Amateur Radio Set up

The FT857D is an excellent radio at a very good price – I have owned one for over two years and have no criticism of the radio worth mentioning.

There is an active FT857 mailing list here:
FT857 mailing list
with some very knowledgeable people posting.

The radio may be easily widebanded to cover VKS737 by performing the mod here:
Wideband mod for 857

I do not have the experience to comment on the Yaesu autotuners but I have not noticed any particular problem being mentioned on the mailing list – I suggest you search the list archives.

FAMPARC do an excellent HF tapped whip here:
FAMPARC radio club
and you could use a dual band 2m/70cm for the other frequencies. My 857 is not mounted in the vehicle (I have an FT7800R for 2m/70cm) and I use a wire inverted vee with a LDG Z100 autotuner (a wire antenna will beat a vertical on HF any day) – excellent unit, imported from the USA for A$180 including postage from here:
US radio supplier

Mike Harding

mike_harding@fastmail.fm

Mike this topic has been dealt with in some detail before.

Maybe have a read of this thread that was done sometime ago which is well written and will not doubt give you a balanced view to consider.

HF Radio Thread

Hi Mike & John,

Thanks for your help.

I did see the previous threads however they all seem to be a 'debate' over the merits or weakeness of the various types of communication i.e. amateur versus the other networks.

I've already decided to go amateur and will expand the radio as Mike has suggested to gain the extra frequency ranges and capture some of these networks (and probably join).

Mike - the aerial concerned was the Yaesu ATAS-120 - here is the discuussion - issues with moisture etc. http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/58800/Amateur_Radio_Set_up.aspx.

Someone else suggested the Codan 9350. I don't have a lot of knowledge at the moment regarding aerials, but am looking for a self tuning device that will give me maximum frequency spread.

I have fairly well decided on the Yaesu although others are saying Kenwood... (Toyota vs Landy :-) ) Issues that seem to be raised include menus versus channels, ease of use whilst mobile etc etc

Thanks for your ideas guys...

Mike Burton

Hi John and Mike,

Thanks very much once again.

No John, I don't want to debate this issue, it is not the point of my enquiry. I'm aware of all those issues, I have seen the previous threads and have no wish to start another similar thread over old heated debates - I have alread made up my mind on this, thanks anyway.

Thanks Mike - will look at the two antenna option. It sounds like you support the Yaesu ATAS-120 so i will investigate further. A lot of Americans seem to have had issues with it. I'll review the Yahoo thread when I gain membership.

There are a couple of Australian whip manufacturers as you have suggested. I've also been told of an operation here in WA - Terlin.

Mike, I also would like to mount the Yaesu as a temporary fixture so that it can be removed for home base use. Would something like the glovebox do, do you think?

Thanks for taking the time,

Mike Burton

I'm out of the HF amateur debate. Re the UHF - recommend the Icom 400 pro ..... quality maker...a host of features - good scan options / choices including the repeater 'sniffer' sold me.

Hi Mike,
I have a Yaesu FT-857d installed in a Prado with the yaesu remote kit and I am very happy with it. The aerials are a vhf/uhf multiband whip and a FAMPRC multi-tapped whip for HF. The system works well. The radio is modded for wide band coverage TX on HF.
I have a GME uhf CB as well as the yaesu don't cover past 470Mhz.

I had a screwdriver aerial installed and it fell to bits with the vibrations.
I check into various nets when travelling and always get good audio reports etc.
I have held a advanced amateur licence since the mid 70's

Hope this helps

Thanks Darian and Mike, I'll check out the Icom , they have a reputation of being a good radio. The remote mic sounds like a good option.

I don't know what is wrong with these 'land mobile network' extremists. They must have chips on their shoulders. They keep dropping unnecessary and uninvited comments on this thread when it was expressly requested that we avoid this debate - the decision on this matter has been made. It is a little like the Toyota/ Nissan/ Land Rover arguement - no one can win or will be right.

