Ham Radio Operators... Mobile, HT, or Both?
- Thread starter Lars
- Start date
Off-Road Ranger I
Pathfinder III
I always have both so if when I get out of the truck I can still call out and talk back to the group. This can be a life saver in a recovery or scouting situation. And let's face it most of us start out with an HT first. Plus.... it is all about the toys right!
Off-Road Ranger I
- 2,809
- First Name
- Dave
- Last Name
- Kaplan
- Member #
1028
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KG7IGY / WRTJ268
OverlandCamService
Rank I
Enthusiast I
I have both; although I started with an HT and mag mount, I upgraded to a built-in unit due to increased transmit power, better fixed antenna options and better ergonomics (I mounted the head unit on the dash, above the AC vents so it's "heads up" as I mess with the knobs). Surprisingly easy to install in my 2009 T4R. Took about an hour and a half, all in. Gamiviti.com has some great hood mounting brackets for antennas.
I always have an HT in the glovebox, however, so I can send my co-pilot outside the rig with a radio to guide the wheels or a quick scout up the trail.
Very happy with my Kenwood TM-V71; it can be modded to work with GMRS and functions as a cross-band repeater.
73
I always have an HT in the glovebox, however, so I can send my co-pilot outside the rig with a radio to guide the wheels or a quick scout up the trail.
Very happy with my Kenwood TM-V71; it can be modded to work with GMRS and functions as a cross-band repeater.
73
Trail Blazer III
- 4,847
- First Name
- Dave
- Last Name
- Ballard
- Member #
20527
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- N7XQP
- Service Branch
- Fire/EMS/SAR
Another in the mobile and HT club, All radios are dual band, have an Icom 5100 in one rig, and a Icom 2730 in the other vehicle. Both vehicles have a Yaesu FT470 HT (super solid old 1990 vintage radios that run on a battery pack or double AA batteries with excellent battery life.) Works well for crossband. Each vehicle also has a baofeng 'disposable' radio that can be used as a loaner or SHTF scenarios. Also, my name is Dave and I have a radio problem...
OverlandCamService
Rank I
Enthusiast I
Welcome Dave, you're in a safe space now.
Pathfinder III
I use both.
I started out with an HT and recommend that to any new ham. They are usually straightforward and hard to get into too much trouble with. When I first got my license I started with an HT. It didn't take long for me to start using it while out and about in the Southwestern Deserts. I got a hand mic, rigged up a mount and power source, and wala I hand a low power Mobil. A good mobile antenna was the next investment. This greatly improved the footprint of my radio and I ran with that for a few years. You can do a lot with a little bit of wattage and a good antenna setup. (Spend the time on your antenna setups!)
Then I finally got a good dual-band UHF/FHF radio. While the increase from 5w to 50w was cool and all, it was the convenience and additional features that I really liked about having a mobile radio. Things like a good external speaker, remote head, and even cross-band repeat are fun features to have. But operationally on the trail or helping out with public service events, I mostly use the Mobile the same as the HT when I had it in the vehicle.
Then I got my general license and ventured into the world of HF. My vehicle is my ham shack. I love getting up onto some high ground out away from the noise in town and reaching out to the world. My rig now is an all band all mode UHF/FHV/HF and that is my primary mobile radio. It lacks some of the features that the dual-band UHF/VHF have like the dual monitor and crossband repeating but I really don't need that anyhow and I still have my old one if I am going to need it. But unless I am doing Tail Com with a group I am usually only really using the HF side of the radio.
At the end of the day, I still carry my HT with me. If not just a backup in the bail-out bag, I also can rig it up for an APRS radio. I can use it as a loner for a spotter or new ham that is still getting started. And remember. in a legitimate emergency, anyone can use it for help.
Start with the HT and you won't regret it.
I started out with an HT and recommend that to any new ham. They are usually straightforward and hard to get into too much trouble with. When I first got my license I started with an HT. It didn't take long for me to start using it while out and about in the Southwestern Deserts. I got a hand mic, rigged up a mount and power source, and wala I hand a low power Mobil. A good mobile antenna was the next investment. This greatly improved the footprint of my radio and I ran with that for a few years. You can do a lot with a little bit of wattage and a good antenna setup. (Spend the time on your antenna setups!)
Then I finally got a good dual-band UHF/FHF radio. While the increase from 5w to 50w was cool and all, it was the convenience and additional features that I really liked about having a mobile radio. Things like a good external speaker, remote head, and even cross-band repeat are fun features to have. But operationally on the trail or helping out with public service events, I mostly use the Mobile the same as the HT when I had it in the vehicle.
