Posted: 7/31/2013 7:52:36 AM EDT
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I’m very new to ham radios and looking to get a mobile unit. I’m considering the Yaesu FT 2900. I plan to wire it with quick disconnects, so I can move it between two different vehicles. I have read very good reviews about the Larson NMO antennas but I would prefer an antenna that could be moved easily between the two vehicles, yet still have good performance and durability.
Worst case scenario, I would need it to reach 20-25 15 miles straight line, in simplex. I’m primarily looking for suggestions on a good antenna that can be easily moved between vehicles. Any suggestions about a better mobile unit that is comparable in price to the Yaesu FT 2900, would be appreciated also. |
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I'd first recommend you look into Anderson Power Poles for use as a Quick Disconnect!
Depending on your vehicle the antenna choice will vary, but I'd say a nice decent gain mag mount would solve most needs. My initial antenna was a $14 2m Mag Mount from a Ham Fest (1998) and it still works great today in a pinch! you can usually find a NMO magnet that can accept whatever (within reason) NMO antenna you choose (if you wanted to do that) The Kenwood TN-281a is my 2m rig of choice Have one & Love it YMMV |
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I move a FT-1900 between my house, truck and boat all the time. Just order a spare power connector and you are GTG. Moving antennas is a pain though. I've got a Larsen magnetic mount that I used temporarily that works fine, but I switched to a permanent mount instead. No matter how clean you keep the magnet, it WILL scratch the clear coat and if left there long enough will leave a fade mark.
I would recommend permanent mounting antennas on each vehicle and just moving the radio. Heck, just install the mount and move the whip from vehicle to vehicle when you have to. The bases are only about $20 each. |
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Quoted:
That distance simplex from an FM mobile is a tall order unless the other station has a really high antenna. By the road, the other person is 21 miles away. Straight shot, I'm not sure what it would be? Probably less than 20. Thanks to all of you for the good information. |
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I have a Yaesu FT-1500M that I just can't bring myself to get rid of. It's small, loud, easy to use/program and you can smash someone over the head with it if needed, it's a little brick! It used to be my mobile while I was saving for a TM-V71A and it just sat on the console or dash while in use and was tucked away under the seat when the XYL was driving.
I'll also second mounting two antennas rather than a mag mount. NMO mounts are cheap and easy to install and you can pop a cover on one mount while your one antenna is riding on the other vehicle. I noticed a much better overall performance once I went to the mount over the magnet. But I still have a mag antenna and a quick wiring setup to use the 1500M in a rental or borrowed car to get the 50W of power rather than the 5W on the HT. Then as funds allow you'll eventually have a radio in each vehicle and your antennas and power connections will already be there. |
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I wouldn't move antennas back & forth personally. If you can do separate antennas and just move the radio (or in any case where the antenna will be repeatedly disconnected), put a UHF male to BNC female adapter on the radio and use BNC male connectors on the coax from each antenna. |
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Here's an affordable solution....
I like the KENWOOD TM-281 http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=69422 
get 2 of these, one for each vehicle... MFJ 5/8th wave mag mount. http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=24066&osCsid=5v7rq0ekg03kg19oej2bk56mb4 and get an extra power cord http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=54&products_id=67399 
wire the power cords directly to the battery maybe get a cheap hump mount from amazon http://www.amazon.com/Workman-Electronics-Radio-Tooth-Mount/dp/B003H41I70/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375444571&sr=8-2&keywords=cb+radio+hump+mount 
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Radio mount here.
permanent antenna coax in each vehicle and powerpoles for the hookups. |
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The FT-1900M is 2/3 the size of the FT-2900M, so it is easier to mount. The difference in power is 55 w vs. the 2900's 75 w. That is a meaningless difference in power. You can't hear it. Changing to a different antenna will make more difference. Both radios operate identically.
