Ham Radio Riders?

[K6OST]

Do we have any hams on the board? I know "Whynot?" is, any others? Stop in and say hello.

I don't have a burning desire yet, but I was just curious if anyone has tried or looked into mounting up a 2-meter system. I was thinking a handheld in a pocket on my tankbag or backpack with some sort of headset up into the helmet. Any other ideas?

I suppose I could just cruise the Internet all day while here at work to find out how other riders are doing it.

Steve
K6OST

[kneedrachen]

i got my tech no-code back in middle school, it lapsed when i went to college and the world of women and beer came in to play, my call was N2UAG, at the time since i was so young it stood for Under Age Gigolo....not too bad eh? I have thought about getting back in to it, since I still have all my of 2 meter equipment, just haven't had time yet. . .i'd like to get my old sign back, i don't know if the fcc would do that or not.
alex

[K6OST]

I just looked it up and N2UAG is available as a vanity call sign. You should look into getting it back.

http://www.radioqth.net/vanity/Avail1x3Prefix60.aspx

[tmcgee]

Do we have any hams on the board? I know "Whynot?" is, any others? Stop in and say hello.

Hi Steve. I'm KA1TOX and run an APRS tracker on the bike a lot of the time.

http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KA1TOX-10

Haven't looked into voice operation, but I do use a Scala Rider setup withthe cellphone.

[Tomb]

I'm not a ham but use my Yaesu VX-6R (modified) with a Motocomm headset when officiating professional bicycle races that have commercial band radios for the cage and stage-bound officials and we piggy-back on their frequencies. Using the commercial band radios on a motorcycle without a headset and PTT connection is a real PITA and dangerous to the riders and others involved in the race.

At lesser races and when traveling to and from races we're usually on FRS or GMRS radios that work with the same headset.

A number of the officials have gone the Autocom route but since I'm a parsimonious SOB and the Motocomm works quite well for me, I've elected not to spend the money.

Since the only time I use this gear is in races with licensed radios I've not taken the time to get a license. I don't think I've ever used a pure 2-meter frequency.

[whynot?]

Just say hallo again for the Ham's as KF6RYV. I do not have yet to install any of those but was thinking about a Yaesu VX5 which I have try earpiece/VOX capabilities. As of now I ordered the Nolan N-Comm system which I will connect (using multimedia vire V) to my Zumo 550 and that will be connected to the phone. Once this works I am planning on building on this system and see if I can connect the ham radio to the ear piece and microphone already in the helmet and if use a PTT button on the left handle bar....

[SCraig]

Yup, another one here. WA4TTK - first licensed as WN4TTK in '76. I've been inactive for the past few years but still have my stuff stuck in a closet.

[K6OST]

See? I just knew there were a few hams here. Hello to all!

[torqueman]

kb8kmm Have not been active for a while.

[kneedrachen]

just an FYI to all, this thread made me want my license back, i picked up the ARRL book up for my technician license as soon as i posted on this thread, and i am testing on 4/21....picked up a yaesu vx-7r today as some motivation and i'll be reapplying for my old call sign (N2UAG) as a vanity call sign....I'm excited, thanks for the motivation and stirring up an old interest! It's amazing, I got my license at 13, and i'm 27 now, kind of regressing maybe???
either way, i was STUNNED to see that code is no longer required to test!?!?!? amazing, i guess it is a way of streamlining things, yet parts of the bands are still CW only...hmm....
alex

[zed88]

Yep I'm ham too. Have not ever operated on the bike, but will be interested to see what you come up with :)

[crash50]

Yep, I might as well join in to. Callsign: N7IBC. Location is McCall,Idaho.
I have the VX6R. I am trying to adapt it to the bike, and have a bracket that I ordered from Sportsmans Guide that fits the handlebars.
It's a butt-ugly mount, and large, but the radio is solid once strapped in.
I bought the CT-19 adaptor that goes from the radio to a Pryme SPM-800 closed face helmet speaker/mic system.
It receives well, but when I transmit, it does so a moment, then unkeys.

