Is a handheld HAM worth it?

[davidv]

I am looking for a good radio solution and because I have a truck back camper a handheld is my only solution. I will need to use the radio while driving and while camped and don’t want to install 2 units. My interest in HAM is that I want as long a range as possible, but not interested (at this point ) in all the other HAM applications.

A CB is limited by law to 4 watts, and the vehicle mounted HAMs are 50+ watts. But the handhelds seem to be around 5 watts. The question is what range advantage do get with the 1 additional watt for the added expense and effort of the HAM handheld?

 

[CanuckMariner/Nomad]

Hand held hams have about the same range as a CB but a bit better quality and more features. If you want range get a full unit. They can be had for as little as $100 for single band, simple units.:costumed-smiley-007

 

[jjohnsonphx]

There are brackets that allow you to fully remove an installed radio and move it to another vehicle, or maybe to the camper. All you would need is an antenna switch to switch the antenna from the front bracket to the rear. I haven't seen them in a while, but you might find some at a Ham Radio Swap Meet.

The other option is to make up a switch that allows you to move a removable face plate and microphone to the back.

 

[rambrush]

I run a 706mk as a mobile two much trouble to constantly take it in and out. I have a Kenwood TH-F6A with a Diamond antenna on it. I can be 50+ miles from a repeater and still have great signal strength. Have not tried it with a mag mount antenna yet but that is also a great option.

 

[1leglance]

the antenna often makes much more of a difference than the wattage..
you can place a long good quality antenna properly on your rig and then using an adapter fit it to your handheld when in the rig.
I had a setup like this velcro'd to my FJ Cruiser dash and using a plug in speaker/mic it worked great.

 

[tdesanto]

the antenna often makes much more of a difference than the wattage..
you can place a long good quality antenna properly on your rig and then using an adapter fit it to your handheld when in the rig.
I had a setup like this velcro'd to my FJ Cruiser dash and using a plug in speaker/mic it worked great.

Lance is spot on with this one.

In almost all cases, I use only 5W with my mobile unit in my vehicle. I only increase the power if it's needed.

This would be a pretty versatile way to go.

 

[Hedge]

I am looking for a good radio solution and because I have a truck back camper a handheld is my only solution. I will need to use the radio while driving and while camped and don’t want to install 2 units. My interest in HAM is that I want as long a range as possible, but not interested (at this point ) in all the other HAM applications.

A CB is limited by law to 4 watts, and the vehicle mounted HAMs are 50+ watts. But the handhelds seem to be around 5 watts. The question is what range advantage do get with the 1 additional watt for the added expense and effort of the HAM handheld?

What are your desired communication capabilities? Emergency, intra-group trail comm, or something else?

What is your budget?

With answers to these questions it will be easier to offer appropriate insight and potential solutions.

 

[davidv]

The 2 uses I need the equipment for is vehicle to vehicle communication while on the road and trail. I like the handheld idea because if I’m traveling with a less equipped buddy I can hand them a hand held. Use 2 will be keeping in touch with my family when their in the camper and I’m up at the crack of dawn catching fish or similar scenario.

Budget: I was expecting $100 for a CB or $200 for a HAM handheld but would spend more if I could get a true long range handheld communication.

Emergency application would be a bonus but at this point I have SPOT as my emergency plan.

 

[ldivinag]

you could also buy a downstream amp.

mirage sells em.

for my yaesu HT, i bought a 2m/70cm amp.

 

[rambrush]

The Kenwood that I suggested is around the $280.00 mark then the antenna and any other accessories. Because I am out hiking away from a charger I went with the 4000mah battery and the AA battery pack.
I suggested a mag mount antenna others suggested a perm solution. You have a over hanging camper which complicates things but you have areas of the hood and front bumper to utilize. While not optimum those locations will work.

 

[ThomD]

I like the handheld idea because if I’m traveling with a less equipped buddy I can hand them a hand held.

But if your buddy doesn't have a HAM license...

 

[tmac]

Another plus for the handheld would be the ability to hike up to a peak or ridge if you are down in a valley and are in need of contacting somebody.

 

[Hedge]

The 2 uses I need the equipment for is vehicle to vehicle communication while on the road and trail. I like the handheld idea because if I'm traveling with a less equipped buddy I can hand them a hand held. Use 2 will be keeping in touch with my family when their in the camper and I'm up at the crack of dawn catching fish or similar scenario.

Budget: I was expecting $100 for a CB or $200 for a HAM handheld but would spend more if I could get a true long range handheld communication.

Emergency application would be a bonus but at this point I have SPOT as my emergency plan.

Unfortunately, it is not legal to share a FCC Amateur Radio license with anyone, even family, so that could be something that would drive a decision toward CB. That's the only downside to ham -- everybody in the group needs to have a license and a radio before it's possible to leave the CB at home. For this reason I have both a CB and a 2m ham radio.

That said, if you want to talk to family with the superior range and clarity of a 2m ham radio, just get the wife and kids to do a little studying and go take the Technician Class license test together. I used hamtestonline.com and passing the test was a breeze. The mock test feature would also give you an idea of whether or not you/the wife/the kids are ready to pass the test before you pick the date to take the test. I know others have used free online question pools to study with equal test success. Testing availability is listed on the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) website.

As to budget, you could install a mobile unit and antenna for less than $200 and pick up a $68 eBay HT for carrying in your pocket.

edit: I see that you have a PPL - the 2m ham is in the VHF range like the air band, so the range per watt will be similar (outstanding with good height above surrounding terrain yet still superior to CB at ground level. The clarity is much better because the common mode on 2m ham is FM versus the slightly scratchy AM for the air band. Also, it is legal to use ham in the aircraft, if you're interested in that possibility.

 

[xtatik]

The 2 uses I need the equipment for is vehicle to vehicle communication while on the road and trail. I like the handheld idea because if I'm traveling with a less equipped buddy I can hand them a hand held. Use 2 will be keeping in touch with my family when their in the camper and I'm up at the crack of dawn catching fish or similar scenario.
Budget: I was expecting $100 for a CB or $200 for a HAM handheld but would spend more if I could get a true long range handheld communication.

Emergency application would be a bonus but at this point I have SPOT as my emergency plan.

Red Flag goes up! There are other radio services for these purposes. Unless everyone you've mentioned is licensed, I'd suggest you forego using a Ham radio.

As for your SPOT plan....what if your predicament only requires a truck part or an additional vehicle for a tug?

Also, I'd never suggest a scratchee-talkee over a mobile unit for a first radio unless that person spent most of their time on foot, bike, canoe...you get the picture. If after getting a mobile unit you still feel a need for a communication device away from the vehicle, then get the handheld.

 

[UglyScout]

If I were you I'd go HAM over CB and get everyone you know to get there license with you. It is easy enough. My 'truck club' switched to ham over the last year and we got 10 people to test in no time.

I have this:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/5270.html

Even with the stock shortie antenna it FAIR out reaches a CB. Add a 5/8 wave antenna on the truck and you have tons more range. Hardwire a real antenna into the cab of the truck, then switch back to the shortie when you leave the cab.

It is also small enough to toss in your pack/pocket and leave camp.