You will find a wider variety of antennas rated for 50 w radios than 75 w. That also gives you the option of through glass antennas. They aren't rated for more than 50 watts (I doubt 55 w will do any harm). |
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I would add that anything heavy like a radio not solidly bolted down will be a missile in a car wreck that can potentially greatly add to your and your passengers' injuries.
DO NOT even think of plugging into a cigarette lighter socket (or a "power point") to power your radio. That was fine in the CB days with a 5 watt rig, but it just won't do for a 50-60 w rig. Anderson Powerpoles are better for multiple connect/disconnect than the power plug/sockets on the radios. A mag mount is about your only choice. But I seriously think you'd be better off just equipping your vehicles with permanent installations. You've forgotten one... a base rig. |
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Quoted:
I’m very new to ham radios and looking to get a mobile unit. I’m considering the Yaesu FT 2900. I plan to wire it with quick disconnects, so I can move it between two different vehicles. I have read very good reviews about the Larson NMO antennas but I would prefer an antenna that could be moved easily between the two vehicles, yet still have good performance and durability. Worst case scenario, I would need it to reach 20-25 miles simplex. I’m primarily looking for suggestions on a good antenna that can be easily moved between vehicles. Any suggestions about a better mobile unit that is comparable in price to the Yaesu FT 2900, would be appreciated also. Magmount antennas are cheap. I would get two instead of moving it around. You'll likely damage the coax putting it in the door anyway and will cost you more in the long run. Instead, route the cable through a n opening in the chassis or trunklid that does not get opened/closed as much and you are better off. |
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Here's an affordable solution.... I like the KENWOOD TM-281 http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=69422 http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0281lrg.jpg get 2 of these, one for each vehicle... MFJ 5/8th wave mag mount. http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=24066&osCsid=5v7rq0ekg03kg19oej2bk56mb4 and get an extra power cord http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=54&products_id=67399 http://www.powerwerx.com/_images/products/OEM-FM-CAB2_xlrg.jpg wire the power cords directly to the battery maybe get a cheap hump mount from amazon http://www.amazon.com/Workman-Electronics-Radio-Tooth-Mount/dp/B003H41I70/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375444571&sr=8-2&keywords=cb+radio+hump+mount http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v488/derek45/Picture767.jpg Someone had to say this. I was going to but stood off a few days. Swapping ANYTHING out is nothing more than a pain in the ass. After a while you stop doing it and you are now back to Square One. Yes, it does mean coughing up a few more bucks but in the long run it is worth it in hassle avoidance. With the TM 281A running $140 and an antenna about $20 it is well worth the price over time. |
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Quoted:bk56mb4]http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=24066&osCsid=5v7rq0ekg03kg19oej2bk56mb4[/url]
Someone had to say this. I was going to but stood off a few days. Swapping ANYTHING out is nothing more than a pain in the ass. After a while you stop doing it and you are now back to Square One. Yes, it does mean coughing up a few more bucks but in the long run it is worth it in hassle avoidance. With the TM 281A running $140 and an antenna about $20 it is well worth the price over time. Very true. It's like swapping out AR uppers, eventually, you buy more lowers and fill up the gun safe " ARFCOM . . . GET BOTH " |
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I'm guessing here, but I would guess the "2nd" vehicle is a work ride and that the OP, a ham, spends a considerable time behind the wheel and wants simplex comms and cannot have a permanent instal. I used to do that. Would that be an accurate assumption? If that is the case, set up your personal mobile as permanent for antenna and power, not the radio. Those 2 are easily disconnected and reconnected. Other vehicle: DO NOT use vehicle ciggie lighter receptacle for power. Use some good quality spring clamps/alligator clamps direct to battery using a made or bought power cable. Route it from hood to outside of rear hood corner, through door jamb and interior of vehicle taking the shortest route. Toss up a NMO mag mount with whatever corresponding NMO antenna. As far as a mount, all depending on the vehicle. Car, truck, delivery van, etc. Above posted suggestion is good but geared towards sedans with driveline humps that places the driver lower. Most cars now have center consoles and radios are not an option. I prefer it on top of the center dash to keep my eyes on the road as much as possible. I have 25 years experience with using radios at work where they are placed in the center console area. Not good. If top dash is the way to go, it may be a bean bag set up, using RAM mounts, a home made bracket using bungy cords. You will have to experiment. Might want to reconsider your radio selection. A one piece 2 M with the speaker mounter on top may do ok, but a front speaker like on a Kenwood and Icom is ideal. If you have a bottom mounted speaker get a seperate speaker. I like the front speakers and why they cant make more of those or remote control head/microphones is beyond me. Or go to a dual band radio with a remote head, or go all out for one of these (Ive thought about it), or fabricate one:  http://www.brookstone.com/autoexec-roadmaster-portable-car-desk-749598p Either way come back to us and post some pics so we can stir up some ideas. |
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I'll also second mounting two antennas rather than a mag mount. NMO mounts are cheap and easy to install and you can pop a cover on one mount while your one antenna is riding on the other vehicle. I noticed a much better overall performance once I went to the mount over the magnet.
