Mobile HF Equipment

[kd8gua]

I'm just wondering what sort of Mobile HF equipment you guys use. I also don't know what the "official" CAP HF radio is, though I have found the CAP NTIA Compliant website that lists all compliant radios for HF and VHF.

I would like to purchase an HF radio for my vehicle, and get my General class amateur license. If I'm going to buy something on HF, I might as well find something close to NTIA compliant so I could use it for CAP business once I get the CAP license and start the Communications track.

Also, it just seems to me most of the HF radios on the NTIA list are either no longer made or much too large for a vehicle, so how, if at all, do you all mount HF equipment to your vehicles, whether official CAP vehicles or not?

[arajca]

"close to NTIA compliant" doesn't count. It either is (and can be used on CAP freqs) or is not (and cannot be used on CAP freqs). Close won't cut it.

The standards are available via a link from the compliant equipment list page. When you find a radio that you like, compare the tech data with the standards. Pay close attention to the test method/specification/version used. If you think you have a winner, send the info to the NTC for review. They'll let you know if it is compliant - they really do compare the data and may contact the manufacturer before making a determination.

[kd8gua]

Yes, I understand that. I'm just looking to see what other people use. I have found the CAP NTC website, and like I said, looking through most of the HF-SSB equipment there, it is either much too large for vehicle passenger compartment mounting, or no longer made, which means it will be much harder to find.

[SarDragon]

Have you looked on eBay? There are lots of radios on there, and more than a few are usable for CAP purposes.

[Eclipse]

NHQ is in the process of rolling out mobile HF equipment to all Ground Team Leaders. The equipment is from Micom with a remote control head and a comically large antenna

In general CAP gear is not intended for use by the average HAM, and the only thing you can license is what is on the compliant list, too big, discontinued or otherwise.

It is not a suggestion, it is the complete list as of its publish date.

The other question in this is what use HF equipment is in a vehicle for non-public service use.  That's what a cel phone is for.

[arajca]

The list is a couple of years old. The NTC hasn't had time (and probably won't for a while) to review all the newer equipment specs. Hence, my suggestion.

Ham frequencies are generally not permitted to be programmed into CAP equipment.

That "comically large antenna" is needed to make the operation easier for the member. No tuner needed (part of antenna base). No need to change anything on the antenna to cover the CAP HF spectrum. They're trying to make it idiot resistant.

[Eclipse]

That "comically large antenna" is needed to make the operation easier for the member. No tuner needed (part of antenna base). No need to change anything on the antenna to cover the CAP HF spectrum. They're trying to make it idiot resistant.

I can't argue that, but its basically the size (and look) of a small traffic cone, and indicated that it is supposed to be mounted with the whip lashed horizontally.  At least two people in my AOR have had car computer issues when these monsters are keyed up.

Not to mention they've killed the batteries on POV's when left on over night as they ping Australia for connections.

[kd8gua]

It seems, as I've read in the intro to Communications info on the publicly available CAP sites, that CAP owned radio equipment cannot be programmed for HAM frequencies, but, NTIA compliant equipment owned by the CAP Cadet or Senior Member can be programmed for CAP frequencies and used for CAP business. Since the radio is owned by the person and not CAP, those NTIA radios mare allowed to have HAM frequencies in them.

I guess a better question then is: If a member owns NTIA compliant radios and uses them for amateur operations, can they get CAP frequencies programmed in as well?

[Eclipse]

I guess a better question then is: If a member owns NTIA compliant radios and uses them for amateur operations, can they get CAP frequencies programmed in as well?

Yes, as long as the member has an A-Cut radio card and submits the radio for certification.

[arajca]

Contact your Communications Officer. Nationally, there is no prohibition, but your wing may have one. Don't ask me why - I've heard of some wierd policies that I didn't agree with.

[kd8gua]

Oddly enough, I've been asked to, once I get Level I finished (waiting on NHQ now) strongly consider Communications as a track. The squadron I've joined is big into ES type things but lack a Comm. Officer, which they would like to train me as. So I have some big shoes to fill! The Squadron CC says he can help me with training so I assume I can route any questions through him or look up the Wing Communcations Officer too and ask him about things too.

[Hawk200]

They're trying to make it idiot resistant.

That only works until someone invents (or becomes) a better idiot.

[PHall]

They're trying to make it idiot resistant.

That only works until someone invents (or becomes) a better idiot.

Just remember, the Idiots are ALWAYS one step ahead of the Engineers.

[Airrace]

Have you looked on eBay? There are lots of radios on there, and more than a few are usable for CAP purposes.

I have also had great luck on E-bay.

[lordmonar]

They're trying to make it idiot resistant.

That only works until someone invents (or becomes) a better idiot.

Just remember, the Idiots are ALWAYS one step ahead of the Engineers.

On of Murphy's sub-laws "Never underestimate the ingenuity of idiots".

[PHall]

Of course, if you're looking at buying a new HF radio you might want to see if it is ALE capable or if ALE can be added.
Once you've used ALE on HF you never want to go back to the "old way" again.  (silence is wonderful)

[wuzafuzz]

They're trying to make it idiot resistant.

That only works until someone invents (or becomes) a better idiot.

Just remember, the Idiots are ALWAYS one step ahead of the Engineers.

There are some VERY determined idiots in the world. 

[arajca]

They're trying to make it idiot resistant.

That only works until someone invents (or becomes) a better idiot.

Just remember, the Idiots are ALWAYS one step ahead of the Engineers.

There are some VERY determined idiots in the world. 

Y'all might notice I did not say "idiot PROOF. I know better.