Newbie needs help!

[kamen]

Hello everyone,

I was interested in ham radio when I was in high school. After 30+ years of the delay, I ended up took the test and got myself into the amateur radio community. However, even I got my license, but I am still have a lot of confusion and un-sure about how things work, so please forgive me and bear with me, I am totally a newbie!

I plan to buy the TYT TH-9800+ as a starter unit. First plan is to use it at home. Eventually I might install it into my truck. I don't have to make a big investment at this moment, so try to buy something that can be transfer from a homebase to a truck. I am not quite sure what I need for the shopping list. Here's some thoughts in my mind. Please give me any suggestion or comments. Thanks.

My shopping list (and questions):
1) TYT TH-9800+ unit (plus programming cable and the CD)

2) 10/6/2/70CM High Gain Quad-Band Mobile Antenna for TH-9800
HTX HH-9000 10/6/2/70CM High Gain Quad-Band Mobile Antenna for TYT 9800 - Main Trading Company

3) Power supply (when I need to use it at home)

4) Do I missed anything? Probably the coax cable from the unit to the antenna, right? Any suggestion? e.g. brand, size, length?

5) How should I mount the antenna? Both when it's at home and on my truck.... do I need a base at home and a mount on the truck?

6) Do I need a SWR meter? Something like this? I believe most cheap SWR meter are limited to UHF and VHF only.
Surecom SW 102 VHF UHF 126 525MHz Digital Power SWR Meter 120W N Connector | eBay

7) Anyone has experience with purchase at MTC ??

These are the questions in my head right now.

 

[TheSpaceMann]

Before you buy, check the reviews on eham for all the items you are interested in!

 

[K7MEM]

he specifications for the radio say that it requires 13.8 Volts at 8.5 Amps. Most available power supplies provide 13.8 Volts so choose one that will supply 15-20 Amps. That will give you some headroom to power accessories. Switching power supplies are good and small but often cause interference in the radios. I would opt for a linear power supply. It will be bigger and heavier, but it's just going to sit on the bench anyway.

The reviews for the radio is fair (TYT TH9800 Product Reviews) and the antenna (COMET UHV - 4 Product Reviews) is pretty good. But there doesn't seem to be a review on the Power/SWR meter.

Because you will be operating on the 2 Meter and 70 CM bands, you should buy the best coax you can buy/afford. You mainly need to pay attention to the "loss" specifications. Usually this is listed as "loss in db per 100 feet". Very basically, if a coax has a loss of "3 db per 100 feet", it means that 50 percent of your signal will be lost in the coax. Any place that sells coax should have these figures.

The smaller flexible coaxes tend to have a lot of loss at those frequencies. If the run is short, say 15 feet, it won't matter too much. The loss difference for RG-8x vs LMR-400 isn't going to be big. But on longer runs (50-100) feet it will make a big different. With 100 feet of RG-8x, at 146 MHz, your 50 watts is going to turn into less than 20 watts, but the time it reaches your antenna. Whereas, using LMR-400, your antenna will see about 35 watts. At 440 MHz the losses will be even worse.

Pay careful attention to the connectors on everything. You don't want to be almost ready to go and have a connector miss-match issue.

As for mounting the antenna on your house, get it as high as possible and as far away from metallic objects as possible. Of course you have to keep that in reason. You don't want to have it so high that you lose most of your signal in the coax just getting there.

You vehicle, someone else might want to tackle that. I have operated 10 Meter mobile in the distant past, for a short time, but not recently.

As for the SWR meter, I personally don't like digital meters. Maybe because digital meters didn't exist 50 years ago, when I started. Well, they may have but they were big and bulky. But mostly because digital meters can't easily show trends, like a analog meter can. I guess it's a personal preference.

Do I need a SWR meter? Something like this? I believe most cheap SWR meter are limited to UHF and VHF only.

Do you need one? Probably not. Your radio has a indicator for SWR. You should only be really concerned if the SWR is high. Your radio will protect itself by reducing the output power, but it is something that needs to be fixed. Don't start creating any beliefs about SWR and SWR meters yet. It's too soon. There are a lot of different SWR meters and, there are a lot of myths going around about SWR and what it means. So get in a lot of reading from reputable sources. I won't bring up any here, because that isn't what this thread is about.

