| Author | Message | ||
     Towpro |
I have gotten a couple PM's about my ham radio antenna, so here it is. I use a VX-5R in my tank bag, that is connected to my Autocom. The Autocom controls the radio with VOX, or I can use the PTT control I added on to the autocom. I found that a the Yaesu CT-44 adapter allows me to use the same 2 pin connector autocom cable that my FRS radio uses. (with out any additional gizmos.) I bought the antenna pigtail on ebay. It is made for putting your HT antenna on your hat? It is just under 4' and made for radios that use SMA connectors. If I want to put antenna on the back, the radio has to go under the seat (or find a two foot extension cable.) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360213380841&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT   Right now it has a dual band whip on it. I can also use my stock VX-5r antenna including the 6M adapter if I want. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
How long is it? I'm picturing it whipping around in your face. Where/how is the radio setup? I'd love to get a CB, probably be a handlebar mount setup like this:  But at $500+ for the setup, I just can't justify it. | ||
| F_skinner |
Towpro, here is what my setup looked like on my Uly.        I am using a FT 10 with bluetooth and a Blueant Interphone in the helmet. Works much better than I expected. I sold my Uly today so took the whole set up off and am putting it on the S2T. It is a little more of a challenge with the antenna but I will sort it out soon. I am more of a HF CW Operator but the plan is to use a similar setup on Lynn's bike except with a 2 meter handheld with bluetooth as well. Right now we can chat using the Interphone but I want true line of site coverage simplex. We have the whole Front Range on repeater. Mike, look into getting a ham license, there is no code requirement anymore. See arrl.org for more info. They have lowered the bar with testing as part of the de-regulation of the service. 73 KA4JQZ | ||
| F_skinner |
If you remember the way I had it mounted before this way was much better and grounds on the frame to give a better RF plane for the antenna resulting in broader coverage. The antenna I had on it was a 2 meter only but have a dual band VHF and UHF as well. | ||
| Two_buells |
Hey another Ham on a Uly. KA3TFI here, got my ticket in 1988. | ||
| F_skinner |
Got my ticket in 1979. Two_buells. Since you have a KA callsign I am curious if you kept your novice call like I did? I have a funny story about a QSO (HF CW) I had one day. I am good to about 33 WPM but usually am around 25 to 30. Sorry for the thread hijack. I took a couple of pics of the on-going install on the S2T. I know it is not Uly related but it is ham radio related. The control head   The radio itself will go in the rear fairing of the S2T. It has more than enough room and will allow for some air flow.   It will be held in with velcro since the cloth Buell put in the tail section is perfect for it. It is a real simple hookup from the control head to the radio with one cable then the radio itself connects to the battery. I will put a charge indicator on the bike just to make sure the battery is getting a decent charge with the radio and heated gear. It kind of looks like the radio head and the GPS will block the view of the dash but it does not. I also charge the cell phone and Ipod from a aux power port like on the Uly. I am pretty sure I am going to make an antenna mount that attaches to the saddle bag mounts. Incidentally the radio has weather band and AM FM radio. I bought that radio from HRO and the first unit did not work so with no questions asked I got a new one and sent the old one back. Frank | ||
| Towpro |
I have not been very active with the radios the last couple years. Anymore I really only talk to one buddy (who also rides). We also get on Simplex 2M some times. We used to talk on 10M all the time until my antenna blew down a couple years ago and I never got around to putting it back up. The antenna shown on my Uly is only maybe 1" higher then the top of the picture. I would probably run the stock VX-5R antenna because it is rigid, I just threw that one on for the picture. W3WJR (Message edited by towpro on March 14, 2010) | ||