I have read several reviews that say the same thing. NMO is much better than magnet. I'm leaning toward a fender mount NMO for each vehicle. I do not want to drill a hole in my roof, unless it would drastically increase performance. As funds allow, I would like to add a second radio but I'm not sure when that will be. The difference in power is 55 w vs. the 2900's 75 w. That is a meaningless difference in power. You can't hear it. Changing to a different antenna will make more difference. I wondered about this. I'm guessing here, but I would guess the "2nd" vehicle is a work ride and that the OP, a ham, spends a considerable time behind the wheel and wants simplex comms and cannot have a permanent instal. I used to do that. Would that be an accurate assumption? Actually, both are my personal vehicles. One is driven the majority of the time but I didn't want to be without the radio when I need my truck. I will likely be buying a second radio for a family member, so it may be a while before I could buy a third. I would add that anything heavy like a radio not solidly bolted down will be a missile in a car wreck that can potentially greatly add to your and your passengers' injuries. DO NOT even think of plugging into a cigarette lighter socket (or a "power point") to power your radio. That was fine in the CB days with a 5 watt rig, but it just won't do for a 50-60 w rig. Fabricating an extra bracket would not be a problem for me. I already have some metal scraps that I can use. I would hard wire the connectors and tuck them under the dash when not in use. I hard wired my flashlight charger and power inverter, because I can't stand an untidy mess of cords running everywhere. You've forgotten one... a base rig. Due to funds, this will probably be a while. Either way come back to us and post some pics so we can stir up some ideas. I will I like the KENWOOD TM-281 This seems to be a popular model and it is less money. A friend of mine has a FT-2900r with a cheap magnet mount. We have been doing some testing, to find out how far we can talk simplex. With a 5w HT and a cheap magnet mount antenna, I can reach him up to 7 miles in mountainous terrain. My goal is to reach a family member who is 21 miles away, by road (per google map, it is 15 miles straight shot). I know there is a lot of variables that will affect the distance but this is what I'm shooting for. |
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Very informative page. However, the section about magnet mounts, mostly talked about vehicle damage (scratching and fading). That is not a concern to me but performance of the antenna is. If a permanent mounted antenna will significantly improve performance, then the extra time to install would be ok. Just trying to determine if the installation time can be justified by performance gains. As far as the radio, I have narrowed it to the Yaesu FT-1900r or the Kenwood TM-281A. Looks like either would be a good choice. I appreciate all the good information. I hope to make my final decision on the radio and antenna by the end of the week. I have read so much over the past few days, that my eyes are hurting and my head is spinning. |
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Quoted:
Very informative page. However, the section about magnet mounts, mostly talked about vehicle damage (scratching and fading). That is not a concern to me but performance of the antenna is. If a permanent mounted antenna will significantly improve performance, then the extra time to install would be ok. Just trying to determine if the installation time can be justified by performance gains. As far as the radio, I have narrowed it to the Yaesu FT-1900r or the Kenwood TM-281A. Looks like either would be a good choice. I appreciate all the good information. I hope to make my final decision on the radio and antenna by the end of the week. I have read so much over the past few days, that my eyes are hurting and my head is spinning. Quoted:
Very informative page. However, the section about magnet mounts, mostly talked about vehicle damage (scratching and fading). That is not a concern to me but performance of the antenna is. If a permanent mounted antenna will significantly improve performance, then the extra time to install would be ok. Just trying to determine if the installation time can be justified by performance gains. As far as the radio, I have narrowed it to the Yaesu FT-1900r or the Kenwood TM-281A. Looks like either would be a good choice. I appreciate all the good information. I hope to make my final decision on the radio and antenna by the end of the week. I have read so much over the past few days, that my eyes are hurting and my head is spinning. If you get the 1900 then the $40 (I think) it costs for the software and cable is well worth it. It is a simple Excel looking program where you put in your frequencies, tones, etc and it will save you a TON of time compared to manually entering info. You can put in 20 repeaters in 20 minutes. Manually entering them takes some serious time. |
