Two Way Radio TOTAL Solution

[Dick Renaud]

Final decided on the two-way radio configuration for my new 06 H2 SUV.

The Radios:

For Ham 160m-70cm. ICOM IC-706MKIIG with remote head mounted on the dash left of center left air vent. Radio pack mounted on vertical surface above tire on driver side in rear.
For the HF Frequencies, ICOM AH-4 Antenna auto tuner on same surface feeding 102” whip, see below. For the VHF/UHF Frequencies, feed thru triplexer to roof mount antenna below.

For Hummer VHF 151-154 MHz. ICOM IC F121 mounted on Blue Hummer.com mount above center vents. Antenna output to Triplexer to roof mount antenna, see below.

For GMRS 462-467 MHz. ICOM IC F221 mounted beside the F121 on the Blue Hummer mount. Antenna fed to Triplexer to roof mount antenna.

For CB 26-27 MHz. Cobra 75 with remote mic mounted on dash to left of center left air vent. Pack mounted under dash. Antenna fed thru a Duplexer to the 102” whip, see below.

Antennas:

For Ham HF and CB. Hustler Stainless Steel Ball, spring, quick disconnect and 102” whip mounted above the rear tire on the drivers side forward of the gas fill. A gutter mount tie down adapted to the rail above the drivers door for low clearance situations (easily release by reaching out the window). Antenna and hardware blackened (see my blackening thread under general). A tennis ball stained black on the whip where it contacts the body metal above the rear side window. Clear plastic protective sheet applied to the painted area above the window where tennis ball makes contact.

For VHF/UHF 144-446 MHz from Ham, GMRS and Hummer radios. Comet SBB-1NMO 18” flexible rubber whip mounted in center of roof half way between the back of the sunroof and the rear light bar near the marker lights. Carried inside vehicle as a Higher Gain back up, Larsen NMO2/70BK 37 ¼” center loaded black antenna.

Note: You will need to be a Ham operator with a General class license to operate all the Ham frequencies. You will need a GMRS license for those frequencies and you will have to operate under the local license of the hummer group you are involved with to operate on the VHF Hummer frequencies.

This set up will give you great coverage in remote areas. In the populated areas you can use your Verizon cellular thru the Onstar unit for high power and gain on cell. If you need cell everywhere get a Sat Com portable bag phone set up with external magnetic mount antenna.

Sorry about the long post.

If you have questions reply or e-mail me dick@aaruto.com

[Dick Renaud]

Final decided on the two-way radio configuration for my new 06 H2 SUV.

The Radios:

For Ham 160m-70cm. ICOM IC-706MKIIG with remote head mounted on the dash left of center left air vent. Radio pack mounted on vertical surface above tire on driver side in rear.
For the HF Frequencies, ICOM AH-4 Antenna auto tuner on same surface feeding 102” whip, see below. For the VHF/UHF Frequencies, feed thru triplexer to roof mount antenna below.

For Hummer VHF 151-154 MHz. ICOM IC F121 mounted on Blue Hummer.com mount above center vents. Antenna output to Triplexer to roof mount antenna, see below.

For GMRS 462-467 MHz. ICOM IC F221 mounted beside the F121 on the Blue Hummer mount. Antenna fed to Triplexer to roof mount antenna.

For CB 26-27 MHz. Cobra 75 with remote mic mounted on dash to left of center left air vent. Pack mounted under dash. Antenna fed thru a Duplexer to the 102” whip, see below.

Antennas:

For Ham HF and CB. Hustler Stainless Steel Ball, spring, quick disconnect and 102” whip mounted above the rear tire on the drivers side forward of the gas fill. A gutter mount tie down adapted to the rail above the drivers door for low clearance situations (easily release by reaching out the window). Antenna and hardware blackened (see my blackening thread under general). A tennis ball stained black on the whip where it contacts the body metal above the rear side window. Clear plastic protective sheet applied to the painted area above the window where tennis ball makes contact.

For VHF/UHF 144-446 MHz from Ham, GMRS and Hummer radios. Comet SBB-1NMO 18” flexible rubber whip mounted in center of roof half way between the back of the sunroof and the rear light bar near the marker lights. Carried inside vehicle as a Higher Gain back up, Larsen NMO2/70BK 37 ¼” center loaded black antenna.

Note: You will need to be a Ham operator with a General class license to operate all the Ham frequencies. You will need a GMRS license for those frequencies and you will have to operate under the local license of the hummer group you are involved with to operate on the VHF Hummer frequencies.

This set up will give you great coverage in remote areas. In the populated areas you can use your Verizon cellular thru the Onstar unit for high power and gain on cell. If you need cell everywhere get a Sat Com portable bag phone set up with external magnetic mount antenna.

