be three different 35 question tests on that site, so I am not sure. Going to order a book today, but not that one I posted earlier. I hear the AARL book is better. http://www.arrl.org/ I also plugged in my zipcode, and I found two places not to far from me that do the testing. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-03-2008, 02:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	An advantage to not working and being home is I get to surf a lot and do research. Found the Yaesu VX-8 operators manual https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf And pictures https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-03-2008, 06:32 PM	#17 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	If you take a study guide online or get a book to help, you can pass. I ordered this today. http://www.amazon.com/Technician-Cla.../dp/0945053452 __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-03-2008, 07:00 PM	#18 (permalink)
Hayes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,884	I want to get my license. One of the guys on my club has his and at lunch one day we picked up a guy from Wyoming, over 200 miles away... Just cool enough to get one __________________ Obama is an acronym. OBAMA = One Big Ass Mistake, America

10-03-2008, 07:04 PM	#19 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Did he have a handheld or a mobile unit? That handheld I posted at the beginning I am going to get is five watts maximum. The mobiles on the same frequency are like fifty watts. With repeaters installed around though, the handheld should do fine for my first unit, plus give me more time to play with it when in my home. I will end up with a nice mobile unit after I get familiar with the handheld first. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-03-2008, 07:07 PM	#20 (permalink)
Hayes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,884	He has a unit more like the second one. He is a radio geek though, and he has a really...nice(since I know nothing about them) unit. __________________ Obama is an acronym. OBAMA = One Big Ass Mistake, America

10-03-2008, 07:12 PM	#21 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Yeah, that is the model I would put in my rig too. Unit under the seat, the faceplate somewhere on the dash. It is cool how a lot of those have the detachable faceplate for them so you can mount the guts elsewhere. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-03-2008, 07:20 PM	#22 (permalink)
Hayes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,884	I'll have to find out what kind of unit he uses. __________________ Obama is an acronym. OBAMA = One Big Ass Mistake, America

10-03-2008, 07:48 PM	#24 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,071	Will do 96. I hear that HAM radio is an addiction, so more than likely I will end up with both units, and an extra battery pack for the handheld. The handheld would afford me to get into the hobby right away, where as the rig unit would take much more work as installing it and an antenna on the bumper up front. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro

10-03-2008, 10:01 PM	#25 (permalink)
Yoda Super Moderator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 2,664	There is a test administered in Renton the 3rd Sat each month http://www.mikeandkey.org/education.htm#ve_mikeandkey Other tests in area also. I tested with the Boeing BEARS. I have a dual band HT with an external ant. When I had my big wreck some years ago (before my cell phone) I called for help through the Search and Rescue repeater (145.110). There was an active search and a county Deputy called it in for me. 5 aid cars, 2 engines and about 6 troopers. I am KC7OFP __________________ David TLCA 14788 71 Landcruiser FJ-40 TBI 327, TH-350, Warn 8000, disk axle swap. 76 Landcruiser FJ-40 project/parts (haven't decided)

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