Then I got my general license and ventured into the world of HF. My vehicle is my ham shack. I love getting up onto some high ground out away from the noise in town and reaching out to the world. My rig now is an all band all mode UHF/FHV/HF and that is my primary mobile radio. It lacks some of the features that the dual-band UHF/VHF have like the dual monitor and crossband repeating but I really don't need that anyhow and I still have my old one if I am going to need it. But unless I am doing Tail Com with a group I am usually only really using the HF side of the radio.
At the end of the day, I still carry my HT with me. If not just a backup in the bail-out bag, I also can rig it up for an APRS radio. I can use it as a loner for a spotter or new ham that is still getting started. And remember. in a legitimate emergency, anyone can use it for help.
Start with the HT and you won't regret it.
Influencer II
- 1,988
- First Name
- Peter
- Last Name
- Dougherty
- Member #
28487
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- W2IRT
Mark me down for both as well. I have a Yaesu FTM400xdr in the Jeep, and I will always carry at least one HT with me on the trails. Usually it's an Anytone U/V 878UV, but I also have a couple of Baofengs kicking around, and some smaller GMRS HTs as well. When I'm out and about, I have one VFO beaconing on APRS, and the other on whichever frequency my group is using. I'm also set up for YSF Digital via a cellphone-connected hotspot.
Enthusiast II
- 1,009
- First Name
- David
- Last Name
- Guthrie
- Member #
24653
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KN4OK
- Service Branch
- 6 years in AL ANG
I run a FTM300DR with APRS KN4OK-9, monitor 146.52, FT-891 for HF. 2 HT's that cover 2,220, 430 and GMRS/FRS. Kenwood TH-72A and Satellite antenna. Separate IC-7000 to hook with the digital on HF. Midland CB radio and monitor ch 19. Hamstick antenna on the jeep and several portable antennas. Several power systems including solar and dual battery in jeep. I might should add that I play Parks on the Air all the time.
JeepingMike
Rank V
Advocate II
- 1,902
- First Name
- Mike
- Last Name
- Stern
- Member #
24021
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KB7THL
- Service Branch
- USN Corpsman Veteran
Both. Mobile VHF/UHF ham radio, with crossband repeat function and mobile GMRS installed. 90+% of the time I have a go-bag or travel bag with me which has a portable VHF/UHF ham radio. If headed offroad, a portable GMRS radio joins the fun too, and if with others a pair or two of FRS radios for loaning out. All about options!
Off-Road Ranger I
- 676
- First Name
- Clay
- Last Name
- Bradfield
- Member #
20389
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KJ7TTA
- Service Branch
- US Army
Both - HF/VHF/UHF mobile (ICOM 7100) in the Jeep w/ a couple handhelds for getting away ( 1 Rugged VHF/UHF, 1 CB), plus I keep a satellite enabled nav device. It's probably a holdover from military days, but redundant communication in out-of-the-way places is necessary. KJ7TTA
TheBison
Rank V
Creator III
- 2,028
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- Foltz
- Member #
27816
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- AA0BF / WRMI426
- Service Branch
- U.S. Army
Both - more range and features with a mobile and it's easy to just hang the mic and not have to go fumbling for a handheld when you need it. But, if I'm hiking or otherwise out of the vehicle, I have a full 5W handheld. I've set up my vehicle's mobile as a cross-band repeater a few times to support my HT too.
Influencer II
- 1,988
- First Name
- Peter
- Last Name
- Dougherty
- Member #
28487
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- W2IRT
I agree; a 50W mobile (ham and GMRS) with a gain antenna is such a good thing, but if I'm scouting ahead or spotting I use a portable.
Enthusiast III
I travel with both. It is simply a matter of versatility and trying to have the right tool for the job at hand.
Explorer I
Both. Actually a couple or more HTs. It's nice to have a backup and have an extra to hand out (as appropriate).
Advocate III
- 5,584
- First Name
- Michael
- Last Name
- Rose
- Member #
20990
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- W7FSB
- Service Branch
- US ARMY Retired
Three mobile units and 3 to 4 HTs…
why Three mobiles? 1 is VHF/UHF set up to cross band, one HF, and one VHF set up for high power packet radio.
why Three mobiles? 1 is VHF/UHF set up to cross band, one HF, and one VHF set up for high power packet radio.
