Mobile HAM Transciever

[NorthShore4Runner]

I've noticed on here a lot of guys with mobile hams in their trucks. I've been wanting to do the same for a while. Anyone have any input on the best cheap Chinese radio? Or something relatively cheap but works well. Also what are people doing for vehicle mounted antennas?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Baofeng UV series seems to be a standard among a lot of off-roaders from what I have heard (I use a Baofeng BF-F8+ myself, which is a UV variant.)

 

[NorthShore4Runner]

Baofeng UV series seems to be a standard among a lot of off-roaders from what I have heard (I use a Baofeng BF-F8+ myself, which is a UV variant.)

I've got 2 of the UV-82's and I love them. I convinced all of my friends to get them too haha. I am looking for something higher powered (20-50W?) to mount in the truck though.

 

[cyclist]

The ARRL has tested some of these Chinese rigs. Check their reviews. Some positive, some negative.

 

[txclimber]

If you're fine with 2M only, you can go with Yaesu 2900. Can be found for less than $140. Maybe not the "cheap chinese" solution you're looking for but I really like mine. It's a tank and can pump out a lot of wattage if needed.

With my mag mount antenna I've hit repeaters over 70 miles away. Can't imagine what it could do with a better antenna.

 

[BettysNephew]

I've noticed on here a lot of guys with mobile hams in their trucks. I've been wanting to do the same for a while. Anyone have any input on the best cheap Chinese radio? Or something relatively cheap but works well. Also what are people doing for vehicle mounted antennas?

Do you have a ham license? If not get your callsign before you even think about getting on the air. You live in a relatively populous area and will be challenged if you don't have a license. The FCC fines are substantial for operating without a ticket and the tech is not hard to get. Sorry if you already have a license but it doesn't appear in your post and don't want you to get in trouble.

 

[sjwelna]

I have a UV-82, programming it with CHIRP is a piece of cake so long as you get the right driver for the programming cable installed. I just got my technician last fall and have been playing around with it a little bit, not a lot of activity in my area. I may try to get my general license here this spring/summer just for fun and to have access to the other bands. In the truck the UV-82 works ok with a nagoya 771 antenna. If I get a dedicated rig (and decide to spend the $$) for the 4R it will be a kenwood D710G so I can play around with APRS. For a basic dual band rig in the truck the yaesu radios seem to be pretty solid (like the 2900 stated above).

-Steve

 

[NorthShore4Runner]

If you're fine with 2M only, you can go with Yaesu 2900. Can be found for less than $140. Maybe not the "cheap chinese" solution you're looking for but I really like mine. It's a tank and can pump out a lot of wattage if needed.



With my mag mount antenna I've hit repeaters over 70 miles away. Can't imagine what it could do with a better antenna.

$150 is right around my max, so that's perfect. I've used the yaesu HT's and I liked them so I assume the mobile stations are as good. Thanks!

 

[NorthShore4Runner]

I have a UV-82, programming it with CHIRP is a piece of cake so long as you get the right driver for the programming cable installed. I just got my technician last fall and have been playing around with it a little bit, not a lot of activity in my area. I may try to get my general license here this spring/summer just for fun and to have access to the other bands. In the truck the UV-82 works ok with a nagoya 771 antenna. If I get a dedicated rig (and decide to spend the $$) for the 4R it will be a kenwood D710G so I can play around with APRS. For a basic dual band rig in the truck the yaesu radios seem to be pretty solid (like the 2900 stated above).



-Steve

I've been wanting to play with APRS too. I've been trying to find a junk android phone to use for it

 

[txclimber]

$150 is right around my max, so that's perfect. I've used the yaesu HT's and I liked them so I assume the mobile stations are as good. Thanks!

Here it is for $120:

YAESU FT-2900R | 2M 75W TRANSCEIVER W MH-48A6J DTMF MIC

 

[sjwelna]

I've been wanting to play with APRS too. I've been trying to find a junk android phone to use for it

Yeah I put APRSDroid on my phone, works pretty well from what I've seen. I have just used the "single shot" function so far and not any of the messaging/etc with it yet. aprs.fi is fun to play around on and see what others are doing in your area with APRS.

-Steve (KE0GFH)

 

[BackOff]

$32 for the Baofeng BF-F8+. :wow:

BAOFENG BF F8 Dual Band UHF VHF 2 Way Walkie Radio BF F8 Plus Earpiece US | eBay

Seems too cheap, everyone should have these, good insurance for emergency situations...and whatnot.



These looks pretty cool too.
https://baofengtech.com/bf-f8hp#!/