Mobile Ham Setup Planning (2M/70cm)

[rbeau30]

So, not really going to get into any other bands right now in my vehicles. Just recently got my tech license, and I want to start planning a mobile setup for my truck.

Got a '98 Dodge Ram extended cab.

Just got TM-D710A (http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-009103) instead of a Kenwood TM-V71A (Thanks ChadAmberg!).
Diamond NR73BNMO (http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000060) (Thanks ChadAmberg!).
Diamond K412SNMO (http://www.diamondantenna.net/k412snmo.html) antenna mount that I am going to utilize as a secondary mount for testing or whatever (Thanks ChadAmberg!).
GreenLightLabs (http://hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-010385) GPS-710 (Thanks ChadAmberg!)
A bunch of extra cable extensions (Thanks ChadAmberg!)
Awesome Kenwood SP-50B (http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-000391) Speaker


Goals:

- Once I run the wiring and install mounts, I don't want to change it, so I will need the best coax, mount setup, power wire, etc.
- I want the antennas to be mounted on the roof, with the Motorola NMO mounts. (Planning on 3 mounts for further expansion)
- Not sure what Antennas I am going to settle on.
- I want the power routed to under the folding rear seat where I am planning on putting the radio unit(s).
- Going to run the head unit to just under the dash where the fold-down cup holder folds down.
- Remote cable, and power need to be ran in a way where it is invisible, probably going to find a way to run some conduit under carpet perhaps.
- Power will run to the back seat where I will have a distribution point that is expandable, fusible, grounded well and power can be shut off.

I am assuming some of the solutions I can get at Car Audio places.

What have you all used and liked? What would you stay away from?

I'll post pictures as I finish. And post the shopping list in the OP as I piece it all together.

Pics as it looks now:
3152531527ha ha3152931531

[streetglideok]

Good dual band radio choice. Its on my list to get soon, if not the 710. You really want power straight from the battery, anywhere else you risk picking up noise. Batteries work a lot like a capacitor, and function much like a noise filter. My rig is hard wired straight to the battery. Since you wish to run power back to a distribution point, look into power poles. You can outfit your rigs with the connectors, and plug right into a fuse protected strip. You can find them on hamradio.com and hamcity.com, take a look. Larson is considered amongst the best stuff, so I would get a Larson NMO kit. Drill your 3/4" hole, fish it thru, and you're on your way. Larson is considered the best for the vhf/uhf antennas, but a little less money, there is also Comet and Diamond. As for multiple antennas, how many rigs do you plan to run? Dual banders only need one antenna. If you migrate to HF mobile, you'll be running a different mounting system due to the stress on the mounting system. You also don't really want to run them too close together either. Make sure your roof is metal, which it likely is, but double check.

[rbeau30]

Thanks streetglideok, I think that is exactly the info I am fishing for.

I may add a CB, however I may run the antenna off the hood or a more sturdy mounting point (102" whip), so you are right, maybe I need less holes. If I ever decide to get into the HF stuff you are right the mounting options are going to be different. Now that you added this info, perhaps one or maybe just two holes will suffice? Perhaps I would like a second hole to hook up an extra antenna to utilize or test a hand held one day? Not sure... but I would like to solve as many possibilities as possible so I can tear apart interior a little as possible.

I am wanting to run one heavy is gauge wire to the distro point straight from the battery. This whole wiring job I want to make look the nicest possible.

As far as how many rigs I want to run, just the dual bander right now, but if I get into more or want to try out something more, I would like the expand-ability there.

[streetglideok]

You may look up this ham's website... k0bg. He has a lot of good info on there, though some is not gospel. I have a magmount antenna that I use in my apartment for an Icom 2100 for ARES nets, etc. that I'm going to throw on top of my jeep next sunday. Reason: we're going to be using a mix of vhf, and uhf bands for the race, and my jeep currently has a 2m ft2900 in it. My handheld is dual band, and just in case I have a hard time with repeaters I will use the mag antenna with it. So you can either run a second antenna mount and cap it to protect it till you need it while you're there, or use a mag mount for rare times you need a second antenna. Flexibility is a good thing to have, especially if your needs include emergency situations, or helping during events. Singlestack may chime in on what he has seen and learned so far as well.

[hobowh]

If you are going to use a 102" whip you can use a steel bar mounted to the frame in the rear of the truck, this will allow you to mount it without drilling into the thin body metal, and still use the tail gate. It will be a little directional, but still work well. best direction will be diagonally across the body of your truck, takes a little tweaking to get the SWRs right but is durable, and allows for the whip to be clipped forward if you have to go into parking structures.

[ChadAmberg]

Definitely recommend the www.k0bg.com site also. There's much more info than you'll need to get started though, so don't worry too much about the deeper details, you simply want a good antenna mount in as close to the middle of sheet metal as you can get, good grounds everywhere, and a few other key rules will get you 95% of the way to great signals everywhere.

Now, down here in the Springs, I know there's a commercial radio installation company that does good work. What's nice is that the NMO antenna mounts are standard for commercial gear now, and you show up with your vehicle, they'll probably have done dozens of the same vehicle and can knock out the antenna and power line install in no time at all.

[streetglideok]

This was taken this am on the peak. You can see my NMO mount in front, and the magmount towards the back.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/greg197430/DSC_6863.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/greg197430/media/DSC_6863.jpg.html)
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k270/greg197430/DSC_6864.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/greg197430/media/DSC_6864.jpg.html)

[gnihcraes]

Personally:

I won't mount on the roof anymore. One good whack from a low tree limb or a parking garage warning strip, you'll have a major hole in the roof or it gets soft and the antenna won't stay straight anymore. I've done it.
Trunk Mount center, side or side of the hood mount.