It seems to me after a little research that the Amateur radio whilst not built like a Sherman Tank has a much wider frequency range (0.1-56 MHz, 76-108 MHz, 118-164 MHz, 420-470 MHz) with the operator requiring to be properly training and licensed.
From what I can see for the land mobile networks, you pays ya money and it entitles you to use 5 channels without any training or competency testing. Of course further channels are available should you want to 'buy' them. All of this is also available to the trained VK6 with a flick of the VFO and a purchase of a land mobile call sign (available to anyone)? I also understand the the the new Landcrisers shouldn't leak red dust and have climate control, with a pretty slick suspensio system - therefore the Yaesu shouldn't 'suffer' too much.

Thanks again for your help guys!

Mike

got my foundation licence last year had the amateur bands fitted to my coden ngt with auto tune aerial works good you can have all the hf channels as well. my only prublum is the amateur people seem to talk amost themselvs not interested in foundation members not like the vks and hf radio club. safe driveing mal.b

Hi Mike. An advanced welcome to Amateur Radio.
It is a rewarding & interesting hobby. To get the most out of it, try to upgrade once you have the feel for it.
Have you yet studied the regulations for your foundation license?
The LCDs require that you operate at a maximum power level of 10watts PX (PEP).
With this low power level and any mobile HF antenna (short HF verticals are not efficient) you may struggle to be heard!
Any improvements in the antenna department will improve received & transmitted signals. With an auto tune antenna, it is a lot more simple to extend the whip top with a length of wire than to run out a dipole antenna - less gear to pack in the car too!
I looked at the Yaesu auto tune antenna at a demonstration at our club. Looked a bit flimsy to me - also very short.

The 100 watts PEP output permissible for VKS / RFDS use will be much more reliable.
The travelers net on 20 metres is a shadow of its former self. You are not licensed to use 20 metres anyway. The service provided by VKS - particularly with outback traveling, is far superior to anything offered by amateur radio.

Why not use a type approved radio, register for VKS and have an amateur option fitted? RF power control will be required.
These radios may not have all the features of an amateur radio but are specifically designed for your intended purpose for use by non technical operators (read other members of your family).

My experience with HF mobile radios fitted to my LC80s are.
Yaesu FT747 fell apart
Yaseu FT100 fell apart (probably in pre delivery)
Icom 7062g still running well but relegated to the work van. The Icom 706 _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx abour 2 amps on receive & gets VERY hot. The menu system is clunky if you want to change VFOs and switch from memory to VFO mode. Much easier to use in the memory mode whilst mobile.
Codan 8528 with 9350 auto tune - still going well.

Cheers, Tony - two amateurs in the family.

My set up is simple, robust & effective. I use a Codan 8528 with the Amateur option EPROM- with a FAMPARC antenna (VKS & Amateur taps) and a EAT300 manual tuner.
Gives me all the benefits of VKS737 (Selcall and RadPhone)- the flexibility of the Amateur HF bands, and other receive frequencies as required...

Thanks Mike and others for your advice. I had a hard drive crash so have been absent making repairs!
The big issue after all, does appear to be the debate between the network type radios and amateur equipment. The proponents of each appear to be one eyed and extreme with their views. I actually visited Barrett in Perth and spoke to them. The main issue seems to be complexity of use. Network radios are simple to use and are 'push button' driven. The ruggedness doesn't com into it on the inside of something like the LC200 for 6 weeks of use travelling in the Kimberley. The downside of the Network Radios appears to be the frequency range is restricted for the amateur, although they can be somewhat expanded.
I've decided for my use, I'll go with the Yaesu and look at the terlin/ other whips. I'll also pick up an Icom or Kenwood UHF rig.
I'm finishing the Foundation course in a couple of weeks and yes to those that asked, I do know the Foundation rules, regulations, power restrictions etc...

Thanks to all and any further advice will be gratefully received.

Mike

HSEQ,

have a very thorough discussion with your Toyota Dealer about how and where to install.

An LC200 Sahara owner in Canberra had a mate install a UHF CB and when he tested it, while driving, all 12 airbags went off because he tapped into the bus system for power.

There is a wealth of info on the LCOOL website. Join that an soak it up.

cheers