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Here's an affordable solution.... I like the KENWOOD TM-281 http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=69422 http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0281lrg.jpg get 2 of these, one for each vehicle... MFJ 5/8th wave mag mount. http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=24066&osCsid=5v7rq0ekg03kg19oej2bk56mb4 and get an extra power cord http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=54&products_id=67399 http://www.powerwerx.com/_images/products/OEM-FM-CAB2_xlrg.jpg wire the power cords directly to the battery Ok, after much research and thought, I decided to go this route. I can always upgrade the antenna, if necessary and use this one on a secondary vehicle. I'll update once I get the equipment in hand. Thanks, to everyone. |
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Ok, after much research and thought, I decided to go this route. I can always upgrade the antenna, if necessary and use this one on a secondary vehicle. I'll update once I get the equipment in hand. Thanks, to everyone. Quoted:
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Here's an affordable solution.... I like the KENWOOD TM-281 http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=69422 http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0281lrg.jpg get 2 of these, one for each vehicle... MFJ 5/8th wave mag mount. http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=24066&osCsid=5v7rq0ekg03kg19oej2bk56mb4 and get an extra power cord http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=54&products_id=67399 http://www.powerwerx.com/_images/products/OEM-FM-CAB2_xlrg.jpg wire the power cords directly to the battery Ok, after much research and thought, I decided to go this route. I can always upgrade the antenna, if necessary and use this one on a secondary vehicle. I'll update once I get the equipment in hand. Thanks, to everyone. Here are the pictures. I installed the radio on the right side of the console and the mic on the driver knee panel. The left side is too crowded. I wired the power cable directly to the battery and routed the cables through a hole, I drilled in the firewall. I used a rubber grommet in that hole, before routing the cables through it. Due to the in line fuse holders, I had to cut the power cord and then run it through the small hole with the grommet. I then soldered the power cord back together and sealed with heat shrink. After a few days of using the magnet mount antenna, I decided to go with the NMO permanent mount. The magnet mount seemed to work fine but I did not like the exposed cable. I used a lenox 3/4 bi-metal hole saw. I removed the dome light, covered the opening in the headliner with tape (to catch the metal shavings), and drilled the hole. I wrapped electrical tape around the hole saw, just as a precaution against over penetration. I had to remove the right side pull handle and upper trim piece. I then used a wire puller, to pull the antenna cable to the side of the headliner and route it behind the panels to the radio. I then stripped and soldered the cable to the connector. Tested the radio and all works fine. I purchased a second TM-281A, wired it to a 12v source, used my original magnet mount antenna, and gave it to a family member. We can talk simplex, across the 15 mile distance that I originally hoped for, as long as their antenna is outside. Now I need to choose a better antenna for them to use from their house and they can use the magnet mount on their vehicles. Any suggestions on a home antenna? http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0810131603_zps00184d77.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0810131603a_zps27a6460e.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0810131604_zpsc066229b.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0810131606a_zpsb904fd27.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0815131003_zpsed786050.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0815131030_zpsf55d9b71.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0815131230_zps0f1b3e71.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0815131004b_zps59e122b2.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0815131004a_zps83defce7.jpg http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff487/johnmckay1969/0815131049_zps852f300c.jpg |
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Do not hesitate to cut the power cord to length. Power cords are cheap and plentiful. Anderson Powerpoles will give you easier, faster, more reliable connect/disconnect. There is also a little piece that can be inserted to lock the two connectors together if you are worried about them coming apart. I have Powerpoles under the dash of both of my vehicles, and on the power cords to all of my equipment.
