DownEastNC
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Posts posted by DownEastNC
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26 minutes ago, wayoverthere said:
DX engineering has a good instruction sheet on the topic, and offers kits:
https://static.dxengineering.com/pdf/weatherproofingcoax-techtip.pdf
I'm very familiar with the 3M rubber splicing tape. I was a Journeyman Electrician for a number of years and we went through miles of that stuff. Thanks!
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3 minutes ago, Lscott said:
A 100 foot run of LMR 400 at 450MHz has a loss of 2.7db. That means only 53.7 percent of your power makes it to the antenna. If you run 100 feet of 1/2 inch LDF at the same frequency the loss is only 1.5 db, or 70.7 percent of your power makes it to the antenna. Whatever loss you have in the cable has to be made up by gain in the antenna at least.
The gain of the Comet CA-712EFC is 9dBi, or so they say.
This is really challenging. Everybody says to get the antenna as high as possible which means more cable and more signal loss. To go with a sturdier cable means a great deal more expense. I know this is a very subjective question, but is there a sweet spot for antenna height and cable length that is budget friendly? My long term goal was to get the antenna up around 60 feet but that may be just a dream.
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2 minutes ago, tweiss3 said:
Antenna farm is a good place to purchase. You will be sure its actually Times Microwave cable. Don't forget, you will need to weather proof the connection at the antenna after you hook up the coax.
Thanks! As far as weather proofing, do they make any sort of boot that covers the connector or do I have to home brew a solution?
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I just placed an order for a Comet CA-712EFC base station antenna. It has an N type female connector. I need about a 100' run of cable with an N male on one end and a PL-259 on the other. Can someone recommend a source for this type of cable. I would like the LMR-400 Ultraflex. If I can't get the PL-259 then I'm assuming some sort of adapter would be required???
Edit: I have found this. Good deal? https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=342_343_347_998_1415&products_id=6882
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Also shows out of stock. Hopefully some reviews will come out on this radio.
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56 minutes ago, kb2ztx said:
MY point was people jump on here and say i can't hear folks, can't get repeaters cant find friends. Thats not what GMRS was ever intended for. Yes some areas have groups but 95% of the GMRS systems are for a certain user group. Ever since this entire merge with FRS its gotten worse and worse. I dont know why people think they can go buy a radio and start calling for people to answer. If your looking to get into clubs or chat with new users great but most of the areas that wont happen. I have GMRS to talk to my users on MY repeater. I also use GMRS (more FRS) on Jeep rides to talk to the guy in front or behind me and thats it. I dont expect to just jump on the radio and call up folks.
I'll be blunt. I made the conscience decision to invest into GMRS for the freedom and to engage with other like minded folks. If I wanted a hall monitor correcting my behavior or some sort of strict regimentation I'd go get a ham ticket. Also, it's important to note that many of us live in the outskirts, the boonies, the sticks where there isn't any radio traffic. We would relish the opportunity to "call up" a pal and chat a bit. As long as we're being respectful to others and yielding the channel when necessary, I see nothing wrong with using the radio in that fashion. Besides, it's good practice for that SHTF scenario that the marketing folks so succinctly suggest the equipment is good for.
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1 hour ago, Papatree said:
Considering this for my next antenna (geesh, just got the Larsen's set-up
) as it seems it would be a easy swap and give me better coverage. Quick question...It's already tuned for GMRS correct (no trimming necessary)?
There's Comet GP-6NC 153-157/460-470MHz Base/Repeater Antenna tuned for GMRS
It's not in stock but you can see the details; https://www.gigaparts.com/comet-gp-6nc-153-157-460-470mhz-base-repeater-antenna.html
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2 minutes ago, WRNX804 said:
Whereabouts down east are you located, generally speaking? I'm in Nash county, just recently got my license and a DB20-G. Haven't heard any local traffic and am still trying to figure out how to connect to the repeater in Tarboro, WQYS795. I spend a lot of time in Edgecombe county with church and other activities, any help or contacts is appreciated!
The coastal plains of NC between Bettie and Cedar Island in Carteret County have the designation of "Down East". This includes Harkers Island, Davis, Atlantic, etc. Most of us border Core Sound which separates us from the wilder uninhabited portions of the Outer Banks. You're a good 165 miles away by road and 110 miles as the crow flies. I'll poke around and see if there's a repeater between us but I'm thinking that's doubtful and even on a good day we would both have to have some antennas way up in the air. I'm working on the antenna thing but not quite there yet.
I wish I could help you with some contacts but I'm struggling with that myself. It is deathly quiet on the radio out here. I'm chatting up the idea with a few neighbors and I have the Facebook Group in the works, but so far folks seem to be reluctant to engage.
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6 hours ago, plarkinjr said:
OK, so what is the magic incantation? I'm on "B", press & hold "*" to start scan, then press [BAND] to switch to "A", but all that happens is "scan stop" on "B". Press [BAND] again to switch to "A", then "*" to scan. Press [BAND] to switch to "B", but it only does "scan stop". How do I switch from "A" to "B" without stopping the scan?
I'm here just to say my KG-935G does the same thing. The user manual says that pressing any other key except the Up / Down keys will stop the scan. I'm thinking that the intentions are to allow a scan in one area and just a single channel in the other area, with the scan area being the "Main" area. If you get some chatter on your single channel, switch the Main to that area thus stopping scanning, take care of business on the single channel, then switch main back again to the scan, re-initiate the scan, then go again.
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1 hour ago, wroe929 said:
If you're just interested in receive of VHF why spend any money at all? I'd cut a length of #26 AWG wire (or whatever you have on hand) about 19 inches long and strip the last inch...wrap that last inch of stripped wire around the base (ground side contact) of your HT antenna, screw it down and let it hang. It'll receive just fine. You'd be wasting your money buying another antenna in my opinion. ALSO....IMHO, one shouldn't pay a whole lot of attention to "Gain" claims of antenna manufacturers.
All my GMRS radios receive VHF. I'm simply asking if a VHF/UHF antenna helps on the VHF receiving side without compromising GMRS communications.
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1 hour ago, bobthetj03 said:
I got this one based on what NotaRubicon used to use in his videos for 12 volt power supply. It worked fine for me while I programed the radio with the software.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078RZQ9WY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Looking at this again, that is a 10 Amp power supply, which in reality probably provides enough power for the normal functions of the radio. If the radio is fused for 15 amps then that usually means the highest consumption of current shouldn't exceed 12 amps. It could be lower and many times the fusing is to protect the wiring. It will be interesting to see what the actual current consumption is when the radio is stress tested. As soon as I get my hands on a radio I'll put a DC ammeter on it and peg it at one of the higher wattage channels and then we'll know. Thanks!
- wayoverthere and TOM47
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38 minutes ago, wayoverthere said:
Fair point. Some extra headroom in what the PSU can supply doesn't hurt anything except maybe the wallet
One of my high school shop instructors always had a come back when we tried to push things. He would say "Just because your speedometer says 100 mph doesn't mean you can go that fast"
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9 minutes ago, bobthetj03 said:
I got this one based on what NotaRubicon used to use in his videos for 12 volt power supply. It worked fine for me while I programed the radio with the software.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078RZQ9WY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
All I can tell you is what the user manual says and it states it needs a 20 amp supply. Truth be told they may be covering their butts but until I check it out I won't know for sure.
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17 minutes ago, wayoverthere said:
No good source of 12v in the RV?
For perspective, per the display on my alinco psu, my 50 watt Btech draws between 10 and 11 amps on high, while the 15 watt Midland drew 3.5 amps. If your wouxun is in the same ballpark, that would put it in the 4-5 amp range on high.
This pyramid is likely sufficient, though not a lot of headroom. Reasonably priced, and it's a linear regulated (rather than switching) power supply.
https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Compact-Bench-Power-Supply/dp/B000A896GG/
(I had an eye toward more than just the btech when I was setting up, so I over-spec'd on power supply, 22amp continuous, 30amp surge Alinco from DXE)
Yeah, I got 12 volts in the RV but much easier to plug into a 120 volt outlet not only for now but in the future if I want to use it in the shop or wherever. Until I can put an ammeter on the circuit I won't know exactly what I'm dealing with so for the moment I'm going with the 20 amp power supply per the operator's manual. I'll check it out after I get it hooked up and then report back.
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17 minutes ago, TOM47 said:
The owners manual says...
QuoteThe specified fuse current is 15A. The specified power source current is 20A and above
That cigarette lighter power supply is only good for 2 amps so I don't think it will cover the requirements of that radio.
Thanks for the lead but I think I need to keep looking.
