Handheld vs mobile
5 Wtypical handheld
50 Wtypical mobile
10–20miles, truck to truck
12 Vruns from the truck
A mobile with a roof antenna is the single biggest step up from a handheld.
Installing in the truck
Power from the battery
Fused leads on both wires
Antenna on the roof
Center of the roof works best
Mount the mic within reach
Never let it distract the driver
Program the route
Repeaters along I-40 from Nashville to the ranch
Base station at home
Needs
- A 12 V power supply
- An outdoor antenna, as high as possible
- Good coax and a lightning ground
Gives you
- The family's anchor station
- Reach to distant repeaters
- A place to run the weekly net from
Sources: ARRL mobile installation guidance
Remember
Put a 50-watt mobile in the truck and an outdoor antenna at home; that's where real range comes from.
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Answer key
- How much power does a typical mobile radio have?50 WMobiles usually run about 50 watts.
- Where should a truck antenna go?Center of the roofThe roof center gives the best pattern.
- How should a mobile be powered?Fused leads straight to the batteryDirect fused leads give clean, safe power.
- What does a base station at home need?An outdoor antenna and 12 V supplyA good antenna and supply make a strong base.
- Why program repeaters along your route?To stay in touch on the whole driveRepeaters along the way keep you connected.