JohnJ-Jr
Wed 3rd Dec 2008, 01:07
Hello all,
Let me first say... great site.
Loads of info for a complete HAM Newb (me).
I'll start off with even though I'm good with the hands (building, welding, fabricating)... the mind sometimes locks up when it comes to AC and other talk of the radio world. Excuse the ignorance... but I've not gotten my license yet and am as of now, "it's in the works". I've been lurking and learning from others and honestly have a LONG way to go (eagerly) as an amateur radio guy. Patience isn't my strong point either. UGH.
I've been around CB, and 2meter radios most my life. So I understand a tad. But not enough to sound intellectual about it. :? So bear with me on my question if you will, it's my first... and certainly won't be my last.
I have been using a Vertex 3200 Mobile for some time in Baja Mexico (I live in San Diego, CA - 20min North), and understand the limits/laws of the amateur radios and MARS/CAP of friends who own/use Yaesu amateur radios. However, we have been in need of a good or even great antenna design down in Baja and am looking for something not only affordable, but will be what you'd all consider the best for the buck.
I have used a mobile antenna (Antenex B1443 with HMO mount) via the roof of my SUV with good results, and on occasion tried a Marine 8' fiberglass on my R/V (no ground plane). I even went as far as had a J-Pole made for the 151.000 range (mounted to a weak PVC Mast via a auto-hitch mount) and had good results.
We mostly receive on 151.000 to 155.000 when in Baja (which can be flat as a board terrain, or very mountainous or with lots of low valleys). Staying off any repeaters as they aren't necessary or obviously legal for us to use in the first place. But what I'm trying to do is devise (which I know this has been done, and I'm looking to all of you for this help) a better mobile setup for when I'm somewhat stationary. For example.... a drive-on tire or hitch mounted mast (Question 1 - I'd need what you all consider the best mast to use - telescoping fiberglass or alum for example and which one - according to which antenna) and what antenna would be most beneficial for this type of use. As I will be somewhat stationary, using guy wires isn't the most practical but assuming height of the antenna will be most helpful in the mountain and valleys I'll be setup in. Question 2 - which antenna would be light enough and best to use in this scenario? Would my J-Pole do well with much more height? Or would a better antenna, do better with that much more height?
The reason I'm asking all of this, is because at a recent event in Baja... I had trouble receiving radio transmission in a remote area. I really (strong accent on "really") needed to talk to someone else and ended up borrowing a Satelite phone for this purpose (as both of mine were already out in the field). However, someone near was receiving loud and clear with their large (and in charge) antenna system. One I failed to take the time to go look at, let alone ask questions about (time was of the essence).
... is the above enough info, to start the guru's thinking? Surely this has already been done, and figured out... and I'm just behind the 8 ball.
Thanks in advance.
John
Let me first say... great site.
Loads of info for a complete HAM Newb (me).
I'll start off with even though I'm good with the hands (building, welding, fabricating)... the mind sometimes locks up when it comes to AC and other talk of the radio world. Excuse the ignorance... but I've not gotten my license yet and am as of now, "it's in the works". I've been lurking and learning from others and honestly have a LONG way to go (eagerly) as an amateur radio guy. Patience isn't my strong point either. UGH.
I've been around CB, and 2meter radios most my life. So I understand a tad. But not enough to sound intellectual about it. :? So bear with me on my question if you will, it's my first... and certainly won't be my last.
I have been using a Vertex 3200 Mobile for some time in Baja Mexico (I live in San Diego, CA - 20min North), and understand the limits/laws of the amateur radios and MARS/CAP of friends who own/use Yaesu amateur radios. However, we have been in need of a good or even great antenna design down in Baja and am looking for something not only affordable, but will be what you'd all consider the best for the buck.
I have used a mobile antenna (Antenex B1443 with HMO mount) via the roof of my SUV with good results, and on occasion tried a Marine 8' fiberglass on my R/V (no ground plane). I even went as far as had a J-Pole made for the 151.000 range (mounted to a weak PVC Mast via a auto-hitch mount) and had good results.
We mostly receive on 151.000 to 155.000 when in Baja (which can be flat as a board terrain, or very mountainous or with lots of low valleys). Staying off any repeaters as they aren't necessary or obviously legal for us to use in the first place. But what I'm trying to do is devise (which I know this has been done, and I'm looking to all of you for this help) a better mobile setup for when I'm somewhat stationary. For example.... a drive-on tire or hitch mounted mast (Question 1 - I'd need what you all consider the best mast to use - telescoping fiberglass or alum for example and which one - according to which antenna) and what antenna would be most beneficial for this type of use. As I will be somewhat stationary, using guy wires isn't the most practical but assuming height of the antenna will be most helpful in the mountain and valleys I'll be setup in. Question 2 - which antenna would be light enough and best to use in this scenario? Would my J-Pole do well with much more height? Or would a better antenna, do better with that much more height?
The reason I'm asking all of this, is because at a recent event in Baja... I had trouble receiving radio transmission in a remote area. I really (strong accent on "really") needed to talk to someone else and ended up borrowing a Satelite phone for this purpose (as both of mine were already out in the field). However, someone near was receiving loud and clear with their large (and in charge) antenna system. One I failed to take the time to go look at, let alone ask questions about (time was of the essence).
... is the above enough info, to start the guru's thinking? Surely this has already been done, and figured out... and I'm just behind the 8 ball.
Thanks in advance.
John