Got Radio?

[Jagged]

Finally got all of the radios installed in the truck. I'm waiting on some coax and an NMO mount to install one more antenna.

On the overhead shelf is an Azden PCS-6000H 2m FM, off the windshield is a Radio Shack HTX-10 10m AM/FM/SSM, and on the floor mount is an Azden PCS-7500H 6m FM

 

[lectric80]

Ok, admittedly I am a noob when it comes to this stuff, but why 3 radios? I understand they are on different wavelengths, but is there enough traffic to justify that much investment or are you using them for something else?

 

[Jagged]

All three different frequencies have different propagation characteristics. This summer I will be working about an hour and a half from my home (I'll actually be renting an apartment up there). The 28 MHz and 50 MHz radios are more for entertainment than anything else.

I can talk with locals on 144 MHz, and even the 50 MHz through simplex and repeaters. 50 MHz is susceptible to what's called "sporadic E" propagation, so it's possible over the spring/summer/fall that I could contact someone several states away.

28 MHz (10 meters) is HF, albeit on the upper side of the HF spectrum. It's not uncommon for me to make long-distance contacts on that band. From the Mustang I've made contacts with Germany, Italy, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Venezuela.

Also scattered across the country are 10 meter repeaters, several weeks ago I was talking through a repeater in Louisiana on my way to school.

 

[lectric80]

Cool. Just had me wondering. Thanks for the info, I am sure once I can finally get around to taking my tests I will ask quite a few questions as I get ready to set Krusty up for a radio, not sure I will do more than one for now. I have the CB as well, so not a lot of need for more radios.

 

[Jagged]

Now for the Mustang...

Here's a similar setup in the Mustang. Icom 2100H for 2m in the Mustang, the other two radios move between the car and the truck. The 10m and 6m antennas move between vehicles as well.