HAM trucker

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by WildTxn, Feb 27, 2018.

  1. WildTxn

    WildTxn Light Load Member

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    Hey, how many truckers are HAM operators? I have been a HAM for almost a decade, much cleaner and much longer range. CB is terribly abused now days.

    Just curious as to whether a 2 meter or 70cm transceiver can interfere with a Qualcomm? Anyone got any experience here? Never tried to set one up in a tractor trailer yet. I am thinking about getting a new rig just for my truck, if the company will allow it, and if it doesn't foul up the Qualcomm. My other radios are still in and will remain installed in my storm chasing truck.
     
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  3. narcolepticltd

    narcolepticltd Bobtail Member

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    I'm not a HAM (yet) because I keep procrastinating just getting the frikken technician's license (mainly for FPV mini-quads), but was wondering about something other than a CB in a truck - the answer regarding interference would likely come from knowing what frequency range (ranges) are used by qualcomm and what kind of transmit power you're using on your radio set up.
     
  4. narcolepticltd

    narcolepticltd Bobtail Member

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    Also, if the use you're planning to get out of it would be similar to CB - you might not have a lot of other truckers to communicate with. If you're wanting to use it during downtime that would lessen the impact on qualcomm at least - I'd ask your company regarding their regs on it first.
     
  5. Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

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    Years ago the old Qualcomm keyboards were terribly noisy for 2 meters. My company got away from them, so I can't help with anything current. If you are using an inverter that may also create a lot of noise.
    KC8RWD.
     
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  6. taodnt

    taodnt Light Load Member

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    Two years ago my wife suggested (insisted) that I get a HAM license, so I studied half-assed and passed the first two tests. The examiner suggested I take the 3rd test the same day (no extra cost) and said "you might get lucky". I was not confident and I was not lucky. LOL

    Anyways, from what I know about HAM operation I would think that it would almost require sitting still, well at least for me anyways. What I know about HAM radios you can put in a thimble and have room for your finger.

    And I start my orientation for my first trucking job on Monday, so I am not even officially a trucker yet. :) But I can see possibilities especially when taking a 34 away from home.
     
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  7. rabbiporkchop

    rabbiporkchop Road Train Member

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    Cleaner and longer range? How so?
     
  8. WildTxn

    WildTxn Light Load Member

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    Cleaner language and less BS. Range is curvature of the earth in most cases, around 80 miles. I have talked over 110 miles off a mountain top. With repeaters the range is only limited by the repeater network. Where do you think they cell phone industry got the idea from 40 or so years ago? Ham technology.

    I use repeater networks all the time in storm and tornado chasing. Can talk to chasers just outside of Dallas from deep in Missouri just with my mic!

    Also, CB's are only legal to 5 watts. Ham, 1500 watts! Although no one ever does that on 2 meter. Only 50 will usually get maximum range.

    No, a ham license does not make it legal for you to use 1500 watts on CB frequencies!
     
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  9. NYCNick

    NYCNick Light Load Member

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    Jul 24, 2018
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    Hey @WildTxn:

    Did you get some kind of rig going? I always just used my old rubber duck Baofeng in the passenger seat to scan for repeaters and chat here and there, but I always wanted to experiment with magmount antennas. Any luck?

    N0FAR
     
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