General Lee Ham Bands

Discussion in 'CB Radio Forum' started by ProfessionalNoticer, Feb 13, 2022.

  1. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    So even if I were run something like a Yeasu 897 I'm going to need to figure out a different antenna setup to handle all the bands it seems. So much to research.
     
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  3. ProfessionalNoticer

    ProfessionalNoticer Road Train Member

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    I forgot about all the wiring that will have to be done. The stock wiring for my GL sucks. I've been wanting to run everything straight off the battery and looks like this will be the time to do it.
     
  4. Night Stalker10

    Night Stalker10 Road Train Member

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    Yes that is correct. The 897 is a great radio for mobile use due to its small size. Unfortunately these are a menu driven radio (like most modern radios), which some guys would consider as a negative for mobile use. But a lot of these radios are used as mobile with no problem. This radio has two so239 mounts on the back. One for HF/6 meters, and one for VHF/UHF antennas.
    Since this is a 100 watt radio, I would recommend running the power cable to the battery. If you decide to use the DC power port in the truck, you probably won't want to run the radio over 50 watts. I assume these DC ports use a 15 or 20 amp fuse? But I'm not sure.
    On a side note, if you want a radio with a pretty blue screen like a Stryker radio, you may want to consider the Yaesu 891. I believe it's the same radio as the 897, but the screen is probably easier to read in the day time. At least it looks like it would be.

    Yaesu FT-891
     
  5. Terlingua

    Terlingua Medium Load Member

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    I have the Yaesu FT-891 and I love it, but it's only an HF radio 160m - 6m. It does have a much better display than the 897, however the 897 also has VHF and UHF so he wouldn't need a separate radio for 2m/70cm bands. I tend to prefer using separate radios for HF and VHF/UHF, but for mounting in a truck that does add extra complexity.
     
  6. Terlingua

    Terlingua Medium Load Member

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    My ideal setup would be two radios, the Yaesu FT-891 for HF and an ICOM IC-2730A dual band VHF/UHF. They both have detachable faceplates so you could put the radio somewhere more convenient and just mount the faceplates on the dash somewhere. It doesn't look like the FT-897 has a detachable faceplate.

    Unfortunately, I currently slipseat, so I don't have any of them in the truck right now.
     
  7. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    I have the good (or bad) fortune of living 10 miles away from an HRO store. If you're patient enough to put them together, they have a decent selection of Anderson power pole connectors. One of them is a multi connector, with a pair of big receptacles for supply line input, and about half a dozen smaller ones for distribution. Made for a neat install and less troublesome changes later on. In the new Mack, I did the same supply, but am just using a single hi-amp quick disconnect. If I decide to put in a 2nd radio, I'll go to HRO to get what I had before and empty my wallet, again. HRO is second only to an adult entertainment establishment for a man to patronize, when it comes to impulse buying.
     
    Last edited: Feb 17, 2022
  8. Night Stalker10

    Night Stalker10 Road Train Member

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    Oh okay, I didn't know that the ft891 was HF only. It sure looks like it would be a nice radio for going mobile. Thanks for the info.
     
  9. Night Stalker10

    Night Stalker10 Road Train Member

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    You made a great point about the Anderson power pole connectors, I use them too. The nice thing is that when the power poles are installed correctly, you don't have to worry about hooking the power wires up backwards. They are very durable connectors.
     
  10. Terlingua

    Terlingua Medium Load Member

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    I love the power pole connectors. I use them everywhere I can both in radio and elsewhere.
     
  11. Neverready

    Neverready Medium Load Member

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    A multi band radio such as the Yaesus mentioned you get more for your money in the long run. I have a Icom 706MK2G. Initial price in 1999 was around 1300.00. I have had it repaired twice both times under100.00, most likely due to the pounding it took running NYC in the early 2000's. While it is a good radio the problem with starting with a older radio in the beginning is the factory repair shops will discontinue repairs as they become considered obsolete. As you are doing your research unless you are real good with computers you should look for radios that emphasize field programable. I bought a very nice DMR tri-band radio which requires computer programing. I have yet to figure out how to do it, admittedly I haven't spent much time trying to learn it. Antennas, Since you will be interested in multiple bands there are several options. A screwdriver antenna which uses a electric motor to change resonance. A multi tap antenna similar to a Outbacker which uses multiple taps to change frequency. or multiple single band antennas with quick change adaptors.
     
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