Mobile HAM Radio Install in a Jeep Wrangler

In this video I discuss some basic information about HAM radio use, then I show you the radio, mount and antenna I installed on my Jeep Wrangler and then head over to a good friends house to show you the install. As a bonus, I'm going to show you 2 other HAM radio setups from some friends Jeeps.
Diamond K400S antenna mount: amzn.to/3na8Ihv
Diamond Antenna: amzn.to/3n8kkS6
Detachable Face Radio: amzn.to/3hcJzPn
* The Yaesu 7900 radios are no longer available.
ARRL Website for a class near you:
www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-r...
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Okay, so what is HAM radio? Well it’s basically just amateur radio frequencies for non-commercial use. It’s used for all sorts of general communication around the world and even space, it used during many race event, and has emergency use during disasters and so much more.
You need a license to operate a HAM radio as all the frequencies are reserved by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and I’ll leave a link where you can look up local classes and exam sites in your area.
I chose to attend a one day class and then challenged the test at the end. I did do a bit of reading ahead of time and there are a few sample HAM radio tests you can take online to help you prepare… those were pretty helpful.
I encourage you to get your license. No if you don’t have you license, you can still monitor on a HAM radio, you just can’t transmit unless in an emergency.
The range of a HAM radio depends on the frequency you are using, atmosphere, whether or not you are on a repeater (which is a radio station setup on mountains or building you can bounce your communication off of). And most importantly, what type of radio you are using.
I’ve been using this simple Baedfang handheld that I pick up for $35 for a while and it does the job when we are in a convoy, but it doesn’t’ even hold a candle to what we are installing now.
I’ve had friends in their Jeeps with the same system I have here talk from over 10 miles away without using a repeater and I have another friend that was talking to a guy in other countries from his Jeep by using a repeaters. (you can’t do that with a CB!)
There are a lot of rules about how you communicate on a HAM radio, most importantly you need to identify yourself via your call sign.
Disclaimer:
TrailRecon assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of TrailRecon, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not TrailRecon. This video is solely for entertainment purposes only.

[@tonyv8925]

Nice video...Been a HAM for 30 years, General class. Have installed many mobile transceivers. A suggestion: do not run antenna coax thru the engine compartment--picks up pulses from alternator and ignition. Instead, run coax thru firewall closest to installed antenna, then thread coax thru dashboard. Also, engine heat will degrade coax integrity, shortening its life. My current 2m FM is Yaesu 1500M, my backup is 2m FM Yaesu 1900...73!

[@ericbishop499]

Great vid! One recommendation: Install a fuse or circuit breaker on the positive power cable leading to the radio at the battery (a few inches downline from the battery). IF you have chafing on the hot wire before you hit the inline fuses, it will continue to short until you disconnect the power cable from the battery. Sure, the fuse for the radio will blow, but you will still have power (hence arcing to ground) up to that point. A fuse or CB will cut the power at the battery eliminating that danger. ’76 CJ7 owner 40+ years… 73! KI7QAB

[@jalendvenn7990]

Passed my tech exam today!

[@johnorr8094]

The cool thing about amateur radio is that the higher the amateur class, the more bands Hams can use.

[@michaelt.9372]

You don’t want your ground to be a home run. You want your ground as short as possible. If I’m not mistaken that’s what you learn as a tech. Also, the steel bar goes under the grub screws, not where it’s placed in the video.

[@m118lr]

A 1-day “Ham” class?! They taught you HOW to pass the test OR a something REAL close. There’s like a 432- question/ answer bank with a 35 question test. 26 to pass. Wow...usually takes a couple weeks to study up for...

[@the1spyderryder]

The question is do you remember what you learned in that one day class, or what you memorized from the "practice tests" it has been my experience that with in a week , most people have forgotten everything that they have learned. Anyone testing should bring real knowledge to the test session.

[@bdogg20101]

I got a handheld but listening is not the same as being able to use my radio legally.

[@MauofMiami]

You can step up your game in the communications either CB, gmrs or ham radio but you need to pass an exam for a license for ham radio

[@JBlinky67]

How about a drinking game to do a shot every time this guy says "...go ahead..." . Good lord.

[@papioscarw]

I Watched this, and would like to make a few comments. I this month have been a ham 51 years now and the license is now easier then ever to get a license. As one of the VE's that give the test have observed that the failure rate between 1 day crash courses and 8 week (one night a week) courses is astounding. We see a passing of 45 to 60 percent of crash course and a 95 or better with the longer courses. The main reason being that they understand better as to what and why things work. The crash courses just teach " Here is the answers to the test memorize them." You will understand why things like, My SWR is fine at 144.500 and why it sucks at 147.500. Do I trim 1/4 inch or 4 inches or is it too short and needs to be longer. There is a big difference between Just knowing the answer v. understanding the answer. So if you get the ARRL's License manual and read and understand the material you can pass with no problems. Remember a HAM license is a license to learn for the rest of your life. There will always be something new to learn. 73's de NE7NE

[@randomnessx3597]

Man alot of people are like "i dont need no radio in my jeep but my cb" i love to see guys like you advocating for it

[@ericbaier]

I'm glad to see you attached your antenna to your hood. It is the best place to on a Wrangle to use as a Ground Plane. Your other buddies did not pick a very good spot to mount theirs. Here is why you need a good ground plane: (from another ham guy)

[@flhtcui2000]

My son told me about you channel. Then I realized I have watch a lot of you videos. He said you guys use Ham radio, so that sparked an interest since I am a ham. K5EDD so welcome to the best hobby next to Jeeping, Just kidding I've been a ham longer than a jeeper. 44 years.. how time fly's.

[@clearskies001]

Good job showing Ham radio. It's a wonderful way to communicate on or off trail... all over the world

[@hoff8995]

Just passed my ham test waiting for my call sign. Thanks for all the great videos

[@ScottWilder]

Using that tactical cable to auto retract the mic is pretty slick.

[@bdogg20101]

After watching this video, I'm so excited to get my HAM license and install my first mobile radio.

[@gto49us]

Thanks for this video! I have been a HAM for a few years, and now I have a Jeep. A great combo!

[@christophermichaelson9050]

You asked for setups. Here is mine: