Mobile HAM Recs?

[MilesTeg]

I am a HAM newb (just got tech). I'm looking for recs on a good mobile unit + antenna that can be installed cleanly in a Bronco. What do you guys run, and what are some must have features?

I'd prefer something entry level and new, but willing to look for some older used equipment if there's a good reason to.

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[Neps]

Not really a comms guy myself, but a friend is a big Ham Greek and he swears by the Yeasu's. From what I'm told they don't require you to buy a bunch of add-ons like ICOM and are easy to program. I'm sure others here can offer more first person advice.

Keep an eye out for sales in mid-May. I visit HRO on a regular basis looking for the Yeasu FTM 's to come down in price. There is an anniversary or something in mid may and (I'm told) that many of the Comms Sellers have sales then.

I plan to mount the radio under the dash or behind the glove box, so having a detachable control head with speaker is on my list of desired features. I have a feeling that I'm going to end up with more radio than I need, but I really hate having to upgrade.

HRO Yeasu FTM's

 

[Phil B]

The BTECH UV50 Pro and its cousins that are the same under different brands might be a good choice if you are looking for something simple to operate and program. It can also work the GMRS frequencies, does APRS, and has KISS for SMS and email. It does not do DMR. There are much better radios but they also cost more. Do your research, and watch a lot of YouTube videos before you decide. ICOM, Kenwood, Yeasu are some of the top end brands. I got my license in January and I know so much more than I did then. It’s a huge rabbit hole of learning things. Look into DMR and D-Star. Find out what repeaters are available in your area and what digital options they have. I went with an antenna mount on the spare tire so I don’t have issues with RF interference to the Bronco’s modules that would be close to an antenna on the front. Welcome to the club.

EDIT: I have the UV50 Pro. Not unhappy with it, but knowing what I do now I wouldn't have made the same choice. When the ICOM ID-5200 comes out I will probably upgrade.

 

[Phil B]

Not really a comms guy myself, but a friend is a big Ham Greek and he swears by the Yeasu's. From what I'm told they don't require you to buy a bunch of add-ons like ICOM and are easy to program. I'm sure others here can offer more first person advice.

Keep an eye out for sales in mid-May. I visit HRO on a regular basis looking for the Yeasu FTM 's to come down in price. There is an anniversary or something in mid may and (I'm told) that many of the Comms Sellers have sales then.

I plan to mount the radio under the dash or behind the glove box, so having a detachable control head with speaker is on my list of desired features. I have a feeling that I'm going to end up with more radio than I need, but I really hate having to upgrade.

HRO Yeasu FTM's

I was going to mount mine behind the glovebox before I learned about how much RF interference a 50 watt radio can cause to other electronics. I used that as an excuse to get a DV8 overhead Molle and put the radio on top of it.

 

[AirportDave]

I'm running a Yaesu FTM-150RASP in mine, with a Teraflex tailgate mount for a Comet SS-680SB antenna. Great radio that has a speaker in the control head as well, so really easy to hear on the trail without the need for an external speaker. Using a 67D short arm ball mount on the factory threaded mount for the head unit- radio is mounted under the passenger seat. Used a Yaesu mic extension kit to mount the mic next to the ignition switch with some 3M VHB tape. (K1BRU here).

All sourced from Ham Radio Outlet- great prices and advice!

 

[BlueDewey]

I'm running an icom IC-2730, made a plywood mount that fits in the center cubby along with a small speaker, I wasn't using that space. Keeps my dash clean. Teraflex tailgate mount and a Comet SSB-5 dual band. The actual radio is sitting on the floor behind the drivers seat. Ran power directly to the battery. Proclip phone mount to hang my mic. KI4RGD

 

[MilesTeg]

I'm running a Yaesu FTM-150RASP in mine, with a Teraflex tailgate mount for a Comet SS-680SB antenna. Great radio that has a speaker in the control head as well, so really easy to hear on the trail without the need for an external speaker. Using a 67D short arm ball mount on the factory threaded mount for the head unit- radio is mounted under the passenger seat. Used a Yaesu mic extension kit to mount the mic next to the ignition switch with some 3M VHB tape. (K1BRU here).

All sourced from Ham Radio Outlet- great prices and advice!

Oh this is nice. I've been looking at these detachable faceplace setups. Would you mind telling me more about how you routed the cable between the radio and the headunit?

 

[MilesTeg]

I'm running an icom IC-2730, made a plywood mount that fits in the center cubby along with a small speaker, I wasn't using that space. Keeps my dash clean. Teraflex tailgate mount and a Comet SSB-5 dual band. The actual radio is sitting on the floor behind the drivers seat. Ran power directly to the battery. Proclip phone mount to hang my mic. KI4RGD

Cool! Haven't seen any other examples like this. I really like it! But, I have a manual and I don't think there is enough space for a head unit there. I'll have to take a closer look though, as this would be a great use of the cubby that I generally don't use.

 

[Diller]

This is my setup Yeasu FTM-500. Big pluses, remote head with an integrated speaker. Dual receiver, 2M and 440. Bulket Point mounting system. Very happy with it. It all comes down to how much you want to spend.

 

[AirportDave]

Oh this is nice. I've been looking at these detachable faceplace setups. Would you mind telling me more about how you routed the cable between the radio and the headunit?

You bet. Used a small trim stick to pop out the dash switch panel, then used a Dremel to cut out a little notch in the back of it for the cable. Removed the passenger side dash grab handle then used a wire tape to fish the cable from the head unit/switch panel opening to the A pillar. Tucked the cable in behind the trim and routed down to the radio under the passenger seat. Super easy!

 

[MilesTeg]

You bet. Used a small trim stick to pop out the dash switch panel, then used a Dremel to cut out a little notch in the back of it for the cable. Removed the passenger side dash grab handle then used a wire tape to fish the cable from the head unit/switch panel opening to the A pillar. Tucked the cable in behind the trim and routed down to the radio under the passenger seat. Super easy!

Oh wow, that's easier than I was imagining. Thanks!

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