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Posted: 1/9/2022 3:19:56 PM EDT
[#1]
It will work just fine, although not as well as a single band ground plane antenna
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Posted: 1/9/2022 3:24:37 PM EDT
[#2]
it'll work adequately.
there are many desktops set up in a similar fashion (commercial and ham) antenna height is king coax performance also plays a factor and effects transmit and receive performance. Use the best you can afford and limit it to the length you actually need, if you can |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 3:28:55 PM EDT
[#3]
Nothing wrong with this...
I have a Yeasu FT-2900 and a good friend of mine has a FT-2980. From experience, I can tell you, unless everyone you wanna reach is on your block, you're going to really want a base station antenna up as high as possible... Even a cheap JPole Roll up will get out out further... With just 5-8 watts I'm able to make it too repeaters 35 miles away and participate in several weekly nets... |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 3:37:13 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted: it'll work adequately. there are many desktops set up in a similar fashion (commercial and ham) antenna height is king coax performance also plays a factor and effects transmit and receive performance. Use the best you can afford and limit it to the length you actually need, if you can Quoted: Nothing wrong with this... I have a Yeasu FT-2900 and a good friend of mine has a FT-2980. From experience, I can tell you, unless everyone you wanna reach is on your block, you're going to really want a base station antenna up as high as possible... Even a cheap JPole Roll up will get out out further... With just 5-8 watts I'm able to make it too repeaters 35 miles away and participate in several weekly nets...   Any questions?  |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 3:44:40 PM EDT
[#5]
looks like you got the height thing taken care of
I'd go wild with that amount of space to work with. HF / VHF, wire antennas, tower, etc.. I'm jelly 
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Posted: 1/9/2022 4:01:15 PM EDT
[#6]
Good location! Trees and everything! It'd be a shame not to get your General and throw up a dipole or two (or three, or four).
Get at least a 15 Amp supply. Those advertised ratings don't leave a safety factor. The mag-mount will work but may leave a lot to be desired, so consider a ground plane vertical antenna designed for fixed use. There's a wide selection of suitable antennas and one of about 6' or so should work nicely. Click HERE. There are also mounting kits available for putting it on the side of the house or the chimney. |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 4:24:41 PM EDT
[#7]
If you have any thoughts about going for a General ticket and using HF, buy yourself a decent 25-30amp power supply now. I don't think they are going to become less expensive and it will supply your shack nicely.
ETA: Amazon search result Samlex powersupply |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 4:27:12 PM EDT
[#8]
I picked the mag mount only because I already have it - no technical intelligence applied whatsoever.
Those ground plane antennas look easy to buy and install, so I'll ensure to incorporate the ability to install them later. Good comment about the power supply: I'm watching the video below about home stations and he makes the same comment. I'm thinking the PowerWerx SS30DV; good for 25 amps continuous with 30 surge for up to five minutes. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083MTKPHQ?tag=arfcom00-20 Around 0:45, he discusses the bare minimum station design. Basically: 110VAC >>> 13.8 vdc power supply >>> transceiver >>> coax >>> antenna. So the only thing I need out of pocket right now is the power supply and cable. Any recommendations?  Setting Up Your Home Ham Station: Ask Dave Episode 3 |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 4:30:25 PM EDT
[#9]
I use a Yaesu FT-2900 through LMR 400. The radio is in the garage the antenna is in the backyard about 30 feet up at the tallest point. I can talk Symplex into all my surrounding counties. The antenna is a 6 foot tram dual band antenna that I picked up at a local Ham shop.
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Posted: 1/9/2022 4:31:07 PM EDT
[#10]
And I am using a jet Stream power supply. I can’t remember what model number it is.
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Posted: 1/9/2022 4:54:57 PM EDT
[#11]
Get away from the RG-58 as fast as you can on VHF/UHF!
