Spring Overland Trip April 5-8

[carlos.elmotor]

Hey Doug,

I'd be making it up if I cited a range, but that little external antenna linked earlier by [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] has served me very well and didn't break the bank.

As a bonus, the mag mount is self-grounded and came with a long enough length of coax to reach from the rear of my truck roof up to the dashboard.

what's typical range for the 8w HT while out on the trail on the supplied antenna? i understand that environmentals play a huge part...just wanting to know what to expect or if should just go with a more permanent solution.

 

[carlos.elmotor]

45-50 Watts, paired with an antenna that can handle that power output seems to be the sweet spot for a dedicated mobile rig (ignoring HTs for the moment). I'm admittedly biased since that's where I settled...

My garage door height is 8ft. I'm on 285s with a 3inch lift and keep my little antenna on full time without issue. I have a ~36in antenna too, but it's completely impractical around here. Not sure what your garage height is, but there's some data for you at least...

Lastly, just shot a pic of where my mag mount/antenna lives.

Hope that helps and let me know if you want/need any more pics.

Ok. So I might as well get on with a high wattage system with antenna. I park in my garage so height is an issue; I’m open to mounting suggestions. At the rear hatch seems like it might be best?

 

[El_ZRunner]

Tentativly...need rear ambers and GMRS radio...and maybe some addtl camping gear and such.... Hopefully I can join you all this time around for more than a day!

 

[Boyds4Runner]

Hey [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] thanks for doing the research on this :yo:

I hope you won't mind but I may copy your setup.


Looking forward to this trip but hopefully with some warmer temperatures :surfer:

[MENTION=137555]Sleeter[/MENTION] & [MENTION=141503]carlos.elmotor[/MENTION] (and whoever else is knowledgable on this)
It's not fancy schmancy, but for a "minimal" ham setup, does this look ok?

I used one that looked really similar to this on Day 2 of [MENTION=141503]carlos.elmotor[/MENTION] 's Winter trip the other week. Sounded really clear.

<b>BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery</b>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MAULSOK/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2WVT02CKPVJBB&colid=243UA3EZF8U0E&psc=0

with a 12v plugin. It says the battery goes for 17 hours, but I don't think that's enough to get through a 4 day trip.

<b>BaoFeng BL-5 12V Battery Eliminator for BF-F8HP, UV-5X3, and UV-5R Radios</b>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KZ6VGUW/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I368K9YR9DNSXC&colid=243UA3EZF8U0E&psc=1

Because it's just not cool to be out on the trail with a trucker mic

<b>BTECH QHM22 Platinum Series IP54 Rainproof Shoulder Speaker Mic for BaoFeng, BTECH, Kenwood Radios</b>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z4X3MM6/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1X532I0PSBWO4&colid=243UA3EZF8U0E&psc=0

And it's not "overlanding" unless you have an antenna off your rig (seriously though, thinking it would greatly increase the range)

<b>Authentic Genuine Nagoya UT-72 Super Loading Coil 19-Inch Magnetic Mount VHF/UHF (144/430Mhz) Antenna PL-259</b>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016SIJX28/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2E5MEMOK7UX4L&colid=243UA3EZF8U0E&psc=1

I also see the USB programming cable suggested, is that really beneficial? or is programming in the channel (or two) that will be needed not that bad? I have no idea how that works...
<b>Compatible USB Programming Cable for Baofeng Two way Radio UV-5R, BF-888S,BF-F8+ With Driver CD</b>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RZJHJU/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IGZ4HL6SA4PRY&colid=243UA3EZF8U0E&psc=0

Basically comes down to ~130 bucks...

 

[gfxcruncher]

Hey [MENTION=174597]gfxcruncher[/MENTION] thanks for doing the research on this :yo:

I hope you won't mind but I may copy your setup.


Looking forward to this trip but hopefully with some warmer temperatures :surfer:

No problem! That was one reason I included links... I haven't yet ruled out trying to get a radio that was given to me up and running (President HR-2510) but I think the level of tinkering may be beyond me.

What I like about the above setup it doesn't look like there's a lot to worry about tuning the setup, seems like it'll be pretty good to go out of the box.

After the last trip I think I'll only need to pack t-shirts and shorts
Yes, warmer temps will be nice.

 

[4RnR Grl]

I scouted some trails today for this trip. I'm excited to share some photos with you guys.

 

[gfxcruncher]

I scouted some trails today for this trip. I'm excited to share some photos with you guys.

Looks really great!

I don't know if it's the last trip with [MENTION=141503]carlos.elmotor[/MENTION] that's effecting me or not... I know come April there won't be any "white stuff"... almost wish we could run it now (even though I'm not prepped for it) :juggle:

Thanks for the scouting [MENTION=112177]4RnR Grl[/MENTION] !

 

[Dougthelurk]

looks like you had it all to yourself. April needs to go ahead and get here early!

 

[DavidR1]

Looks like another cool trip you guys are organizing. Wish I could join, not looking likely though.

 

[gfxcruncher]

Just to put a little stoke in the thread... The Ghetto-Superstrut-roofrack is nearing completion. Next up a dust light!

Let's see what you guys are getting prepped and done for the trip!

 

[Sleeter]

Just to put a little stoke in the thread... The Ghetto-Superstrut-roofrack is nearing completion. Next up a dust light!

Let's see what you guys are getting prepped and done for the trip!

Looks good!

I need to replace my Vivid LED dust lights with lifetime Led white and amber.
Maybe new tires, maybe new brakes, maybe buy a osmo mobile 2.

 

[Sleeter]

I hope everyone is having fun getting ready for this trip, I know I am.

We have the route mostly nailed down but we are still scouting for camp locations that will fit the number of vehicles that will be attending. We might be forced to camp Thursday night at a primitive (pit toilet) campground where sites are first come first serve. If this is the case i expect us to double or triple up at the sites to limit the number of spaces we need. This is a last resort if we cant find any sites that will fit this large of a group.

 

[carlos.elmotor]

Hammer... Hammer... Hammer... Down... Down... Down...

Well...I guess I'll be the only one with the cool CB then. There's always the cell phone,:faint:

 

[Antman]

Hammer... Hammer... Hammer... Down... Down... Down...

lol she was the driver!

 

[Dougthelurk]

Just to put a little stoke in the thread... The Ghetto-Superstrut-roofrack is nearing completion. Next up a dust light!

Let's see what you guys are getting prepped and done for the trip!

Looks good from here. If this trip is anything like the last one I'll be packing an extra air filter and washer fluid.

 

[techno]

Need to travel for work that week now, so unless I can meet up on Friday night, then I'm out

 

[Sleeter]

Need to travel for work that week now, so unless I can meet up on Friday night, then I'm out

Depending on what we find scouting this spring we might be able to post our Friday camp location. As of right now the biggest hurdle we face is finding decent campsites to fit a group this large.

 

[techno]

Copy. I'll monitor the thread for updates. What general area are you looking at?

 

[brian0128]

Does anyone make a dust light that slides into the hitch and gets power from the 4 or 7 pin that doesn’t cost $400?

Something like this?
http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f242/new-product-hitch-light-46095/

Si

 

[Krayziekid]

I'm tentatively in! Around what time on Thursday would we be meeting up?