Question about Ham Radio

KD5DRX,
I was heard about 250 to 300 miles with an s-7 signal report. My radio puts out about 200 watts PEP. It does'nt always do so well though.

 

HI road boy. I also have been a ham for several years. previously I run a screwdriver antenna called the bandhopper., but they are no longer available as i understand due to the person that made them is now a silent key.. I recently bought another antenna that seems to be very popular called the HiQ. at hiqantennas.com , there are several versions of this antenna depending on whether you want to work 6 and 160. I have the hiq 5/160 , but you can look on the website and see for yourself what you would prefer. . . good luck , tom

 

Well here is the problem with the newer Rigs are made out of Fiberglass and its a No Ground issue just like Chevy Corvetts, Saturns, Snowmobiles, Marine boats that are fiberglass.

The Big thing is you need a large ground or a ground wire from the antenna and run to the frame rail.

usually No 12 wire attached to each bracket if you run co-phased.


I also used to work at a Peterbilt / Mack Truck Dealership.


if you run 2 M the physical dimension for VHF is smaller ( hard to believe but electronically true ) vs the CB or HF , you can run into problems around 40 Meters & 75 Voice and there you need to get maybe a current balun along with a Antenna Tuner, weather a LDG would work better than a MFJ , TEN TEC , Heath , etc.


remember any band if its has a large radiator and loading coil combo with a tuner you should be OK, also every so often when off the road check your connections, also the PL 259's should be covered.

Antennas need attention just like your engine needs an oil change.


73

 

where's the delete button on this thing? I need to delete this quote/answer please.

 

KC0REY,,

Glad to see you back. We wondered if you were OK. Hope all remains well for you!


73

Gadfly

 

A few years ago they lowered the CW requirement to 5 wpm for all HF, then dropped the code requirement completely. No code required for any class of license now.
I found some rude people on 14.3025, so I never went back. I monitor 14.3 on HF, 52.525, 146.52, & 446 FM on the tribander.
I'm also a Navy Marine Corps MARS operator and Emergency Management operator.
Having a HAM radio license also exempts us from scanner laws.
I run a Yeasu FT100D with a Hustler for 4 Mhz. MARS band, ATAS 120 for 40 to 6 meter, and a Triband Diamond for 6,2, & .7 meter.

 

I may be wrong but i think the Hopper is still available i Know Ben died but i think they are still making the Supper Hopper. At least the web site is still active will have to get with them and find out.

 

Anyone running Ham Radio in a T600 out there? Kicking around O/O and I have been looking into different trucks. If givin a prospective of Ham HF Operations, how is the T600?

After Centuries and Columbias, I find it hard to find grounds, mounting locations, and have to mount antennas low and at a 45 deg angle to get a decent SWR.

It seems that the mirror mounts and bars of a T600 offer better mounting of antennas that will naturally get the antennas away from the cab.

What trucks have been HF friendly? (Noise lvls and such).

 

Just to throw my .02 worth in here, a T-600 will actually be worse than a Freightiner (except the new Cascadia) due to the inadequate mirrors/lack of antenna mounting locations. A W-900 would suit you well for any radio setup as would a Pete 379, Freightliner FLD, Classic or Classic XL. Forget the trucks with the large tube mirror brackets. These have a horrible ground and it really isn't worth the time involved in rectifying the problem. Regardless of the truck you go with, ground EVERYTHING. Copper strap(solid not braid except for places where movement may be required) should be used and the wider the better. If you can find a truck with a mechanical engine(not made in quite a few years) you will be ok on noise. Any truck with an ECM and/or high pressure fuel delivery system will have much noise to deal with.

(Side Note - Detroit 60 series seems to be worlds worst for fuel injector noise(due to high pressure and high voltage) avoid this engine if you can. If not, there are ways to minimize the noise and plenty of guys that will be willing to help.)

For noise abatement see DX Engineering for ferrites as well as Georgia Copper for all your bonding needs.

http://www.dxengineering.com/Products.asp?ID=182&SecID=89&DeptID=21

http://www.gacopper.com/0225-CopperStrap.html


There is more information to be had regarding bonding and RFI suppression, but before you begin that, be sure you have a stable, sturdy platform. Try to use a screwdriver type antenna, and most of all Enjoy this great hobby of ours.

73's to all de;
Matt
N4MGR

 

Hi Guy the name here is Phil, Also I'm a ham KG4JRR with a general class Lic. I just wanted to step in and say Hi. I run HF thru UHF. I now drive a Pilot car (a blue ford ranger) and run around the country. I have quite a few friends that still drive big truck that have their ham tickets. I got out of CB because of the noise and trash and did that in 2000. I still have to run a CB because of work. But when I'm not working I run the Ham gear. When I was driving the big truck I played radio almost all the time as I drove around the country.

By the way guys is anyone running on 146.52 or are we on HF?

73's
Phil KG4JRR