BLIND-HAMS Archives

For blind ham radio operators

BLIND-HAMS@LISTSERV.ICORS.ORG

Options: Use Forum View

Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Zach Shifflett <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
For blind ham radio operators <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:12:39 -0400
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (114 lines)
Yup.
I got myself an adapter for it as well.
I wasn't familiar with the so239 and pl259 situation, but I googled it
and figured out that was the adapter I needed before I made my order.
I'm really looking forward to getting this stuff and hitting some of
my local repeaters.
I've been monitoring them with my stock ruber duck on the uv5r since I
first got the radio, and I've found a couple nets to join, and figured
out when people are usually on.
I just hope I get my call sign soon.
73
Zach

On 6/11/13, Colin McDonald <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> looks like you've got some good stuff to be going on with there.
> Maybe a dumb question, but you did get an adapter to go from the male SMA on
>
> the radio to the pl259 connecter on the antenna coax right?
> The adapter is a female SMA to SO239.
> the SO239 is also refered to as a female UHF connecter just in case you ever
>
> come across that.  The PL259 is the male version, and is also sometimes
> refered to as a male UHF connecter.
> For anyone who is wondering, the Tram 1185 is a quarter wave dual band
> magnetic mount style antenna.  Unity gain more or less on boht bands, though
>
> they do claim 2DB gain on UHF which is suspect at best lol.
>
> BTW, yes, the nagoya 701 works extremely well with the uv5R, as with any
> HT.
> I never did buy one, but use the J0125A antenna which is about $3.50 on ebay
>
> and has about the same specs, though it is a little shorter than the nagoya
>
> 701.
> Over the stock antenna, the nagoya is a pretty good improvement.  Often
> making the difference between being able to carry on a conversation on a
> repeater with someone, and just barely hitting the repeater.
> After all, it isn't just about being able to hit the repeater and hold it,
> but having a good enough signal that people can understand you and carry on
>
> any kind of conversation without having to try and pick you out of the
> noise.
> On average, the 701 will improve your transmitted signal about 1 or 2 s
> units between a direct comparison with the stock duck.
> this can be a mile, could be ten miles just depends on the repeater, or
> station you are talking to.
>  the terrain and any line of sight obstructions that may be between you and
>
> the station or repeater you are talking with will also come into play of
> course.
>
> Height can be advantageous for sure, but sometimes going up higher in your
> house or building doesn't always help due to structural impediments to the
> signals...such as rebar in the concrete, wire underneath stucko, metal
> siding etc.
> Outside will almost always yield the best results, although, sometimes,
> especially on UHF frequencies, if the repeater or station is on the other
> side of the house from you, sometimes the close proximity of the building
> will effect the signal a bit.
> Anyway, you'll get a much better feel for which is the best operating
> position once you finally get that callsign.  Another trick is to use the
> magnetic mount antenna stuck to some sort of large flat metal surface either
>
> inside or outside...this will in itself give a significant improvement over
>
> even the nagoya when operating at home.
> Anything from a metal railing, to a large serving platter, to a cooky sheet,
>
> to a metal table, barrel, almost anything that will give you a big flat
> metal surface without any metal obstructions to the sides of the actual
> antenna whip.
> A stove top, the top of the fridge, the top of a window air conditioning
> unit, many common metal surfaces will work.
> You need the larger metal surface to act as a ground plain for the antenna
> to work against if you will to get the best results.
> Ultimately, 19 inches out from the bass of the antenna in all directions
> works best for the VHF side of the antenna.
>
> 73
> Colin, V A6BKX
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Zach Shifflett" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2013 12:31 AM
> Subject: my rig, and still no call sign!
>
>
>> Hi all, It's been over a week, and still no call sign!
>> I waited up till 2 A.M to check the uls system after the daily
>> downtime, assuming that's when the new licenses probably upload.  In
>> reality, I actually have no idea if this is true, but oh well.  I'm
>> like a kid on Christmas waiting on this license. lol
>> So here's a description of my rig so far.
>> My yl got me one of the baofeng uv5r+'s for my birthday, as I've told
>> the list before.  This is what actually finally inspired me to take my
>> tech test.
>> I got a 7 inch Nagoya na701 to replace the stock rubber duck for
>> portable operating.  This antenna is supposed to add a mile or two of
>> range over the stock duck, and there were several reviews that claimed
>> that it boosted repeater performance considerably.  It was only 8
>> bucks, so I figured i'd just go ahead and buy it since it was that
>> cheap with a 5 star review on amazon.  Maybe I'll be able to hit the
>> local repeater from the upstairs porch or back yard with it.
>> I also got a duel band tram 1185 mag mount for the car, along with one
>> of the battery eliminators you plug into the cigarette lighter.
>> The antenna was relatively cheap, only 25 bucks with the mount
>> included, and I read a lot of reviews on blogs, amazon, etc. that
>> claim it's pretty good.
>> Here's hoping my call sign comes in soon.
>> 73,
>> Zach
>

ATOM RSS1 RSS2