HAM RADIO in 2002 VW BEETLE K4SFD

[JJM#RD]

For those of you that are Amateur Radio or HAM Radio OPerators and interested in going Mobile with you VW BEETLE, here is what I worked out with mine so far. I plan on adding one more antenna, HF 102" whip then I will have all bands with ICOM 706 MKIIG.
73 and good mobiling. K4SFD@hughes.net

[FineExampl]

Too many antennas for me.

What exactly is ON a HAM radio?? I've always heard of it, but never what it is. Please, can you give us a primer on what this actually is?

[dnyed]

I don't think he does this anymore, (he's 85!) but my Grandpa was a HAM radio operator. I loved his garage office, and the candy always in the drawer. I'll never forget his call letters: WB6JKL.

I see a McDonalds drink. Do you know that your cupcolder swivels?

Beautiful New Beetle! Welcome to the Org!

[yellowherbie]

HAM radio.. Yeah, I would always go over to my friends house in junior high, and her Dad was always on his HAM radio. I never did understand it..

How can you drive and HAM at the same time?

Your lucky you have the drink holders that move. I dont.. I wish I did.. LOL!


Looks good!

[Red Rider]

JJM#RD--very good looking nb and mobile set up.

Been thinking about ham radio-I have my license WA4NTL-but not active in past few years. Use to do a lot of ham operating at home and mobile. I remember operating mobile on 20 meters and if conditions were right talk to people over the world. Of course easy to do that at the home station with the right antenna. I need to put a antenna up and get back on.

[JJM#RD]

Thanks for the reply, well Ham Radio (amateur radio) is a group of folks that strive to learn more about electronics and the many different aspects that coinside with Ham Radio. I first got my license when I was 11 yrs. old and have been fairly active for over 45 years. I am a Gadget Guy, I use to build my own stuff years ago, but that is not so practical now days. There are many facets to Ham Radio, Many talk to other's all over the world just making contact and simple chat with fellow hams. They can converse via Microphone, Morse Code, TV, Computer etc. WWW.arrl.org is a good place to go to read about more Ham Radio. One of my favorites was to design different antennas and try them out on the different radio frequencies to see how well they performed. There are a few magazines out there that favor Ham Radio, they are QST, CQ, 73, plus others. There are people there from all walks of life. Generally speaking they are the friendliest group of folks, especially if you are interested in knowing more about Ham Radio. It does not take a lot of ability to get your license, at 11 I was no genius, and I got mine just by studying the manuals. I had lots of help from the older group of folks that walked with me through the thick and thin. Once I was off and running it was then up to me to mentor to someone like they did me. Many compare Ham Radio to CB, well that is not a fair comparison, as CB does have it's place, I even have one myself, which I use when I travel. They are very handy to have. CB will usually find someone local to talk with during your travels. Ham Radio will get you contact both local and afar. Ham's are pround of their accomplishments and are pretty much a law abiding group of folks. They follow the rules and try to help keep the hobby clean and safe for others to enjoy. It is just a HOBBY!
You might like ham radio, it can take alot of time or a little depending on what you have to give. I still learn something just by tuning in and listening to the other Hams talking to their friends. Most of them are avid computer geeks and they can sure teach you alot. Enjoy. John M

[JJM#RD]

I bet you can. I am in the process of making a mount to fit under the hook on the right rear bumper. It will extend out and then I will mount my antenna mount and fitting. It is not a large antenna, i use a hustler folding mast with single band traps and or a 102" whip. I also have the ICOM AH-4 automatic tuner which will tune to just about anything. I have used it with my other vehicle and it worked great. I have lowered the power on the ICOM 706 MKII so that I don't exceed the amp rating of the 12 volt outlet in the trunk area. On VHF low power will work just great and I figure I can still run about 20 watts on hf and do pretty good. 20 watts or 100 watts don't make much difference from my experiences. If it were not for my separation kit with the ICOM, I might be real challenging. Give it a try and 73 de John K4SFD

[TDI-Sport]

My bug currently sports a UHF commercial Midland radio. Right now it's programmed for GMRS, but it'll work in the upper half of the 70cm band. Every so often I think about getting a Ham ticket, but I've got too many expensive hobbies as it is

WQBP841

[gilligan]

Isnt a ham radio technically the predecessor to the online forum, I mean you could talk to strangers all over the planet just like we do today in the forums? Thats cool. See the internet affects yet another part of our old ways of life.

[JJM#RD]

Yes, I think you are correct. Or pretty close second. Yes the computer and internet has a taken over just about everything hasn"t? Different Strokes for different FOLKS!
They will eventually get it so that we computer mobile wireless, o I think that has already happened hasn"t?

[Skweeker]

Well, 73 from K0SKW! Glad to see another NB-driving ham!!
Catch me on AIM, would love to talk to you!

[Kender]

And 73's from N8XHB, here.

[skycop60]

I've learned now to size my pictures smaller so they are not so overpowering. I finished installing my 2M & .70CM radio under the seat of my NB. Wiring turned out to be pretty easy once I figured out how to connect to the battery.

I found a hatch back lip mount antenna with coax to run from the hatch. Only problem is making sure the cable goes inside when I close the hatch. It tends to hang down when you open the hatch and you really want to guide it down when closing.

I purchased a phone/GPS/? mount for the louvers on the AC from the dash. Works fine and holds the faceplate pretty stable. Considering you only push a button or turn the volume knob, it works ok. The body of the radio is installed under the front seat and will eventually be set in place using Velcro. That will work fine because most of the cabling and power cords keep it pretty steady anyways.

I've finished building a home-brew buddipole with the different coils for 40 and 20 meters. It was fun and far less expensive than buying one. You can see my installation over in the Car Audio section. If your interested in Amateur Radio, there are evidently quite a few of us on this forum. Anyone of us would be happy to introduce you to talking to the world from your home. There is even a internet connection using ham radio called Echolink. Check out the ARRL for more information.

KF5FJA 73's