| F_skinner |
I put the short one on for everyday stuff and did not like the long one on there all the time either. The short one did not top the rear bag and made it somewhat stealth. Here is the radio I will mount on Lynn's (KC0YQF) XB12Scg. http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProduc ts&ProdCatID=111&encProdID=03484E782FF9B7DFA27AEE0 86A68F530&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0 I want to mount it to the bars but may do the exact setup you have. (Message edited by f_skinner on March 14, 2010) | ||
| Two_buells |
Hey guys, I kept my novice call. The only code I did was during my 5 wpm test. When I bought a Harley back in 1993 I used to carry an HT on it. I used to be involved in a lot of stuff with the Hilltop Trans. Asso. I was on the Hamfest Committee for the York Hamfest and the Springfest. I did a lot of field days and many contests from our club house. I was very active on vhf and uhf and rag chewing on 10 meters. Digital stuff also, packet, rtty, amtor etc. (can’t even remember the terms) Since I got back in to motorcycles, Ham Radio kinda took a back seat. I want to get some antennas up at the house and get back into the hobby. I have a Icom 706 in my jeep and a Kenwood ts440 in the house, plus a bunch of vhf rigs also. One cool thing is Ham Radio is a hobby you keep for life. Towpro, ever hang out on 28.450 on Sunday nights? Dew Drop In Net. Willie was my Elmer, can’t remember his call….. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Ok, simple/stupid question for you ham people. What do you use your radio for on the bike? | ||
| Two_buells |
Mike, get your ham radio license, easy to do now a days. Mike, that Handlebar mounted CB looks cool but unless your riding buddies have a CB set-up also, the only thing it would be good for is listening to ch19 on trips. It will not transmit far. HF does not work good on a motorcycle. But VHF/UHF does well. I currently do not have an Amateur Radio on my bike now but if I would mount one it would be a Kenwood TH F6A HT Tri-band HT. With a Ham licence you can transmit on 114, 220,440 mhz VHF/UHF Ham bands. And receive from 0.01~ 1300 MHz. It also has dual band receive so you can listen to your local Ham repeater on one band and CB19, am or FM Broadcast radio, etc. http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0066.htm l $289.99 http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?car tid=a-6994&category=newprices&maxhits=600&keywords =%22tri+band+hand+held+radio%22&go.x=18&go.y=10 Icom and Yaesu make similar rigs, the other guys might add some comments. | ||
| F_skinner |
Mike, I assume you mean on the bike? I use a Yeasu FT 10 http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProduc ts&ProdCatID=106&encProdID=AF7E08DC3F2467B1B4B2CB4 DA49BCF88&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0 At home on HF (.5 to 30 Mhz) I use a Ten Tec Orion and Omni 6 plus (www.tentec.com) I think Towpro is using a relatively inexpensive and smart setup with the autocom and Yeasu VX 5R. | ||
| F_skinner |
Learning the different functions and settings on the radios is a lot harder than getting a license. I have never been much for CB but imagine it might have a purpose. I think the FRS and like radios have a lot of functionality. The autocom makes it easy to setup a lot of different inputs and I thought about that for a while but when I was deciding what I wanted I decided I wanted no wires, water proof, PTT and bluetooth capability. I also wanted a more permanent setup on the bike. Plus, I just like gadgets. Yeasu, at the time, was the only radio with Bluetooth so that is what I went with. Using the autocom opens the possibilities of radios you can use. Some 2 meter only handhelds can be had cheaply. http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/classes.html | ||
| Two_buells |
I like gadgets also, Bluetooth will be next for me. On my Ulysses I just added the XM Radio to the Garmin Zumo. On the 1125R I have two Satellite Radios. Reason the radio on the left is mostly in the house recording something. And if I want to take a quick ride I still have a radio on the bike. Plus that one does good in the rain, the other one hates the rain. If you look real close under the windshield on the 1125 you can see the two satellite radio antennas, I also have a little antenna for the Garmin quest behind the radio in the middle. The GPS can’t receive under the fairing.    | ||
