Mobile HAM Radio Install in a Jeep Wrangler
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- Опубликовано: 7 апр 2018
- In this video I discuss some basic information about HAM radio use, then I show you the radio, mount and antenna I installed on my Jeep Wrangler and then head over to a good friends house to show you the install. As a bonus, I'm going to show you 2 other HAM radio setups from some friends Jeeps.
Diamond K400S antenna mount: amzn.to/3na8Ihv
Diamond Antenna: amzn.to/3n8kkS6
Detachable Face Radio: amzn.to/3hcJzPn
* The Yaesu 7900 radios are no longer available.
ARRL Website for a class near you:
www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-r...
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Okay, so what is HAM radio? Well it’s basically just amateur radio frequencies for non-commercial use. It’s used for all sorts of general communication around the world and even space, it used during many race event, and has emergency use during disasters and so much more.
You need a license to operate a HAM radio as all the frequencies are reserved by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and I’ll leave a link where you can look up local classes and exam sites in your area.
I chose to attend a one day class and then challenged the test at the end. I did do a bit of reading ahead of time and there are a few sample HAM radio tests you can take online to help you prepare… those were pretty helpful.
I encourage you to get your license. No if you don’t have you license, you can still monitor on a HAM radio, you just can’t transmit unless in an emergency.
The range of a HAM radio depends on the frequency you are using, atmosphere, whether or not you are on a repeater (which is a radio station setup on mountains or building you can bounce your communication off of). And most importantly, what type of radio you are using.
I’ve been using this simple Baedfang handheld that I pick up for $35 for a while and it does the job when we are in a convoy, but it doesn’t’ even hold a candle to what we are installing now.
I’ve had friends in their Jeeps with the same system I have here talk from over 10 miles away without using a repeater and I have another friend that was talking to a guy in other countries from his Jeep by using a repeaters. (you can’t do that with a CB!)
There are a lot of rules about how you communicate on a HAM radio, most importantly you need to identify yourself via your call sign.
Disclaimer:
TrailRecon assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of TrailRecon, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not TrailRecon. This video is solely for entertainment purposes only. 
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I Watched this, and would like to make a few comments. I this month have been a ham 51 years now and the license is now easier then ever to get a license. As one of the VE's that give the test have observed that the failure rate between 1 day crash courses and 8 week (one night a week) courses is astounding. We see a passing of 45 to 60 percent of crash course and a 95 or better with the longer courses. The main reason being that they understand better as to what and why things work. The crash courses just teach " Here is the answers to the test memorize them." You will understand why things like, My SWR is fine at 144.500 and why it sucks at 147.500. Do I trim 1/4 inch or 4 inches or is it too short and needs to be longer. There is a big difference between Just knowing the answer v. understanding the answer. So if you get the ARRL's License manual and read and understand the material you can pass with no problems. Remember a HAM license is a license to learn for the rest of your life. There will always be something new to learn. 73's de NE7NE
Great vid! One recommendation: Install a fuse or circuit breaker on the positive power cable leading to the radio at the battery (a few inches downline from the battery). IF you have chafing on the hot wire before you hit the inline fuses, it will continue to short until you disconnect the power cable from the battery. Sure, the fuse for the radio will blow, but you will still have power (hence arcing to ground) up to that point. A fuse or CB will cut the power at the battery eliminating that danger. ’76 CJ7 owner 40+ years… 73! KI7QAB
Man alot of people are like "i dont need no radio in my jeep but my cb" i love to see guys like you advocating for it
Nice video...Been a HAM for 30 years, General class. Have installed many mobile transceivers. A suggestion: do not run antenna coax thru the engine compartment--picks up pulses from alternator and ignition. Instead, run coax thru firewall closest to installed antenna, then thread coax thru dashboard. Also, engine heat will degrade coax integrity, shortening its life. My current 2m FM is Yaesu 1500M, my backup is 2m FM Yaesu 1900...73!
I noticed that too.
Good post. I was also wondering why they ran coax across the engine compartment like that.
Is there a way to shield the coax? Like that insulated aluminum covering you put over spark plug wires perhaps?
@@ipdjbt Coax is a shielded cable. It's part of the design.
My son told me about you channel. Then I realized I have watch a lot of you videos. He said you guys use Ham radio, so that sparked an interest since I am a ham. K5EDD so welcome to the best hobby next to Jeeping, Just kidding I've been a ham longer than a jeeper. 44 years.. how time fly's.
Good job showing Ham radio. It's a wonderful way to communicate on or off trail... all over the world
Just passed my ham test waiting for my call sign. Thanks for all the great videos
Congrats!
Passed my tech exam today!
@J. R. D. T1D Thankyou! Im KE0SSF and im from colorado aswell
Good show. I got mine 9/7/2018. I also was able to get a vanity call sign, W7DSY, which belonged to my dad starting in 1933. I'm in Arizona
Greetings, KM6FKJ from California! 73
Congrat N0ZBH in OK 72.
Awesome from ZL2HUB
I'm glad to see you attached your antenna to your hood. It is the best place to on a Wrangle to use as a Ground Plane. Your other buddies did not pick a very good spot to mount theirs. Here is why you need a good ground plane: (from another ham guy)
Every antenna has two halves, meeting at the feed point (where the coax or other transmission line is attached). Both halves affect the properties of the antenna (radiation pattern, efficiency, etc.).
A vertical element and a ground plane is just one possibility for what those two halves can be. If you omit the ground plane from a ground plane antenna, then there are only two possibilities for what happens:
a: You have an ineffective antenna - it does not radiate/receive well.
b: Something else is serving as the ‘second half’.
In most designs of coax-fed antennas, what ends up being that second half is the shield of the coax cable and (if applicable) the conductive metal structure the antenna is mounted to.
This can work fine, but there are two potential problems:
a: This conductive shape wasn't particularly designed to be an antenna, so it may not have the best characteristics for that (irregular radiation pattern, lossy, wrong impedance, etc.).
b: It may be closer to other electronic equipment, the operator, etc. and thus (for receiving) pick up extra noise or (for transmitting) deliver significant RF energy where it is not wanted.
If you're only in receiving for now, you don't worry too much. But if you find you need better performance from your antenna, install a proper ground plane or other design of antenna.
Also search "Here is where you should mount your CB and HAM antennas on your Jeep" in a popular JK Forum. Read the original post from 'realjeep' about his install. Lots of good info there.
And thanks for another good video.
The antenna right next to the jack is the worst place that his buddy could have picked. he would more than double is performance by removing the jack or getting the antenna higher. never mount a big metal thing right next ot an antenna.
After watching this video, I'm so excited to get my HAM license and install my first mobile radio.
My wife wants to talk to you. She said my spending has increased since I subscribed... :)
LOL! Best comment ever! If it makes her feel any better, my wife scolds me every time the brown truck shows up to the house.
TrailRecon I have a Land Rover Defender 110, also love Jeeps! (dont have one though) My wife also thinks I spend way too much money on the truck. BTW thanks for all the nice videos love your channel!
J just E empty E every P pocket
Had a good laugh when I read this...
Same here Cliff.
I used this video as inspiration for where to mount my radio. I tried putting my antenna on a mount on the tailgate (off of my Teraflex HD tire carrier) but I couldn't get an SWR below 1.9 on 2 meters. So off to the internet I went and ordered the KS400 mount that you have on your hood. So thank you for your detailed instructions and how to's.
Also, I was watching some of the earlier videos you produced, and man you can see the growth. I am sure you notice it too, but the quality of the video and your comfort being on camera is so much better.
Using that tactical cable to auto retract the mic is pretty slick.
Look up gear keeper.
Radio comm is really crucial when you're on the road...it really helps in times of emergency or even just chatting with fellow offroaders on the trail...👍for that sir...
Great video. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything and show us different types of setups. I always look forward for your videos to come out despite not owning a Jeep. Keep them comin!
Really glad you found it helpful, thank you!
