Ham radio set ups, what do you recommend?
 

hi all,

Im looking to get a ham radio+license and was hoping to start researching what you all use in your rigs. what radios would you recommend and is there any basic things in setting up one of these radios that most jeepers should pay attention to or might look over?

Im looking at this option for deep wood wheeling and want to have the best chance possible for emergency contact.

thank you for you wisdom:cheers:

bump


anybody?

Me too... :)

I have assembled a small uhf/vhf portable repeater using a pair of baofeng uv-5r handhelds, which can be placed on a high point.

Also collecting parts for a weatherproof container with solar charging capability for longer term situations. Maybe a steel ammo can, magnetic mount antennas. I would like to see some examples...

How "deep" are you going to be wheeling in Colorado ? I would think a basic cb and cell phone to be all the communication equipment you need. And you should not be off road alone or just one vehicle .

About to the rawahs, I plan on getting a magnetic antenna for a cb, but that's not real a device that will reach very far.

Consider a CB as a very limited communications device you need a great antenna that is above the crap to get out more than a couple miles you need decent power as well . A car mounted antenna in woods with low power should be considered just as a way to talk to the others in your group . You have to have someone on the other end to listen as well . You may be luxky to reach a ranger station on Channel 9 .

Best way to stay safe is be in your group

Evidently no hams on this thread, was hoping for some useful info. :)

A 50 watt mobile rig with an efficient center rooftop antenna can get out about as well as anything, in my mountain SAR experience.

Most efficient antenna are not practical on an off road rig .

Larsen VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna NMO2/70B, fender mount if nothing else works. Many other options too... doesn't need to be super efficient. Add a couple handhelds to run on the FRS and GMRS bands. There may be a ham repeater station around if you have a directory and are lucky. Probably need to be a radio guy to go this far. Or further... :nerd:

I would test for it, but as you've stated I want a ham to reach out if needed.

It's been a long time since I was an active HAM, (KC5EEW), but here's what I would suggest. Go for the Technician License first. You will not have to learn Morse Code and the test is very easy, as long as you study up on the test. There are a bunch of study aids online.
This will open you up to the 2 Meter band, a good place to start and you might be able to reach a repeater from the back country. Might is a keyword. For a mobile rig that will get out from anywhere, you will need a General license to gain access to the lower bands and the equipment required in your rig will be much more involved.
If assured communication is a MUST, you can always go with a satellite phone. Very expensive and poor quality, but pretty reliable.
There is very likely a HAM club near you. Find them and reach out.They are generally a very helpful bunch and welcoming on new folks.

I've also been interested in getting a HAM set up in my home, mobile if possible. Don't have a clue where to start, or what to look for. I plan on doing the internet searches, but anyone here with info?

You lost me at "repeater". I'll say it, I want a HAM set up for WHEN **** hits the fan. I want to also have a solar hookup, and anti EMP capabilities.

I would start by reaching out to these guys.

It won't show the url, but there is the Utah Amateur Radio Club on Facebook. Search on there, or just google Salt Lake City HAM Club, and reach out.

A "repeater" is a radio set up by an individual HAM or club at a fixed location on a tower or other structure (water tank, etc). Unlike a CB, where you transmit and receive on the same channel, a 2Meter HAM rig transmits on one channel and receives on another.
If you can hit the repeater from where you are, it takes your signal and re-transmits it out, usually at higher power and from a more advantageous higher elevation.
Many repeaters also have what's called a phone patch installed, which means if you can reach the repeater, you can use it to place a phone call.