RG-58 is not bad for HF (100watts) but sucks for anything above 25Mhz. Coax loss calculator Look into: The Wireman! For antenna wires and Coax. |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 11:05:24 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Get away from the RG-58 as fast as you can on VHF/UHF! RG-58 is not bad for HF (100watts) but sucks for anything above 25Mhz. Coax loss calculator Look into: The Wireman! For antenna wires and Coax. |
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Posted: 1/9/2022 11:10:42 PM EDT
[#13]
LMR-400 is okay, I was running 75 feet for 2m/70cm (but they were beams, so the gain kinda offset the losses)
if you already have 8x try it. you have the height which might might be okay, a better antenna than a mobile antenna would be even better. |
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Posted: 1/10/2022 7:46:42 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I picked the mag mount only because I already have it - no technical intelligence applied whatsoever. Those ground plane antennas look easy to buy and install, so I'll ensure to incorporate the ability to install them later. Good comment about the power supply: I'm watching the video below about home stations and he makes the same comment. I'm thinking the PowerWerx SS30DV; good for 25 amps continuous with 30 surge for up to five minutes. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083MTKPHQ?tag=arfcom00-20 Around 0:45, he discusses the bare minimum station design. Basically: 110VAC >>> 13.8 vdc power supply >>> transceiver >>> coax >>> antenna. So the only thing I need out of pocket right now is the power supply and cable. Any recommendations?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdbPOuh8-2oI run an Icom 7300 and an MFJ 998 tuner off of this power supply, and it works well: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008965 Speaking only for myself, when possible I try to avoid Amazon because they de-platformed conservative web sites. Places like https://www.hamradio.com and https://www.dxengineering.com/ offer everything at competitive prices and have knowledgeable staff you can reach on the phone for product questions. |
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Posted: 1/10/2022 9:14:03 AM EDT
[#15]
My first home station was a 5-watt Yaesu FT-411 handheld 2m radio and a homemade copper J-pole on top of a 40-ft tower.
It worked well enough to hit repeaters 70+ miles away. I used a Pyramid PS36K power supply. These days I'm using a 7300 with a car battery that has a Battery Tender Jr. connected to keep it charged up. eta: I should sell the Pyramid. I'm not using it anyway and it still works fine. It's sooooo heavy, though (27 lbs, IIRC) that shipping it anywhere would be pricey. 
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Posted: 1/10/2022 12:47:17 PM EDT
[#16]
This is the one I have, works fine and runs both my VHF/ UHF and HF radios with a very reasonable footprint.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2M2Y5O?tag=arfcom00-20 |
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Posted: 1/10/2022 1:10:22 PM EDT
[#17]
This is a lot bigger than you need but I've been using the DLS30 (30A) version for a couple years and it's been really quiet RF wise.
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Posted: 1/10/2022 1:49:42 PM EDT
[#18]
a mag mount needs a ground plane to work properly
without it, you’ll have high SWR which will fold back the radio and possibly damage it fuck amazon, get a SAMLEX 23 amp power supply from DX ENGINEERING, GIGAPARTS, associated radio, or HRO |
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Posted: 1/10/2022 1:51:33 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I run an Icom 7300 and an MFJ 998 tuner off of this power supply, and it works well: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008965 Speaking only for myself, when possible I try to avoid Amazon because they de-platformed conservative web sites. Places like https://www.hamradio.com and https://www.dxengineering.com/ offer everything at competitive prices and have knowledgeable staff you can reach on the phone for product questions. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I picked the mag mount only because I already have it - no technical intelligence applied whatsoever. Those ground plane antennas look easy to buy and install, so I'll ensure to incorporate the ability to install them later. Good comment about the power supply: I'm watching the video below about home stations and he makes the same comment. I'm thinking the PowerWerx SS30DV; good for 25 amps continuous with 30 surge for up to five minutes. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083MTKPHQ?tag=arfcom00-20 Around 0:45, he discusses the bare minimum station design. Basically: 110VAC >>> 13.8 vdc power supply >>> transceiver >>> coax >>> antenna. So the only thing I need out of pocket right now is the power supply and cable. Any recommendations? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdbPOuh8-2oI run an Icom 7300 and an MFJ 998 tuner off of this power supply, and it works well: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008965 Speaking only for myself, when possible I try to avoid Amazon because they de-platformed conservative web sites. Places like https://www.hamradio.com and https://www.dxengineering.com/ offer everything at competitive prices and have knowledgeable staff you can reach on the phone for product questions. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alo-dm-330mvt  |