I have not yet figured that one out.

I am just using the handheld antenna on the radio as it is in the clear, and not touching anything.

If anyone of you has any ideas in that area, I'm open to suggestions.

I am also on HF radio if anyone is so inclined to try and contact each other that way.

crash50

[zed88]

I'm going to bet that you can find a pretty decent ram mount solution for your handy talkies. I'd also try remote mounting the head units (if you can do that) to the handlebars, and have the radio on the tail rack or under the seat (heat permitting).

[kneedrachen]

a stromtrooper dxpedition in the works????

[tmcgee]

I'm going to bet that you can find a pretty decent ram mount solution for your handy talkies. I'd also try remote mounting the head units (if you can do that) to the handlebars, and have the radio on the tail rack or under the seat (heat permitting).

I tuck the Kenwood D700A under the seat with the head unit in the tankbag. No problem except draining than battery when I set the APRS beacon at 30 second intervals in cold weather -- if I'm using heated clothing. I added a Kisan charge guard a month ago so I can keep an eye on the charging system.

http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=KA1TOX-10

[S83]

N9XPP here. I have thought about it but haven't gone any further. I've played around with APRS a bit too. That would be cool on the bike also. My brother is also a ham. He is looking into getting a bike. We thought it would be great bike to bike simplex.

[bicyclewrench]

I've never ridden a ham radio. Hows that work? :rolleyes:

[tmcgee]

I've never ridden a ham radio. Hows that work? :rolleyes:

Put it under the seat.

[bicyclewrench]

Ask a stupid question get a smart answer. That'll learn me. (yeah right)

[Tomb]

Mounted my VX6R on the handlebars using a RAM mount with the top component being a RAM111B plate with heavy duty Velcro (the coarse side). I put the soft side on the back of the VX6R. When it's on the bike I loop the tether (wrist strap) over the mirror. Works like a champ and has never fallen off the plate in 15K+ miles.

[p7m8jg]

Another hammer here.
Got my tech license several years ago. Just upgraded to general when they dropped the code.

I shove my Icom W32A into my tank bag & run the wire to my earpiece - have the PTT switch on the handlebars. Antenna off the back of the bike, run coax under the seat to the HT. Cig Lighter Adapter plugs into outlet I attached to the handlebars. Works great.

John
K6JJG

[hamradioman]

I am also a ham. My call is NX3P and live just north of Huntsville, AL. Originally from SW Pennsylvania. I have not yet added any equipment to my 2006 DL650, but do own a Yaesu vx-2 and could see it mounted on my bike in the future.

Ride Safe,

Stan

[egrant]

KB5AL is my call. [Kindly Bring 5 Alluring Ladies] Originally got K7REQ (if I remember correctly) back in the 60s but let it expire. I have a couple old 2 meter hand-helds but haven't been on the air in many years.

[Klay]

Check this radio out:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0813.html

The control head is rated as submersible at three feet depth for 30 minutes. (IP57 standard) So it will work well on the handlebar of a motorcycle without worrying about rain or dust.

I've always avoided any kind of radio on my motorcycles because I need to concentrate on my riding. But this one could put me over the edge.

Here's another ham: My call is AA0WW and I've been licensed since 1994. I got an extra class license right away because I was interested in weak signal HF. There are a few hams in every crowd, it seems. I'm sort of minimally active these days, at least I always am listening to HF keeping an ear out for a good opening.

Klay

[Klay]

....picked up a yaesu vx-7r today

That's a great radio for motorcycle travel...waterproof, lightweight and compact, transmits on 4 VHF bands, listens to AM/FM broadcast, shortwave broadcast, wx and marine channels preprogrammed, etc. etc.

I have one, too, it's great to listen around to what's happening in the world in the tent before I go to sleep.

I've taken it kayaking also and it's lived up to the waterproof claim.