Nice setup! I have the same radio, just an older version of it. I installed the base unit under the rear seat in my XJ and mounted the head unit on the side of the center console, next to the transfer case lever. The antenna is a Diamond NR72BNMO which is just over 13” long and mounted to an existing NMO mount on the roof. Needed to keep it short to get in and out of the garage. Despite its size, it can hit repeaters 50+ miles away. I enjoy your videos. They have inspired me to make a few modifications to my XJ.
Thanks for this video! I have been a HAM for a few years, and now I have a Jeep. A great combo!
Now to get it installed.
Great install, I really enjoyed this video. You're right that it's best to tap in directly to the battery but what I've done in the past is use a relay so that you can power the rig directly from the battery, but still have it switch on and off with other accessories in the vehicle.
Great video, you probably just made my mind up on which Ham radio to buy. Before I was just looking at the handheld ones. Thx again Brad.
I’m a Tacoma Off Road guy and love your channel. Looking at Ham Radios and eventually a trip to Black Bear Pass and of course you have videos of both!
I keep coming back to your channel for SO MANY THINGS!
Fantastic video!!! This is what I looking for. A really clear demonstration of how to install. Thanks!
Great info Doc! I've been trying to find one of those one day classes for a few weeks now, no such luck where I'm at
Always impressed with your video presentations. It's obvious how much work and preparation goes into delivering one of these informative programs as I will call it. I am a new technician level ham operator and have a baofeng 8 watt handheld. This video really helps people to decide how to take it to the next level. There's only one thing I am in slight disagreement about, my CB radio definitely does more than a quarter mile. With a 4-foot Firestik antenna I can easilyreach out three and a half miles depending on conditions. You are quite correct, however when you say Ham radios ranges are much greater, especially if you hit a repeater. Thanks again from this fellow jeeper and amateur radio operator. Stay safe on the trails. KD2PGJ clear.
Thank you! And you bring up a good point, a good CB setup and you can get some okay range if you have good line of sight, but no where near HAM capabilities. I personally have never had any luck with my CB no matter how dialed in I have things and find myself loosing signal easily, but I should change my setup and give it another go.
Nice work! I've got something similar. I did a fender mount that was originally for a CB antenna that I drilled out to fit a generic NMO mount. I use the Comet 2X4SR, which is "Search and Rescue" capable, meaning it will receive and transmit well outside of the ham bands (aka GMRS or other public service channels you're authorized for). I use an IC-5100 with a custom 3d printed mount to hold the control head above the stock AM/FM radio. Great, great, great radio and love this antenna so much I have one on my family truckster too. Rear mounted antennas are not great for transmit/receive but they do protect the antenna from branches, which is a key characteristic of trails up in the PNW. I have mine mounted on the front though. I've also got a CB (center console) and a dedicated GMRS radio (repurposed business-band Kenwood, mounted above the mirror) in the rig too. Name of my Jeep: Command and Control. Ha ha ha.
I'm glad you have this video, I'm looking at how to install my Yaesu FTM300 in my Jeep Wrangler.
Welcome to the hobby, and thanks for the walkthrough of your setup. I'm a Tacoma driver, not Jeep, but HAM definitely helps on the trails! Look into ARES for EMCOMMs, and I hope to hear you on the air some day. 73's de KN4HAC.
Watching all the close up shots at the end with the plastic film on the LCD screen is killing my OCD! LOL!!
Ya I thought the same. Peel that sucker off lol.
That drove me crazy
My mobile rig is a Motorola 4550. It does Ham, GMRS, commerical, DMR, and analog. It also scans all modes at once. It only does UHF, but I have never really used VHF in my area. I have been an operator for over 20 years. I can't even tell you how long I have been an Extra class, but I just use DMR, and local repeaters on UHF so I don't want all the clutter. You have a nice setup. Thanks for putting out the info for possible new ham operators.
Great video. Hope to see another one soon.
Thank you! I try to put out a video a week.
Great rigs, thanks for showing us your friend's too. The retractable hand mic, and dedicated speaker... brilliant! You are advancing the art of radio! 73 KO4HRE
My top is off all summer, including rainstorms, so putting a radio on the floor is a non-starter. Instead I’m planning to buy a sport cage to augment my roll cage up front, which will give me an overhead mount for multiple radios (and make it easier to drop my windshield, hurrah) (running an LJ, so yes I actually do that unlike the onerous JK windshields).
I really like that hood mount. I use the Teraflex tail light mount for my CB antenna, and I have another one not-yet-installed for other antennas, but I think I’ll go your route instead. Thanks for the great video.
Great videos as always!
I used a go pro suction cup mount and mounted my face plate to it. I stick it in the lower left corner of my windshield. My data cable pokes out between the A pillar and the dash. Everything is easily removed and hidden away when not in use.
Thanks for the Video, I use the exact same setup in my 2005 TJ. 73’s. NV5I
Great Video Brad just came across your video you made 9 months ago before I subscribed to your channel and some recent videos you made you had mention about having a ham radio set up in your Jeep, I'm currently studying for my Technicians license. I hope to take the test soon and be able to purchase a radio and legally operate it. You've made another outstanding video of equipment and installation, I will used the information you provided for my set up in my Jeep Liberty Renegade, thanks again.
Thank you and best of luck on you upcoming exam!
Great video! The Diamond K400 is a great antenna mount. I use one myself.
Another great video my friend. I am still looking for a place to put my CB. I have one of the big ones, an older Cobra 29LTD and I haven't found a good spot for it yet. Thanks for sharing where you and your buddies have their radios set up, so good ideas on it. Thanks again you rock sir.
Been studying all week long, with online classes, they don't have any in my local area for a while, so gonna try my shot at it with the online class and go from there, joined a little ham radio group locally as well for additional help. If you get time, you did not put the link to the mike and baofeng holder you have it mounted to.
Thanks again for another great video my friend and Have a blessed week.
Dale
Liking that goatee Brad, it looks good on ya!
I think that the future is in BACON radio; the sound is much crisper.
Minor point of clarification. A "TOT" is "time out timer" which will un-key the transmitter after a curtain time in case you sit on the mic or something so it doesn't jam the frequency.
APO is auto power of which will turn the radio off after a programmed time of inactivity to shut the radio off (great feature)
You asked for setups. Here is mine:
1. ICOM ID-5100A radio (ID-51A HT for portable)
2. Larsen NMO 2/70 antenna. I swept VHF and UHF with my MFJ 259 and trimmed to length. Before this, my SWR was great but the antenna reacted with the A-pillar and was thus resonant from 140-144MHZ (below the 2M band).
3. Laird MB0X antenna mount (accepts RG-8 and LMR-240 coax)
4. LMR-240 coax (much lower loss and more UV-resistant than standard RG-58 or the "upgraded" RG-8X used in most installs).
5. Accessories Unlimited AUJ1 fender mount, drilled out to accept NMO.
6. JeepedJeep JK underseat bracket.
7. 10AWG SGX-rated cable to DC power block under hood; very short 10AWG SGX-rated cable ground wire to body ground.
8. Over 20 flat braid bond/ground straps between the body and frame, hood and body, bumpers and frame, exhaust and frame.
9. Several 1/0AWG SGX-rated cables between battery and body, frame and body.
10. Magnetic Mic microphone holder.
Thanks for sharing the equipment you are using!
#8 is mostly forgotten. #2, adjusting the antennae to propper length afeter installation is a must.
Thank you for this video. Seems like a HAM radio should be as essential as a winch or even high lift jack. Thanks for the continual supply of great ideas. LOVE this RUclips channel! Can’t wait to see what’s next!!
THANK YOU!
Thank you! I think having some good communications is just as important as having recovery and safety gear. Being able to call for help if needed, could be life saving.
TrailRecon
I passed my tech exam with about 8 hours on hamstudy.org
great vid. I just got my HAM licence and I am looking forward to a set up like this in my rig.
Congrats on getting your license! This is an easy and capable setup.
Ordered a handheld today and Signing up for a class this week!
Just the info I need to thread the power through the firewall for my ham radio. Thanks, KA2WRH
I had the same antenna mount, but switched it to a mount that fastens to the fender bolt underneath the hood. Better ground and the cable doesn't need a loop in it to allow raising the hood. I mounted my unit under the passenger seat, but binder clipped it to the small plate that exists under the seat. I mounted my face plate on top of the visor with velcro, and the mic with a velcro strap around the driver side roll bar. I ran the cable through an existing grommet on the drivers side of the firewall.
Great video Brad, thanks, super usefull.
Excellent install video. I've thought about doing something like that. I worry about fording any water though. Glad you mentioned that. I will probably get that radio and I like that antenna mount. Thanks for sharing. As they say 73, KF7RHY
Nice installs. Good videos.
Very COOL ... THANKS for sharing this information. 👍😊👍
Great presentation. I was licensed in 1995. Recently bought a 2010 Wrangler Sahara and am looking to set up a mobile rig. Thanks for sharing yours. 73 de N9ZYE
Big thanks from Québec Canada 🇨🇦
Great videos keep them coming
just passed my test for the technician license yesterday. this is something i tried to study for 15 years ago and never followed through. the phone app i used really helped and the test was so easy after using it for about a week on and off. there are also free sites where you can take practice tests too. all very helpful.
also, i have had pretty good luck with c.b. radios in the past as long as everyone takes care to run the power and coax correctly and then tune the antenna. so many don't want to take the time for that. i really try hard to optimize on this type of thing. i think the farthest i could consistently talk was from a hill top more or less line of sight to the next town about 20 miles away. of course someone with tuned gear has to be listening, hahaha!
Congrats on passing your test!
Super helpful. Thanks for the video!
The cool thing about amateur radio is that the higher the amateur class, the more bands Hams can use.
Welcome to ham radio. I am KB0OPC from Duluth, MN. I thought you did a good job with this video, I have a Chevy Tahoe and two radios, one vhf, and one 70cm uhf. I have mounted the transceivers for both under my rear seats, I also have a Motorola Spectra A9 and that to is mounted under the rear seat. I have one 8 gauge power wire ran from the battery connection to the rear seats and I use a common ground right there as well. This way if I want to add a radio or remove a radio I don’t have to take everything apart to do so. I also have permanent mount antenna mounted to the roof in the rear of the truck. Better for ground plan purposes.
Very interesting video with some good ideas. I mounted my ham rig, FT-100d up under the dash on to the firewall where it be out of sight and high enough to be away from any water which might enter the jeep. The remote head I mounted up above the windshield in the middle and have the mic coming out from the center console area close to the center glove box. I am using an Atlas antenna for HF and dual band Larsen antenna for VHF/UHF. I mounted each one of those antennas to the top of each tail light using a metal L shape bracket. This way they are a little out of sight and work very well. I also have a rig like the one shown in this video and will soon be mounting it in the jeep as an additional rig so I may go with the mounting under the passenger seat for it. I also have a thru the glass antenna which is mounted to the front windshield driver side for an all band scanner. Also installed in the jeep is an alarm system that not only detects door opening or hood / trunk being opened but also any movement within the jeep so this way I can have the top down and still have some protection where it will set off an alarm hopefully to scare off the possible thief while at the same time also paging me with a message. Having the remote head mounted up above the windshield not only places it where not in the way of anything else but also keeps prying eyes looking into the jeep from seeing the remote head. Only issue would be for someone who enjoys letting the windshield down at times then one would need to add a quick disconnect so not to get damage. Ham radio and Jeeps go together well! It's a Jeep thing and Hams do it with more frequency!
Like your choice of transceivers.
As a ham, I've always wanted to set up off grid somewhere in an overlanding way and make contacts remotely but as of yet don't have the wherewithal to make it happen.
Until then I'll just have to continue watching and learning from you, Venture4WD, and Survival TechNord.
Thanks for the video. I am also a HAM! KM6NIE out of Mojave CA. Do not have my jeep yet, but very soon.
Very well done for job and new ham.