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Posted: 1/10/2022 4:33:51 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm looking at this Alinco DM-330MVT from DXE. I've seen lower prices from DX vs. Amazon. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alo-dm-330mvt https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/alo-dm-330mvt_rk_xl.jpg?rep=False Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: I picked the mag mount only because I already have it - no technical intelligence applied whatsoever. Those ground plane antennas look easy to buy and install, so I'll ensure to incorporate the ability to install them later. Good comment about the power supply: I'm watching the video below about home stations and he makes the same comment. I'm thinking the PowerWerx SS30DV; good for 25 amps continuous with 30 surge for up to five minutes. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083MTKPHQ?tag=arfcom00-20 Around 0:45, he discusses the bare minimum station design. Basically: 110VAC >>> 13.8 vdc power supply >>> transceiver >>> coax >>> antenna. So the only thing I need out of pocket right now is the power supply and cable. Any recommendations? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdbPOuh8-2oI run an Icom 7300 and an MFJ 998 tuner off of this power supply, and it works well: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008965 Speaking only for myself, when possible I try to avoid Amazon because they de-platformed conservative web sites. Places like https://www.hamradio.com and https://www.dxengineering.com/ offer everything at competitive prices and have knowledgeable staff you can reach on the phone for product questions. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alo-dm-330mvt https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/alo-dm-330mvt_rk_xl.jpg?rep=False I have that and like it. |
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Posted: 1/10/2022 6:42:37 PM EDT
[#21]
If I was going to buy a new power supply I'd most likely go with the Astron SS-30-AP or SS-30M-AP. They have USB ports and powerpole connections.
Or maybe the 50amp version because I'm already powering a 7300 and 2m/70cm mobile simultaneously with a 30+ year old linear Astron 30amp. |
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Posted: 1/10/2022 10:19:36 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have that and like it. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I picked the mag mount only because I already have it - no technical intelligence applied whatsoever. Those ground plane antennas look easy to buy and install, so I'll ensure to incorporate the ability to install them later. Good comment about the power supply: I'm watching the video below about home stations and he makes the same comment. I'm thinking the PowerWerx SS30DV; good for 25 amps continuous with 30 surge for up to five minutes. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083MTKPHQ?tag=arfcom00-20 Around 0:45, he discusses the bare minimum station design. Basically: 110VAC >>> 13.8 vdc power supply >>> transceiver >>> coax >>> antenna. So the only thing I need out of pocket right now is the power supply and cable. Any recommendations? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdbPOuh8-2oI run an Icom 7300 and an MFJ 998 tuner off of this power supply, and it works well: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008965 Speaking only for myself, when possible I try to avoid Amazon because they de-platformed conservative web sites. Places like https://www.hamradio.com and https://www.dxengineering.com/ offer everything at competitive prices and have knowledgeable staff you can reach on the phone for product questions. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alo-dm-330mvt https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/alo-dm-330mvt_rk_xl.jpg?rep=False I have that and like it. |
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Posted: 1/11/2022 1:14:24 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If I was going to buy a new power supply I'd most likely go with the Astron SS-30-AP or SS-30M-AP. They have USB ports and powerpole connections. Or maybe the 50amp version because I'm already powering a 7300 and 2m/70cm mobile simultaneously with a 30+ year old linear Astron 30amp.  Astron SS-30M-AP Power Supply First Look! I like the USB ports in the front! |
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Posted: 1/11/2022 10:41:29 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: a mag mount needs a ground plane to work properly Quote HistoryQuoted: a mag mount needs a ground plane to work properly I think he has a coated steel roof. That'll work for a ground plane. Quoted: fuck amazon, get a SAMLEX 23 amp power supply from DX ENGINEERING, GIGAPARTS, associated radio, or HRO Ditto this! Stick with reputable ham radio dealers! Some of those Amazon "dealers" can be a PITA when things go wrong. |
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Posted: 1/11/2022 10:52:49 AM EDT
[#25]
If you want to build a "copper cactus" J-pole, here are the plans.
The performance will be about the same as your mag mount, but it's very rugged. It's also fun to make, which is what ham radio is all about. |
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Posted: 1/11/2022 5:34:50 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Alinco has a good rep over on eHam.net apparently. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I picked the mag mount only because I already have it - no technical intelligence applied whatsoever. Those ground plane antennas look easy to buy and install, so I'll ensure to incorporate the ability to install them later. Good comment about the power supply: I'm watching the video below about home stations and he makes the same comment. I'm thinking the PowerWerx SS30DV; good for 25 amps continuous with 30 surge for up to five minutes. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083MTKPHQ?tag=arfcom00-20 Around 0:45, he discusses the bare minimum station design. Basically: 110VAC >>> 13.8 vdc power supply >>> transceiver >>> coax >>> antenna. So the only thing I need out of pocket right now is the power supply and cable. Any recommendations? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdbPOuh8-2oI run an Icom 7300 and an MFJ 998 tuner off of this power supply, and it works well: https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008965 Speaking only for myself, when possible I try to avoid Amazon because they de-platformed conservative web sites. Places like https://www.hamradio.com and https://www.dxengineering.com/ offer everything at competitive prices and have knowledgeable staff you can reach on the phone for product questions. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alo-dm-330mvt https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/alo-dm-330mvt_rk_xl.jpg?rep=False I have that and like it. I was mistaken, I have the one with the USB ports |
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Posted: 1/11/2022 6:20:50 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: And just like that, this shows up on my recommended channels on YT:  And I said F it! and went ahead and ordered the 50 from HRO. It's smaller and lighter than what I have. The one I'm using now isn't even really mine, I have it because I'm in charge of all the radio stuff for a club and our new base station has it's own new power supply. |
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Posted: 1/11/2022 8:04:55 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I think he has a coated steel roof. That'll work for a ground plane. Ditto this! Stick with reputable ham radio dealers! Some of those Amazon "dealers" can be a PITA when things go wrong. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: a mag mount needs a ground plane to work properly I think he has a coated steel roof. That'll work for a ground plane. Quoted: fuck amazon, get a SAMLEX 23 amp power supply from DX ENGINEERING, GIGAPARTS, associated radio, or HRO Ditto this! Stick with reputable ham radio dealers! Some of those Amazon "dealers" can be a PITA when things go wrong. I ended up ordering the Alinco DM-330MV from DXE, pic below. Now I have to look into the best coax for my purpose. My BIL did confirm that my Toy rock crawler still has the Kenwood TM-271A installed (I couldn't remember if I pulled it before); I'll go pull that tomorrow. Hopefully, I won't have to take apart the whole dash to get to it. |
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Posted: 1/11/2022 8:11:26 PM EDT
[#29]
good news, if you want to go down that path, there ARE mounts for standing seam roofs!
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Posted: 1/12/2022 10:16:05 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: good news, if you want to go down that path, there ARE mounts for standing seam roofs! The good news: I was able to successfully retrieve my Kenwood TM-271A from my old rock crawler, where it had sat since 2010 or so. I was also able to retrieve my old Radio Shack Realistic CB radio (they were attached to the same mount). Don't know what I'm going to do with it, but I got it. The bad news, I forked up and ripped the PL239 connector off the RG-8A/U cable on the mag mount antenna. How hard is it to replace this connector? Tips, tricks etc? Back to antennas: For those that recommended something other than a mag mount antenna, what is the difference in performance or anything else between a mag mount and one that mounts to a pole or whatever. The Alinco power supply from DXE is due to arrive tomorrow - that's excellent service IMO; I ordered it Monday. |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 9:49:45 AM EDT
[#31]
It's not too difficult to replace a pl-259 connector. You can solder on or crimp and solder the center conductor. Lots of youtube videos available.
