Quote:
Originally Posted by jedfxg
i am not amatuer radio but got a few things to think about. I thouth TMC did not like adding any equipment, hence the company provided radios. also i ahve been told when i pursued other jobs that the linears were not allowed due to them frying all of the computer junk...vorad, qualcom, etc. maybe i am wrong but just thought i would throw it out there. also what does it take to get a license??
TMC does have a policy of not changing existing equipment or adding equipment that would interfere with the electronics of the vehicle. Thus the reason for the unit (897D) I am looking at buying. That particular unit is designed to be self-contained - thus built in battery. The draw on the trucks electrical system is no different then running the coolers they allow us to have in our trucks.
The key reason for having the Amatuer rig in the truck on the road, is emergency response and communication. Amatuer radio operators play a big role in catastrophes. Most communications are done on low power, thus no need for linears. As Hat Rack stated, a HF antenna can be made to work from just about anything, including a 48' trailer. Use a good tuner, and walla, you are on the air.
My HT (handheld) has the ability of 5 watts, but on 2 watts and a simple mag mount antenna, I can hit repeaters over 15 miles away, which then extends the reach to almost the entire south central Texas area.
Improperly installed linears, power converters, and other hard wired accesories can fry any and all electronics in a vehicle. Thus the time and knowledge to use the equipment properly.
As far as license, there are currently 3 levels available: Technician, General and Extra. A seperate test is taken to achieve each level, and with each level it gives the operator more bands and frequencies in which to operate. The Morse Code requirement was dropped back in February.
You can go to
www.arrl.net for more information. There are text that can be purchased to study offline, also many valuable online resources for studying. You would have to find a club that offers testing in your area to take the test.
If you are interested, I could help you find that information, drop me an e-mail or just shoot another post on here.
Thanks