I'm studying for the tech license test and looking at mounting a HAM radio in my Subaru Forester. This video gave me some good ideas, as the interior of the Subaru is closer to the wranglers as far as available room than the trucks most guys mount them in. Thanks.
just got to see your video - very informative as a newbe i have to take the course first
Awesome video, good info!!
Just a great video I am just getting into model radio I have been using cbrs frs and now gmrs license I am working on getting my ham and getting into this way more I have a gmrs setup in my van
Awesome info. Shared it with a few buddies that will probably go this route. Im about to get the license soon, But for starters I’m only going hand held. But love the video. 👍🏼
You will still be pretty happy with the handheld. Thanks!
good jobs don't own a jeep but i follow your channel a lot very interesting love the gadgets.
I have a Motorola Astro Spectra Plus mid-power that I'll be installing in my '01 TJ to use on 2 meters. I highly encourage anyone who likes getting out into the woods and who wants robust and versatile comms to get their ham ticket. It takes a little studying but it's not too difficult. The amateur radio hobby is multi faceted - you'll never get bored with it!
Wes/W9YYH
Well, i bought another 7900,and I am gonna do the jeep install, keep u posted
GLAD TO SEE MORE HAM SET UPS - W2TU
Nice install
Good video man. Been in Ham Radio for 30 years now. Trying to figure out where to mount one in a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Quality content.. As always!
I try, appreciate it!
I dig the plate mount through the carpet for the radio! I’m trying to find a way to mount the head to the driver side a pillar so I can see it easier. I also never thought of mounting the antenna to the hood with that type antenna mount. Good stuff, thanks!
To simplify using the UV5R I went with a female SMA to NMO. Added a external mic for ease of use. Also car adapter to keep it powered and 2 spare batteries when I go out here in AZ. This is the most ideal way to have HAM capabilities in and out of your vehicle.
I have a 2021 Gladiator. I have the same Yaesu 7900 and mounted my radio behind the rear seat with some double-sided tape and self tapping screws into the plastic. My head unit is mounted to a Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions dash mount using an attachment for a GoPro. I ran the power and antenna coax through the rubber grommet behind the glove box; power direct to the battery and antenna on the drivers side unsing a Topsy NMO mount.
Great video Brad! I have the Yaesu FT-8900, great units and quad band adds lots of versatility. KF6IDX
Nice job@ I've got a Icom 2730 dual band remoted head on the dash and a Alinco DX70 HF+6 meter also with a remote head in a cup holder bracket. All NMO roof mount antenna's x3. 1 dual band UHF/VHF, 1 6 meter and 1 HF for 10,11 & 12 meter. So far I've talked to Cayman Islands, Mexico, Panama & Texas on 10 meters (28Mhz) and I've only had the HF DX70 in for just more than a week direct battery feed with 1 hour APO (auto power off) on both.
73
Dave W9DLP
Nice set up.
Thank you!
Love to see a quick update as to which radios you have and their install given that this is 4 years ago.
I got my tech a few years ago and just ordered a handheld. When I get my new truck, I'll be looking to add one.
Thanks for the video. I am new to the hobby, just passed my Technician & General exams. I have a Tram mag mount I am going to install in my Chevy Silverado 15 00 4x4. Initially I will be using a HT connected to the antenna. I have tested the antenna with a nano VNA and I am getting great SWR at both 2m & 70cm. I just have to figure out how to best route the coax as well as the power wiring from the battery. I am not sure of the panels and firewall options. I assume I will use some sort of snake skin holder for the wires in the engine compartment. I only have 2 days to finish this before the HT comes in the mail. Also my QTH has a LMR400 cable running up to a home brew 2m/70cm ground plane antenna. Lots of fun, this new hobby should be!!! 73!
Do you have a video talking about your camera setup, recording, and uploading? Really great quality videos. I've never subscribed to a channel, let alone started a channel. Always enjoy your videos!