Power poles are you're solution, along with a rig runner if possible, straight to battery. Don't try connecting stuff through the existing car fuse blocks unless you have too.

Consider a remote speaker, the speaker in the radio is too far away to hear and in a noisey truck or car it can make things difficult.

Ham Radio Outlet has great antenna cable setups from Diamond or some other brands, very tough wires and in varying lengths for each setup.

As for the Dodge Truck, I'd see about mirror mounts or go to the hood, on the side. Be prepared to make a custom radio mount too, the stock ones don't always fit where you want them.

A couple examples of my setups:

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/HamRadioCar.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/antenna2.jpg

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/Dsc08910.jpg

[gnihcraes]

Also, put clear bra under any magnet mounts or lip mounts like I show in the photos. When you take off the mount in a few years, you still have good paint underneath.

Remote Head mount radios are great too, stuff the control box under a seat, behind the dash and then mount the head wherever the cables will reach.

Just a few of the things I've learned over the years!

[gnihcraes]

Use one of these on the Plus side of the battery. (some say to fuse the negative side also, but I never have yet)

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/DOR4/84939/N1177.oap?ck=Search_fuse+blocks+%26+holders_-1_-1&keyword=fuse+blocks+%26+holders

Put on a large eyelet for connecting to a battery clamp on the battery.
Put on a powerpole on the other end.
Same with Negative side, eyelet, wire, power pole. Heat shrink them together. You now have a disconnect if you have to remove the battery or make changes.

I always solder all connections too, not just the silly crimp spade connectors. If I do use these, it's only eyelets for battery connection, and they are soldered and heat shrinked.

If you need a good place for "Grounds", drill a hole on an inner fender, put a long bolt through the hole to the inside of engine or firewall, with star type lock washers, makes a good ground, then you can put eyelets on the bolt and another nut to keep multiple ground wires at one point. (convenience)

Here is the place to get good wire, power poles and all the cool stuff:
http://www.powerwerx.com/

I'll post a photo tomorrow of my current setups with wiring examples.

[rbeau30]

Wow! so many Hams coming outta the woodworks! [Flower]

Awesome info and LOTS of reading materials! Thank you fellas for the info, keep it coming!

gnihcraes, you know about the roof mount I had not even thought about that. It really is just some sheet metal holding it up there. Maybe I'll just put one hole up there for when stationary and want to get the tallest? Keep it capped until utilized?

I like that hood mount, it folds back eh? That is really neat.

[gnihcraes]

Hood mount doesn't fold back, it just follows along with the tilt of the hood when you open it. You just have to plan the best location for it. It might not work in all situations, but I've had the same mounts on multiple cars, I just move them over when I get rid of a car.

Roof mounts are better if you can get a 2 or 3 inch fender washer between the antenna connector and the sheetmetal, this gives a little more surface area than just the 18ga metal.

Yes, my wife's jeep shown, is currently capped, and I've never used it, but power and antenna cable are ready if I should need to swap or install a radio. (emergency use)

I even have a mount and antenna on my bicycle. Good fun to go Bicycle Mobile Ham Radio! Pictures of everything tomorrow when I get home.

I'm remembering all kinds of things now that you all got me rolling. :) ha

[rbeau30]

How about if I wanna get fancy on the power distribution like something like this? ;-D

http://www.autotoys.com/pics/DBDSFAGUFB48D_4.jpg

If I do the roof mount... I do plan on putting some sort of reinforcement between the Roof and the mount like you said a fender washer... I bet I could even get a bigger one than that. If I do it, I'll be taking the headliner down to get to the whole thing so the bigger the washer the better LOL

[gnihcraes]

Glass fuses? Hard to tell in the photo.

I'd stick with something that is ATO blade type, easier to find replacements in the middle of nowhere. (my thought) But if you think about the Power Pole connectors, you won't find those anywhere either, so same problem. :)

[rbeau30]

Glass fuses? Hard to tell in the photo.

I'd stick with something that is ATO blade type, easier to find replacements in the middle of nowhere. (my thought) But if you think about the Power Pole connectors, you won't find those anywhere either, so same problem. :)


There are similar power blocks that take blade fuses, yeah the glass ones are a little less popular.

[zteknik]

I use circuit breakers instead of fuses,easier to reset then try and find a fuse.
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/stinger-80-amp-circuit-breaker/241570631.html?listingId=246229485

[streetglideok]

Yeah circuit breakers would be easier. Not real fond of the car audio stuff, as its mostly flare and more money. Since I'm running just a single radio, I have it wired straight in. Now if I go to adding an HF rig, etc, then I'm going to have to come up with something different.

[rbeau30]

Yeah circuit breakers would be easier. Not real fond of the car audio stuff, as its mostly flare and more money. Since I'm running just a single radio, I have it wired straight in. Now if I go to adding an HF rig, etc, then I'm going to have to come up with something different.


I just want the option of mounting another radio right where the dual band is, and just have to hook it up to the power block and where I have the COAX instead of adding another set of wires to the truck. Or at the very least minimize the rewiring when/if I expand.

I hear ya with the car audio stuff... seems like all they are doing with the equipment is stuffing LEDs into the equipment. Wonder what the skimp on at the expense of flair.