Martin - K7MEM

 

[popnokick]

Regarding your mobile installation: I have had the TYT-TH9800 in my vehicle for about a year now. It has more than capably replaced my former Alinco DR-635 dual bander. Some things to consider:
- The HTX antenna you are looking at does indeed cover all four bands on the TH-9800, but it is LONG. Consider whether you have any garage(s) or other low clearance(s) to drive into. For best performance, you'll need to mount the antenna as high on the truck as possible and away from all metal.
- The connector on the HTX mobile antenna is a PL259, which mates with an SO239 type mount. Those are not the best mounts to be using on vehicles. They more easily let in moisture and grit. Get an NMO mount, and a short adapter to convert to PL259... it will allow you more flexibility to change antennas. When my Comet/Maldol EX510 is not on the NMO mount, I switch to a Comet SBB-1NMO... and give up the 6M and 10M bands.
- RG58 is going to be fine for your mobile coax, since it is likely to be very short run / low loss to the radio.
- The TH9800 has a great remote faceplate, allowing you to mount it just about anywhere. But if you use the included detachable faceplate, the speaker remains in the "main" cabinet. So consider an external speaker.
- If at all possible, mount the faceplate where you can easily see / reach it. If it's at a steep angle to your eyes it is hard to read.

 

[N5TWB]

Richard @ MTC-Radio is a great guy, easy to deal with, and supports the area ham radio community throughout NE TX, AR, LA, & OK. He's been coming to the hamfest in the Tulsa area for many years and does very good business. Actually, I'm surprised you're having to go so far afield from Canada to get the radio. I'm sure Richard appreciates your business, though.

 

[kamen]

Before you buy, check the reviews on eham for all the items you are interested in!

Thank you. I checked the review of TH9800. Seems goods are more than bads. However, as a beginner, I rather not going too deep, so let me try my luck.

 

[kamen]

he specifications for the radio say that it requires 13.8 Volts at 8.5 Amps. Most available power supplies provide 13.8 Volts so choose one that will supply 15-20 Amps

Thanks. Lots of helpful suggestions. I actually had a PS with 12V 40A output, which I used for the RC cars battery charging. Just hope the TH9800 won't really need to draw 13.8V to work. But if I needed to, getting a power supply won't be hard, I guess.

 

[kamen]

Regarding your mobile installation: I have had the TYT-TH9800 in my vehicle for about a year now. It has more than capably replaced my former Alinco DR-635 dual bander. Some things to consider:
- The HTX antenna you are looking at does indeed cover all four bands on the TH-9800, but it is LONG. Consider whether you have any garage(s) or other low clearance(s) to drive into. For best performance, you'll need to mount the antenna as high on the truck as possible and away from all metal.
- The connector on the HTX mobile antenna is a PL259, which mates with an SO239 type mount. Those are not the best mounts to be using on vehicles. They more easily let in moisture and grit. Get an NMO mount, and a short adapter to convert to PL259... it will allow you more flexibility to change antennas. When my Comet/Maldol EX510 is not on the NMO mount, I switch to a Comet SBB-1NMO... and give up the 6M and 10M bands.

Thank you for the info. Regarding to the mounts, do you have any pictures to show?

And thanks to remind me about garage, I totally missed that part. How did you mount your antenna in your vehicle? Just on the roof? Any pictures to share?

 

[kamen]

Richard @ MTC-Radio is a great guy, easy to deal with, and supports the area ham radio community throughout NE TX, AR, LA, & OK. He's been coming to the hamfest in the Tulsa area for many years and does very good business. Actually, I'm surprised you're having to go so far afield from Canada to get the radio. I'm sure Richard appreciates your business, though.

Thanks. I am just browsing on the net for info, and found MTC is having a good deal on TH-9800. Good to know they are great people. In fact, so far all the hams I met are nice people too.

 

[K4EET]

Thanks. Lots of helpful suggestions. I actually had a PS with 12V 40A output, which I used for the RC cars battery charging. Just hope the TH9800 won't really need to draw 13.8V to work. But if I needed to, getting a power supply won't be hard, I guess.

Thanks. Lots of helpful suggestions. I actually had a PS with 12V 40A output, which I used for the RC cars battery charging. Just hope the TH9800 won't really need to draw 13.8V to work. But if I needed to, getting a power supply won't be hard, I guess.

Can you provide us with a Manufacturer and Model Number of your 12V 40A power supply? Generally, a 12V power supply nominally has a 13.8VDC output. We also need to make sure that the 12V is DC (VDC) voltage. 40A (Amps) is a huge amount for "RC cars battery charging" and I'm wondering if that number is correct.