Key points: Do NOT short the braid to the Center conductor. Do NOT use too small of a soldering iron 40watts will work but 100watts is better. Do NOT over-heat the center conductor. Do NOT forget to put the outer shell of the PL-259 on the coax before soldering in the core. Do NOT put the outer shell on the coax backwards. Do NOT rush when preparing the coax, make it perfect the first time. DO: Take your time. DO: Expect to screw up at least one connector, buy at least two. DO: Use rosin core 60/40 solder. DO: Use extra flux. It's an important skill to learn. Good Luck. 73 73 |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 10:59:13 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It's not too difficult to replace a pl-259 connector. You can solder on or crimp and solder the center conductor. Lots of youtube videos available. Key points: Do NOT short the braid to the Center conductor. Do NOT use too small of a soldering iron 40watts will work but 100watts is better. Do NOT over-heat the center conductor. Do NOT forget to put the outer shell of the PL-259 on the coax before soldering in the core. Do NOT put the outer shell on the coax backwards. Do NOT rush when preparing the coax, make it perfect the first time. DO: Take your time. DO: Expect to screw up at least one connector, buy at least two. DO: Use rosin core 60/40 solder. DO: Use extra flux. It's an important skill to learn. Good Luck. 73 73 This is what Quicksilver has to say about crimping vs. soldering: https://qsradio.com/shop-now.html#!/Coax-Connectors-&-Adapters/c/8424426 Short version: "Crimp vs. Solder? Which way is better? I'll never solder another PL-259 again. Here's why: Smart Hams know that modern crimp connectors, installed with the proper tool, are superior. The single most frequent failure point in all types of coaxial RF connectors is the braid (shield) of a PL-259. When you solder the connector on, you typically catch just a few strands of the braid. Some folks like to tin the braid first. Seems like a great idea, until you realize that now that flexible braid is more like a solid wire that will soon fracture from flexing. Add to that the likelihood of overheating and melting the dielectric. That can affect the impedance of the coax and seriously degrade its power handling capability. Crimping your connectors -- and again, I stress the importance of quality connectors and the proper tool -- means getting all of the braid, with a good strong electrical and mechanical joint. And of course, no overheating, either. Professional installers crimp everything. Why? Dependability. That's the #1 priority in a commercial installation. Not cost, not time, but dependability. " I plan to get this crimper this morning:  ETA: Welcome Back!!! |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 3:37:56 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've decided to bite the bullet and buy the crimping tools today at Gigaparts. This is what Quicksilver has to say about crimping vs. soldering: https://qsradio.com/shop-now.html#!/Coax-Connectors-&-Adapters/c/8424426 Short version: "Crimp vs. Solder? Which way is better? I'll never solder another PL-259 again. Here's why: Smart Hams know that modern crimp connectors, installed with the proper tool, are superior. The single most frequent failure point in all types of coaxial RF connectors is the braid (shield) of a PL-259. When you solder the connector on, you typically catch just a few strands of the braid. Some folks like to tin the braid first. Seems like a great idea, until you realize that now that flexible braid is more like a solid wire that will soon fracture from flexing. Add to that the likelihood of overheating and melting the dielectric. That can affect the impedance of the coax and seriously degrade its power handling capability. Crimping your connectors -- and again, I stress the importance of quality connectors and the proper tool -- means getting all of the braid, with a good strong electrical and mechanical joint. And of course, no overheating, either. Professional installers crimp everything. Why? Dependability. That's the #1 priority in a commercial installation. Not cost, not time, but dependability. " If it's written on the internet then it has to be true! I guess it also means I'm not a "Smart Ham". I have, on the other hand, installed hundreds of connectors and never, ever crimped one and don't intend to start now. I've even cut off brand new crimped connectors and thrown them in the trash. I do have one piece of LMR400 that has crimped connectors but I bought it from DX Engineering and trusted them to do a good job on the connectors. To each their own though. |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 4:01:33 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I use a Yaesu FT-2900 through LMR 400. The radio is in the garage the antenna is in the backyard about 30 feet up at the tallest point. I can talk Symplex into all my surrounding counties. The antenna is a 6 foot tram dual band antenna that I picked up at a local Ham shop. I picked it up the Yeasu NIB from a member here. Bought some LMR, saving for an antenna and waiting for warmer weather, so I can get my grounding/bonding right. I'm going with either a Comet or Diamond I think for my 2m/70cm antenna. If I start adding more gadgets that require DC I'll just add another Supply when I need too... For now I'm Happy with the PowerWerx unit like this https://powerwerx.com/variable-power-supply-digital-meters-30amp that I currently have. |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 4:22:23 PM EDT
[#35]
WARNING!! GRAPHIC PICTURES AHEAD!!!