Edit: Here's what I think we need; https://www.amazon.com/SHNITPWR-Converter-Cigarette-Transformer-Refrigerator/dp/B08LKTW22R/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=20%2Bamp%2Bcigarette%2Blighter%2Badapter&qid=1634334290&s=electronics&sr=1-5&th=1
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I just placed an order for the KG-XS20G. I wanted the Nagoya NL-770G mobile antenna but they're back ordered for a couple of weeks so I settled on the Wouxun ANO-050G. I may look into a 120 volt power supply so I can play with it in the RV.
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4 hours ago, Trad77 said:
Hello,
What can a dude like me do to get more activity around here? What do you do to get more activity in your local area.
My situation is unique but my experience may help you. I created a Facebook Group specific to the area, disaster preparedness, and for GMRS. I then went fishing around for other FB groups that are specific to my area, did some chatting with the admins, got their blessings and then invited their membership to join my group. Within 2 days I got 15 members and they're still dribbling in. With a couple of exceptions none of these folks are familiar with GMRS so I'm feeding them some YouTube videos and links to web sites. I hoping eventually we will have some users in the area and a little more activity on the air waves. If you want to make it happen you got to work it from different angles.
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14 minutes ago, wayoverthere said:
I can try to get pictures in a day or two, but for my single cab Ranger-clone, I have the mount centered on the roof.
For cable routing, I tucked the cable beind the back edge of the outer top door seal at the top corner of the passenger door, following along the outside of the inner seal down to the bottom of the door, then looping up and toward the back to cross the seal, to create a drip loop and discourage water intrusion.
I'll take a look at that. I wasn't sure if anyone ran the cable between the bed and cab, under the cab, and through the firewall. I would prefer to not cut off the factory BNC connector but if it came to that it's not the end of the world. Thanks and if you happen to think about it, some pictures would be nice.
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23 hours ago, Guest Craig D. said:
I paid for my license and have not received my call sign how long does it usually take? do they email you?
Yes, they email you with a link to a downloadable pdf which is your radio station authorization (license). I received mine the day after order but I've heard it could be a couple days
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As soon as payday gets here I believe I will order the VHF/UHF version of this antenna, the GP-6NC;
https://cometantenna.com/land-mobile/base-antennas/vhfuhf-dual-band/
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5 minutes ago, bwill said:
I have the Wouxun kg UV-9G Pro
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Ok, that makes sense You originally said KG UV-9R and had me scratching my head. None the less I hope you enjoy your new radio. As a newbie myself I first setup a scan of all the GMRS channels to see who's out there. Depending upon your location you may find some chatter or if you're in the sticks it could be quiet as a church house mouse. The other thing I did was search repeater locations using the tools at MyGMRS. I contacted the owner of the nearest repeater for permission and found a willing soul to give me a radio check. I was proud to be able to hit the repeater at 29 miles away. After that you're on your own. It helps if you have friends, family or neighbors willing to participate on GMRS.
For the other features of your radio such as scanning emergency services and other "entertaining" frequencies a visit to https://www.radioreference.com/ will yield what's available in your area.
Using the software may benefit setup of some of these extra channels that you want to listen to.
Welcome and good luck with your familiarization of the radio.
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Ok, that makes sense
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On 5/21/2021 at 3:41 PM, MozartMan said:
Another option is to disable all COM ports in the BIOS of your computer motherboard. This way, when you plug in your programming cable, you will have only one COM port to choose from. This was my case.
And disabling all COM ports in the BIOS should not be a problem because I don't think you can find computer peripherals in this age of technology that use serial ports.
Never say never
As a systems integrator I run into serial devices on the factory floor on a regular basis. Weigh scales, label printers, PLC's and so on. It's mostly customers that are trying to milk every last bit from that "old technology" before converting over to IP devices and having to re-code the system. Yeah, I know I'm the Lone Ranger, but just making a point that that stuff is still running in someone else's world. You would flip out if you saw the number of virtual com ports I have on my notebook.
- TOM47 and wayoverthere
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Is this a Wouxun or Baofeng and confirm the model number please.
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Ford F Series Pickup Owners, how did you route a cable from a magnetic base antenna into the cab? I have a 2013 F-250 if that makes any difference.
Source for LMR-400 Ultraflex
in General Discussion
Posted
I am most definitely in flat country here in the coastal plains of NC. I've already committed to the Comet antenna. I actually got the last one in stock at GigaParts and they have no idea when any more are coming in.
My plan was to set a 25 to 30 foot utility pole and then have a 25 to 30 foot mast come off the top of that. So the base of the antenna will be 50 to 60 feet from ground level. The antenna is 10 foot 5 inches.