Sorry about the long post.

If you have questions reply or e-mail me dick@aaruto.com

[oma]

How about some pictures????

[Dick Renaud]

The 06 is supposed to be here in about two weeks, another week for dealer options and the install begins. It will most likely take me two months to do all the installs, Radios, DRTY winch bumper, extreme light bars, retractable running boards, night driver system, rear storage unit, Toyo tires, HID Headlights, PIAA HID driving lights in the DRLs, Extreme fog light bar on the brush guard, PIAA HID off road lights on top of the fog bar, Whelen Air Horn PA,LED light bar, strobes in front parking lights and back up lights, PIAA aux back up lights, rearlicense plate camera on tire carrier cover, nav system, bonding all body part for RF ground, HID spot light with NOPTIC Thermal Imaging Camera and most important blackening all the chrome and wheels. I must have left something out. Have to look in my four file drawers of info. OH, the Blue OX tow bar and braking system to tow the H2 Behind my new motorhome.

Pictues about January. Sorry I'm slow, retired and over 60 with no rush schedule. I am looking forward to going out west and doing some the great places the guys have posted pics of> Also, going to Alaska.

[rodster]

Dick -- Looks like you're an overachiever!

I'm new to radios (studying for the tech class license now) so this may be flawed logic on my part . . .

Why two radios for ham and GMRS? Would a dual band radio do the trick and cut down on hardware?

Looks like you'll have one of the better equipped H2s around. Congrats!

[Dick Renaud]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
Dick -- Looks like you're an overachiever!

I'm new to radios (studying for the tech class license now) so this may be flawed logic on my part . . .

Why two radios for ham and GMRS? Would a dual band radio do the trick and cut down on hardware?

Looks like you'll have one of the better equipped H2s around. Congrats! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It is not legal to transmit on the GMRS, Hummer VHF or CB frequencies with a HAM radio unless you are a MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Service) radio operator. There is a modification for the IC-706 that will do this by removing a diode. As a x-cop of 34 years and a ham for even longer I am very reluctant to go that route. The GMRS and VHF licenses are not that hard to get or that expensive. The Ham Tech license test takes about two weeks of study to pass. The General takes two to four weeks to pass and each costs $14.

If you need help on study material or gear feel free to e-mail me dick@aaruto.com

[Dick Renaud]

Roster

I should also mention, and you will learn in your studies, That in an emergency a Ham may operate on any frequency, with any power and any equipment to enable them to assist or resolve the emergency. So if you had a real you could do anything short of abstructive communications on police, fire and military frequencies. If I were in that situation and couldn't make contact with my legal radios, I would remove the lid on the case and take that diode out so I could use the higher power and additional frequency capabilities of the 706.

In an Emergency anything goes!

[4churchill]

Im still learning to use my Motorola Talk About radios from 5 years ago .... i find all of this very interesting and at some point would like to learn it all....

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dick Renaud:
It is not legal to transmit on the GMRS, Hummer VHF or CB frequencies with a HAM radio unless you are a MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Service) radio operator. There is a modification for the IC-706 that will do this by removing a diode. As a x-cop of 34 years and a ham for even longer I am very reluctant to go that route. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah ha, I thought the brainstorm seemed too obvious.

Agreed. We do like to keep things above board!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If you need help on study material or gear feel free to e-mail me dick@aaruto.com </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you kindly. I expect to start taking practice exams on the ARRL (already joined) web site this week. I'm using the book, You're Talking Now, as a study guide.

Everyone in the ham community I've met has been very helpful. Between the study guide, the web site and already-licensed folks here in Vegas (and now, Michigan), I'm confident the licensing will go smoothly.

Added bonus: A friend reps for Icom. He's a longtime ham and is going to sell me a radio and antenna of my choice at dealer cost.

Appreciate your comments on emergencies. That is one of my primary motivators for getting licensed. Unfortunately, I thinks it's inevitable that many of us will need or want backup comm some day for an extended period.

