Yaesu 2800 vs. 1802m?

[jeffryscott]

First off, let me say this. You guys are a bad influence. Thank you.

So, I was going to order the 2800 (119)when I saw the smaller and also seemingly highly recommended 1802m for $15 more (134). Not knowing anything about these radios - just the relative merits of them in groups versus CB, it seems like the smaller footprint of the 1802m would maybe make it a little easier to find a nice home in the truck (a DIN slot maybe?).

Opinions of the two? Mounting in the DIN slot good or bad idea? (I don't know what kind of heat these produce.)

Also, sort of antenna setup do I need? Can I get one that would work with both CB and 2m?

Thanks.

 

[Dave Bennett]

:lurk:

 

[jeffryscott]

Dave, for an antenna, something like this?

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamantm/larsenm.html

NMOQ B
Frequency: 136-512 MHz.
Gain: 0 dBd
Type: 1/4 Wave
Power: 200 Watts
Base: NMO Makroblend Black
Whip: W200B Black
Height: 23 inches (59 cm)
Comment:

Order: #0764
Price: $23.50 $18.95

 

[DaveInDenver]

Dave, for an antenna, something like this?

Perfect. My CB antenna is a Larsen NMO27B. Cheap and works. I like NMO antennas because you have a wide range of mounting option. I eventually just drilled holes in my roof, but you can also get magnet mount NMO, various rain gutter, sheet metal lip, bars, roof racks and all sorts of things.

 

[k6uk]

Well personally... between the two radios I would pick the new 1802m... it's smaller and would be easier to live with. Aparently it does run hot if you talk for long periods of time... but I just like the footprint better.

-Mike

 

[jeffryscott]

Picked up the 1802 yesterday while in Phoenix at Ham Radio Outlet - $124.95. I got there about two minutes before they closed so I didn't explore antenna options too much. They offered one that I had to drill a hole for but I held off until I can research it a bit more.

One idea I have, and maybe somebody can give me guidance, is the power antenna on my 4Runner has died (I was going to take it out anyway) and for radio I am using the built in antenna in the rear glass. I'd like to remove the factory radio, and mount my 2m antenna in the factory hole ... has anybody done such a thing? What setup do I need if you have.

Now, to get licensed :ylsmoke:

 

[97kurt]

Thats a pretty good idea regarding the stock hood mounted antenna. My power antenna motor is going and since I have a glass built in already I figure that might be a good spot to put a small 2m antenna in there.

 

[jeffryscott]

As much as I'd have liked to mount the antenna in the stock location, it would have required too much engineering/fabrication, so I went with a whip antenna mounted in the seam between the hood and the front driver's quarter panel. It would have been so nifty to install it that way, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

I finally installed the 1802 in the bottom DIN slot and there appears to be plenty of room for airflow, so I'm hoping in the long run heat won't be an issue. If it is, there is room to install a little computer fan in the area to keep air moving along.

Pics and a more in-depth review will be posted in my 4Runner mod thread this weekend, or that is the plan.:safari-rig: