Ham Radio question

[wc5b]

One last post for the morning. I guess I had to much caffeine already. Just thought some of you might like to know (in respect to topic). I turned the radio on this morning (during this poor end of the solar cycle) on 20 meters. I tuned it into that good old Driver freq of 14.3025 and put out a simple... "CQ Large Cars" and instantly got a call from KF4OOP down in Auburndale, FL. And he was full scale. Just loaded out down there and was headed north. The band is just fine and the frequency is still monitored and alive. Just a note, please don't run a lot of power there however. 100-200 watts is plenty. We have an agreement with the Maritime net down on 14.300.

[n4mgr]

Originally Posted by wc5b

Nice! I see you where down around NASCAR country this morning! I need to make a list of everyone that uses APRS and maybe create a Trucking APRS website.

I live about 30 miles South and East of Charlotte and about 50 miles or so Northwest of Darlington and about 50 miles west of Rockingham. I'm surrounded by racing fanatics and still can't see the reason for flying in left circles. Must be fun to an awful lot of folks though.

As for APRS, I do run it both in the car and truck, under the same N4MGR-14 and semi icon. I just take the radio/tnc out of the truck and put it in the car. There is a site, [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. which has a lot of diesel mobile APRS stations and links to [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. . I run 14.302.5 most of the day, when I'm not on 7.268. I also run 75/80 at night and am set up for cw mobile, but my cw is so rusty I haven't worked anyone yet. I am looking to get a Tarheel Stubby 75 antenna, which I am seriously considering mounting to my headache rack(let me know if you think that will work, I am driving a KW T-600 so no mirror mounting I don't think). I'm also considering after the antenna getting a Kenwood TS-480HX.

[wc5b]

Originally Posted by n4mgr

There is a site, [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. which has a lot of diesel mobile APRS stations and links to [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

Very cool. Thats exactly the kind of site we need. I will have to look around and let him update me on the page. I will also check out the 268 group. I dont think I ever stopped in there at all. Let me know how the antenna works out. I went back and forth antennas. I always came back to hamsticks becouse they were stable SWR unlike the screwdrivers, and when they fell apart every few months, they were only 15-20 bucks to replace. I am always looking for info on a better antenna for the big truck. I too really need 40 and 80 so its always a feat.

[BUZZSAW]

Agreed !!!

It is a very cool sight , lots of good info there !!

[kd5drx]

Ok if you want a good screw driver that will last forever go ahead and bite the bullet one time and go get a bandhopper they are pricey but you get what you pay for and they work well and last a long time on the big trucks.

[wc5b]

Originally Posted by kd5drx

Ok if you want a good screw driver that will last forever go ahead and bite the bullet one time and go get a bandhopper they are pricey but you get what you pay for and they work well and last a long time on the big trucks.

I have not heard of that one. I have heard the GS-4 is pretty sturdy. In the end, my big problem is with installs. Mostly in company trucks. Not only that, but I am just not that great at stuff like that. I need to find someone to help me with no matter what I try.

[kd5drx]

Well i want post the web site but do a google search on band hopper and it will give you a link to the factorie in Montana and also all kinds of installation advise and pictures and all.

[Gadfly]

Originally Posted by kd5drx

Ok if you want a good screw driver that will last forever go ahead and bite the bullet one time and go get a bandhopper they are pricey but you get what you pay for and they work well and last a long time on the big trucks.

According to the website, Ben Grace passed away on "October 28". However I didn't find an year listed. I am assuming it was THIS year (2007)

73

Gadfly

[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

[kd5drx]

No he passed in 04 or 05 but the hopper is still available i think N7agp is building them now.

[Gadfly]

Originally Posted by kd5drx

No he passed in 04 or 05 but the hopper is still available i think N7agp is building them now.

Then he needs to update the website. It gives the impression that Mr Grace passed THIS year as there is no date given. That's what confused me.


Gadfly