[gnihcraes]

Bicycle Mobile Ham Radio: (using handheld radio on handlebars and connected to the 1/4 wave antenna on the back. (better than a rubber duck)

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/2013-06-24202208.jpg

Rigrunner under the dash of the truck. One switch turns on the rig runner, then it powers all the devices I want. Radios, Voltage Meters, fuel pump etc.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/2013-06-24202041.jpg

250 Amp solenoid for connecting one battery to the other, increases run time and I can easily jump my truck without getting out to fiddle with jump cables.
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/2013-06-24201850.jpg

Fused power cable with power pole connectors feeding a main line to the cab. Also note the Extended Battery Terminal Bolt, allows you to connect other power devices without connecting things in strange ways. (redneck)
http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/2013-06-24201824.jpg

[gnihcraes]

Dash mount radio, which I don't recommend, sun heats them up and they are in plain view for others to steal them. This model radio has a front firing speaker, and the truck is not quiet like more modern rides. I needed the radio up where I could hopefully hear something.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/2013-06-24201740.jpg

Remote Head mount of dual band in small honda, with external speaker for more clear sound. The main unit is tucked up under the dash behind the glove box with custom mounts. :)

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/2013-06-24201541.jpg

Jumbo Power Pole connector to the Battery, allows access for jumping cars without removing all the plastic shrouds and panels. The battery is buried under several things. Jumper cables have same connectors - which are Keyed so you can't connect them wrong.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/2013-06-24201237.jpg

[Singlestack]

Thanks for all the information guys. I'm studying mobile to see the best way to set it up. Looking at a Yaesu 857 with the motorized screwdriver antenna on a rear bumper mount. Trying to determine if an ICom unit with Dstar might serve better. Great info in these posts!

Street - how did the Pike Peak climb go?? Great pix...

[streetglideok]

Hey Singlestack, race is this sunday actually. I'll be below devils playground. Keep an eye out if you watch the race. Hey did you get a message about the BGC they want us to get? As for mobile HF, Ive heard pros and cons to Dstar, though it sounds neat, and about all the radios. 857Ds are pretty popular, as well as the Icom 7k. A lot go with the Kenwood 480 as well, and add a dual bander for vhf/uhf.

[gnihcraes]

Thanks for all the information guys. I'm studying mobile to see the best way to set it up. Looking at a Yaesu 857 with the motorized screwdriver antenna on a rear bumper mount. Trying to determine if an ICom unit with Dstar might serve better. Great info in these posts!

Street - how did the Pike Peak climb go?? Great pix...

I also try to go stealth as possible, so someone doesn't get a bright idea to steal my ham gear. Black, lower profile antennas, tuck the gear up under dash if possible. No ham callsign license plates. Did that for a while, then realized how easy it was to find me.

So having the big Motorized screwdriver antenna would be nice, it takes so much room and such a strong mount (like a hitch) and everyone can see "there is a nice radio in that car if he's got that antenna" :) Just my two cents.

Yaesu 857 would be nice though!

[rbeau30]

We really need a COAR-15 HAM get together soon, I would really like to sponge up some knowledge.

[gnihcraes]

We really need a COAR-15 HAM get together soon, I would really like to sponge up some knowledge.

Won't be from me, I have Drain Bamage. ;)

[zteknik]

We really need a COAR-15 HAM get together soon, I would really like to sponge up some knowledge.
That would be pretty cool,a mini hamfest so to speak :)

[streetglideok]

There is megafest coming in july, 27th I think?

[zteknik]

There is megafest coming in july, 27th I think?
Nice,I have to look that one up.
I use to love the ones back in NY,a huge swapmeet for ham geeks :D
If you can nail down the date I'll go with you.

[gnihcraes]

Denver Radio Club swapfest August 18th. Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

[jerrymrc]

Won't be from me, I have Drain Bamage. ;)

You almost cost me a monitor. Still use that saying today.[Flower]

[gnihcraes]

Nice,I have to look that one up.
I use to love the ones back in NY,a huge swapmeet for ham geeks :D
If you can nail down the date I'll go with you.

The hobby has died off a little bit, and the local swapfests here are probably not like you remember back there.

[zteknik]

The hobby has died off a little bit, and the local swapfests here are probably not like you remember back there.
True.The last one I went to was before the obamination and it was a good size.
I would imagine that the hobby would be picking up a bit with this political climate.

[rbeau30]

If you fellas are going I would really like to meet up!

[streetglideok]

Depends if I take the job offer I received yesterday or not. If I do, I'll be off weekends for a change, and can start doing stuff like sane people. If I don't, there is a 25% chance I'll be off that weekend.

[zteknik]

Are there any shops in or around the Springs?
I need to try and get a 2m antenna for my car so I can set up my ICOM 2100

[streetglideok]

Not that I'm aware of. There may be a shop that does commercial comms in the area. Typically you have to go to little kalifornia(Denver) to HRO, or order online from them. Plus side, usually next day delivery.

[zteknik]

I'll have to check their site out,and see what their hours are.I might be better off ordering though if their closed weekends.

[gnihcraes]

DENVER, CO:
Store Hours:
10AM-5:30PM Mon - Sat
Telephone hours:
9:30AM-5:30PM Mon-Sat
TOLL FREE: 800-444-9476
LOCAL: 303-745-7373
FAX: 303-745-7394
EMAIL: denver@hamradio.com
Store Mailing Address:
8400 E. Iliff Ave. # 9
Denver, CO 80231-3336

[zteknik]

DENVER, CO:
Store Hours:
10AM-5:30PM Mon - Sat
Telephone hours:
9:30AM-5:30PM Mon-Sat
TOLL FREE: 800-444-9476
LOCAL: 303-745-7373
FAX: 303-745-7394
EMAIL: denver@hamradio.com
Store Mailing Address:
8400 E. Iliff Ave. # 9
Denver, CO 80231-3336


[Beer] Thank you.
I might stop there on one of my Saturdays off.

[streetglideok]

You should. South side of the road in a strip mall. Cant miss the antenna sticking up in the air.

