CB or Ham radio?

[RACE427]

CB radio mount

Who makes or sells the CB Radio mount that bolts up between the seats on our Dodges? I recently saw a thread of this mount being bolted under the seat in the middle of both pass and driver. Thanks

 

[dieselburner]

Originally posted by Heetseeker_1

Just about to start looking for a CB radio for the 98 12v and was wondering if Ham was a better way to go. Can I recieve and transmit on CB frequencies with a Ham radio? Also, what is better... a handheld or fixed radio?

Being the guy I am, I want all the performance I can tweak out of anything I buy and want the best transmission and reception I can get for the money. I'm open to any and all ideas. Also, been to the export radio site. . But, I would like to buy local so I could get personal tech help.



Thanks, Steve.

Heatseeker,

I have been an Extra Class Ham operator for several years and have been into the radio stuff for most of my life. If you are looking for a communications rig that will let you know about road conditions in the local area and to keep in touch with friends locally and traveling with you then a cb is appropriate. If you are looking for a more sophisticated rig that will ensure contacts over a wide area including most parts of the world then a HAM license and rig is in your future! I always bring my radio equipment along when I go camping because my wife and I typically camp in remote areas in the Sierras and I use the Ham radio as a backup in case of emergencies. Also, there is a great bunch of people on the Ham bands that are always available for I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER chat or DXing (long distance contacts). Good luck with whichever rig you decide to install.



Steve

K9SL

 

[Shovelhead]

Uniden Referbs

Oilbrnr,

When you bought your referbished Uniden from their website did it come with the mike, mounting bracket and wiring, or did you have to purchase them separatly from their accessories section?

It looks like they have some good deals and I'm thinking about getting one from them.



TIA

 

[DHargus]

Get your HAM license, you'll find it more rewarding and with much more communications abilities than CB.



Getting your HAM license is easier now than ever. No morse code Technician license requires some easy study and books are available on one of the book marketing websites or at your local Radio Shack store. Contact your local HAM club for testing info (most can be found on the internet). The Technician license get's you all the VHF and UHF frequencies. Access through repeaters can gain you up to 100 miles of communication distance.



In your truck, you can also use the Automated Positioning Reporting System which allows you to use a GPS, a VHF radio, an interface and transmit your exact position. This is quite popular and even is picked up by internet stations so anyone can see where an active APRS station (or your truck) almost anywhere in the USA.



What radio to buy? Get two, a hand held (HT) and a mobile. Two meters is the most popular, get's you access to thousands of repeaters and APRS. There are many used ones priced reasonably on eBay or at hamfests.



DH also known as K6NFL

 

[OILBRNR]

ShovelHead,



Yup, it came with everything. Again, I couldn't tell that is wasn't a brand new unit. Still had the clear plastic coating over the faceplate.



Seems to work well.



TGreco,



The mount can be purchased from Michael Brolin. Contact him directly at -- email address removed --



It also works well, and is easy to install.



I ended up using the Firestik Dodge mount under the last drivers side fender bolt, and put a 5' Firestik II with spring and quick release. (I know this is not the best spot for a good ground plane and signal radiation, but it meets my needs. ) I also used Firestik's Fire Ring coax. I ran it through the big grommet on the firewall. I then pulled the plastic stepshield and front kickpanel. Since I have the power seat option, there was already a big hole through the carpet for the wiring harness, and it was real easy to pull the coax and the power through. The extra coax was serpentined like a skein of yarn so that it is 10-14" long and then zip tied in the middle. I tucked it under the center seat.

 

[TowPro]

Re: I use both

I run with a Yeasu FT-100 in my truck (not modified). I have from time to time turned to LISTEN to CB. You can get just as much info if you just listen.



My problem is I don't want to listen to all that language, so I travel with ECARS (7. 255 Mhz. ) on. Until I am already stuck in traffic, then I tune to 27. 195mhz (or what ever ch. 19 is) to see why, but its already to late.



This summer I want to get the ATAS-100, or at least a 20m hamstick so I can listen to some of the trucker nets.

