Ham Radios

[JS]

I recently acquired my license & I'm curious to know what you guys are running in your trucks?
what works for you or doesn't.


thank you

[John]

There are a number of club members running ham radios these days. I'm using an Icom IC-706MkIIG. On runs we generally use 146.46 which has been adopted by the local 4x4 community for VHF communications.

Regards,

John, VA7FFR

[Greg S]

Two meter. Or a dual band radio, 2 meter (140's) and 70 cm (440's).

[David Anderson]

Ham Radio frequencies are not " mode regulated by Industry Canada
But by Radio Amateurs of Canada mode (voice, sideband, digital, morse) conventions.
146.430 and 146.630 are good International simplex frequencies.
BC has many repeater stations that can facilitate emergency communications over most of the province, certainly better than cellphone coverage.
Incidentally, 146.460 is also Mission's Emergency Operations simplex frequency
And therefore programmed in many local radio scanners.

David VE7IFD
Mission BC

[ChrisAnton]

I would suggest you consider either a 2 meter single band radio or of preference a dual band 2M/440 radio with a detachable head. There are multiple models from all the manufacturers but I personally use the Yaesu FT7800 (now replaced with the FT7900) and the FT8800. Both of these units have a control head that can be mounted on the dash quite easily and then the actual radio body can be mounted at a more convenient location. I have both of these mounted in my Jetta (altogether a lot less space then a Rover) using a T shaped plate that slides into a small change drawer. The two control heads are mounted one above the other on the head of the T and the tail just slides into the crack for the drawer. The actual radios live in a battery box mounted in the trunk. All I had to do was run the connecting line which you can either purchase or use a CAT 5 style cable (check the head size, I might be wrong on the designation). The mike plugs into the control head. The speakers are mounted at the back of the centre console with the line running back to the radio.

I'm just commissioning a new to me 88 RR Classic and this is what I will also do for a radio installation. Usually there is enough free space to run the cable just inside some of the plastic edging either for the centre console or under the door jam. This gives you a lot more flexibility since only one cable needs to go to the dash. Power, speaker and antenna cables are then easily run to the remotely mounted radio.

cheers
Chris
VE7TOP

[Crs]

Whatever radio you get, I found out the hard way that they work MUCH BETTER when you remember to connect the antenna! :oops:

[[BlackDiamond]]

Alinco DR-135 on the Range Rover, and I also have a handheld DJ-175 for hiking and ATV'ing

[sdillen]

On the "to do" list is to install my FT857 in the Disco. When I have the headliner out (fixing leaks), I am optimistic that I'll find some space behind trim panels to fit the transceiver and coupler. VHF / UHF antenna placement doesn't look bad, but I have NO idea where I am going to install a HF whip such that it won't shatter roof glass.....

In the meantime, I use my VX-7 HT.

[flipstah]

I'm interested in doing the test but how difficult/easy did you find it?

[Greg S]

Take a class and do a lot of home study. Remember, it is a government exam. Governments make laws, regulations and policies. Guess what a lot of the questions are about but aren't in the study manual? Read the relevant Act and Regulations as well. Know the pecking order of what department and group has what authority/duty. Seems to me that about 30% of the exam is on regulations but it has been a while since I did it.

[sailourboy]

There should be some courses starting in October/November, one in North Delta for sure, possibly North Van and surrey also.
All the questions are on line, multiple choice, see Industry Canada's web site. Out of the 1000 questions listed only 50 are on the exam and as Greg mentioned 33% of them are aimed at regulatory.
Cheers
Ted

[sailourboy]

I see you might be in AB :cry:
Here is a local link:

http://caraham.org/joomla/index.php?opt ... &Itemid=39