[rbeau30]

Updated OP with what I got today! Thanks Chad!

[streetglideok]

Not bad, I'm a little envious of the 710. You're all set for APRS. If the job situation hadn't turned political and dramatic as it had this last couple of weeks, I had planned on picking up a v71a.

[rbeau30]

Thanks!

Instead of going under the carpet, I am going to get some of these SafCord (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330428-REG/Safcord_SCG3_Cord_and_Cable_Protector.html) covers.
http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images150x150/330428.jpg

They work well at work in our conference room with a lot of traffic, so I figure they will work well to run to the back seat where the radio is going.

[ChadAmberg]

We want to see pics of the install!

[rbeau30]

We want to see pics of the install!

I have to figure out the power routing and the head unit/mic extension. Will post pic for sure. Thanks Chad for the head start on my project!

[zteknik]

We want to see pics of the install!
Yes please!

[rbeau30]

So, Brainstorming today. HRO isn't open, and I couldn't go yesterday.

So, I got a blade fuse Distro block for future expansion. Ran the Power from where the battery connects to the fuse block under the hood into the cab through a grommet in the firewall that the previous owner used to wire a brake controller. I figure I am going to use the SafCord when I get it to run the power under the driver seat to the distro box. I used 10 gauge wire, I hope that is good enough.
30933

What I did was get a Project box that the distro box fit good in. I affixed a master shut off, just feel better with that extra switch. Ran the power cord to the switch, and a jumper to the distro block. Nuttin Fancy, but I think It will work. I'll have to think up a way of getting a good ground. I have another Distro block that I'm going to use for that.

30935

I don't know, I never even did any power work in a car before. What do you all think?

[gnihcraes]

Looks good to me. 10ga is plenty. If you're not running an HF rig on 100 watts, the 10ga will be fine for most any other radio. Most mobile radios I think some with 12ga leads on them.

[hobowh]

10ga wire will handle 100 amps on a 10' run with 12v DC between 10' and 20' it drops to 50 amps if I remember my scales correctly

edit:at up to 300 watts usage

[gnihcraes]

10ga wire will handle 100 amps on a 10' run with 12v DC between 10' and 20' it drops to 50 amps if I remember my scales correctly

edit:at up to 300 watts usage

Plenty of wire gauge charts on the net. one down on this page, doesn't really cover the length though, just says increase size with distance. :) http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/WireCapacityChart.htm

[rbeau30]

The length is not that far. The engine compartment fuse block to just rear of the driver's side. I would say 6 feet.

[hobowh]

the scale has to to with length*2 against % loss and voltage and amperage. there is an actual calc just don't rem off the top of my head

then you have to rem that dc uses the entire area of the copper to travel, not just the outer surface, allowing more transmition through smaller guage

[ChadAmberg]

On that radio, I never needed more than low power to hit any repeater I could hear.

[streetglideok]

Thanks for all the information guys. I'm studying mobile to see the best way to set it up. Looking at a Yaesu 857 with the motorized screwdriver antenna on a rear bumper mount. Trying to determine if an ICom unit with Dstar might serve better. Great info in these posts!

Street - how did the Pike Peak climb go?? Great pix...

The race was very interesting. Got to see some cool cars very up close and personal. Got there at 0200, and left at 1900, so it was a very long day. And typical Colorado, we saw all 4 seasons at 13k feet sunday.

[hobowh]

Plenty of wire gauge charts on the net. one down on this page, doesn't really cover the length though, just says increase size with distance. :) http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/WireCapacityChart.htm

Yeah they leave out the part about the ambient temp too, and with it running through the engine comp that may have an effect. Alway best to use half of rated load to stay on the safe side.

[streetglideok]

Yep, heat is an enemy, and you always want to be 50% of the rated capacity. Fuses in cars are typically double the load.

[rbeau30]

So the Cup Holder will serve as a ready made mounting bracket. After all this equipment is mounted, drinks will not go anywhere near the center console anyways.

Left is the new, Right is the old! (Baofeng UV-5R + large cap battery + mic + 14" antenna)

31005

[gnihcraes]

Looks good to me. Plenty of room there on the dash with that cup holder thing folded down.

[rbeau30]

I think the CB (eventually) will get mounted underneath the fold down cup holder, or even perhaps above everything bolted to the black trim. Since I just want a CB for monitoring pretty much, being able to talk to truckers who are on the road is a great way to be aware of what is going on.

Went to HRO today. Got a new lip mount for the antenna, some power wire, and an extension kit for the head unit and the microphone.

looks like I'm going to install on the 4th!!!

more pics to come!

[zteknik]

Looks good!
Who needs cup holders anyway?

[rbeau30]

I am going to eventually replace the distro box with a West Mountain Rigrunner (http://www.westmountainradio.com/rigrunner.php), but that might not be for a month or two. Also I would have to buy a tool for the power poles, and power poles themselves. So I am just going to do it this way, and then just hook up power poles on the ends of the wires when I can afford the Rigrunner.

[gnihcraes]

HRO or Powerwerx.com will have kits of power poles and wire etc. Cheaper usually to buy a package deal. There is a crimping tool you can pickup at home depot that works well. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Crimping-Cutting-Tool-Non-Insulated-Insulated-1005/100630657#.UdSUUDuvWJ8

[rbeau30]

HRO or Powerwerx.com will have kits of power poles and wire etc. Cheaper usually to buy a package deal. There is a crimping tool you can pickup at home depot that works well. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Crimping-Cutting-Tool-Non-Insulated-Insulated-1005/100630657#.UdSUUDuvWJ8

Thanks I just saw them online at HRO, I think I'll be doing that... paying the tax is cheaper than shipping.