| Towpro |
two_buells, before the antenna came down we used to work 28.410 I think. But your close. I think I can use the Red Rose repeater with my HT. In my shack I use an FT-857 with a 12 El M squared on 2M and a 24 element cushcraft on 432, both Horizontal Polarization. I have contacts on both bands from Georgia to Maine plus some VHF/UHF Sat contacts all over the West of USA. Mike, I use mine to talk to another buddy I ride with, who is also a Ham. I would like to tell you that in an emergency I could get in contact with help in an area where cell phones don't work, but most times nobody is listening on the Ham repeaters either. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I guess my question is who do you listen/talk to with a Ham radio... while riding? | ||
| Two_buells |
In my hayday with Ham radio I had my ts440, two Kenwood 2570’s for 2m and a matching 3530a on 220 in the shack. I had ½ of a Moonraker 4 Horizontal for 10m, 4 element beam for 2m and a 7 element beam for 220. A CB startduster vertical for 10m and a G5RV. I like making antennas and my very first one was a 108” whip that I cut down for 2m, mounted on a plate with four ground radials. Still works great. I’d like to get a Butternut ground antenna and stick it in the yard. And rebuild the Starduster for local 10 meter stuff. And put the G5RV back up. I have to do it soon I don’t want to miss this solar cycle. | ||
| Two_buells |
<><><><>I guess my question is who do you listen/talk to with a Ham radio... while riding? Just other Ham Radio Operators. | ||
| F_skinner |
Mike, good questions. When out of the local area on the highway there is a freq for that 146.520 that most people use. There is also a repeater directory published by the ARRL that list all repeaters in the USA so you can talk to local people. Some of the other guys that are active on VHF and UHF can answer that better. On HF (requires larger antennas but can be done successfully form a motorcycle) the range is only limited by atmospheric conditions, the ionosphere, the time of day etc. All I can really tell you is what I do. Locally there are a group of Hams that hang out on a simplex frequency (146.460) that I talk to from time to time. Lynn (KC0YQF) and I talk to each other, if she is in the car on the bike or at home and I am riding she can keep tabs on me and chat with me as I am coming home form work. You cannot use Ham Radio for monetary gain so business conversations are a no no. Topics to talk about are some of the same topics you see on the BadWeb, not the political crap on the quick board or some of the stuff in the 1125 section, but usually just about everything under the sun save politics or religion. Those are two subjects opposing views will never agree on and also leads to bad feelings and should be avoided. (as it should on the badweb in my opinion) My advice is to find a local Ham club and get someone that can show you some of the ropes and all aspects of Ham Radio, not just 2 meters. Here are some ideas of people or clubs you can contact. Name: ARC OF OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (School/Youth) Specialties: General Interest, Contest, DX, Repeater, Digital Modes, School/Youth, Public Service/Emergency Comms, VHF/UHF Call sign: W8LT Services: Help for newcomers, Entry-level classes, Other Address: ARC AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY ROOM 20 BEVIS HALL 1080 CARMACK ROAD COLUMBUS, OH 43210 Contact: LAWRENCE L FETH, K8HTC Phone: (614) 292-1643 (D) (614) 794-1395 (N) Web: http://www.w8lt.org E-mail: w8lt@lists.acs.ohio-state.edu Name: VOICE OF ALADDIN ARC Specialties: General Interest, Public Service/Emergency Comms, VHF/UHF Call sign: W8FEZ Services: Entry-level classes, Other Address: 3602 DINSMORE CASTLE DR COLUMBUS, OH 43221-4410 Contact: JAMES F LEONARD, WD8MRT Phone: (614) 876-3099 (D) () - (N) Web: http:// http://www.aladdinshrine.org/voa.htm E-mail: barry.mertz@sbcglobal.net Name: CAPITAL CITY REPEATER ASSN Specialties: Repeater Call sign: K8DRE Services: Help for newcomers, Other Address: 1094 FOUNTAIN LN APT B COLUMBUS, OH 43213-3211 Contact: EDWARD S RAYBOULD, N8OIF Phone: (614) 692-0582 (D) (614) 361-5582 (N) Web: http://www.ohioccra.net E-mail: ccra44@arrl.net Name: CENTRAL OH SEVERE WEATHER NET [SSC] Specialties: Repeater, Public Service/Emergency Comms, VHF/UHF Call sign: N8WX Services: Help for newcomers, Entry-level classes, Other Address: 4600 BRIDGEWAY AVE COLUMBUS, OH 43219 Contact: ROY M COTTS, KB8SSH Phone: (614) 231-0590 (D) (614) 231-0590 (N) Web: http://www.severe-weather.org E-mail: N8WX@SEVERE-WEATHER.ORG Name: SOUTH WEST COLUMBUS HAM RADIO CLUB Specialties: General Interest, Repeater, School/Youth, VHF/UHF Call sign: W8RWR Services: Help for newcomers, Entry-level classes, Other Address: 135 S ALGONQUIN AVE COLUMBUS, OH 4320 Contact: ROBERT W RECTOR, W8RWR Phone: (614) 276-1689 (D) (614) 276-1689 (N) Web: http://swchrc.com E-mail: w8rwr@sbcglobal.net Name: CONNEAUT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Specialties: General Interest, Contest, DX, Repeater, Digital Modes, School/Youth, Public Service/Emergency Comms, VHF/UHF Call sign: W8BHZ Services: Help for newcomers, Entry-level classes, Higher-level classes, RFI help, Other Address: PO BOX 661 CONNEAUT, OH 44030-0661 Contact: CLARENCE P BAUGHER, W8FAS Phone: (440) 593-3038 (D) (440) 593-3038 (N) Web: http://www.conneautamateurradioclub.com E-mail: w8bhz@arrl.net | ||
| Two_buells |
well said Frank! | ||
| F_skinner |
How cool would it be if we had a new ham amongst us. With the Internet and the "I need instant satisfaction" generation it is hard to get young people (by young I mean younger than me LOL) in our hobby. A hobby, that a short sighted individual might think is outdated or quaint. However, every disaster including the most recent ones have always showed how Ham Radio works, without power, without the Internet in the most basic conditions. DAMHIK Ipods, cell phones, the Internet and all those great tools have a purpose but are limited. Looking over the latest issue of QST I can see technology complimenting Ham Radio but I doubt it will ever over take it. | ||
| Blasterd |
I am about to mount my antenna on my Uly, I have been a ham for 5 years. I am going to use either my Alinco DJV5T or my VX1 (undecided at this point.) On my other bike I used the DJV5T with a 30 watt linear and the receive and transmit was very good but I was not sure if the Uly would be ok with the amperage. Are any of you guys mounting them with brackets to the bars or anything similiar? | ||
| Alchemy |
My 13yr old got his license this year and it having a great time. I am amazed how well he is doing. He made a CW contact to Croatia today 9A9DR using only 5 watts. He was so excited by the accomplishment. He is driving me crazy working on a 160 m horizontal loop running all over out lot. The older hams get a kick when they hear a 13 yr old interested in CW<grin>. | ||
| F_skinner |
You bet they do, that is great.... I hope I run into him on CW. What is his call? | ||
| Garyz28 |
I have toyed with the idea of mounting a 2M rig on my Uly, but am a bit concerned about having the antenna in such close proximity to my face. How much power do you run? 73, de KQ6RT | ||
| Two_buells |
He is driving me crazy working on a 160 m horizontal loop running all over out lot and the CW contact is too cool!  | ||
| F_skinner |
Mike, here is the link to the questions and answers to all the Amateur test. http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html They just make it too easy these days. I wonder how many Hams are going to Homecoming? | ||
| Dr_greg |
I wonder how many Hams are going to Homecoming? Well, I am, but my "General" license expired in 1967. WA6UXL California, 1962. That was back when CW (15 WPM required for General license) was the name of the game; SSB was just beginning. Had my 20 WPM code profiency award from the ARRL and everything. Ah, the memories... --Doc | ||
| Alchemy |
CW seems to be getting a little more popular for some reason. It may be a little easier to learn it with the modern computer programs. |
