Hence why I included a link to the antenna analyzer, the analyzer will help you tune the impedance of an antenna before you attach it to a radio. If the radio has an actual 50-ohm impedance the resultant SWR will match the stand-alone antenna SWR. If not, the SWR should be close and easy to tweak the rest of the way to match the radio.
HAM radio with mars cap mod
- Thread starter suicideking
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Hence why I included a link to the antenna analyzer, the analyzer will help you tune the impedance of an antenna before you attach it to a radio. If the radio has an actual 50-ohm impedance the resultant SWR will match the stand-alone antenna SWR. If not, the SWR should be close and easy to tweak the rest of the way to match the radio.
TYT TH-8600 will do both certain ham frequencies as well as GMRS/FRS/MURS out of the box. I have Th-8600 radios on my RZR, ATV, and Jeep. Nice side benefit is they are waterproof.
OP
Revisiting this because I'm getting a cage done and my Yaesu is a little large, so would like to go with something smaller. It will have to be moved because it was attached to an overhead console, and will no longer have that.
So looking at the radios mentioned in this thread: I see the BTECH UV-50X2 is 50W. How much difference would 50W transmit vs. the ones listed as mini like the Retevis RT95 and TYT TH-8600 which list 25W?
I'm probably going to use it to talk to people close by 99% of the time, maybe a mile tops. I don't usually want to talk to random people. Though if there's an emergency, I want to be able to hit the repeater. I wheel in pretty popular spots, so most probably have a repeater somewhat close by.
Also interested in pictures of where you have yours mounted. I'm thinking the passenger side next to the auto shifter.
So looking at the radios mentioned in this thread: I see the BTECH UV-50X2 is 50W. How much difference would 50W transmit vs. the ones listed as mini like the Retevis RT95 and TYT TH-8600 which list 25W?
I'm probably going to use it to talk to people close by 99% of the time, maybe a mile tops. I don't usually want to talk to random people. Though if there's an emergency, I want to be able to hit the repeater. I wheel in pretty popular spots, so most probably have a repeater somewhat close by.
Also interested in pictures of where you have yours mounted. I'm thinking the passenger side next to the auto shifter.
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Following.
Id like to get one for my daily. Mainly for chatting on our wheeling trips. But I don't mind listening in on other conversations (creep?).
Id like to get one for my daily. Mainly for chatting on our wheeling trips. But I don't mind listening in on other conversations (creep?).
My THT TH8600 will transmit several miles easily. If talking to someone on a hill or mountain or a repeater it'll talk for many more miles.
Catch us up to speed. What Yaesu do you have, and how have you been using it? If you plan to mount the new radio to your center console, you'll be limited to size and power output.
OP
I have the Yaesu FT-8800 which has the mars cap mod done so I can use it for ham and GMRS. Probably going to buy something similar to the Retevis RT95 because I like the size. The Yaesu is just too big, so probably not going to reinstall it. Antenna is the Larsen NMO2/70 and has worked well with the Yaesu.
If not, Anytone makes a facsimile of the 8800 that does have a removable face plate that you can remote mount from the base. It's also a tri-band, well actually, a quad band radio.
4 if you count my stereo. I'm still thinking about a mobile HF rig - want some kind of field extensible mast on the rear bumper for an omni.
OP
I ended up ordering the AnyTone AT-778UV with the programming cable.
Second choice was the TYT TH-8600. I liked that it's a little smaller and waterproof. Didn't get it because it's not supported by CHIRP.
Second choice was the TYT TH-8600. I liked that it's a little smaller and waterproof. Didn't get it because it's not supported by CHIRP.
That's the same radio as the RT-95 - so ya go with which ever you can get the best deal on. Midland also sold it as their model DBR2500, but I was unable to find any at the time I bought mine. There is also a "CRT Micron" version that is apparently sold mostly in Europe.
OP
I realize they're all the same. Though I tried to go with which name brands I recognized more. The Midland is no longer in production, or I would've bought it. Then seemed like Anytone was the next most recognizable brand and the price was the same as the Retevis.
I realize you already made your decision. But, for anyone considering the TYT TH-8600 radio, the programming software it comes with is extremely easy to use.
OP
So got my Jeep back with the Anytone mounted. Though I don't have anything to hang the mic on. It has a different connector on the back. If anyone has this attachment on the back, what are you using to hang the mic?
My previous mic had the round circle shaped connector that most CB's and ham have.
My previous mic had the round circle shaped connector that most CB's and ham have.
OP
Yea, that hanger sucks. I actually modified mine into the standard circle do-dah so I could clip it into a magnetic holder.