Ham Radio

[Sappy2]

Any campers or full timers do any amateur band surfing while camping? If so, what is your "tenna" of choice?

[galOnTheGo]

back in the 70's I used my cb lots, especially driving across country. now, in the 2020's I WAS looking forward to using it while RV'ing around the country. to my surprise, very few are using cb's today. I ask truckers about this, and they tell me it is very much a thing of the past, no one using them, used only for emergency situations if at all. occasionally I encounter someone on a cb. I miss the communications. traffic conditions, points of interest, just chatting, ... it was fun for me.

[happy]

I have only been active on UHF and VHF.
Since you asked about band surfing this is probably not what you are asking about, but my favorite antenna is Comet CA-2X4SR.

This can also do some GMRS radio and MURS.

[Chateau_Nomad]

On the road I usually only have a 2-meter talkie. I have a dipole I used to have installed in the attic... thought about throwing it in the RV, but never did. We're usually in mountains... which doesn't play well with 2-meters anyway...

The 2-meter band use to be a hoppin' place before cellular ruined everything...

[ducksface]

I have a 2meter built into the dash of my offroader and a half wave anntena.
I haven't turned in on in many years. It's just for tailgunning a group.

I will add a CB base to the RV just because I have a spare and a spare plainless antenna.
The cb will still get you info in a traffic jam.
During regular longer distance use So many jackoffs key their mike and run their radio just to block the line.

[Chateau_Nomad]

I have a 1970s 23 channel Realistic CB in a box somewhere... HAM, cell and CB covers most of the comm bases.

[Metalman]

In the past I used a long wire and it worked very well, especially on 80-meters. I have also used a screwdriver antenna with less success on any band. I now have only UHF/VHF.

[Pillbox]

Homebrew j pole.

[happy]

I'm eyeing a new Midland MXT500. It is GMRS and could come in handy when out of cell range.

GMRS is very popular with many outdoor groups. I am not much for chit chat but for specific needs it may be more useful than cell phones in many places that we hope to go. Also, many more of them than Ham users.

Also, the grand kids can carry a hand talkie when they head out on a hike.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Just remind the grandkids to "FCC-ID" after each transmission to comply with FCC rules.

[happy]

That is a great reminder for everyone.
I am guessing that some large % of all GMRS users are unlicensed.

When grandkids get on we switch to FRS freq's. Much more better all around!

[Pillbox]

Whoops, forgot to sign off
K6TER
73

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Pillbox

Whoops, forgot to sign off
K6TER
73

Now if someone figures out triangulation using the internet...

[Wiley1]

Originally Posted by Sappy2

Any campers or full timers do any amateur band surfing while camping? If so, what is your "tenna" of choice?

Last season I installed a CB antenna on my motorhome and learned a few things:

- because my rig is mostly wood, cardboard, and Styrofoam, a typical "ground plane" antenna would not work
- instead I had to find a special non-ground-plane antenna
- the cable that comes with the antenna is precisely tuned. if you shorten it or lengthen it even 1/2 inch, the SWR can't be tuned properly
- I chose a mounting location just behind the driver's door to give the best view of the oncoming lanes and the least chance of striking trees
- I mounted the antenna so that more than one-third of its length is above the roof line

I'm sure there are similar considerations with Ham antennas.
What bands do you use?

[Wiley1]

Originally Posted by galOnTheGo

... very few are using cb's today. I ask truckers about this, and they tell me it is very much a thing of the past, no one using them, used only for emergency situations if at all. occasionally I encounter someone on a cb. I miss the communications. traffic conditions, points of interest, just chatting, ... it was fun for me.

I totally agree. After installing my CB, it was a huge disappointment to find nobody out there.

I met my first wife over a CB radio. Times have changed.

[hatwate]

My husband, a ham, uses MFJ 33 ft fiberglass pole & MFJ J-pole taped to the outside or inside held by grooved corks at each joint & necessary coax for vhf. Buddi Pole for HF.

[Sappy2]

Well, looks like I will either use an end feed wire or use my 33' S9V vertical that collapses. The only issue with end feed is having a tree or something to get it in the air, maybe the S9V is a better choice. Must keep thinking on this more. :-)

[happy]

The only area that I am aware of that still uses CB is the Alaskan Dalton Highway, the Hual road. North of Cold Foot just about all the workers and truckers call a warning when appreaching hilltops and a few other spots. Sure helps to know that a flat bed with a tripple wide something is around the next blind curve.

We rented a vehicle in Fairbanks that specializes in rentals to Deadhorse. They made sure we knew about CB and gave a map of the call out areas along with a guide on what to call out when we approached one.. The radio was completely free of the yelling screaming cussing profanity laced nonsense that I had heard the last time I used a CB back in the 80's.

[Metalman]

I have an old hand-held CB on the floor to the left of the driver's seat. When stuck in traffic I sometimes turn it on and extend the five foot telescoping antenna. Occasionally I hear the source of the traffic problem.

For VHF/UHF, FM ham radio communications, a 1/2 wave length antenna works best because it doesn't need a ground plane.
73,
N1VE

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by Metalman

I have an old hand-held CB on the floor to the left of the driver's seat. When stuck in traffic I sometimes turn it on and extend the five foot telescoping antenna. Occasionally I hear the source of the traffic problem.

For VHF/UHF, FM ham radio communications, a 1/2 wave length antenna works best because it doesn't need a ground plane.
73,
N1VE

1/2 wave for me.
I use the cb the same way.
I have a cb already(and a spare ltd29 for whoever wants it) or I wouldn't get one.