Race Radio setup and laws.

[TimS]

So... After reading more and more legalities all night... Here's a thought

Violent Phlegm Off Road Racing is always looking for new testing areas around the western united states. To find the most challenging, interesting, vehicle beating, or high speed areas for testing we are seeking volunteers to help us find the ultimate testing ground. As part of this venture, we would need to procure a FCC business/industrial license for use on 15 (no more/no less) of the itinerant frequencies, including those that allow high power mobile to mobile transmission, for the purpose of coordinating multiple vehicles in our search attempts. We estimate about 500 simultaneuous users of this license throughout the country, and will comply with the restrictions including self-regulated frequency coordination in case of interference with other licensed operators in the area of operation... etc, etc. To join our efforts for a period of 10 years (until the license expires), you will be charged $($300-$500 FCC filing fee divided by total number of users) to cover the membership stickers, administration fees, and shipping charges.

I think that will conclude my research on the subject, but until VP off road starts it's pilot program, I'll go down and pay the $15 to get my HAM license.

MURS channels look very promising for low wattage car to car transmissions, It too bad that the comercial radios, which are fully functional on and otherwise meet the requirements for MURS channels are not type certified. MURS channels can be used without license as long as you fall within the guidlines for use.

The untimate quick study guide to get your entry-level ham license... http://bullets.org/Documents/Preparedne ... cianQA.pdf (final exam has 35 question from the pool of questions included in this document)

[DesertGuy]

Tk-281a showed up today.

You'll find that it is easier to input frequencies using the keypad and to 'label' frequencies on the unit itself... no need for any software.



Finalizing a remote box set-up. Used a 12V Toyo evac fan to 'empty' any heat build up from the heat sink on the radio from the lower portion of the case. In the lower portion, a MFJ921 dual band tuner (SWR meter) will tune the antenna being used, either the Larsen whip or the TRAM base. Still need to finish up a few small details and make it all purdy... but basically the premise is the same.

[Getrdone]

Bond, I'm still working on a pocket version! And please bring it back in one piece, it's still experimental.

[DesertGuy]

Bond, I'm still working on a pocket version! And please bring it back in one piece, it's still experimental.

...007 style!

Also, 'banked' typical frequencies for different sanctioning bodies in their own area so they can be scanned independently from the main group. That way, if spectating a race, just do a quick set-up with the whip and scan that bank - so if just hanging out at a race, you can hear what is going on elsewhere.

The box is a spectating, testing and remote pit box... just change out the antenna connection and tune in the antenna. Should only take 5 min or so for set-up.

[TimS]

Tell us about the tuner... does it perfect your "antenna length" automatically? Or do you have to dial it in?

[DesertGuy]

Still sorting it out... Basically, you cut your antenna to the frequency/frequency band you are operating in, then use the tuner (on location) to fine tune your set-up for maximum efficiency based on those conditions.

Still need to do testing once I get everything buttoned up... making the Deutsch connection for the power supply, then testing

[kyle_pc_75]

You guys are getting serious. I like it.

[DesertGuy]

All purdy-like...

[seabeebuggy]

I use a Ham in my car. It has about 70 miles on flat ground or line of sight. It is 65 Watts.... It can go much further if there is a repeater but they belong to people and you can't just hog up the Freq.

[TimS]

Thanks Seabee for your experience. Most of the repeaters around here are public use, but your right, they are owned, usually by a club. Long distance comms would be limited to "we are okay and here is our plan" type stuff or emergencies. Or if accessing the phone or internet through one, a "donation" can keep the club happy.

Ham's are very clicky. Simplex on discrete frequency is best to avoid drama. I just don't want to be fined for using "red dot" high power.

[JUSSUMGUY]

Nice set up DG!!

[bajaherbie]

there is an ad on RDC for suitcase radios, no price listed though. doesn't look like they have a cooling fan but it could be on the back.

[fusername]

I am probably gonna go for my HAM license soon, shame they took morse code off the list of reqs tho.

[DesertGuy]

there is an ad on RDC for suitcase radios, no price listed though. doesn't look like they have a cooling fan but it could be on the back.

Not sure you'd need it if you have good ventilation. I added it due to the case being sealed up and I had a couple laying around. They draw .2amps and are rated at 14cfm, plus they were 12V... so figured "what the heck"

[Ol'fogasaurus]

I am probably gonna go for my HAM license soon, shame they took morse code off the list of reqs tho.

that's what kept me from getting mine a half century ago. When ever my speed was enough the test was not available and vice-versa.

I still use a stock CB and a ten meter antenna... when I haven't lost it which has happed a couple of times. You'd be surprised how much distance you can get with just that one change to short mount. I got my CB license two weeks before they dropped the requirement.

Lee