Got the Kenwood TM-271 and the Realistic CB radio in to get them cleaned up and ready for the power supply coming in today. Pretty crusty after +15 years in a rock crawler:   The mud splats on the CB should tell you that I got into some pretty muddy places here in north AL during my rock crawling days.  Bottom of the Kenwood was pretty clean though:  And the -271 cleaned up pretty nice as well:   I bought three PL-359 crimp-on connectors and the crimping tool (only good for RG58 et al, but not LMR-400). I also bought another mag mount antenna for my truck so that I can get my Yaesu 2m back up and running. Thanks for looking! |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 4:54:39 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: WARNING!! GRAPHIC PICTURES AHEAD!!! Got the Kenwood TM-271 and the Realistic CB radio in to get them cleaned up and ready for the power supply coming in today. Pretty crusty after +15 years in a rock crawler: https://i.imgur.com/ad2KfsC.jpg?1 https://i.imgur.com/1gONYWR.jpg The mud splats on the CB should tell you that I got into some pretty muddy places here in north AL during my rock crawling days. https://i.imgur.com/iApRKIr.jpg Bottom of the Kenwood was pretty clean though: https://i.imgur.com/2zMpz8X.jpg?1 And the -271 cleaned up pretty nice as well: https://i.imgur.com/fKjKoud.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oaolihc.jpg I bought three PL-359 crimp-on connectors and the crimping tool (only good for RG58 et al, but not LMR-400). I also bought another mag mount antenna for my truck so that I can get my Yaesu 2m back up and running. Thanks for looking! Following, thanks for posting. You can tie up some money in cable making goodies.... I just spent about 180.00 on crimpers, shears, cable grippers, coax strippers and a few other gadgets at dxengineering... That only for making LMR400 ends... I've been sick the last week or so and haven't felt like messing with them to see what I got myself into. Wouldn't you know, I order all the crap to make LMR400/PL259 connections and then I rip an SMA female of one of my roll up antennas... I'd kinda rather just replace it with a 259 just to standardize, but the cable is RG-little... Hope all your gear powers up, issue free! |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 5:01:31 PM EDT
[#37]
 If that radio still works, you should send those pictures to Kenwood. They may want to use them in an ad. Keep the CB set. If you live near an interstate, you maybe can still get good road reports. Aound here in the mountains, most of the foolishness stops and the truckers get serious about what lies ahead. Beside, 11 Meters is a good indication that 10 may be open. You don't need a special antenna. Since you won't be transmitting, just about anything will work for short haul communications, even a 10' or so length of wire stuffed in the center of the coax connector. As for the coax connectors, I both crimp and solder, crimp for the inside and solder for the outside. Depending on the connector style, you make have to do some extra work to make them waterproof |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 6:43:09 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If that radio still works, you should send those pictures to Kenwood. They may want to use them in an ad. Keep the CB set. If you live near an interstate, you maybe can still get good road reports. Aound here in the mountains, most of the foolishness stops and the truckers get serious about what lies ahead. Beside, 11 Meters is a good indication that 10 may be open. You don't need a special antenna. Since you won't be transmitting, just about anything will work for short haul communications, even a 10' or so length of wire stuffed in the center of the coax connector. As for the coax connectors, I both crimp and solder, crimp for the inside and solder for the outside. Depending on the connector style, you make have to do some extra work to make them waterproof  Pic:  Big shout out to our resident DXEngineering ham: DXE came through and my Alinco power supply showed up this afternoon, just as promised by DXE when I bought it - last Monday! |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 6:54:54 PM EDT
[#39]
DX Engineering is a good place. Good service and good prices. I view HRO as the same in this regard.
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Posted: 1/13/2022 7:27:59 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It powers up but I haven't heard anything yet... Try setting it to a local repeater. Around here, .52 sounds like 10 Meters at the bottom the the sunspot cycle. |
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Posted: 1/13/2022 9:37:23 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Try setting it to a local repeater. Around here, .52 sounds like 10 Meters at the bottom the the sunspot cycle. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: It powers up but I haven't heard anything yet... Try setting it to a local repeater. Around here, .52 sounds like 10 Meters at the bottom the the sunspot cycle. 
