Radio information guide

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So it isn't setup outside yet.

Thanks to @madtaco461 Mike for the tripod... :thumbsup:

Anyways, these readings are taken inside the apt sweeping the 2m HAM band.
IMG_20210708_201205810.jpg

As far as "initial readings" the antenna is looking good.

I have 4 ground radials on this build.

I'll take a picture of the whole antenna outside tomorrow.

I'm gonna check the RX side for now and see how well I can pickup Long Beach Fire Dispatch?
 

MonkeyProof

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4runner DOA

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pretty rad dude! pretty much exactly the same as the one I built a year and a half ago..which is still rocking on the the roof top..

https://independentoffroading.com/index.php?threads/radio-information-guide.335/page-3#post-53514

question for you though, would you happen to have a SWR analyzer thingy?
I've got one for cb (or I should) dunno if it's the same for ham.
If not, I'm sure Randy definitely has one for amateur bands.
You can't really utilize a meter that is outside of its "band range".
I only deal with 2m and 70cm... mainly 2m.

I have these that you can borrow. :noidea:
IMG_20210709_185335408.jpg

Btw, the little one is for CB. My original took a shit somehow when I let my place of work borrow it? I had to buy a new one. I couldn't prove they "broke it", but I was still upset either way.
 
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Btw, @MonkeyProof you were the one that had inspired me to build one. :thumbsup::hail:

My next one is going to be a dual band as well as other antennas I would like to build.

Let me know if you need to borrow a meter. I know you know your stuff. :hail:

And thank you for the kind words. :thumbsup:
 

4runner DOA

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You can't really utilize a meter that is outside of its "band range".
I only deal with 2m and 70cm... mainly 2m.

I have these that you can borrow. :noidea:
View attachment 45243

Btw, the little one is for CB. My original took a shit somehow when I let my place of work borrow it? I had to buy a new one. I couldn't prove they "broke it", but I was still upset either way.

Yeah didn't think the cb one would work since it's a totally different system. I have my dad's from when he was a truck driver, but haven't run a cb in a few years now.
 

eimkeith

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I'm trying to read about this stuff (I don't know shit about shit), but I'd like to shortcut to: is there any reason not to go with GMRS? I just want to communicate truck to truck when traveling and hit the handhelds we have on the trail.

(- plus, I can fit this one behind the scangauge 2 mount that I'm making for the ashtray location in my 3rd gen T4R.)
 
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I'm trying to read about this stuff (I don't know shit about shit), but I'd like to shortcut to: is there any reason not to go with GMRS? I just want to communicate truck to truck when traveling and hit the handhelds we have on the trail.

(- plus, I can fit this one behind the scangauge 2 mount that I'm making for the ashtray location in my 3rd gen T4R.)
Technically, you need a license to use GMRS, but technically you need a license for HAM. :noidea:

Anyways, GMRS is fine and if I remember correctly, there are mobiles that do 12W or something like that, which is pretty good.

The handhelds you speak of I'm assuming the GMRS/FRS "walkie-talkies"? Those are typically 2W for GMRS and 0.5W for the FRS frequency channels.

My point, you won't get the same "reach" compared to the mobile unit, so keep that in mind.

I guess one could make the same argument with the mobile HAM and HAM handhelds? :noidea:

But yeah, GMRS mobiles would be good.

You can get a mobile HAM that has 25W or more for roughly the same price as a GMRS mobile of similar wattage rating and/or higher. For example, the BTECH minis. Plus, the HAM mobiles, in this case, is dual band capable, which gives, in a sense, more wider capability.

Most off-roaders I know of are typically using 2m and/or the 150MHz frequency range. It all depends on what your group you typically hang out with uses what frequency band? GMRS/FRS is 400MHz band range.

I hope this helps a little bit? :noidea:
 
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