[2wheeldeb]

I'm a ham n7lpv have been for years not nearly as active lately but now you have me thinking would be great to have 2 meter capqability on long trips
Deb

[Klay]

It's fun to see if there are any two meter repeaters around at the end of the day. Also it's fun to have a radio that can listen to the national weather service, especially if you are camping.

[2wheeldeb]

With the internet and cell phones can't tell you the last time I used 2 meters. we used to use a lot when we took trips and camped. My husband is an avid cw operator and we have a 90 foot tower at our house.
deb

[jerryh]

Another HAM here. Originally licensed in 1958 as a conditional class and relicensed as a general in 2001. I run a Kenwood THF6 on a RAM mount with an Audioboss headset on a BMW K1200LT. It works very well for bike to bike and for repeater use if you are not too far away from the repeater. I went with the Kenwood because of its extended recieve capability. May take a good look at the new Yaesu FTM 10RS when it comes out.

Jerry W9CZW

[Klay]

With the internet and cell phones can't tell you the last time I used 2 meters. we used to use a lot when we took trips and camped. My husband is an avid cw operator and we have a 90 foot tower at our house.
deb

Wish I had a 90 foot tower.

It's just fun to fiddle with the radio in the tent, find a repeater or two, and listen to a little shortwave broadcast.

Some places in Colorado it's easier to access a two meter repeater than find cell coverage. Just a couple valleys over from the main road you lose cell coverage, but you can almost always find a two meter repeater if you are high enough. Then, if the repeater is part of the Colorado link, you can talk all over the state.

[rhbell]

VE3NZQ here - ham for about 25 years and avid SWL since age 5. Carry a 2 mtr rig with me most times but don't use it unless stopped.I used to have a 2m rig permanent on my 76 GS750 but haven't touched my '06 Wee yet although the BC repeater directory will be a part of my month long West Coast trip in August / Sept..

73's
Bob

Holland Landing

[brodon]

I've only had my DL 1000 for a few months, but have been thinking about mounting some VHF equipment.

I suppose the ant. mount would need some innovative ideas, given the configuration of the Strom.

But, Ham Radio and motorcycle touring is a great combo.

Don
N4TFF

[Klay]

Don,

I would pick out a half-wave antenna (doesn't rely on a ground plane) for VHF, then you can mount it anywhere physically convenient.

[brodon]

Hey. . . thanks for the tip.

I'll start looking around to see what available.

Don

[tmcgee]

Don,

I would pick out a half-wave antenna (doesn't rely on a ground plane) for VHF, then you can mount it anywhere physically convenient.

I have a 5/8 wave for 2 meters mounted fairly low on the bike. It's used for APRS tracking.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3435/img0243ps8.jpg

[whiskey7]

W7REX checking in from Michigan. First licensed in Salt Lake City.

I have a Yaesu VX-6R that I plan on using with a mobile antenna on my H&B rack with an Autocomm system.


73 de W7REX

[darin bell]

AC6CA here in the nice community of Mission Viejo, CA.

I use my Kenwood TH78A through my Autocomm unit.

[K6OST]

Just a reminder for all of you ham radio operators past, present, future, and interested others that field day is this weekend.

During Field Day ham radio clubs and organizations from all over take there gear out in the field (usually a park type setting) and try to contact each other. This is done to help out in the event of an emergency. If you didn't know, your cell phone will NOT work during a major disaster. During these kinds of events the cell network is shut down to avoid overload and to help prevent looting.

It'll be a good time to witness HF ham radio operation and to even give it a try yourself.

You can go to the arrl.org website and find an event in or near your hometown.

Sorry to all about sounding like a commercial but a ham radio operator with a means to get around (V-strom) during a major disaster can be a major asset to your community.

[Robert C]

Hello all, KD6EVH here. I Currently do not have a ham radio rig as I am in P.R. China. For that matter, I do not have a Vstrom; however, I am strongly considering getting one when I return to the states (the only two factors will be , the obvious, that I will not have a job when I return, and the hight of the Vstrom, I am 5'6").