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Posted: 1/14/2022 8:00:57 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I got my neighbor downhill on the NC Simplex 146.520, but I can't get to the 147.240 repeater. Did you double check the Offset and PL tone settings? Radio set for full output on that frequency? |
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Posted: 1/14/2022 11:47:17 AM EDT
[#43]
Similar to my first home setup with a Kenwood TM-281a and just the stock Mic, not my pic:
Samlex Makes the case. It was a nice looking and neat setup, the 271 should fit the case. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/sxa-12090  The 30 amp supply with Meters will fit in the case:  |
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Posted: 1/14/2022 12:09:54 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Did you double check the Offset and PL tone settings? Radio set for full output on that frequency? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I got my neighbor downhill on the NC Simplex 146.520, but I can't get to the 147.240 repeater. Did you double check the Offset and PL tone settings? Radio set for full output on that frequency? Another ham who is about 3.3 miles SW of me can reach the same repeater with just 5 watts. Keep in mind however, that I'm using a mag mount antenna sitting here in my office. To get to the repeater - or the other ham - it has to go through most of my house, plus get past my all steel shop. Phase 2 of my ham radio shack is getting an antenna outside the house and high as possible. |
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Posted: 1/14/2022 12:18:01 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Similar to my first home setup with a Kenwood TM-281a and just the stock Mic, not my pic: https://www.satelliteguys.us/xen/attachments/1591491272574-png.145605/ Samlex Makes the case. It was a nice looking and neat setup, the 271 should fit the case. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/sxa-12090 https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/sxa-12090_xl.jpg The 30 amp supply with Meters will fit in the case: https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/sxa-03435_xl.jpg
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Posted: 1/22/2022 3:00:34 PM EDT
[#46]
Here is my latest ham radio antenna plan, as shown in a pic:
 This simple plan is about $600 in hardware. Haven't decided to pull the trigger yet or not. List of materials: Item QTY Cost Total Cost Notes Antenna Diamond Antenna F22A 1 $105.00 $105.00 DXEngineering #4 ga copper wire per foot 40 $1.80 $72.00 HD 5/8 in. Ground Rod Clamp (5-Pack) 1 $14.26 $14.26 HD 5/8 in. ground rods 2 $18.24 $36.48 HD DX Engineering DXE-CGB-200 - Coax Grounding Bracket 2" Mast 1 $16.00 $16.00 DXEngineering Alpha Delta ATT3G50UB- UHF Coaxial Surge Protector 1 $66.00 $66.00 DXEngineering SDS Hammer Drill Rental 0 $60.00 $0.00 ? 4-1/0 AWG Copper Split Bolt 2 $4.00 $8.00 HD USA-400 Coax Cable 50 $2.00 $100.00 Quicksilver USA-240 Coax Cable 20 $1.00 $20.00 Quicksilver PL-259 UHF Male Crimp/Crimp connector RG-8, -400 Size 10 pack 1 $25.00 $25.00 Quicksilver PL-259 UHF Male Crimp/Crimp connector RG-8X, -240 size 10 pack 1 $25.00 $25.00 Quicksilver Coax Crimper with 2 die sets 1 $50.00 $50.00 Quicksilver Adjustable Eave/Gable mount antenna mast mount 1 1/4"-2" OD 1 $26.00 $26.00 Summit Copper Anti-seize lb. 1 $34.00 $34.00 DXEngineering Total $597.74 The price of copper has gone sky high! Not shown in the list of materials is a copper grounding bar; I'm hoping I can find a piece of scrap somewhere. Note also that I deleted the SDS hammer drill rental for cost reasons. Unless I bring it back or can borrow one, I'm in a world of hurt driving those two ground rods.  @RED_5 for his comments. Thanks, |
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Posted: 1/22/2022 3:17:54 PM EDT
[#47]
Buying an X300A now would be cheaper than adding a UHF antenna later. Or get the X50 for the same price. Gain on FM is overrated, the shorter antenna up a little higher has the same/similar wind load and likely performs better.
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Posted: 1/22/2022 3:32:39 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Buying an X300A now would be cheaper than adding a UHF antenna later. Or get the X50 for the same price. Gain on FM is overrated, the shorter antenna up a little higher has the same/similar wind load and likely performs better. ETA: I'm planning on the Diamond X200 now. |
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Posted: 1/22/2022 5:44:23 PM EDT
[#49]
much better than most ham setups
split bolts are not the best, specially for outdoors C-taps are much better if you can find a way to install 'em (rental crimpers?) |
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Posted: 1/22/2022 6:11:02 PM EDT
[#50]
You can get a J pole on ebay for $40 and will significantly outperform a mobile mag mount.
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