I was interested in ham radio when I was in high school. After 30+ years of the delay, I ended up took the test and got myself into the amateur radio community.

What class license are you? I see where the TYT TH-9800 Plus radio covers 10 Meters, 6 Meters, 2 Meters and 70cm in the FM mode only. If I were you, I might consider a less expensive 2M/70cm FM radio because around here, there is virtually no activity on 10 Meters and 6 Meters in the FM mode. Then save up some more bucks for an entry-level all-mode HF transceiver (160 Meters to 10 Meters). Which brings me to my final point, you may want a high-current 13.8VDC power supply in the 35 to 50 Amp range to supply all of your base station equipment. Just a thought...

Let me know if you have any questions...

Thanks es 73, Dave

 

[K7MEM]

Thanks. Lots of helpful suggestions. I actually had a PS with 12V 40A output, which I used for the RC cars battery charging. Just hope the TH9800 won't really need to draw 13.8V to work. But if I needed to, getting a power supply won't be hard, I guess.

I would ask the same question that K4EET asked, what is the Manufacturer and Model Number of your 12V 40A power supply?

Power supplies that are meant for charging are usually not good power supplies for radios. You need to have a power supply that is well filtered and has a stable output voltage. Supplies meant for charging can change output levels with different loads. When you go into transmit, the load may cause the output voltage to dip and possibly shut down the radio.

And, yes, it should be at the 13.8 volt level for your rig to work well. The spec for the TH9800 is 13.8 Volts +/- 5%. That means the power needs to be stable and be between 13.1 to 14.5 volts. There is probably a little more slack in that specification, but not much.

Martin - K7MEM

 

[wyShack]

On the antenna- as it is meant for mobile installation, it may require a counterpoise "or ground plane" when used as a base antenna. Based on its length, I would guess it is a 1/4 wave on 28 and 50 MHz at least. If so, it is designed to work with a conductive surface 'under' it, which works with the antenna. A ground plane should be 1/4 wave in all directions from the antenna, although in practice 4 or more wire 'radials' will usually work. you may want to ask the people at MTC - a quick google did not clear this detail on the antenna.
73

 

[kamen]

Can you provide us with a Manufacturer and Model Number of your 12V 40A power supply? Generally, a 12V power supply nominally has a 13.8VDC output. We also need to make sure that the 12V is DC (VDC) voltage. 40A (Amps) is a huge amount for "RC cars battery charging" and I'm wondering if that number is correct.

Mmm... I believe it has no brand name and is a China-made. It looks like the one show in the picture below. Most of my RC car friends use this because our chargers has 12V DC input. I pickup the 40A one because I am preparing in the case I need to connect 2 chargers. Also, I don't believe full 40A in myself either so to expect it said 40A but giving me only 20A.

When we charged a 7.4V Lipo battery, mostly using 3A to 5A (max) to charge. In that case 20A should give it plenty of room. (Sorry, out of topic)

What class license are you? I see where the TYT TH-9800 Plus radio covers 10 Meters, 6 Meters, 2 Meters and 70cm in the FM mode only. If I were you, I might consider a less expensive 2M/70cm FM radio because around here, there is virtually no activity on 10 Meters and 6 Meters in the FM mode. Then save up some more bucks for an entry-level all-mode HF transceiver (160 Meters to 10 Meters). Which brings me to my final point, you may want a high-current 13.8VDC power supply in the 35 to 50 Amp range to supply all of your base station equipment. Just a thought...

Let me know if you have any questions...

Thanks es 73, Dave

I have a Canadian Basic with honor, which should cover all amateur frequencies.

Yes, I understand there are lots of dual freq UHF/VHF mobile transceivers in the market. Just a thought that is not much more to get this TH-9800, which covers 10m and 6m. Although I might not use it (or very less chance to use), keep it there could be just a backup resource.

I am in Vancouver, BC, Canada. We always talk about the chances of earthquake here for the last 5-10 years. Who knows, right?

My final goal, is to move this TH-9800 into my truck. I just feel that it would be more comfortable sitting in my room to learn with it, instead of cramming myself into the driver seat to play. Of course, if everything went well and my interests remain, I might get a HF station setup at home but this seems to be a far far future to me... hehe~

Two more questions:
1) Any suggestion of a good power supply? Such as brand new, power range, prices.
2) When I am using TH-9800 in my truck, do I need a power stabilizer to make sure that make 13.8V DC input? Or it will work, just like my car audio system.

