Radio for vehicle

[PappyGT13]

What would be the most cost effective radio & antenna for emergency use in my vehicle? I can pass the practice technicians tests on QRZ.com consistently with score of 90% or better. Thinking since this truck is being set up to be my main evac vehicle in the event of a hurricane it could provide a good platform for emergency communications. Need ideas for best equipment for purpose, keeping in mind budget for this is very limited at this time. Thanks in advance for your help.

[kc8vje]

Honestly, I've had several radios in my past.

IMHO I suggest the Icom V8000 2 meter radio. It's 75 watts and is pretty user friendly. The radios (new) cost about $185.00.

Be sure to get a good antenna though. I am hooked on Maxrad antennas. They are made for commercial radios, but they are rugged and last forever. I used to sell and use them when I worked on 2-way radios.

Another suggestion (if you wanted to save some more dough, and if you knew exactly what frequencies you were going to be using) would be to go on eBay or somewhere else and look for a couple of Motorola Maxtrac radios. They are typically not expensive (used) and are extremely user friendly. Not a lot of frills though. You will need to get these programmed at a dealer, or someone you know that has the RIB and cables for the radios.

[PappyGT13]

I've found an ICOM IC-746 at a local auction,will bid by 11:30 today & know by 1 pm if I got it. Good looking radio, looks like never used. Hope it works as you don't get to test this stuff before bidding.At least it didn't smell like smoke!

[kc8vje]

The 746 is a good radio. Do you know if this is a straight 746, or is it a 746 PRO?

Remember though, this is an HF/VHF radio that covers 160 meters to 2 meters. If you get your technician ticket, you will only be able to use 6 meters and 2 meters until you upgrade to atleast General class.

You will need an antenna tuner and a good antenna for HF and 6 meters, but none will be needed for 2 meters. Icom makes a tuner and antenna set especially for the 746 and others. The AH-4 tuner costs around $250, and the AH-2B antenna I think is about the same.

The only problem I had with the 746 is that there is no alphanumeric display. (just shows frequency)

Anyway, the 746 PRO is still very expensive (almost $1800.00), so if you get a good deal, jump on it.

[PappyGT13]

It's a straight 746 ,appears to have no mic,but has some sort of computer interface that comes with it.I'll know in about 1 hr. if I got it. Also bid on nice SWR meter & automotive occiliscope.

[kc8vje]

Cool,

Lemme know if u got it, and what a steal you got it for.

Local auctions are soooooo cool....... Especially police auctions.(got a lot if good radios there)

[PappyGT13]

winning bid of; are you ready for this, $155.00 for ICOM IC-746!!! No mic or power supply but does have manuals & CT-17 CI-V level converter. also original invoice from sept.2000 where city of Port A. paid $1549.00. Only problem now is I'm as lost as last years easter egg, going to be spending some time checking out manuals.

[kc8vje]

Pappy,

You freakin' rule!!!!

That's one of the best deals you will ever come across......

The 746 is a good radio, It will take a little time getting used to, but you'll enjoy it.


The CI-V interface is used for computer control of the radio. I use a CAT controller here at home with my Yeasu FT-857D.

Download Ham Radio Deluxe for your control software...It works really good.

If you wanted to be sly and look like the CIA or something, get you a laptop and a RigBlaster pro soundcard interface and completely run the radio off the computer.

I'll eventually do that in my truck.


Anyhoo, Good luck and I hope everything works out well.

[PappyGT13]

A friend who works for the city came by with the HM-36 mic that had gotten separated from the radio. He also knows where the power supply- MFJ 4035MV- is & will see tomorrow if he can get it for me!also got a Daiwa CN-101 SWR meter for $13; at least I know how to use that from when I was a kid with a 6 channel LaSalle cb.Now just need power plug for radio,coax & antennaes.the CT-17 also came with ICOM software. Course at this point I barely have a clue what to do with any of this stuff,but I'm definitely going to learn as fast as possible. Thanks for the encouragement, I'll be asking for more help for sure as this progresses.

[kc8vje]

no problem....

If you do get on HF there is a multitude of things down there like Military,Maritime,SW Broadcasters,Hams,everything.... I love HF....

Anyway, remember to get an antenna tuner and a good antenna before you transmit on HF.

If you wanna go cheap, Get an LDG AT-100Pro automatic tuner and a coax fed antenna like a 75 meter hamstick. I've personnaly never did this, but in theory it'll work.