Topic: Would like a HAM Radio crash course...

[Paul]

Damn, that's hot. I was always wondering how to mount a "ringo ranger" antenna to my truck......pfff, there it is big as life.....a hatch mount....yessss!! What time does HRO open in the morning?

There's a local guy with a huge beam on a tow behind trailer. Nice set up actually ... wonder what it does to his gas mileage?

Would like a HAM Radio crash course...

[Ghost65]

Needs to put wheels on the outriggers.   

[xtatik]

There's a local guy with a huge beam on a tow behind trailer. Nice set up actually ... wonder what it does to his gas mileage?

Would like a HAM Radio crash course...

Yeah, there are several members that show up with those for our field day. A couple are homebrew the others are commercially built.
That beam looks like the Cushcraft A3S (with 40m kit) that's in my backyard (the director and reflector have been painted..I think?).  I've been slowly refurbing it for my Dad over the last two weeks while a pad and plate are being poured at his house.
I recently picked up one of these for my outings.
 http://transworldantennas.com

[Blackx]

My setup is very similar to Paul's.  SteeevO did a write up about the install in his blog. http://thestevenexperience.com/2009/10/01/nissan-xterra-ham-radio-install/

[onewaysoldier]

You know that you need a license right or do you have one already?

Didn't get scared away, just a long week of work and not enough time to relax. 
I do not have a license yet but would like to study up in the next week and test before the end of the year if possible.  The HAM for Christmas was sorta a last minute idea.

I think I'm getting a the following radio & antenna
http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profile&sku=zys-ft-2900r
http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZLR-NMO-150-B-K

Paul, heading out to Riverside for an afternoon and testing (& retesting if necessary) sounds pretty good to me.  You guys open in between Christmas & New Years.

Bobby, I'm not typically in the LB area but I'll keep it in mind if it doesn't work out in Riverside.

My guess on the mileage for that trailer is 8 mpg w/ a top speed of 25 mph regardless of the vehicle.

[Paul]

No testing until next year. We have a web site at http://www.k6afn.net/ which will list the next VE Exam Session.

VE EXAM SESSIONS--Weekly
Every Wednesday at 2PM until 4PM
(Except for Holiday weeks)

Please schedule all exam sessions with:
Bruce Ziemienski, WA6BZ
email:  wa6bz@k6afn.net
phone: (951)232-3725

Exams are all held at:
Defense Media Center
23755 Z Street
Riverside, CA 92518

[SuperSlideStyle]

I think I'll get one with my next tax return.  I got the license but have been skeptical as to which brand to go with.

http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php/topic,366.0.html

[Paul]

You have three choices: Icom, Kenwood, and Yaesu. I would avoid the Alinco and Jetstream. Kenwood is the smallest of the big three. Icom and Yaesu are the big "two" of the big "three". I sort of fell into the Yaesu side but I also have Kenwood (walkie talkies). Nothing wrong with any of them.

[Ruination Fan]

Just passed the Tech exam yesterday over in Escondido. Now to study up for the General (figured might as well get some more frequency privelages...can't hurt right?)  Now to figure out what radio to get....or wait until after the general test to get the HF radio.

[Goldfish]

Just passed the Tech exam yesterday over in Escondido. Now to study up for the General (figured might as well get some more frequency privelages...can't hurt right?)  Now to figure out what radio to get....or wait until after the general test to get the HF radio.

Congatulations, we have quite a few ham's in the club now.

[Paul]

  Very good!

HF in the truck requires a bit of dedication as the antennas tend to be large and expensive and the radios are not cheap either. I have a portable HF radio but it doesn't stay in the truck. Nothing says break in and steal me like a $600 antenna and an $800 radio. I went on the cheap with a hidden UHF/VHF radio and smaller antenna. I have and extra class license but haven't found much to say to people in Arizona, Texas, or Ohio so I pretty much keep to the VHF/UHF side ... where I still don't have much to say!

On the trail with the club it's nice being able to chat on amateur radio rather than the short range and fuzzy sounding FRS radios.

[onewaysoldier]

Got the Radio & Antenna today.  starting to study up.

[Ruination Fan]

I got the AARL book if ya need a study guide to borrow. Let me know.

[Ghost65]

Ordered the trunk lip mount with a PL-259 connector and a Diamond 40.2" dual band 2m/70cm antenna.  Take delivery next Wednesday.

Also, just "inherited" a Kenwood TM-742 tri band radio (2m/70cm/220mhz) radio with the detachable faceplate.  Studying the manual and interior of the X for the best set up.

Should be good once all is installed.

[Paul]

Ordered the trunk lip mount with a PL-259 connector and a Diamond 40.2" dual band 2m/70cm antenna.  Take delivery next Wednesday.

Also, just "inherited" a Kenwood TM-742 tri band radio (2m/70cm/220mhz) radio with the detachable faceplate.  Studying the manual and interior of the X for the best set up.

Should be good once all is installed.

Those are great radios!