Thanks again!

 

[kamen]

I would ask the same question that K4EET asked, what is the Manufacturer and Model Number of your 12V 40A power supply?

Power supplies that are meant for charging are usually not good power supplies for radios. You need to have a power supply that is well filtered and has a stable output voltage. Supplies meant for charging can change output levels with different loads. When you go into transmit, the load may cause the output voltage to dip and possibly shut down the radio.

And, yes, it should be at the 13.8 volt level for your rig to work well. The spec for the TH9800 is 13.8 Volts +/- 5%. That means the power needs to be stable and be between 13.1 to 14.5 volts. There is probably a little more slack in that specification, but not much.

Martin - K7MEM

Thanks for the info. Then should I aim to get a 14V output power supply?

 

[kamen]

On the antenna- as it is meant for mobile installation, it may require a counterpoise "or ground plane" when used as a base antenna. Based on its length, I would guess it is a 1/4 wave on 28 and 50 MHz at least. If so, it is designed to work with a conductive surface 'under' it, which works with the antenna. A ground plane should be 1/4 wave in all directions from the antenna, although in practice 4 or more wire 'radials' will usually work. you may want to ask the people at MTC - a quick google did not clear this detail on the antenna.
73

Good point. Thanks. That's really a lot to learn regarding to the antenna.

 

[popnokick]

Both of the quad band mobile antennas you referenced (HTX and the Comet UHV-4) are going to be difficult to get working properly as base antennas, due to the ground plane / counterpoise issue mentioned earlier in this thread. If you are planning to use the TH-9800 as a base radio, get a multi-band base antenna. Also- I will post pics of my TH-9800 in the vehicle, but will do it in the proper forum for that. I'll leave a note here when they're up.

 

[KC5AKB]

As for a MTC
They are great . They are a Mom and Pop store.
They have been good to deal with.
They are AAAA+++++ in my book
If I need something I know I can call them and
They will get if for me.
They are very good folks at MTC in Paris Tx.
Richard is Also a ham.
Tammy answers the phone sometimes and
She will get you what you want also.
They are quick to get stuff in the mail to you.

 

[kamen]

Both of the quad band mobile antennas you referenced (HTX and the Comet UHV-4) are going to be difficult to get working properly as base antennas, due to the ground plane / counterpoise issue mentioned earlier in this thread. If you are planning to use the TH-9800 as a base radio, get a multi-band base antenna. Also- I will post pics of my TH-9800 in the vehicle, but will do it in the proper forum for that. I'll leave a note here when they're up.

I saw a truck with 2-3 antenna mounted on the side of the front hood, and he had a radio inside.

So, I have a thought that if I don't use the HTX antenna on my truck (because of it's length), I could probably have a 2-3 antenna (I assumed each band needs one).

Which antenna (and how many) I need to cover TH-9800? Any recommendation? It's for my truck, so short the better but still need to have good signal. Thanks.

 

[chief21]

Glad to see that you're approaching the hobby in such a logical manner.

Regarding the base station power supply, I would recommend a linear power supply - such as an Astron - over a switching power supply. In general, linear supplies are less likely to cause rf interference than switching supplies.

As you move forward in this hobby, you're likely going to want/need a higher-amperage linear supply that will serve you for many years, so why not get one at the outset? The Astron RS20 or RS35 models are often viewed as the gold standard for new hams.

- John AC4JK

 

[popnokick]

I saw a truck with 2-3 antenna mounted on the side of the front hood, and he had a radio inside.

So, I have a thought that if I don't use the HTX antenna on my truck (because of it's length), I could probably have a 2-3 antenna (I assumed each band needs one).

Which antenna (and how many) I need to cover TH-9800? Any recommendation? It's for my truck, so short the better but still need to have good signal. Thanks.

You could use 2-3 antennas, but remember that you have ONE antenna connector on the TH-9800.... and you'll have 2 to 3 coax leads to connect. You could use a coax switch, but that is going to be a PITA when mobile and changing bands. In addition, you'll have to remember to throw the switch to the correct antenna when you go from say 70cm to 10M. You're not going to find a diplexer that will handle 2-3 antennas across that broad a frequency range.