DIY: HAM radio install
#1
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DIY: HAM radio install
Took some pictures of the Yaesu FT-8800 radio install I did tonight. Photos at:
http://koczarski.com/RX8/Mods/HAM/HAM.htm
http://koczarski.com/RX8/Mods/HAM/HAM.htm
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It's a dual band, 2 meter & 440Mhz, with twin receivers and a single transmitter. That's why it has two frequency displays.
As for range, it has a fair amount of power, (50 watts), but FM radios like this are mainly for local communications. I would think it could go 20 to 30 miles line of sight. But, using repeaters in the local area, (Seattle), I can contact people further away than that. In fact, there's one local repeater that's linked with many others. It's always connected with a repeater system in Eastern Washington, (Spokane, Walla Walla) and further east to the Idaho/Montana border. If you punch in the proper key codes there is a north-south link that can be brought up that currently links to repeaters down the I-5 corridor all the way to just north of Sacramento. The plan is to tie into other repeater systems all the way to LA.
Of course a cell phone is a much better way to call somebody, but this is more for fun, or in an emergency situation when normal communications are disrupted.
As for range, it has a fair amount of power, (50 watts), but FM radios like this are mainly for local communications. I would think it could go 20 to 30 miles line of sight. But, using repeaters in the local area, (Seattle), I can contact people further away than that. In fact, there's one local repeater that's linked with many others. It's always connected with a repeater system in Eastern Washington, (Spokane, Walla Walla) and further east to the Idaho/Montana border. If you punch in the proper key codes there is a north-south link that can be brought up that currently links to repeaters down the I-5 corridor all the way to just north of Sacramento. The plan is to tie into other repeater systems all the way to LA.
Of course a cell phone is a much better way to call somebody, but this is more for fun, or in an emergency situation when normal communications are disrupted.
#5
Neat install! I'm a ham as well, KE4AXG. I just use a walkie-walkie with a dual band mag mount on the roof and run the antenna wire through the door. I hadn't thought of using the cupholder for something useful. So when are you going to put a 10 meter rig with a texas bugcatcher in?
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Yet another ham here, Moved from Aus to NZ and bought an 8. When I get my stuff out of the container, I will be installing my FT857. At the moment I am using a VX7 Handi and a mag base on the boot (Trunk) lid.
Have had my 8 for 3 weeks and have already done the earthing kit thing, mind you it only cost me $20 in cable and lugs. Next to go is the crappy rear speakers (Bose system) and then I may look at the fronts.
I have thought of diverting the central speaker to Ham use.....
Robyn
Have had my 8 for 3 weeks and have already done the earthing kit thing, mind you it only cost me $20 in cable and lugs. Next to go is the crappy rear speakers (Bose system) and then I may look at the fronts.
I have thought of diverting the central speaker to Ham use.....
Robyn
#9
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I started studying code when I was a teenager. I was going to get a General Class ticket. I took some sample tests when I was going to school and I could pass the Extra Class exam. I just never finished learning code or improving my speed. I still have a 40M QRP transmitter and 2 recivers. I understand that you don't need code anymore for the Technicians Licence. I've often thought of getting that and getting up on 2M. Just for fun.
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