Mobile Ham Radio Transceivers
A ham radio transceiver is a piece of electronics that receives as well as transmits audio communication. Unlike other forms of electronic communication, ham radio transceivers use the same circuitry to send and receive each signal. These devices are used to transmit or convey sound along many worldwide frequencies. Ham radio transceivers work similarly to walkie-talkies because they have the ability to perform both tasks within just one unit.
Mobile ham radio transceivers allow the ability to operate the unit from a residential location or from a vehicle. The transmitters connect to electrical outlets in stationary locations or to a vehicle battery through a power adapter or the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. Mobile ham radio transceivers are much larger than handheld models and provide much more power than these smaller models as well. Their outputs range from around 50 W to over 100 W and they provide much stronger antennas to give them the ability to transmit up to 200 miles away in many cases. The operating frequency of mobile ham transceivers typically range from 2m or one band to the entire spectrum.
Base ham radio transceivers are much larger than mobile units and are also typically more powerful. They operate on up to 1500 W and use household electrical currents or 12 volt battery power in some models. They are able to transmit over thousands of miles, unlike mobile models yet are much less convenient because of their larger size. Operating distances in both base and mobile ham radio transceivers typically depend on a number of factors including sunspot activity, the specific season, atmospheric conditions and the specific time of day that the radio is being used. Handheld receivers, which are much smaller and less powerful than mobile units, can send messages up to many hundreds of miles away from the unit. This of course depends on the weather and atmosphere conditions being perfect and if a ham radio repeater is in a nearby location.
Many ham radio enthusiasts prefer the ability to go mobile with their radios. Mobile ham radio transceivers can be purchased specifically from a variety of traditional and online shops. In addition, there are ways in which you can turn your unit into a mobile unit with the proper installation techniques. You should be certain to check the owner’s manual of your vehicle however before installation to ensure that a transmitter will have no adverse effects on the operation of your vehicle. In many cases, installing new radios will void your manufacturer’s warranty so you should check your owner’s manual carefully before you begin the installation process.
You also need to be certain to ground the antenna to the metal framework of your car or truck to ensure that you receive effective signals. You may also want to consider a mount that allows you to quickly release your radio for switching between multiple vehicles or to take it with you when you are not in the vehicle. This will allow you to ensure the safety of your ham radio transceiver. Choose a place to mount your radio that will not interfere with your actual driving of the vehicle but still allows you to easily reach the radio when you are using it. Most mobile transceivers will have a recommendation of where to mount them for optimal use.
Although mobile units are much smaller than base units, they are larger than handheld models so you need to carefully choose a place to position the radio that allows proper clearance on entering and exiting the vehicle but is near the driver’s seat. Be certain that your mobile unit does not get in the way of any gauges or controls as well.