My quick-and-dirty setup for a new car while I decide whether to actually install one or more outside antennas. Generally speaking, I'm very pleased with the reception in the TRX-1's which I use regularly, and the PSR500's which I use primarily for searching. The mobile rig is a PRO-197 with an antenna cut for around 300 MHz on my back shelf. I don't use it much, except for searching, reading info from trunking control channels, and using 'spectrum sweeper' to listen in on flagmen when there's road work. I would like to dedicate it to air band, and have attached Escort's excellent small powered speaker.
The right-hand TRX-1 is used for more locality and focused listening. The right-hand position is a little more QRM-prone so it's a good place to have a radio that's using a lot of trunking, coded squelch, etc. The left-hand TRX-1 generally listens out for unlicensed off-the-shelf walkie talkies, unless I'm doing something more specialized or focused. The left-hand position seems to work better for radios using open squelch.
The TRX's are mounted to the air vents using cellphone holders that I found at thrift stores. (I think they're for Samsung Galaxy 5) They're attached with womens hair bands, which are more attractive (and seem to last longer) than regular rubber bands. After experimenting with some commercial air vent hooks, I opted instead to make my own from wire coat hanger. I really like these mounts, because I can quickly remove the radios with one hand. I also like the way the phone holders shield the radios from what little cold air gets through the vents (which are thankfully closeable). Otherwise, condensation could be a concern.
All handheld radios run on NIMH batteries, because a)the TRX's don't always do well with automotive USB adapters, b)SD-card scanners don't like having power turned off at the source, and c) internal car power sometimes introduces noise.
The older handhelds simply sit in the car's twin dashboard cup holders. Because they're only used for searching, I don't regularly keep them there.
Reception on all the handhelds is superior to that of the mobile unit. While I'd like to have one external antenna for air band, current plans are for a single tri-bander for 144/220/440 ham radio. Didn't mind having an antenna farm on the minivan, but am not so enthusiastic about doing it on the MGM. Would like to have a cowl-mount 'disguise' antenna for this car, but have not found one thus far.
73/Allen (N4JRI)
The right-hand TRX-1 is used for more locality and focused listening. The right-hand position is a little more QRM-prone so it's a good place to have a radio that's using a lot of trunking, coded squelch, etc. The left-hand TRX-1 generally listens out for unlicensed off-the-shelf walkie talkies, unless I'm doing something more specialized or focused. The left-hand position seems to work better for radios using open squelch.
The TRX's are mounted to the air vents using cellphone holders that I found at thrift stores. (I think they're for Samsung Galaxy 5) They're attached with womens hair bands, which are more attractive (and seem to last longer) than regular rubber bands. After experimenting with some commercial air vent hooks, I opted instead to make my own from wire coat hanger. I really like these mounts, because I can quickly remove the radios with one hand. I also like the way the phone holders shield the radios from what little cold air gets through the vents (which are thankfully closeable). Otherwise, condensation could be a concern.
All handheld radios run on NIMH batteries, because a)the TRX's don't always do well with automotive USB adapters, b)SD-card scanners don't like having power turned off at the source, and c) internal car power sometimes introduces noise.
The older handhelds simply sit in the car's twin dashboard cup holders. Because they're only used for searching, I don't regularly keep them there.
Reception on all the handhelds is superior to that of the mobile unit. While I'd like to have one external antenna for air band, current plans are for a single tri-bander for 144/220/440 ham radio. Didn't mind having an antenna farm on the minivan, but am not so enthusiastic about doing it on the MGM. Would like to have a cowl-mount 'disguise' antenna for this car, but have not found one thus far.
73/Allen (N4JRI)
