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HAM Radio Call Sign Check-In Thread

Jillsogw

Jillsogw

Rank V
Member

Explorer I

Citizen Rob said:
How are you liking the FTM-400DXR? I'm looking at that same radio. Did you do the install yourself or is there a shop you used in Sacramento?
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I did the install myself, after some research.

I have a 99 Tahoe. Put an nmo mount on the roof. There is easy access taking the inside roof console off. Ran the coax down the B pillar. Mounted the radio to the transmission hump.

I had installed a fuse/relay block indef the rear seat. Got my power from there
 
Jillsogw

Jillsogw

Rank V
Member

Explorer I

Jillsogw said:
I did the install myself, after some research.

I have a 99 Tahoe. Put an nmo mount on the roof. There is easy access taking the inside roof console off. Ran the coax down the B pillar. Mounted the radio to the transmission hump.

I had installed a fuse/relay block indef the rear seat. Got my power from there
Click to expand...
So far I like the radio. Don’t really have any experience to compare it to though.

What are you wanting to mount it in?
 
Citizen Rob

Citizen Rob

Rank IV
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

Jillsogw said:
So far I like the radio. Don’t really have any experience to compare it to though.

What are you wanting to mount it in?
Click to expand...
2016 Tacoma. Waffling between the Yaesu and the Kenwood. Not sure if I want to punch a hole in the roof so for now I am going to mount the antenna on my bed rack. Not sure about how that will affect my ground plane. I'm also a little concerned about height as I travel a bit into SF and utilize the parking garages.
 
RyanC

RyanC

Rank V
Launch Member

Off-Road Ranger I

Citizen Rob said:
2016 Tacoma. Waffling between the Yaesu and the Kenwood. Not sure if I want to punch a hole in the roof so for now I am going to mount the antenna on my bed rack. Not sure about how that will affect my ground plane. I'm also a little concerned about height as I travel a bit into SF and utilize the parking garages.
Click to expand...
I put my antenna on my front bumper. If you find a half wave antenna, they are not dependent on ground plane. They cost a bit more though because they have a matching network in the base. A good ground plane does make them better but without a good ground plane I'm having no issues receiving or being heard.
 
Jillsogw

Jillsogw

Rank V
Member

Explorer I

Citizen Rob said:
2016 Tacoma. Waffling between the Yaesu and the Kenwood. Not sure if I want to punch a hole in the roof so for now I am going to mount the antenna on my bed rack. Not sure about how that will affect my ground plane. I'm also a little concerned about height as I travel a bit into SF and utilize the parking garages.
Click to expand...
I'm about 8'4", only know as I scrape a little in the parking garage at 8'2". My antenna is 27" or 29" (I believe 1/4 wave). I've been able to get 33 mile very clear reception.

I did the roof mount due to a better ground plane. I also have an NMO rain cap, I take off the antenna if I know I'm not going to be using it.
 
Magic Mike

Magic Mike

US Full-time/Long Term Travel Ambassador
Launch Member
Member

Expedition Master I

TRED LYT said:
Just got my Technicians license. KM6ZPJ. I have no clue about how to operate my equipment. Looking forward to finding myself an Elmer to show me the ropes.
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Great job on getting your license. Check Rally points and you’ll find that every Friday at 1730 (5:30pm) we have our OB Ham Net! It’s fun and you get to talk to Hams from all over!

See you there KM6YKV
 
whiskey7backroads

whiskey7backroads

Rank VI
Launch Member

Endurance II

TRED LYT said:
Just got my Technicians license. KM6ZPJ. I have no clue about how to operate my equipment. Looking forward to finding myself an Elmer to show me the ropes.
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Congrats. What do you have for equipment? Look at Echolink and download it on a computer or phone. Go thru process of setting it up which sounds confusing but not so much. If you have problems there is a boot camp article on how to do it. Once you get it up and running you can join the NET on Fridays and we can help with just about anything. Let me know if I can help in any way Brent KJ7BHN
 
TRED LYT

TRED LYT

Rank VI
Launch Member
Member

Explorer I

Brentc17 said:
Congrats. What do you have for equipment? Look at Echolink and download it on a computer or phone. Go thru process of setting it up which sounds confusing but not so much. If you have problems there is a boot camp article on how to do it. Once you get it up and running you can join the NET on Fridays and we can help with just about anything. Let me know if I can help in any way Brent KJ7BHN
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I will give this a whirl. I have both a hand held as well as a unit mounted in my rig. I bought both from HRO. Yaesu is the brand. Apparently I have good equipment, but it seems complicated to me. I’ll definitely try to find you guys. Sounds like fun!
 
whiskey7backroads

whiskey7backroads

Rank VI
Launch Member

Endurance II

TRED LYT said:
I will give this a whirl. I have both a hand held as well as a unit mounted in my rig. I bought both from HRO. Yaesu is the brand. Apparently I have good equipment, but it seems complicated to me. I’ll definitely try to find you guys. Sounds like fun!
Click to expand...
Try talking to a local club and see if somebody would help. I did that and learned more from an Elmer in ten minutes then I did from reading books for hours. I also have Yaesu so I might be able to help. I have an FTM400 in my Earthcruiser and a FX70 Handheld.
 
ru108

ru108

Rank V
Member

Traveler II

TRED LYT said:
I will give this a whirl. I have both a hand held as well as a unit mounted in my rig. I bought both from HRO. Yaesu is the brand. Apparently I have good equipment, but it seems complicated to me. I’ll definitely try to find you guys. Sounds like fun!
Click to expand...
You'll really enjoy the Yaesu's. They look intimidating at first, but are cake after you get the hang of them. Especially the FTM-400.
 
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