First Mobile Setup Questions

RHoy185 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009, 12:15 PM

I am currently studying for my Technicians License, taking the test next month. So in the mean time I am getting a head start on putting together my setup (planning on mobile). I have to admit that all the technical aspects of selecting a radio are confusing, that's why I am using this forum for help. I narrowed my radio to a Yaesu 7900R (current special on alot of online retailers including the mounting kit are enticing) and now on to the antenna situation. Will be installing on a single cab Silverado, want a very clean install and preferably low profile. I like the NMO mount and currently looking at 1/4 length short antennas (Laird QWB430 430-450 for example). I am mostly looking forward to hanging out on local repeaters, would this setup work well? Thanks in advance for your input and guidance.

mrweather · #2 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 09:26 AM

For repeater work a 1/4 wave antenna should fine. Good job on going with the NMO mount. I presume you'll be drilling a hole for it? The FT-7900 is a nice radio. I owned an FT-7800 at one time and had no problems. I've got an FT-8900 now mostly because I wanted dual receive and 6m capability.

I am curious though: you're looking at a dual-band radio but a UHF antenna? Why?

RHoy185 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-17-2009, 11:11 AM

Good point! Maybe my next question should be..........is there a small antenna like the 1/4 that picks up both bands? The NMO mount will be no problem I already dropped down the headliner and have plenty of room (and tools). Thanks for your input!

smokeeater861 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 09:57 PM

The Comet B-10 is about 12 inches..

blinddog50 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 11:16 AM

Would strongly recommend a Maldol EX-107.
Able to hit repeaters 75-90 miles away with very little ground plane ( Jeep Wrangler) using a FT-7800.
Also tough as nails.

N1BHH · #6 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 06:14 PM

You should buy a dual band antenna, since that radio is a dual bander. The NMO-2-70B is what I use. There are several other VHF/UHF antennas that fit the bill. You should look at all the dual band antennas on the Universal Radio site, because if you transmit on VHF with a UHF antenna, you risk blowing the finals and that's not an easy repair, and you'd be out a radio for while. Look through these: Amateur Mobile Antennas
Since you are looking for something low profile, there are several that work very well.
Comet B-10 and B-10NMO. Comet B10 antenna
Comet SBB-1 and SBB-1NMO Mobile Antenna
Maldol EX107B Dual Band Mobile Antenna
http://www.universal-radio.com/catal...antm/1578.html
and the NMO-2/70SH here: Larsen Amateur Mobile Antennas NMO 440B
The NMO-2/70B is black and I don't even notice it on my van until I am right next to it.

fgrouell · #7 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 06:45 PM

Mine was a cyrstal radio kit built in the home of a cub scout resident of a Rockville Md home to monitor WINX Action Radio and other AM Band annomolies. cirrca 19__

mrweather · #8 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHoy185

Good point! Maybe my next question should be..........is there a small antenna like the 1/4 that picks up both bands?

A 1/4 wave 2m antenna will work in pinch for 70cm because of the harmonic relationship between the bands. Technically it becomes a 3/4 wave antenna for 70cm.

It won't work particularly well because a lot of the RF energy is directed up at a sharp angle but it will work.

Your best bet is to buy a proper dual-band antenna. Any of the ones the others have mentioned will do the job.

RHoy185 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 01:17 AM

Thanks for all the replies guys, and N1BHH thank you especially for all the links! Not to hi-jack my own thread but how hard would it be to use the 7900 as a base? From what I have been reading and searching I would just have to add a power source and an antenna? I live in a condo so my attic craw space would have to do, have been looking at the EFactor dual band. So many choices, so many setups!

Thanks again!

Sonar · #10 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHoy185

Thanks for all the replies guys, and N1BHH thank you especially for all the links! Not to hi-jack my own thread but how hard would it be to use the 7900 as a base? From what I have been reading and searching I would just have to add a power source and an antenna? I live in a condo so my attic craw space would have to do, have been looking at the EFactor dual band. So many choices, so many setups!

Thanks again!

Pick up a power supply. Best bang for the buck value, is the Samlex SEC-1223 23A Power Supply. As for antenna, there are many choices you can choose from.