Posted: 3/12/2015 10:30:53 PM EDT
| I am studying for my tech license and am looking for someone local that has knowledge in hooking up my ham radio in my truck. I'm looking for a very clean install. I think I can do it myself but all this seems very confusing to me. I just want to do it right once and get into the hobby. Any help would be greatly appreciated |
Just got my Tech license in January. What you need is an SWR meter, to make sure your antenna is properly tuned. Make sure your wiring is heavy enough for the amperage draw of your radio (when transmitting) and fused properly. The rest is cosmetics. When you find someone to hook things up, make sure you observe every step, then next time you can do it yourself. 
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Be sure to stop on over to the ham forum! 
http://www.ar15.com/forums/f_10/22_Ham_Radios.html |
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I haven't done a ham radio, but honestly, setting up any radio/antenna itself is super simple. The only "hard" part is tuning antenna length which comes after the setup, but all you need is an SWR meter and go slow.
As with wiring anything automotive, Batt+ -> Fuse -> Radio. I would be extraordinarily surprised if there wasn't a grommet you could use and have to drill another hole in the firewall. If there isn't, just pick the size of wire you need based on current draw and go to a car audio place for them to drill the hole and install a grommet. Ground connection at antenna is important, use the lock washers with the teeth if your body is steel and I'd also add a grounding strap to the frame (cleaned to bare metal). Provided you have a grommet in place, and the antenna mount goes on easy, it's a 1-2hour job max. |
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So either just run the power wires to the battery yourself or have a tech do it, depending on your comfort level. With a Technician license I will assume the radio will be VHF or dual band. You do not need an SWR meter, just buy an antenna that is designed for those frequencies.
As someone else noted, come over to the arfcom ham forum, lots of knowlegable people to help. |
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It is fairly straight forward. Power and ground to battery antennas are where it gets tricky with mount. I finally decided to drill a hole in 2014 Jeep Patriot. I am running a Kenwood dual band in my Jeep. Ham Forum is great place to get info in the outdoors section. Then again 10 years in Military S6 (Communications) and 14 years Public Safety Radio services I have a good background.....Shoot me some questions I am in Ozaukee County.
Also this weekend at AES In Milwaukee is their superfest (toy show) 9a to 3p on Saturday. I hope to make a stop and drool over new toys. 
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