[rbeau30]

Sooo... I gave up on the distribution box thing, I am just going to worry about that when I get the rigrunner and convert the connections to Powerpoles. The output out of the box was mysteriously only 5 volts, and the input was 13-14v, and I couldn't figure that out, so I just hooked it up directly how it should as the instructions said, and works nicely! Pics soon!

[streetglideok]

Poor connection somewhere if you had that big of voltage drop.
Looks like starting this weekend, I'm off weekends now(job change). Should be at the megafest in Monument later this month.

[rbeau30]

Poor connection somewhere if you had that big of voltage drop.
Looks like starting this weekend, I'm off weekends now(job change). Should be at the megafest in Monument later this month.

Congrats! (?) on the new job, always nice to have income... pays the bills eh?

I'm probably just goiung to do the power pole thing. I saw some at HRO last time I was there and I think that will be the quickest and easiest way to set up power in the rear of the cab.

[streetglideok]

The last job was rapidly becoming a hobby, and not paying the bills, and was starting to question their ethics. It'll be a longer drive, and be up in monument, so winter may be fun. Less guys to compete with, more money, and no weekends, so should stand to make more money. I'm hoping within a month I'll be able to upgrade my mobile rig, and look at HF closer.

[hobowh]

If you decide to go with a 102" whip I have a spare or 2 new in the garage.


Thanks streetglideok, I think that is exactly the info I am fishing for.

I may add a CB, however I may run the antenna off the hood or a more sturdy mounting point (102" whip), so you are right, maybe I need less holes. If I ever decide to get into the HF stuff you are right the mounting options are going to be different. Now that you added this info, perhaps one or maybe just two holes will suffice? Perhaps I would like a second hole to hook up an extra antenna to utilize or test a hand held one day? Not sure... but I would like to solve as many possibilities as possible so I can tear apart interior a little as possible.

I am wanting to run one heavy is gauge wire to the distro point straight from the battery. This whole wiring job I want to make look the nicest possible.

As far as how many rigs I want to run, just the dual bander right now, but if I get into more or want to try out something more, I would like the expand-ability there.

[rbeau30]

The last job was rapidly becoming a hobby, and not paying the bills, and was starting to question their ethics. It'll be a longer drive, and be up in monument, so winter may be fun. Less guys to compete with, more money, and no weekends, so should stand to make more money. I'm hoping within a month I'll be able to upgrade my mobile rig, and look at HF closer.

Yeah I have always loved being close to work. My new job I started last month is probably the farthest I have driven in about 15 years. I was lucky it turned out I got hired 5 ot 6 minutes away. Biggest traffic jam for me is Airport and Buckley.


If you decide to go with a 102" whip I have a spare or 2 new in the garage.

I wouldn't mind buying one off ya when the time comes.

[gnihcraes]

I need to see if I can hit that repeater for rbeau30, I believe it's one of the colorado connections, so I should be able to hit something on this side of town too that is connected to it.

[Singlestack]

Wondering if Beau's repeater is sufficiently central for us to connect to? Of course, if its a colo connections repeater, I'm thinking it should be.

One thing I'm beginning to study is SDRs (Software defined radios), like the Flexradio 1500. Any of you have one or know anything about them? From what I have been reading, it sounds like it could be a reasonably capable HF/VHF QRP rig that doesn't cost a lot of jink. Seems make sense, for me, since I'm such a computer geek.

[streetglideok]

If you can get into the .310 repeater, then its linked to most metro areas of the state. I think that's the system the state ARES uses for sunday night nets. With some power and an antenna, you may be able to hit the 146.970 repeater here, but questionable. I got out better with my jeep on simplex a few weeks ago on the peak, than the 970 did. I don't really know a lot about SDR. For playing at home, etc it probably has a lot of pros to it. For field day use and emergency use, its too fragile to consider. One area worth looking into is data modes. Can do that via vhf/uhf modes now, and maybe investigate nvis with HF.

[Singlestack]

Yup - the 310 machine is the Sunday nite state ARES net. I have the 970 programmed in, but I don't think I've ever successfully hit it.

The ides of the SDR is so I can get into HF and data modes pretty cheaply without requiring anything more than a fairly cheap dipole and a regulated PSU. Of course I guess I could get a mobile rig instead and get most of what I need thatta way...

I vote that Beau put up a COAR-15 repeater near his house (covenants be damned!) that can reach southerners like street, westerners like gnihcraes, and northerners like me - thats the ticket! :-)

[streetglideok]

Hell just get the antenna fixed on top of pikes peak! Right now, the linked repeaters suck with the uplink down here. I'd almost be better off using echolink nodes to the Denver area(which I do have installed). As for hf, I've been evaluating what can be done. Pair of hamsticks for 20m or 10m, make a dipole out it, mount it horizontally and extend it out to the edge or past my balcony. From there, look for a used radio, ic718, ft450, ic7200, or ft857/897 and a tuner and psu. If I knew I could hit the 10m repeater in Denver from here, I'd look at an ft8900 or one of the other yaesus. Surely someone with one for sale needs some auto repair work done.

Let me rephrase that, I used to see a listing for a 10m repeater, but having trouble spotting it. There are a few 6m repeaters, though I'm uncertain their range during normal conditions.
Maybe someone can verify if these repeaters are up or not: CO: WØTX, Denver, 29.620; KXØE, Colorado Springs, 29.680

[rbeau30]

I was able to talke to gnihcreas yesterday on the .310 repeater. So apparently I was successful in being able to program a repeater from the head unit. YAY

Had to run in the little lady is not feeling well... have to keep an eye on her.