Very interesting installation. had a home base CB when in high school. and loved it. might have to put one in my Tacoma. :-)
Thanks for sharing all this informative videos. It really helps. Now I have to get my Ham radio license ; O)
Glad it was helpful and don't stress about the HAM test, just study a bit... it's easy!
I've found that for me a really high quality HT is what I like to keep in my vehicle. In my case I have a Yaesu handheld and it has an amazing frequency range of HF/VHF/UHF so if I am near the shore (I live on the east coast) I can tune in and listen to ships at sea or just scan for radio signals. A lot of handhelds also have mics that plug into them, like my Yaesu, and it's pretty much the same as operating on the low power setting of your 50 watt transceiver. I will say that my ham radio was very helpful when I was driving down to RI one sunny day and I noticed the traffic was heavy so I tuned around to a couple of 2M repeaters until I found out that there was a running race ahead so I was able to avoid sitting in a traffic jam.
Thanks for the great video. I have my Kenwood TM-281A 2m rig mounted above the rearview mirror on a Rugged Ridge mount in my 2015 JK. I have a manual transmission and can't place anything where you did, although I really like how you placed the transceiver underneath the passenger seat. I also have a Uniden Beartracker 885 CB/scanner combination mounted vertically on the right-hand side of the gear shift next to where the passenger's leg goes. I have two antennas mounted on the left- and right-hand side of the back of the hood using Tram NMO trunk mounts and a FireStik CB antenna on a CoolTech mount on the rear license plate housing. I have photos to share if you'd like to see them.
Another great video! I wish Nextel's were still available also, I was in Utah years ago and was able to talk to my kids way back in Chicago, it was just a flip phone/Nextel but they were incredible.
Thanks! I never used the Nextel's, but I know they were pretty popular for a while.
Check out Zello on your smartphone. It is a free app that you can use like the old Nextels. I have been using it for a couple of years and it works great. It does not matter who your carrier is, it works regardless. You could be on ATT and the other party on Verizon. And it is free.
kim campbell whats the name of it
kim campbell. whats the name of the Nextel like app. thx
Zello
Thanks for the inspiration! I did pretty much exactly what you suggested and now have a great setup. A couple of minor points: the antenna cable is not nearly long enough so I had to get an extension - that was easy. And the antenna connector does not go through the firewall hole you show on JK's (at least not the 2014, which I have). Fortunately I had an easy workaround (I have a roof rack, so I strung the cable around externally, using the rack hardware to keep the cable in place).
Passed my tech exam last month, Passed my General last Saturday now to buy a mobile rig looking at the Icom Ic-2730 can't wait
Glad to see the off road community realizing the extra value of ham radio. Passing a tech license is super easy with just a little study. Plus, you may even get into HF which is another world when you get your General. You then can talk all over the world from a remote location instead of just hitting local repeaters.
I also have the Yaesu FT-7900R, I have the radio base mounted in the rear on the passenger side rack from Springtail Solutions. I ran the remote face up to the front and have it on a Ram Mount attached to my JKE dock from Vector Offroad. This allows me to easily take just the faceplate or the entire radio out of the rig in just a few minutes if needed. The Technicians exam is easy with just a little study, I highly reccomend taking it, also another good resource is an audio book titled: The Fast Track To Your Technician Class Ham Radio License by Michael Burnette. it's also available in paperback as well.
Enjoyed your vid. Gonna look into that
Great to hear, thanks!
Great video.
Great video, I prefer the Kenwood TM71A, has best crossband repeat. I also would have grounded the radio directly to the body. Been running HF and VHF/UHF mobile on and off road for decades. N8FGB
Brad, I know you have done videos on how you installed your HAM radio and I know from other videos you love your HAM. I was curious if you could do a video on HAM educate and functionally using your HAM especially on the trail.
Thanks!
Awesome video! 🤨
Very nice !!
great video well done 73's from KB7PPW
Good vid. I have a similar setup with a yaesu 8800r on my 96 Cherokee, except the head is Velcro’d to the dash above the steering wheel. That way I don’t have to look down to see the head or adjust it while driving. A head won’t fit like that on all vehicles of course, but just something to consider if it does.