[Dick Renaud]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 4CHURCHILL:
Im still learning to use my Motorola Talk About radios from 5 years ago .... i find all of this very interesting and at some point would like to learn it all.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry to get so technical, but I got my first Novice Ham license in 1955 at the age of ten. Was trained as a Communications Specialist for Special Forces "A" Team operations in Military School for Four years Was trained in Radio teletype/SSB Radio/Computer operation and Cryptography by the USAF 1963, serve The Strategic Air Command for Four years. Was Trained in Commputer Programming and Data Systems Analysis and Designed and programmed commputer systems for Four Years (while working full time as a State Trooper). Also got involved in the first CB Craze and served as Comander of the local REACT Emergency Communications and Search and Rescue Team.
In 1972 Started a Commercial Two-Way radio business installing and maintaining RCA mobile equipment and got a First Class Radio Telephone Operators license. I worked that business for 10 Years then sold it and retired from the SP. I then became a Sheriff. After 8 yrs quit and bought a computer business. Some time prior to that I built my own PC when that craze started. I then became a Chief of Police for 6 yrs. Many of the prior yeaers I was a Volintier Fireman and for eight of thos years was and EMT. Also seven years as a deputy coroner. I develope Cancer and resigned and Sold my computer business. Had the cancerous kidney removed, Seven way bypass, retinal surgery on both eyes, cataract surgery on both eyes, kidney failure, five years of Dialysis, a kidney transplant, Twelve Computers, 16 Radios, 8 Ham Radios, FRS, GMS, CB and Several scanner later and I am starting a new chapter by geting active with ARRLs ARES(Amateur Radio Emergency Service). RACES(Radio Amateur Communication Emergency Service a CD operation) SKYWARN and amateur group working with the NOAA weather service and about to get certified by Hummer HHOPE team. But, I do plan on taking my wife of those many years and my dog and traveling extensively and off roading ALOT. I have not had a vehicle or house that did not have at least two different types of radios in it since 1960. My first cell phone was a big honking Motorola 100 watt mobile phone in 1961 and have had on in the car or on my hip ever since. I am just slitely technical. But, we all start somewhere.
Sorry about the rave.

[Dick Renaud]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dick Renaud:
It is not legal to transmit on the GMRS, Hummer VHF or CB frequencies with a HAM radio unless you are a MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Service) radio operator. There is a modification for the IC-706 that will do this by removing a diode. As a x-cop of 34 years and a ham for even longer I am very reluctant to go that route. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah ha, I thought the brainstorm seemed too obvious.

Agreed. We do like to keep things above board!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If you need help on study material or gear feel free to e-mail me dick@aaruto.com </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you kindly. I expect to start taking practice exams on the ARRL (already joined) web site this week. I'm using the book, You're Talking Now, as a study guide.

Everyone in the ham community I've met has been very helpful. Between the study guide, the web site and already-licensed folks here in Vegas (and now, Michigan), I'm confident the licensing will go smoothly.

Added bonus: A friend reps for Icom. He's a longtime ham and is going to sell me a radio and antenna of my choice at dealer cost.

Appreciate your comments on emergencies. That is one of my primary motivators for getting licensed. Unfortunately, I thinks it's inevitable that many of us will need or want backup comm some day for an extended period. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thats great. When you get your license get involved with the ARRL ARES program and take thier three certfication classes. you will learn a lot and be able to serve on your local ARES emergency team. Read the reports on the ARRL site about all the great work that ARES teams did and are doing in the Hurricane situation providing communications to Red Cross teams and local police, fire and emergency personnel. Ham operators provided the only dependable communications for a large percentage of the area. The also provided Salvation Army with logistical support and coordinated with MARS operator with the military and guard troops. Even Hams at home, thousands of miles away, were enlisted to pass information from relatives as to the location and medical needs of victims, to military personnel to coordinate rescue operations.
This has been the single most dramatic spotlight on what HAMS do and thier capabilities that I have ever seen. Even many of the Hummer HOPE guys and gals are HAMS and have thier Hummers equipped. I am putting together a portable battery/solar panel operated system with portable antenna that can be carried in a Backpack and set up a VHF/UHF/HF base anywhere and communicate locally or thousands of miles away. It is great fun and a Hummer makes it even more exciting.

[dochummer]

Ones of these days, when I'm not working on a report, and surfing the web at the same time...I'll have to re-read your post above and figure out what the H*** you're talking about...

Sounds like you're going to have a pretty qwesome rig set up. Make sure you make it to Moab for next year's moab run

[Dick Renaud]

You got it. I have Moab as a goal for next year. I plan to been on the road with the new motorhome towing the H2 every winter starting next year. Leaving Michigan in October to the Northwest in fall and Southwest in winter. Then back thru the Southeast in spring and back to MI in summer. The Alaska trip will be a summer trip on year. I have a long list of the great places you guys have been posting that I want to visit and revisit.
My wife and I are both going to go to the Hummer Academy to get tuned up and then I need to learn alot more from you guys. We are old farts that are young at heart.

[dochummer]

fartin' dust....

[H2005]

Hey, I was just reading your post about installing an IC 706 MK G in your H2. Do you have any photo's? I am also planning on installing a 706 MK G.

[slippy]

Originally Posted by H2005

Hey, I was just reading your post about installing an IC 706 MK G in your H2. Do you have any photo's? I am also planning on installing a 706 MK G.

Old thread is old.