[techsender]

WD8CBO here, first licensed in 76. Still active, lately with 6 meter FM from the car and the occasional 2 meter contact. Havent figured it out on the bike yet, it only has 1100 miles on it and is 3 weeks old.

[gumshoe4]

W6LPH here...currently inactive because of where we live...hard to do an antenna farm here...but close to retirement and then we'll resolve that little problem.

I like the idea of a VHF rig on the bike, particularly that new Yaesu rig...also like CB as well. On a trip to Oregon last year, I found that when you get out in the wild places, the loggers, truckers and lots of other people use CB as a primary means of communications, so I'll probably be putting a CB rig on the bike before a VHF set. If it gets annoying, it's just a question of turning it off. The J&M CB set looks good, but is expensive...

Glad to see lots of hams on board!!

Bob

[Chunks]

K4XA In North Ga...licensed since I was 11....

[timj]

QRZ :)

VK6EI here... Ex EI4HL / G0VGE

Visit the local club site... www.ncrg.org.au

Licenced since 1982.

[Oldbindlestiff]

...AC4ZY...Tampa, FL....initially K1QZX...yup, consonants is me!

[Dennis Robertson]

Has anybody seen a helmet headset for that new Yaesu FTM-10 rig yet? I got the radio and currently listen using bud-type earphones inside the helmet, but the mike for the thing is INSIDE the control head. The only way to TX is using the headpiece or buying a Yaesu handmike. I want my Autocom!! Motocomm says they are working on it but have no release date.

[DEWstrom]

AC4OK, Don here. Been hamin' since 74 (ex WB4FCY). I had considered running 2 meters on the Strom, but started thinking about all the trouble in operating and riding what with all the different hands and feet doing enough already!....yeah, I know, but I'm gettin older and need all the concentration I can muster keeping this 996cc beast between the lines!

73,

AC4Ok

[Farscape]

KE5CCC here in OK. Got my Tech license a couple of years ago. Mostly monitor the 2m repeater during severe weather.

I have a Kenwood 2m/440 in my Tacoma. I don't have any HT equipment.

I sure have thought about getting an HT to take with me as a backup to my cell phone on the Wee...

[crash50]

I have a radio mount on the right side of the bars that holds the Yeasu and another mount in the center that holds my Garmin e-Trex Vista HCX.
I have a Pryme SP-800 helmet mounted mic and am using a 1/4 wave frame mounted 2M/440 antenna.
The setup works fine, and I can usually hit repeaters about 40 miles away with no problem.

Now, to try and mount it on the KLR-----.

[Windwalker]

KD7RYN here, I have a Yeasu FTM-10 with a Ncom Bluetooth setup. I attached my antenna to my Givi Side mount racks, Works great except I occasionally kick it when mounting up
:-D

[tibejara]

To bad we can't do any DX from our bikes, HK4HHG, not to many hams with bikes locally.

Have a nice ride

[garrobito]

Hi there! Here KI6DMM.
I have a yaesu ft 1802 and a diamond antenna in my vstrom.
I don't talk too much when ride but is good to know if something happens I have 50W in vhf "just in case":):):)

[jasonslay]

K5FYI here. Good to hear about everyone getting back into radio. As a VE I have seen more than a few no-code Technicians relicensing, especially since the code requirement for General and Extra was dropped. I am new to riding and am weary about operating mobile, at least until I get my basic riding skills down. I think I will try running an APRS setup when I do more long distance travel. Nice to see some of the Strom Troopers are hams!

[KRS]

Ham here too.

I haven't thought of transmitting while riding but hey, with a collett headset on my dream wishlist... it could become a reality!

KRS

[RockyMtnRoadRash]

Question for ya'll HAMs: If having a HAM license lets you legally DIY your radios, is there any reason legal or otherwise you can't just have a single radio with settings that pop into FRS/GMRS/CB/Whatever? This seems like the ideal situation so that you can use the more common unrestricted bands when needed, and then hop over to HAM if you're really out in the boonies or just to muck around.