http://www.powerwerx.com/ Main page. http://www.powerwerx.com/anderson-powerpoles/ Anderson Powerpoles - get the 30 amp size. http://www.powerwerx.com/oem-connectors/ Ham radio power plugs, sockets, and complete power cords. http://www.qsradio.com/ Main page. http://qsradio.com/Powerpoles.htm Anderson Powerpoles - get the 30 amp size. http://qsradio.com/PowerPals.htm Anderson Powerpole cables and adapters. http://qsradio.com/DCpower.htm Ham radio power plugs, sockets, and complete power cords. |
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Any suggestions on a home antenna? http://www.arrowantennas.com/gp/gp146.html I have one of these on a short mast just a few feet above my roof peak, and not higher than my neighbor's two story and regularly hit repeaters way farther than 15 miles away using 50-75 watts. Considering how light and small it is it might even be just fine using a chimney or vent stack mount, or just pull it up into a tree. Nice clean install too. Way to do it right the first time! |
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http://www.arrowantennas.com/gp/gp146.html I have one of these on a short mast just a few feet above my roof peak, and not higher than my neighbor's two story and regularly hit repeaters way farther than 15 miles away using 50-75 watts. Considering how light and small it is it might even be just fine using a chimney or vent stack mount, or just pull it up into a tree. Nice clean install too. Way to do it right the first time! Quoted:
Any suggestions on a home antenna? http://www.arrowantennas.com/gp/gp146.html I have one of these on a short mast just a few feet above my roof peak, and not higher than my neighbor's two story and regularly hit repeaters way farther than 15 miles away using 50-75 watts. Considering how light and small it is it might even be just fine using a chimney or vent stack mount, or just pull it up into a tree. Nice clean install too. Way to do it right the first time! Have an Arrow, it works great and looks pretty to boot 
Have this as well, not as pretty, but works equally as well |
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http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Jtb2&osCsid=4v1dgi2pvnf68rh0i3uifs9oj6&x=0&y=0&search_in_description=1
4.7/5.0 reviews on eham Under $70 Decent gain |
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I’m very new to ham radios and looking to get a mobile unit. I’m considering the Yaesu FT 2900. I plan to wire it with quick disconnects, so I can move it between two different vehicles. I have read very good reviews about the Larson NMO antennas but I would prefer an antenna that could be moved easily between the two vehicles, yet still have good performance and durability. Worst case scenario, I would need it to reach 20-25 15 miles straight line, in simplex. I’m primarily looking for suggestions on a good antenna that can be easily moved between vehicles. Any suggestions about a better mobile unit that is comparable in price to the Yaesu FT 2900, would be appreciated also. That's is quite a distance without a tower fo any LOS work...unless your in really flatlands... My suggestion would be a 4900r or something... I've gotten lots of radios right out of china at a decent price... eBay store from china I've used many times and reliable. Anyhow, I'd get a dual bander if possible...I replaced all my singles several years ago... As for moving around, yes an Anderson power pole setup works nice for juice! I also run nmo mag mount antennas on my vehicles... I've run Larson antennas and they work great...I've also run commet as well... And nmo mag mounts work well on all but plastic/fiber roofs...then you need some 1/4" wire screen for a ground plane and regular mount. Bret |