Ham, Amateure Lic.

We can recommend good all-band radios such as the IC-706/IC-7000. However, a ham set is not going to be so easy to "slipseat" as CB sets are. Mostly because of the antenna(s). Highly efficient antennas for HF are mostly HUGE and difficult to secure, and take off and on because of the matching that has to be done. It CAN be done with clever installation, but it is a pain in the butt. You may have to compromise with a less efficient antenna system such as the hamsticks made by Valor and others because they LOOK a lot like a CB antenna..............BUT, on 75 and 40 meters they SUCK in performance....do OK on 20 thru 10. To get decent performance, you might have to go with one of the "mini" screwdrivers that will attach to the mirror (no need for so-called "co-phase") and a simple dual-band 2M/440 antenna that will also attach to the mirror as well. ( I saw a truck on the interstate last week with a small
screwdriver [multi-band HF named for the original way of powering it] ) and a dual-band VHF, and I couldn't hail him because I had my radios out of the truck for maintenance. This forgoes 75 Meter operation, but it may be the only way if you must "slipseat" since a decent antenna for that band is BIG, heavy and not conducive to moving around.

But, yes, a big truck lends itself WELL to radio operation and maybe even have an advantage due to the tremendous surface area the antenna(s) have to work against!~ The radios themselves are (usually) small and slide in and out easily.

Gadfly

 

Jolsen, first what band or bands do you plan on running? As we on this forum can you some very good info. If you want 1 radio that does almost everything. And it doesn't break the bank. The cheapest is a Yaesu FT-857D an all band all mode radio. It's about the size of a Cobra 29LTD CB set. It puts out 100 watts. Which is more than enough to work the world. And you can use it for many years to come. It could be the only radio you ever need. Cost about $750. You really need a General, or Extra class license to use most of this type of radio.

Tech ticket, you can get just a Dual band about $280 or a 10 meter radio.

 

What is the official or "best" and up to date website to use when wanting to search for someone's call sign???

 

www.qrz.com

they use the fcc data base

 

I am studying for my HAM license now also, and I expect to pass through general...the tech test appears very simple. I will study through the extra class and should also pass that one. I am planning to run 2 radios in the truck: a good CB and a multi-band like the Yaesu FT-8900. I already have a good laptop on a stand in the cab that I use for my drivers daily log, so programming and software linking should not be a prob. I have been doing some research regarding the equipment and I noticed that YAESU has designed an antenna specifically for the FT-8900 that is supposed to cover all the bands the radio is capable of transponding on, I am sure it won't be optimum on all bands, but it's supposed to work. This antenna is made for mobile mounting on cars, so it should fit on a truck even easier!
I am no expert on this subject yet by anymeans, but one thing I have learned about HAM radio is that one of the technician class exam questions has to do with what a HAM op is supposed to do when he is faced with interference, or he is interfering with his neighbors trying to watch tv or listen to radio...and the answer to that question indicates that the HAM is not to be rude to these folks in any way and to work with these folks to eliminate the problems...NO HAMS ARE EVER DIRECTED BY THE FCC REGS TO INSULT ANY OTHER RADIO OPERATORS BY CALLING THEM NAMES OR BERATING THE EQUIPMENT THEY USE OR THE ACCENT THEY HAVE IN SPEECH!
I think mebbe at least one of the HAMS that seem to lurk here in this CB forum might not remember that...or mebbe he/she just missed that question? Mebbe it's just me, but I don't think this person is a very good ambassador for radio of ANY type, if you need to put others down and threaten them, how can you possibly encourage others to participate in what you do yourself without attracting more like-minded arrogant folks? I am certain that HAM ops in general DO NOT behave in this way...and I am so certain of this that I have chosen to become one myself!
Anyway, hope this has helped with equipment choices, I too am getting started..if you run across any gear that looks good for truckin'HAMS, please let me know here!
Thanks In Advance!

 

I'm also looking to put a small HF mobile in my truck. Probably an 897....at least I think thats the number of that Yaesu....I'm a Yaesu guy. I have a 2800m here at the house for my 2 meter and I have a Yaesu Ft-902 dm as my HF.

I have talked all over the world with just a hundred watts and an "ugly" wire in my front yard.

Was hoping to hit this Belton Hamfest next month here in Texas to see about a mobile Hf and pick up some hamsticks to run in the truck.


Hope to catch you on 75, 40, 20, 10, or 2 meters sometime.......

 

The FT-857 is the Mobile unit. The FT-897 is more of a Base unit. They're really the same board. But the 897 can use batteries to power it. Which is great for Field Day. Both are Great radios. That can do all modes. I love my 857-D at about the size of a Cobra 29 LTD it will fit in most vehicles. If not with the separation kit it will. You can't go wrong with either the 857 or 897.

 

what do you think about the 8800 and 8900? heard anything good about 'em?

Also, what about that antenna they make for those? heard anything about them?

I only have the info available used to sell them, it is prolly slanted

 

Both are ok rigs. We have a 8900 at Races. I own the 8800, 2-7800's, 2900, 857-D. Plus Anlinco, & Icom HF rigs. They are Dual watch radios. You can do cross band with them. 50 watts vhf, 35 uhf power output. The buttons are alittle small for my likes. I like the 7800/7900 better for mobile operations. Because of the lighted buttons make it better for night driving. More power on 440. And it cost less then the 8800. Most of the antennas for the 8800 are Dual banders. The 8900 uses a Quad bander which is more trouble prone. If I could only have 1 radio it would be my FT-857D. It covers just about everything!