Or am I missing the boat and do nice ham setups just stuff the unrestricted band functionality in as an extra?

[Wombat]

KD5RHM here. Haven't transmitted in a couple of years. Used to have a IC-2800h in my Cherokee. I haven't thought about working my VX5r from the bike. Will have to look into it, when I do get a Wee.

Rocky Mtn. the FRS/GPRS bands are near the 2m ham band. CB is near the 10m band. You do need a license for GPRS, you fill out the card that comes with the radio and send it in to the FCC. On almost all 2m radios the FRS/GPRS bands are locked or hidden. You can "open" your radio using software or modding. Technically transmitting on these bands with such a radio is illegal or borderline, depending on your country. This doesn't stop most.
Anyone who knows more about this, please correct me.

[snakesan]

hello folks, n4xft here, nice to meet u guys. the only 2 meter i have done is sitting on the Parkway overlooks and using simplex. great antenna height!:-D

[BenM]

the FRS/GPRS bands are near the 2m ham band.

KD5THI here. FRS/GPRS is actually near the 70cm band, Wombat - I believe you are correct that out of band transmission is illegal (except MARS). HAM radios are not type accepted by the FCC for anything other than their intended purpose.

[Kieth]

If you use a Kenwood handheld or a Icom, Autocom has a interface cord for them. Get a Autocom, get the PTT button and HAM it up. Kieth in Tulsa

Problem solved, good mike, headset designed for a bike, and you can enjoy music, gps, ham, frs, gmrs, music, radar detector and last but not least talking to your wife !! Oh we do offer a deluxe version with a 500 dollar option: switch which turns off the intercom from her, she can only listen....:cool:

[dtalk]

Hi, folks -- reopening an old thread here to see if other Strom'in hams have encountered interference problems from the bike's electrical system, and how they were solved.

I have a VX7R mounted on the bike, and it works well enough for my purposes using just the stock rubber ducky, but only on battery power. I've identified the power cable as a significant source of ignition noise (a whine which rises and falls with engine speed) on transmit.

I've added a choke (tried two different ones) and a filter capacitor, and even tried using the center conductors of a pair of RG58 cables for power distribution, to benefit from the outer braid as shielding. I haven't had any luck banishing the noise no matter what configuration I use.

Admittedly, my skills are meager, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who has encountered noise from the DL650's ignition system. Anyone care to share experiences and solutions?

Cheers! -d

[ssecrest]

W8WFO checking in. I run an Echolink simplex node and it's always connected
the the *DODROPIN* server which is run by 4 of us that met up a year ago.

I had a DL1000 but sold it a couple of years ago and have missed it terribly
ever since. I will be picking up a used 03 very soon and will set up something
on it. I may use an FT60R with a Tiny Trak or just go all the way and run my
TM-D700 on it. There's always the chance of dragging along an FT857D and
some portable HF antennas to get away from all the qrm city life brings.

When I start setting up the DL, I'll keep this thread posted with the results.

Steve W8WFO
*DODROPIN*
www.dodropin.org

[dtalk]

There's always the chance of dragging along an FT857D and some portable HF antennas to get away from all the qrm city life brings.


If you mount something that size, I'll be very interested in your mounting solutions. Do you have any interest in the FTM-10R? They sure look perfect for the task and enviroment.

73

[ssecrest]

If you mount something that size, I'll be very interested in your mounting solutions. Do you have any interest in the FTM-10R? They sure look perfect for the task and enviroment.

73

Well, if I mounted a 700, it would be in a top case with the control head up
front on a permanent bracket. Simply drop the chassis and the head into
their respective mounts and plug into permanent cables. Maybe mount a half
wave on the top box lid. The same could be done with an 857 but I was
thinking of a portable kit for that using light weight dipoles and an LDG tuner
for off the bike use. I've never had a desire to play on HF while driving much
less riding.

