Handheld setups in Vehicles

[rpd83lv]

For those of you who have your handheld transceiver running while driving around, what does your setup look like? (I’m nowhere near setting up a permanent vehicle transceiver. Still an entry level GMRS goober.)

I’m mostly curious on who makes good mounting brackets, and whether you switch over to a vehicle-mounted antenna. Do you have it constantly charging via an inverter, or just keep a spare battery available?

Any other vehicle considerations are welcome too.

 

[TheSilverWind]

That's a good question. First you should have a vehicle mounted antenna. Also, on my handheld I use a shoulder mic when I use it in the vehicle. When it comes to the actual mount, it actually depends on the size and weight of your radio. My first mount was a cable loop I threaded thru the AC vents on the dashboard and I used the belt clip of the radio to hook it on. It worked fine, but it looked trailer trash. And it was banging around if I was offloading. I used a dashboard cellphone with success, but you have to remove the belt clip, and it can't be a heavy radio. Again, the weight/shape of the radio limits your options. The console between the front seats is an excellent place as well, but bottom line is: be prepared to drill some holes if you want a sturdy and nice looking setup. I hope this helps a little

 

[echo1er]

Running a midland mxt275 with a 6db magnet Antena. Enough to touch the repeater on .625 and 700.

 

[rpd83lv]

I just ordered a Yaesu FT-4XR, which has an SMA-male antenna connection.

I got a Diamond 15" dual-band antenna to upgrade the rubber ducky. But I think I can still up the performance from there with a vehicle-mounted antenna, right?

So it looks like most magnet mount vehicle antennae use a UHF connection. I'm interested in magnets because I see myself moving the setup among a couple vehicles.

That means I need to include an SMA to UHF adapter in my shopping, right?

 

[Mikeee54]

Some of the mag mounts come with an sma, but even so I would recommend using a rg316 cable with appropriate ends to adapt. The lighter more flexible cable helps prevent damaging the antenna connector on radio from excessive force from stiffer cables. They do make so239 to sma rg316 cables.

 

[rpd83lv]

Some of the mag mounts come with an sma, but even so I would recommend using a rg316 cable with appropriate ends to adapt. The lighter more flexible cable helps prevent damaging the antenna connector on radio from excessive force from stiffer cables. They do make so239 to sma rg316 cables.

So if I understand, this is my shopping list

RG316 cable - SMA to SO239
Magnetic mount - SO239
Antenna - whatever meets desired performance spec (TBD) and connects to mount

 

[tdyoung58]

I use a magnetic vehicle mounted antenna for my radios.
I also use a corded microphone which keeps the radio secure and just the microphone free.
Then I have a battery replacement adapter that allows it to use the vehicle power for operation, just remove the battery and plug on the vehicle power adapter.

 

[TheSilverWind]

I use a magnetic vehicle mounted antenna for my radios.
I also use a corded microphone which keeps the radio secure and just the microphone free.
Then I have a battery replacement adapter that allows it to use the vehicle power for operation, just remove the battery and plug on the vehicle power adapter.

That's exactly what I have. And if you insert a booster between the radio and the antenna, you're going places.

 

[Mikeee54]

So if I understand, this is my shopping list

RG316 cable - SMA to SO239
Magnetic mount - pl259
Antenna - whatever meets desired performance spec (TBD) and connects to mount

Corrected mag mount for you

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

I just ordered a Yaesu FT-4XR, which has an SMA-male antenna connection.

I got a Diamond 15" dual-band antenna to upgrade the rubber ducky. But I think I can still up the performance from there with a vehicle-mounted antenna, right?

So it looks like most magnet mount vehicle antennae use a UHF connection. I'm interested in magnets because I see myself moving the setup among a couple vehicles.

That means I need to include an SMA to UHF adapter in my shopping, right?

Great choice on the Yaesu FT-4XR!

You might want to watch this video after you get it, and get a GMRS license if you don't have one, then, after performing the unlock as shown in this video, the radio will work on 2 Meters, 70 CM, and the GMRS and FRS frequencies as well.

Just be careful, as it will also then transmit on some frequencies you are NOT allowed to use unless it is an emergency and there is NO OTHER means of communications available to summon aid. It will transmit way outside the ham bands then, on Aviation and Marine and Law Enforcement and Fire frequencies.

Bing Videos

 

[rpd83lv]

That's exactly what I have. And if you insert a booster between the radio and the antenna, you're going places.

Recommend a particular booster?

For context, this'll be GMRS-only usage while I get my feet wet.

 

[rpd83lv]

I use a magnetic vehicle mounted antenna for my radios.
I also use a corded microphone which keeps the radio secure and just the microphone free.
Then I have a battery replacement adapter that allows it to use the vehicle power for operation, just remove the battery and plug on the vehicle power adapter.

I ordered the earpiece + PTT mic attachment (Yaesu part SSM-512B). The corded mic is in Phase 2 for purchasing. I chose the earpiece model to start so I could walk around and not have to broadcast to those around me.

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

Look for a Mirage BD35, small (very compact) linear amplifier, runs off 12 volts, cigarette lighter, 5 watts in on 2 meters or 70 CM (and GMRS , which is in the 70 CM band) will get you 45 watts out on VHF, 35 watts out on UHF.
Mirage BD-35 Mirage VHF/UHF Amplifiers | DX Engineering

 

[rpd83lv]

Great choice on the Yaesu FT-4XR!

You might want to watch this video after you get it, and get a GMRS license if you don't have one, then, after performing the unlock as shown in this video, the radio will work on 2 Meters, 70 CM, and the GMRS and FRS frequencies as well.

Just be careful, as it will also then transmit on some frequencies you are NOT allowed to use unless it is an emergency and there is NO OTHER means of communications available to summon aid. It will transmit way outside the ham bands then, on Aviation and Marine and Law Enforcement and Fire frequencies.

Bing Videos

Yessir, and thanks for the video.

I also got the Nifty guide for this model.

I picked up the GMRS license last month and I added my callsign in signature. Should be starting to learn the equipment, mostly listen, and transmit a little in the next month or so.

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

OK, now once you get the radio, start checking in to the GMRS nets to get practice being on the air.
On Monday night at 1915 hours, you can check into the 462.625 Monday Night Net , that repeater is on High Mt. Potosi, it is located at 462.625 (+) PL 141.3, I can walk you through programming that into the FT4 if you like.
They hold rollcall, then when that's done, they ask for visitor check ins, that's when you chime in.

Then on Thursdays at 1915, you can check into the 462.700 net, that's located on Low Mount Potosi, and is at 462.700 (+) PL 100.0, and I can walk you through programming it in at the same time if you need help.
All GMRS repeaters are a POSITIVE offset by the way, that offset is a full 5 MHz UP from the frequency the repeater transmits on.

So, the frequencies I gave you above are the ones the repeater TRANSMITS on, you have to program your radio to shift upward 5 MHz when you key the PTT button, so that your radio transmits on 467.625 and 467.700 respectively for those two repeaters, those are the frequencies the repeaters RECEIVE on.

They LISTEN/ RECEIVE on the 467.xxx frequencies and they TALK/TRANSMIT on the 462.xxx ones.
So YOUR radio LISTENS on the 462.xxx and transmits on the 467.xxx frequencies.

You can hit those two repeaters from pretty much anywhere in the Las Vegas area, clear up to Mesquite and down to Dolan Springs AZ with just that 15" super rubber duck antenna.

 

[TexasJackKin]

You have to be careful with NYECO he'll get you addicted..... Ant then laugh about it....

 

[NYECOGunsmith]

BAAAAAWWAAAAAHAHAAAA! Too late! You're next Mike!