Radio communication as part of preparedness

[Walleye Hunter]

What all did you order? Did you pick up an so-239 chassis mount to build an antenna? Even if you didn*t you could probably scrounge enough stuff in the garage to build an antenna to try even if only on receive. Base it on ground plane or j pole. Watch a video or two and build a quick and dirty one. You could solder or nut and bolt/wire nuts. Then you just need a jumper from the radio. I think that was on the list of stuff I sent you. For coax, center is the driven element and the shield is the ground.

I ordered the Kenwood TH-D74A but it has been discontinued, from Ham Radio Outlet. They called me and said that they are supposed to get a batch in and that I should get one. I outta give them a call for an update. That radio gets rave reviews and has a lot of capabilities.

[Hoppy]

I remember the radio, that should be a great one. Did you order anything antenna related?

[Walleye Hunter]

I remember the radio, that should be a great one. Did you order anything antenna related?

Negative, nothing else and I was wondering what, if any accessories I should pick up while they are still available.

[Hoppy]

I would recommend the charging stand if there is one as well as a hand mic. The stand is convenient and if you have the radio in the stand hooked to an attic antenna then the hand mic will be helpful.

Are you still thinking of building an antenna?

[Walleye Hunter]

I would recommend the charging stand if there is one as well as a hand mic. The stand is convenient and if you have the radio in the stand hooked to an attic antenna then the hand mic will be helpful.

Are you still thinking of building an antenna?

Maybe, right now I'm thinking about finishing up the water pump on my truck though.

[Hoppy]

You could always get a magmount antenna and stick it on a cookie sheet in the attic. They usually have about 15’ of feedline on them.
Then you just need a jumper from the antenna feed line to the radio (with correct connectors).

[streaker69]

You could always get a magmount antenna and stick it on a cookie sheet in the attic. They usually have about 15* of feedline on them.
Then you just need a jumper from the antenna feed line to the radio (with correct connectors).

Please note most cookie sheets these days are aluminum.

[pens87pgh]

Got my cable ran from the attic to the basement last night, and the mast arrived today. Antenna is due on Wednesday, then I'll be ready to go.

[Hoppy]

Got my cable ran from the attic to the basement last night, and the mast arrived today. Antenna is due on Wednesday, then I'll be ready to go.

Nice, it’ll be interesting to see what repeaters you can open with your whole setup.

[pens87pgh]

Nice, it*ll be interesting to see what repeaters you can open with your whole setup.

I'm very interested to find out, my biggest concern is that my house is in a bit of a valley. One positive may be that I live right along the turnpike corridor, not sure if that'll help or not. I figure if I can hit the repeater in Wexford with my handheld, must not be all bad.