Ham radio

New to ham radio and currently studying for the test. I purchased a Yaesu FT3D hand held and a Kenwood710ga mobile unit. Plan is to use the ICS mount for the Kenwood and a Android tablet in my rig then have my wife take the hand held in hers. Wanting to be able to locate each other on trips and in emergency situations. Probably going to use a ditch light mount for the antenna. Any pictures or suggestions are appreciated .

 

I mounted mobile on ICS Fabrication center console mount. and using LFD roof rack cross bar for antenna mount.

 

Looks good. Wouldn't mind figuring out a way to mount the antenna to the gobi rack but not sure how to handle the wiring.

 

I actually drilled a hole under factory roofrack mounting cover. antenna wire from roof down the rear pillar then come out to the cargo area....to the radio....

 

Unfortunately I dont have the guts to drill into the roof . Might see if I can find a local shop to handle the install. Are you happy with the ICS mount ?

 

I also tried using rubber cap on the rear hatch, but cable was too big and was kinking so I just drilled it...good luck....

 

Thanks for the idea's

 

following.

 

Are you expecting a zombie apocalypses? Don't blame you about the drilling I wouldn't do it either...

 

I feel like we are in one right now actually

 

Okay radio should show up tomorrow and ordered the ICS mount kit tonight. Still debating on antenna,tablet and mounts for both. Probably going to consult with a couple shops and get some recommendations.

 

Sorry if this is out of topic.

Q1) Is there any tips to pass the exam easily?

Q2 )Anyone took the test online on a weekend?

Having to study all this frequency bands and things like that keeps me from getting HAM license and don't want to waste time going to a test center if I fail. If its online would be easy to pay $20 or whatever that cost is and it a try.

I know HAM is a big deal for some and since my friends use GMRS its just a fun thing to have on my car. I have a Garmin Inreach for any emergency situation.

 

Im trying Ham radio prep.com. Some places offer online testing but I haven't looked into that.

 

I was trying the phone / tab app for practice test and not very confident and also thinking why on earth why some of those questions exist for one needing basic license to use as a mobile communication unit. Like not having a base station at home with tall antennas multiple operators,etc.

Would have been nice if test contains just basic electrical questions and just the frequencies that you are suppose to use as a basic user.

 

i have been using hamstudy.org

they have study guides, practice tests and the questions are the actual questions on the technician test. arrl.org has a ton of resources as well.

check out ham radio crash course on you tube and there is a facebook group as well called the same thing.

i agree with you that the test is a little much, but its apparently been like that forever.

in that facebook group a number of people have taken the online test. check out the requirements beforehand, you need a laptop and phone and not be in a room with any other screens or distractions.

im gonna take mine online. i have just been studying bits and pieces at a time, i should just power through and get it over with!

 

The test is actually easier now... you used to have to know Morse Code! You still do for levels above tech-no-code.

 

If you are going to be anywhere near trees, I would think twice about mounting an antenna on the roof. Best intentions would be to lower it when in close quarters to trees and obstructions, but you can still forget about it and break it.
I included a pic of my ditch light mount.
I studied for my tech by typing out the questions and answers onto a word doc over the course of a 3 day weekend. Passed with an 80%.

 

Who makes your antenna mount ?

 

I honestly couldn't remember, so I went back through my Paypal receipts. It's a CBI ditch light bracket I made work for both on the driver side.
Here is a pic I just took, its getting dark out so its a little grainy.

 

Really appreciate it. I've tried to email them on there antenna bracket to make sure its for ham and not a cb antenna. So far no reply back. Thinking its either going to be the cbi or rago ditch light bracket that I go with.

 

CB or Ham shouldn't matter, its the type of antenna mount you use, not the bracket, and you can always drill it out to a bigger opening. I used an NMO antenna because I felt it would be a little more sturdy.

Getting all the hardware sorted out will be a little bit of research on your part. There are adapters that can make most anything work. The problem is either finding a ham shop locally, or dealing with looking at scores of pictures and specs on line trying to figure out what will fit.

Try seeking out other hams in your area for advice on all this stuff. It's kind of intimidating, but most of the community is always willing to lend a hand and some knowledge.

 

Sounds good thanks for the suggestions. Hopefully before long I will be able to post some pictures of the finished product.

 

Oh and don't coil up excess coax cable, it kills your antennas capabilities. Always loop it around your seats under your floor mats or carpeting. Coils create resistance in your signals.