Now I have to number crunch trhe rest into the programming program.... LOTS and LOTS to put in there plus I want the GMRS/FRS/and MURS freqs in there as well. I enjoy listening into people ordering Big Macs.



I vote that Beau put up a COAR-15 repeater near his house (covenants be damned!) that can reach southerners like street, westerners like gnihcraes, and northerners like me - thats the ticket! :-)

The way the soon-to-be mine house is looking I may be hearing from the HOA as soon as I move in because the grass out front is dead.

Perhaps we should all try a central repeater out on one of the hills. I am sure that there is a repeater that we can all contact.

[streetglideok]

Programming the frequencies in is a chore, and a lot of people cheat with pc software. I haven't gone that way with it, partly because I'm cheap, and partly because I need to be able to program new repeaters on the go.

[rbeau30]

Programming the frequencies in is a chore, and a lot of people cheat with pc software. I haven't gone that way with it, partly because I'm cheap, and partly because I need to be able to program new repeaters on the go.


I'm hoping to get a good layout with the software to start with, plus I want to print it all up to keep with my radio so I can have a list of what I got where at a glance. Plus having them in Freq order seems to help as when people talk about a repeater or moving to another, I can quickly dial it in. I also have 1000 memory slots so I plan on not worrying about being somewhere in Colorado and not being able to contact anything because I only did the Denver area ones.

I got the free for download software from Kenwood, works much like a spreadsheet as far as the memory slots.

Updated photos!312173121931221

[streetglideok]

I'm not sure on the kenwoods how the memory works, but some yaesus let you have memory banks. I put all the various repeaters in, then I make banks for the local repeaters, Denver repeaters, ares repeaters, etc. I may end up with a yaesu dual bander just because I'm more familiar with their setup now. Having had to punch in a new repeater to test out for flood ops, its handy to know the radio well.

Listening in the Colorado connection repeater system, they have some obnoxious noise going on right now.

[Singlestack]

Listening in the Colorado connection repeater system, they have some obnoxious noise going on right now.

Yup - what IS that? Slow CW?

Not sure about the 10M repeater - not in the latest repeater directory, but that doesn't mean anything.

I was thinkin our best best was to use the Colo connection repeaters, but if that doesn't work for the Street, then a different approach. In any case, I'm currently limited to 2M/70cm

[rbeau30]

Yeah that is CW definitely really slow. Listening to it on my Baofeng.

I just hate tying up the whole system for our conversation, and being it broadcasts pretty much all over the state... we would have the least amount of discretion.

So I got all the 2M, working on 70cm inputting them into the program. All of them 100 miles from my zip code. like 250 or so. not including the private ones which I omitted.

Then on to the GMRS repeaters, and the GMRS Freqs, FRS, and MURS freqs. There is a repeater near me on GMRS channel 15.

Probably going to put in a couple marine freqs... just in case I am ever on .... water... yeah.

http://www.mygmrs.com/browse?name=&location=&state=CO&frequency=&output_tone=&input_tone=&type=&network=&ori=&travel=&sort=State&step=25

[streetglideok]

Kind of strange, it went away during the net, and came back briefly afterwards. Someone has their radio set wrong I'm betting. I can sometimes hear Denver repeaters, but normally can't hit them. A week ago when I was up on the mountain, I could hear all the Denver repeaters like they were next to me. If you listened on reverse, you could probably pick up the race traffic all day.

[rbeau30]

Kind of strange, it went away during the net, and came back briefly afterwards. Someone has their radio set wrong I'm betting. I can sometimes hear Denver repeaters, but normally can't hit them. A week ago when I was up on the mountain, I could hear all the Denver repeaters like they were next to me. If you listened on reverse, you could probably pick up the race traffic all day.

Probably. or someone testing something.

There has to be something you can hit that at least is linked to something we can contact.

[streetglideok]

CRA linked system, and CC system are the only two I'm aware of, and both links are not that great. The only other way I know of, is if any of your repeaters are echolinked. CRA network is I believe.
449.350 DRC repeater appears to be

http://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/FeatureSearch.php?state_id=08&type=EchoLink

[rbeau30]

145.19 is right down the street from me

[streetglideok]

Yep I see it on the node. You can download echolink for your pc, just need a mic, or hook your 710 straight to your pc and use it. Then you can talk on there. Otherwise I try and hook up my mic and headset and see if I can get it to work.

[gnihcraes]

W0TX 10 meter hasn't been running for several years.
Very difficult to maintain all this equipment (repeaters) in so many locations with limited staff and time. Nearly a full time job for several people to keep it all going.

Join one of the clubs to help support them with $ if using their repeaters. Not required or necessary, but every little bit helps. Volunteer to help with any field trips to fix something.

I always went along just as a grunt. Fetch tools, hold parts, whatever required. Learn from the old timers who know the systems. Most repeater locations are commercial sites and the clubs usually have to pay rent just like everyone else.

Colorado Connection is a great system, very difficult to maintain in all those locations across the state, hard to keep the noise out since they are connecting across multiple sites at a time. Where is the noise? I dunno, one of the sites! :)

[rbeau30]

Now I see why folks have an entire room dedicated to this hobby. I would need notes and notes and notes on all this stuff.

One part of the hobby opens up a new set of learning ops.

[streetglideok]

Local its clear here on the 130 machine, but either the uplink to the rest of the system, or elsewhere lies the problem. I've sent some donations towards CC in the past, as they aren't a true club. I should join one of the local clubs here, one of these days.

[streetglideok]

145.19 is right down the street from me
Having to do a late night grocery run with the wife, will have to work on a time that we can try and catch each other on the air.

