Question about Ham Radio

Howdy Phil,

I personally run HF(80-10 meters) as well as a dedicated VHF/UHF dual bander(actually Quad Band Yaesu FT-8900) with one band always on 146.52. I like the idea of having a pl on this frequency, but that defeats the purpose of the frequency to some extent. I also run APRS when the TNC is working, but it is down for now until I get it replaced.

73's
Matt
N4MGR

 

Hi Matt,

I love my ft 8900 I have installed in my van with a quad band antenna. It works great. I had it installed in my big truck when I drove over the road.
but of course I was a tech at the time. Now I have a FT 857 and a DX 70 for hf and a ft 1500, DR 135ta (with the built in tnc)and D700 for vhf and uhf. the 1500 stays on 146.52 and the dr135 is for APRS but I can't get it to work right. then I have a 220 machine in the truck also.

 

A quick question for everyone. Where on HF do you hang out? 80, 40, 60, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, 6, 2, meters or 220 or 440. and is anyone into 900mhz or 1.2 gig?

Also who checks into Southcars?

 

Mornin Phil and everyone else,

I check in to SouthCars on 7251 whenever band conditions permit. I usually run 3835 or 3862 or 3916 in the evenings, 14.302.5 during the day. If you want to chat sometime, give us a shout on 143025, normally someone is around. Call CQ there and see what happens. Also, I believe some guys run 7.195, but I am not sure about that. 40 is boomin in here in South East Texas today, at the LA/TX line on I-10.

BTW, 60 is a nice band as well. I like 5.373 myself, but there are 5 frequencies there we can use. I monitor 146.52 as well as 52.525 on the FT-8900 and though I have the FT-857D, I don't have the VHF antenna hooked up there for all mode 2 meters(sure would be nice) I'm still working on putting more antennas on the truck as well as proper bonding.

It sure would be nice to hear from any of you guys with a General or higher license on HF. Maybe we can schedule a QSO sometime.

73's to all de;

Matt
N4MGR

 

It sure would be nice to hear from any of you guys with a General or higher license on HF. Maybe we can schedule a QSO sometime.

Sounds like a great idea. So when or where

 

Lets try 143025 Tomorrow, 5/15 at noon eastern. If nothing then how about 7195 about 1500 eastern.

I'm off to chase a supercell thunderstorm with a possible tornado. I'll try to get pics if I find anything. In the meantime, have a good day.

73's de;

Matt
N4MGR

 

I will be over building a set of steps tomorrow. So I will not be around a radio all day. Friday after 2000Z or Saturday after 1200Z? 143025 will work for me so will 7195. first 10 in 20 meters if no contact 40 meters at 10 past the hour?

 

One thing i have seen "HAM" truckers use is the outbacker, on the side of the truck, you dont need a tuner u just move the jumper on the antenna . thought i might help. 73!

 

I check in to the 14.300 net on Sundays at 9 am also active on 28.360, 50.125, 144.210 SSB and back on 223.500 fm.

 

(From a post above)

While it depends on the limits/configuration of your truck, if it's a choice between a hamstick and the screwdriver. the screwdriver will BLOW a hamstick into the weeds---especially on 40 and 75 meters. If you are primarily interested in those bands ABOVE 40 Meters, the hamstick will do fine and is less trouble. If you are looking for the "quick and simple solution" for these bands, it's the way to go. On the lower bands, you will be disappointed as the 75M hamstick is a "dummy load on a stick" compared to the outback, bugcatcher, or screwdriver.

GF