Originally posted by Bob Stephens

Having been a Ham for 20 years I have both a ham rig and a CB in the truck. I've got the IC-706 like Gary and can talk all over the world or just down the street. If I'm sitting in a traffic jam on the freeway and want to know how far ahead the hold up is, I use the CB. Matter of fact, I've used the CB to find out where the accident was on the freeway and then used the ham rig to get directions around the mess. Both have their uses.

 

[RWorth]

OILBRNR,

Where did you purchase your Firestik equipment?

I know there web site says Flying J and others but they do not have the coax that you have or the Dodge fender mount.





Thanks!

 

[OILBRNR]

RWorth,



I ordered the Firestik stuff from http://www.ALFenterprises.com even though Firestik is made here in Phx. ALF sent the the order out right away, but sent it to my billing address and sent the Firstik mount for a Jeep Wrangler instead of the Ram. I have yet to call them to see what they'll do about it, so I can't give a real high recommendation.



Ends up that there is a new CB shop a couple of miles from my house that I just stumbled on, and they had the mount and spring.



I think that Firestik will sell directly to you if there are no dealers in your area. I'd give them a call. Their www site is packed with good info as well.

 

[EFielding]

Firestick Antenna

Oilbrnr,



Yes, Firestick will sell direct. I have the same antenna and mount on my '99, and that's where i got mine. Good people to deal with. Their site is www.firestick.com.:)

 

[Newf Limo]

I too have been considering HAM/CB or both. My concern with HAM is the antenna's and mounting locations. I have a 'glass topper on my rig and that eliminates mounting on the bed rail. I am also concerned that all the antennas I have seen are huge and we tend to go way back in the woods where the truck itself barely gets through. Yet we like the idea of HAM incase we get our happy butts in trouble. I have considered a high output export CB but realize, that will only slightly increases our chances of getting in contact with someone, i. e. atmospheric gods feeling sorry for us at that particular moment of stupidity or misfortune. Yet, I don't want to have to take down my portable antenna tower every time we leave the main drag or, of course, when I have to creep into a parking garage that actually has 7 foot clearence. Do they make a decent antenna that can be hood (not roof) mounted for HAM? In a perfect world I would have HAM and CB with dual trucker style antennae (one for each)either hood mount or door jamb with a reasonably quick release type system. Am I dreaming? Also, magnetic mounts on the roof are out of the question- I have the trip computer and don't want to screw up my compass. I recon I could set up some kind of HF long wire while camping but not real practical whil cruisin' at 80mph+

 

[jmeehan]

I'm glad this topic came up. I want a radio in my truck for emergencies when I start travelling. A HAM friend of mine recomended a two meter transceiver instead of a C. B. My question is, what kind of range will a two meter have if I cann't reach a repeater? How many people seem to be on the two meter?

If I'm broke down in the middle of nowhere at night is there a good chance of reaching someone on the radio?

If I get a no code license can I use other freqs. or just two meter? Of course I'd like everything to fit in the truck as well.

Thanks for all the answers here, this neophyte really appreciates it.

 

[DHargus]

The range on 2 meters varies. It is basically line of site. Used without repeaters, we refer to it as simplex, you transmit and receive on the same frequency. So how far can you really get out? That depends on power, antenna, antenna location and

the surroundings. You could go 1 mile or 100 miles and up.

But since most HAMs are on repeaters, sometimes it is difficult

to find someone on a simplex frequency.



There are usually plenty of repeaters. Exceptions would probably be long stretches of isolated roads. Still, I'd rather bet on getting

someone on 2 meters than a CB. It is recommended that you get a repeater handbook and carry it with you. Chances are you can find a repeater you can hit.



No code license (Technician Class) have privileges on the following bands: 6 Meters (50-54 Mhz), 2 meters (144-148 Mhz),

220 Band (222-225 Mhz), 440 Band (420-450 Mhz), 900 Band (902-928 Mhz) and 1240 Band (1240-1300 Mhz). Also, you get

voice (SSB and FM), digital, satelite, and amatuer T. V. privileges.



The radios will fit in the truck, no problem!



Dave Hargus K6NFL





+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1996 Dodge RAM extended cab, 12 valve Diesel, auto, 60K miles.

Pump turned up, boost and pyro guages, Line-X, 2 Meter Alinco.

 

[jmeehan]

Dave,

Thanks for the information. I can see what my next project will be