[rbeau30]

Having to do a late night grocery run with the wife, will have to work on a time that we can try and catch each other on the air.


I am free this next weekend, maybe we could figure out a time to all try to contact.

[streetglideok]

Survived the late night trip to kingsoupers. Was like a trip to walmart, with the freaks and geeks,lol. Take a look at echolink, maybe download it, its free. Only thing you have to do is get registered with them. Only hams are allowed in. Will have to work on it this week, and see how well my stuff works with it. If I can get on, I'll let you know, so you can listen for some moron to sign in to that repeater lol

[rbeau30]

Just in case anyone else likes to listen in on stuff like me.


Amtrak
http://trainweb.com/radio/freq.htm

[hobowh]

I wouldn't mind buying one off ya when the time comes.

Let me know when your ready, I bought 30 of them way back when Santafe Distributing had them in bulk so they only cost me 18 each shipped. I made plenty off the others, you can just have one.

[rbeau30]

I can come pick one up one weekend and donate a delicious beverage?

[rbeau30]

Okay so I finished inputting practically all the repeaters within 100 miles of my zip (minus the closed and private ones). There is so much to listen to!

These Linked Repeater Nets are fun to listen to the accents of the people all over. Also very educational as to learn how a net is controlled and how it flows.

[streetglideok]

You would be amazed how many hams, even with years under their belt, don't grasp how a net works.

[gnihcraes]

You would be amazed how many hams, even with years under their belt, don't grasp how a net works.

Very similar to some gun owners who leave their trash at public shooting areas. They don't care. :) Just the way it is.

[rbeau30]

Yeah no matter how many times people hear about good ettiquette, some will just never get it.

Put the rig runner in.

OMGosh I will never use any other electrical connection again, these are AWESOME!

I just watched a couple You Tube videos and got my connections right the first try! The jumper I made from the Rigrunner to the Kenwood "T" blade connector I even soldered and crimped. This way I didn't have to snip the wires on the Radio side. I got a "Tri-crimper" made things very easy.

31523

[streetglideok]

Nice. Will have to look into those. Wife asked me about Christmas and my birthday today(they fall within 6 days of each other). Boy that was a mistake. Mentioned an all mode radio, HF radio and a new dual bander or quad band 8900,hehe

[rbeau30]

Nice. Will have to look into those. Wife asked me about Christmas and my birthday today(they fall within 6 days of each other). Boy that was a mistake. Mentioned an all mode radio, HF radio and a new dual bander or quad band 8900,hehe

I am finding that I want to spend more time in the car listening to the ham waves. Perhaps I need a *gasp* radio in the house.

Ohh, I heard you can swtch the head units of the TM-710, and the 71? Anyone have experience with that?

[gnihcraes]

Make a test light too, it makes sure you always Gang the connector correctly, and you can test them from a power source.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/IMG_20130714_194758_395.jpg

You can also make things like this, that work for whatever else you might want to run, cell phone, kids game console.

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g463/gnihcraes/IMG_20130714_194857_585.jpg


Make everything work off of a power pole, have power poles in all vehicles, no need for a rig runner in each one, quickly move the rig runner or just use a direct to battery cable. Or take your radio to the house or put it in another hams vehicle.

[streetglideok]

I'm told the main units are basically the same, just the heads are different, and the 710 has the TNC in it. They offer a pricey kit to convert the v71a, for $300, but I have to wonder if you can find just the display for less

[gnihcraes]

Nice. Will have to look into those. Wife asked me about Christmas and my birthday today(they fall within 6 days of each other). Boy that was a mistake. Mentioned an all mode radio, HF radio and a new dual bander or quad band 8900,hehe

Careful with the Quad Band radio. If it dies, you just lost three other radios with it. You'll also need duplexers, triplexers to run all the radios/bands on various antennas. Things to consider. I had a tri-band radio, the antenna was very long and didn't mount well on hoods and trunks. The radio died and wasn't repairable at a reasonable fee, company got out of making ham stuff. So much for that $900

[streetglideok]

Yeah that I've considered. I doubt I would mess with the 10m band, so if I did do the 8900, I would get a duplexer for my roof antenna and mount a 6m stick in back. I most likely will either get an 8800 or a v71a. What I like about the kenwood is the ability to remote control the radio via dtmf tones. The 8800 usually comes with the remote kit already, and with the rebates out, if you actually get the $100 back, it comes out less than a v71a. From there, I need either an all mode, or an hf rig. The 857 and 897 are on the list, as well as the kenwood 480 variants, ic7000 or a cheap used 706(doubtful these days). Not sure if I'd do mobile hf or if it will be portable/home, so may throw the icom 718, 7200, yaesu 450 variants, or maybe a cheap alnico sr8/sr9. If I go older, and can find a solid rig, theres the yaesu 757 and 890, and some of the icom models for good prices. I need someone with some experience with hf to see if my idea is feasible, getting a pair of hamsticks in a couple of different bands, ie 10m and 20m, and make a horizontal dipole.

[gnihcraes]

Yeah that I've considered. I doubt I would mess with the 10m band, so if I did do the 8900, I would get a duplexer for my roof antenna and mount a 6m stick in back. I most likely will either get an 8800 or a v71a. What I like about the kenwood is the ability to remote control the radio via dtmf tones. The 8800 usually comes with the remote kit already, and with the rebates out, if you actually get the $100 back, it comes out less than a v71a. From there, I need either an all mode, or an hf rig. The 857 and 897 are on the list, as well as the kenwood 480 variants, ic7000 or a cheap used 706(doubtful these days). Not sure if I'd do mobile hf or if it will be portable/home, so may throw the icom 718, 7200, yaesu 450 variants, or maybe a cheap alnico sr8/sr9. If I go older, and can find a solid rig, theres the yaesu 757 and 890, and some of the icom models for good prices. I need someone with some experience with hf to see if my idea is feasible, getting a pair of hamsticks in a couple of different bands, ie 10m and 20m, and make a horizontal dipole.

