With all the talk of lifts, wheels, decals, and whatever else, there's another thread that I'm involved in that got me to thinking about the coolest accessory I can think of:

Ham radio.

I just installed one in mine, and after a brief question/answer I got to thinking that many more folks may be interested.

It's the perfect accessory to a 4WD truck. You can be involved in local events, be part of disaster preparedness, and weather watching and reporting, or get the lowdown on local points of interest. You do need to study for a few hours and test, but studying is cheap and easy, and there's no longer a morse code requirement.

I can't think of any two hobbies that go together any better than this, and just like our trucks, you can make the hobby as simple or as complex as you like, and you get to be part of a rather elite (okay, maybe "unique is a better word) group of people that went the extra mile to be part of something a little more than the average pickup owner.

To study for this kind of thing, I can't recommend hamtestonline.com any more highly than I already do. It makes studying cheap, easy, and arguably a little fun.

I'd be glad to answer any questions, or do a little research for you guys, so ask away. I'll be glad to get you where you need to go.

best,
KE0JJY
73

 

I studied for the ham radio test in school, but never took it. There was a Morse code requirement back then. I just wonder if I got one, would anyone else be on it....are people actually using them?
I also think they require some very long antennas, but maybe that has somehow changed.

So, with your experience, how is the range in a mobile platform? Is it something you can use when out in areas that lack cell coverage, such as the mountains or desert?

 

Most mobile operations are 2 meter and 440 mhz repeater use. Which require a small antenna 2-4 feet long. As long as you can reach the repeater you can talk a good distance. Also mobile operation can use the HF bands like 10 meter or 40 meters. They require a lager antenna, but you can talk long distance very easy. Sometime's state to state and around the world.

 

Well? What radio did you install?

NN7P

 

My grandfather was a ham, i never got to the point to test because i was not a code fan but i do know the electrical side of it which he taught me. I have been considering testing again as any decent FPV equipment requires a ham license to operate legally(ish) and i wouldn't mind messing with a radio eventually.

 

Go get your ticket now, no code needed any longer.