which mobile ham radio?

[lowbudget]

I have a couple friends that are ham operators, so it mildly interested me. Then I got an OTR job and soon found the drivel called CB radio, hence my peak in interest in HR. Then I saw the Ranger SS-3900EGHP and that got me going. My question is what radios do you Operators use? Is that in any way, shape, or form a decent radio?

I have no plan on purchasing one before i get my ticket, God knows I'm not trying to bring more problems to myself than I already have.

[Phil1Fla]

Real Ham HF gear starts in the (new)$700.00 range and goes up. Alinco, Icom, Kenwood, and Yeasu make the Ham gear. Also you have to buy a antenna or antenna system to make the radio work. there is a rule 50/50. which says that for every dollar you spend on a radio you need to spend the same amount in antannas. This is just the basics, most likely it will be more like 35/65. For me I'm in the 40/60 range. But need to find better so it will change to 30/70 or better.

Mobile antennas are a problem they can get broken easly. So keep the best antennas on the left side of the truck. Less trees and that kind of stuff. Also keep the tip below 13'06" that way you don't lose it to a bridge of somekind. I would hate to see you spend $500 plus for a antenna and lose it on the first bridge. Types of antennas depends on you, and what you like best. Just like radios I own Alinco, Icom, Kenwood, and Yeasu. yes I like one brand above the others, But that is my choice.

[lowbudget]

ah, well thank you, phil. Unfortunately my truck is 13'6" (Volvo 780) so I will only be able to transmit towards one side or the other, unless there are other options like dual antennas or something. I'll tell ya right now I don't know alot about the equipment to use, still studying for tech ticket.

[Phil1Fla]

Ok get your tech. and then find a good 2 meter rig. Don't buy used for your first radio. I did and that was a mistake. there are a lot of good 2 meter antennas out there. makes sure that it is flexable enough so when you get it in a tree it will flex enough to get out.

Also your truck is fiberglass. not a problem the only thing you will have to do is make sure you have a good ground. you will spend most of your time working on the grounding..

There are a lot of great 2 meter 220 and 440 systems out there. You should be able to reach a 2 meter repeater from almost anywhere you have the truck. search under linked repeaters

For us that travel the tall repeaters are the best. the ones over 1500ft. like the 147.00- machine in homestead, fl or the 146.88 machine in Raleigh/Durham I think it is at 1600 or 1800 ft. great footprint.