One cool thing the 700 could be used for besides APRS is to crossband repeat
so while off the bike, the HT could still be used rather effectively to hit
repeaters not easily reached with HT alone.

Yes, I have considered and do lust for a 10R. I was hoping to use what I
have on hand for the time being. A friend had one on a 650 Dakar until a
deer took him out a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure it will be moved the the
GS850 he just put money down on. He likes it very much.

Steve W8WFO
*DODROPIN*
www.dodropin.org

[sayuri]

Hi I am new member :)
I purchased STANDERD(YAESU) FTM-10S and installed BU-1 chip into her. Also I purchased NOLAN N-42 then tried to conect this helmet to FTM-10S with Bluetooth. They could paring and heard FM radio and received signal and voice of my friend who sent from his ham radio. But I could not send my voice to him. I could not cominicate both VOX and PTT.
Any one already using FTM-10 with NOLAN N-COMsystem or has any comments about my situations :confused:

[dustycompton]

Just past by this thread while searching for something else, I don't post much as I can usually find what I'm looking for but this one sparked my interest.

I have had a license since I was in middle school but haven't talked in a few years.

-N4DDC

[clustersurvivor]

steve,see my new thread. If you want to put a rig on the bike its now easy to do with a remote mount head radio. I picked up the FT7100 vhf/uhf,dual receive for 125 bucks. You could probably put a Yaesu 1802 2 meter mobile on the dash also,i think its small enough. I think they run about 120 bucks,vhf only but also 50 watts with wideband vhf receive. The real way is to go bluetooth. The Yaesu bluetooth system on the FTM10SR OR HIGH POWER R VERSION works but not the greatest,lots of bluetooth digitization on the audio,but cool handlebar mount and tiny control head if you wanted to go that way. iT also receives am/fm,and has mp3 plugin but cost about 500 bucks after you get all the needed accessories,not including antenna. Check out my pic on i think eham,wr6s and you will see the control head on the handlebars on the drz. I have the FTM10SR 10w vhf 7w uhf on my drz400,but the new wee system using the TALKSAFE outboard bluetooth module works way better.50watts vhf and 35 uhf with the FT7100 he he he. There are many bluetooth helmet setups but most suffer from being way too hot on the mic. tHEY ARE AFTERALL MADE FOR CELLPHONE INTERFAACING,but the TALKSAFE has an audio tx gain pot built in so this may take care of having to modify the helmet systems,easy as it is to do. I had to pot my Blueant Interphone and adjusted it so there was NO WIND NOISE AT 60 MPH. I think the Talksafe boxes can come with an interface cord for just about any radio anyone wants to put on,including cb.[well i been a ham for 23 years,i could wire it to anything],anyway,see my new post and maybe ill meet you in VV. I take my daughter to school wednsdays by vv college,and you can see it firsthand if you like. You can at least hear it live! Forget a handheld in your jacket with a rubber duck and a wired helmet system,ki6chh in lake la tried that and it sucked untill he changed to a different mic element from the PRYME wired system he was using. He ended up putting on a real antenna and adding a 30 watt amp. This was after his hanheld Yaesu VX7 exploded from vibration from being mounted on the handlebars,he now puts a ht in a rubber can holder. It is just a cluster screw system but does work. I like CLEAN.Should have just started out doing it right with a real mobile and bluetooth ha ha ha .Go hi tech,bluetooth with a real radio and antenna!

[Violione]

KD4JKW,
Been licensed since 1991. I run a Icom T-81A into the StarCom Advanced unit on the FJR. I currently use the MFJ Triband SMA duck antenna mounted just port of the Givi top case. Works very well on 1.2 Ghz & 23cm, fairly well on 2 meters and pretty darn butt ugly on 6 meters. I did have a Diamond tri-band but at 72 inches long, it was a little much and the wind whistle was quite annoying, awesome performance thought on all bands including 1.2 Ghz & 6 meters.
The Wee is actually the wifes bike and the only plans right now are for either a GMRS rig or something on the order of an Alinco DJ-C6E.