TYT TH-8600 Dual Band VHF/UHF 144-148MHz/420-450MHz w/ dual antenna

[Th3_Factory_Freak]

Would this be a decent step for the car? I'm still new HAM.

The Wattage is 13.8

The specified range is 20 Kilometers (12.4 miles), I'm assuming that would be enough for me to ping a repeater.

This is the antenna I'm looking at:

Amazon.com

 

[AK9R]

According to the Amazon listing for this radio, it draws 4 amps at 13.8 volts while transmitting at 25 watts output power. You need to make sure that you can provide that voltage and current to the radio.

When considering radios, especially radios for base or mobile installation, you need to keep the RF output power (watts), required power supply voltage (volts), and power supply current draw (amps) straight in your mind. RF transmitters are generally not 100% efficient so the watts of input power (volts x amps) is rarely equal to the RF output power.

 

[mmckenna]

This is the antenna I'm looking at:

Amazon.com

Why that specific antenna?

This is squarely in the "Gimmick Antenna" category.

The antenna is the most important part of your setup and shouldn't be left as an afterthought. Cheap antennas like this will give you cheap performance. Much better options out there if you give us an idea what your budget is and what your expectations are.

 

[Th3_Factory_Freak]

Why that specific antenna?

This is squarely in the "Gimmick Antenna" category.

The antenna is the most important part of your setup and shouldn't be left as an afterthought. Cheap antennas like this will give you cheap performance. Much better options out there if you give us an idea what your budget is and what your expectations are.

If I'm looking at double the cost of that antenna ($60), I'm still within budget.

"According to the Amazon listing for this radio, it draws 4 amps at 13.8 volts while transmitting at 25 watts output power. You need to make sure that you can provide that voltage and current to the radio."

I see your point, so I would need something like this...

 

[hill]

No way ever use an antenna like that. Screams you are a new radio user.

Either of two linked antennas would be much better. With the proper mount. You can use a NMO mag mount.

Larsen NMO2/70SH Premium Larsen 2m/70cm Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Short Dual Band

Larsen NMO2/70SH Premium Larsen 2m/70cm Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Short Dual Band

theantennafarm.com

Larsen NMO2/70B Premium Larsen 2m 70cm 144 440 Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Dual Band

Larsen NMO2/70B 2m 70cm 144 440 Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Dual Band Larsen

theantennafarm.com

 

[hill]

The specified range is 20 Kilometers (12.4 miles), I'm assuming that would be enough for me to ping a repeater.

Range is not set in stone and the quoted range is an advertising claim. No one can really say if you will be able to hit the local repeater.

In real world conditions you may get less or more range. Kind of depends on your terrain and how high antenna is.

Some repeaters are local only covering around 10 miles.

Others are on high mountains or 500-600 feet on TV antennas that can be worked for over 50 miles.

 

[hill]

Forgot to add that some repeaters have nulls in a certain directions where the can't be used. Stuff like tall hills, buildings or antenna placement on towers can block signals.

 

[mmckenna]

If I'm looking at double the cost of that antenna ($60), I'm still within budget.

OK, you can do better than that antenna, easily. Are you doing a magnet mount, permanent mount, or some other type? The exact antenna and parts you'll need will depend on that.

"According to the Amazon listing for this radio, it draws 4 amps at 13.8 volts while transmitting at 25 watts output power. You need to make sure that you can provide that voltage and current to the radio."

I see your point, so I would need something like this...

If you are just running a single radio, you don't need all that. If you are planning on running more radios in the future, then doing the wiring once and adding a fuse block in the cabin will make future installs much easier. Just remember that you need to size the wire from the battery to the distribution block correctly to have appropriate capacity and safety factor.

If it's just going to be a single radio, running a #12 with a fuse at the battery will get you what you need. Be careful with the power wiring harnesses that come with these radios, they are pretty low quality.

 

[KF0NYL]

Nothing wrong with the TYT TH-8600. I run one in my Honda Pioneer 500 SxS. I went with it for its IP rating.