Welcome to the Hobby! :>

[rbeau30]

I'm told the main units are basically the same, just the heads are different, and the 710 has the TNC in it. They offer a pricey kit to convert the v71a, for $300, but I have to wonder if you can find just the display for less

Well. I am thinking that I could buy a TM-71 for the family vehicle, and If I need the functionality of the 710, I can just switch out head units but keep the 710 in my daily driver. Potentially save me a couple hundred dollars.

Going to be adding a CB real soon. Okay Okay, I know I am going backwards in technology, but thinking about putting a 148GTL (want to have the SSB capability) so I can listen to some 11M for preparedness purposes.

[gnihcraes]

Go 10 meter and you can listen to 11 meter cb and you'll have better hardware an only one antenna to mess with. :thumbup:

[rbeau30]

Go 10 meter and you can listen to 11 meter cb and you'll have better hardware an only one antenna to mess with. :thumbup:

True. I'm just torn... there is limited space for phone traffic on 10M? however I could use monitoring 10M in my mobile as practice for eventual CW learning?

I also am not ... supposed to rig that type of radio to transmit on Citizens Band? in SHTF all bets are off but if I hear an interesting conversation I might be tempted to chime in. or should I not worry about that?

[streetglideok]

Yeah, you aren't supposed to modify part 97 radios(ham) for 11m CB operation. You can listen, but not be able to transmit. Now truth be told, in a true emergency situation, knowing exactly how to unlock the 11m band may prove beneficial if you are setup for 10m operations already. Now on the flip side, if you can find a good unaltered 148 side mic, or the twin Uniden Grant side mic, those are considered some really decent ssb 11m radios.

[gnihcraes]

Listen to CB, all that jabbering from 100's of miles away isn't from just a cb radio. 10meter modified, or amplified cb (11mtr)

Out of band, a lot of folks drop just below the cb bands into 10 meter and talk. Modified cb's all over the place.

[streetglideok]

Listen to CB, all that jabbering from 100's of miles away isn't from just a cb radio. 10meter modified, or amplified cb (11mtr)

Out of band, a lot of folks drop just below the cb bands into 10 meter and talk. Modified cb's all over the place.
Lies I tell you, all lies. There are no such things as freebanders or the NSA listening in on our calls! Yeah guys will buy the connex radios, and the like, and go to those extra cb channels with their splatter boxes.

[ChadAmberg]

Yeah, you aren't supposed to modify part 97 radios(ham) for 11m CB operation. You can listen, but not be able to transmit. Now truth be told, in a true emergency situation, knowing exactly how to unlock the 11m band may prove beneficial if you are setup for 10m operations already. Now on the flip side, if you can find a good unaltered 148 side mic, or the twin Uniden Grant side mic, those are considered some really decent ssb 11m radios.

I sold a couple HR2510s a year ago, now those were great 10meter rigs that worked well on 11.

[streetglideok]

Ive heard of the Hr2510's and a few other models that were actually decent radios. Its the splatter boxes with the limiters cut, and the poor operators that are the chief problem with 11m operations, which I can only imagine the chaos if an emergency situation occurs. That's one reason I wouldn't get too excited about being able to operate on 11m. Down in Atlanta, unless you are running power with echo, you aren't heard in that mess, and that is on a good day.

[rbeau30]

Ive heard of the Hr2510's and a few other models that were actually decent radios. Its the splatter boxes with the limiters cut, and the poor operators that are the chief problem with 11m operations, which I can only imagine the chaos if an emergency situation occurs. That's one reason I wouldn't get too excited about being able to operate on 11m. Down in Atlanta, unless you are running power with echo, you aren't heard in that mess, and that is on a good day.


Yeah, not really worried about operating on 11M... I could just imagine all the friggin yahoos who have watch smokey and the bandit all of a sudden can't use thier internets, or ipfones, or land lines.... ohhh wait noone has a land ine anymore. Hooking up the radio they have in the garage they inherited from their grandpa. Talk about radio jam.

I'm more concerned with listening, and if I have to transmit, it will be on the sideband.

[rbeau30]

Paid for a GMRS License.... ugh why did I do that?


Ahh well, my wife and I will be able to talk while she is on the way home. Plus there is a couple repeaters in my area. on 442.660 which I have not figured out the tone and supposedly 462.625, which I want to be able to contact some folks that talk on there.

[streetglideok]

For the cost of gmrs, just get the wife to get her ticket. $15 is cheap IMO

[rbeau30]

Yeah, but all those hours of "helping her study". LOL

[streetglideok]

Heck, I threw a study guide at my wife who knew nothing of radios, and gave her two days to cram. She passed with no problems, lol. Its all in a matter of getting her to want to. I know I know,lol

[rbeau30]

So you are saying It is going to take some... effort, on my end. [panic]

[streetglideok]

Lol, a little. Get her taking practice tests on eham, that would be a good start.

[rbeau30]

I have the set of flash cards, she is going to try to start that... with me I cannot just memorize, I need to know why something is how it is.... that is why I did a study guide with the flash cards and eham practice tests.

She listens to her Baofeng everyday at her desk ( i wish i could). She is intrigued at the communication ability it allows, i'm hoping that will motivate her.

She is a smart gal... just not a tech weenie like me.

[streetglideok]

She should have no problem. Probably the two math formulas she needs to memorize, is ohms law, and how to get frequency from wavelength.