Where I would not skimp is the antenna. And the antenna linked is a gimmick. I also would not skimp on the mount either. I avoid the no name magnet mounts from Amazon and eBay. All of my magnet mounts are either Midland or Melowave mounts and they work well while not being expensive.

I run a Comet 2x4SR on my SxS. I run a Comet SBB-1 on my 2023 Ford Escape since I can't run anything taller do to 7 ft garage doors and a low garage ceiling.

The TH-8600 will not have any problems reaching out farther than 15 miles with a good antenna. Your actual range is going to depend on your location, local terrain, trees, buildings, etc. I can easily get into the local 2m and 70cm repeaters that are 22.5 miles away from me with the TH-8600 and Comet 2x4SR antenna.

 

[Th3_Factory_Freak]

OK, you can do better than that antenna, easily. Are you doing a magnet mount, permanent mount, or some other type? The exact antenna and parts you'll need will depend on that.




If you are just running a single radio, you don't need all that. If you are planning on running more radios in the future, then doing the wiring once and adding a fuse block in the cabin will make future installs much easier. Just remember that you need to size the wire from the battery to the distribution block correctly to have appropriate capacity and safety factor.

If it's just going to be a single radio, running a #12 with a fuse at the battery will get you what you need. Be careful with the power wiring harnesses that come with these radios, they are pretty low quality.

I was thinking a magnetic mount.

I'm currently running two other devices (12 volt), maybe an additional fuse block going to the battery as you said would be a good idea.

 

[mmckenna]

I was thinking a magnetic mount.

My recommendation would be to get a good mount, like a PCTel magnetic mount:

BG: PCTEL Black Magnetic NMO Mount 12' RG58A/U, PL259 Connector, Crimp

BG: PCTEL Black Magnetic NMO Mount 12' RG58A/U, PL259 Connector, Crimp

www.arcantenna.com

That'll get you a good starting place (for a mag mount). Avoid the cheap Chinese/hobby grade brands. A good foundation is where you want to start.

Then add a basic 1/4 wave VHF antenna. That'll perform as a 3/4 wave antenna on 70cm. Not a perfect solution, but it'll get you on the air and within your budget.

Amazon.com

When your budget allows, upgrade to something like a Larsen NMO 2/70 or other good name brand antenna.

Your budget is kind of light for a good antenna setup, so start slow and work your way up as budget allows. You can save money by buing the cheaper products, but long term they are not going to last and you'll want something better. Remember, this is a long term hobby and you don't need to have a perfect everything on day 1. As you gain experience, your needs will change.

I'm currently running two other devices (12 volt), maybe an additional fuse block going to the battery as you said would be a good idea.

Depends on the current requirements of the other devices, but a good main power feed to a fused distribution block makes life easier.

 

[GlobalNorth]

No way ever use an antenna like that. Screams you are a new radio user.

Either of two linked antennas would be much better. With the proper mount. You can use a NMO mag mount.

Larsen NMO2/70SH Premium Larsen 2m/70cm Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Short Dual Band

Larsen NMO2/70SH Premium Larsen 2m/70cm Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Short Dual Band

theantennafarm.com

Larsen NMO2/70B Premium Larsen 2m 70cm 144 440 Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Dual Band

Larsen NMO2/70B 2m 70cm 144 440 Amateur Ham Radio Antenna Dual Band Larsen

theantennafarm.com

I use both of these antennas - the former on my Ford Super Duty truck and the latter on my Jeep Wranglers.

High quality, available in black or chrome, reasonably priced, plenty of parts availability, etc.

The antenna is one of the critical parts of any radio system. Don't minimize it.

 

[OkieBoyKJ5JFG]

You're going to have a hard time getting any antenna I would recommend for $60, but this one comes close. I've had really good results with the Comet 2x4SR and the NMO version as linked can be used on a magnetic mount. It does need a decent ground plane, but with a mag mount, you should be able to move it around until you find the best location.

I don't have any personal experience with that radio, but I have a couple of other TYTs and have no complaints about them. 25 watts should be plenty for your purposes. My experience has been that if I can't reach it with 25 watts, I usually can't reach it with 50 watts either.