What is a Mobile Ham Radio?

A mobile ham radio, also referred to as an amateur mobile radio, is a radio communication system that is installed in vehicles to enable licensed amateur radio operators to transmit and receive signals while on the move. Mobile ham radios, which communicate on designated radio frequencies allocated to hams, provide a portable communication capability to stay connected while driving. Especially useful for emergency communications when cell networks fail, mobile ham radios are commonly found in the cars and trucks of hobbyist ham radio operators as well as emergency response volunteers who can provide backup communication support from their vehicles when needed.

Features of The Best Mobile Ham Radios

Serious ham radio operators outfit their vehicles with top-of-the-line mobile ham radios incorporating features tailored for reliable functionality and enhanced communication capabilities while operating mobile. Key features to look for when shopping for quality dual-band mobile ham radios include:

• 50-65 watt power output – Higher wattage within legal limits allows communicating over longer distances
• Durable, waterproof construction – Rugged builds withstand vibrations & dust/water during off-road driving
• Intuitive touchscreen interfaces – Easy to navigate menu options while on the move
• NOAA weather band with alerts – Stay updated on approaching storms when outdoors
• Built-in Bluetooth for wireless headsets – Allows hands-free calling and crisp received audio
• Programmable memory channels – Effortlessly switch to favorite repeaters or calling frequencies
• Emergency notification functions – Quickly send GPS coordinates or request assistance
• Cross band repeating capability – Extend communication between handheld and mobile radios
• Advanced digital modes (DMR, D-Star, C4FM) – Alternatives when analog repeaters are congested

Carefully evaluating specifications like these when investing in new equipment leads ham radio operators and hobbyists to purchase top-rated mobile transceivers providing the best blend of power, ruggedness and technical functionality for communicating from vehicles in motion.

The Benefits of Owning a Dual Band Mobile Ham Radio

There are many benefits to owning a dual band mobile ham radio as opposed to a single band VHF or UHF radio. Dual band radios contain two transmit/receive modules allowing hams to operate on two frequency bands simultaneously from their vehicle. Typically these are VHF and UHF which provide short range operator-to-operator simplex at VHF (2m band) as well as extended communications by accessing repeaters at UHF (70cm band) that can rebroadcast signals for hundreds of miles.

Dual band mobile radios expand the on-the-go communication capabilities for licensed amateur radio operators. They can listen and transmit across both the 2 meter and 70 centimeter wavelength bands used heavily in local ham radio. With a properly installed dual band mobile on board, ham radio operators can make emergency calls from remote areas with non-existent or unreliable cell service and even send GPS coordinates to other hams who could dispatch help. For adventurous overlanders who explore far off the grid, maintaining reliable long distance communication is essential safety gear where cell towers fail to reach.

Owning a radio capable of transmitting and receiving on multiple bands also enables hams to participate in public service events, contests, rag chew discussions and weekly net meetings of their regional radio clubs or nationwide radio service networks. The wider frequency range reception along with higher power transmitters gives amateur radio operators superior in-the-field capabilities and interoperability only found with a dual band mobile transceiver.

How to Setup Ham Radio in Your Car or Truck

Installing an amateur dual band mobile transceiver with supporting accessories like antennas and power connections transforms a regular vehicle into a reliable communication platform for licensed ham radio operators. Carefully planning the mounting locations plus safely routing cables is key for a clean reliable system:

Step 1: Gather the necessary equipment

Survey the vehicle interior and gather the necessary dual band mobile radio equipment – transceiver, antenna, coax cable, power wires, fuse taps, mounting bracket. Also gather basic hand tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, crimpers.

Step 2: Select the mounting location for the radio

Select the optimal mounting location for the radio unit itself. Priority factors are safety, easy access while driving, adequate ventilation and cable reach. Common mounts are under seats, dashboards, or trunks.

Step 3: Install the antenna

Choose a high central exterior location on the vehicle’s roof or trunk for installing the antenna – ensuring an unobstructed 360° reception view. Follow manufacturer instructions to securely mount the antenna base to the vehicle body, not just the roof rack.

Step 4: Connect the radio to the antenna

Run the coax antenna feed line cable to the mount location, securing it at least 3 feet from other cables to avoid interference. Use weatherproof RF connectors and sealant when connecting to the antenna and transceiver. Properly terminating the cable prevents signal loss and moisture ingress.

Step 5: Connect the radio to the power source

Connect the radio’s power cables to the vehicle’s 12V DC electrical system by tapping into the fuse box. Use an additive fuse tap that leaves the original fuse in place. Connecting this way creates a dedicated circuit powered only when vehicle is on.

Step 6: Ground the radio

Ground the transceiver radio by securely connecting a ground cable from the chassis of the radio housing to a ground point on the vehicle’s chassis or the battery’s negative terminal. Proper permanent grounding helps deter electrical damage and radio interference.

Step 7: Program the radio

Program the dual band mobile radio memory channels with favorite local repeaters, calling frequencies, and public service frequencies to conveniently access them later instead of retuning while driving.

Step 8: Test your system

Test the ham radio system before hitting the road by transmitting on nearby repeaters to confirm all accessories function properly. Then listen to analog and digital traffic to verify good reception. Consider joining a weekly net to make test calls over-the-air.

Step 9: Secure and tidy up the installation

Secure and tidy up the installation by safely concealing components and cables out of the way before mobile operation. Proper installation improves system longevity when exploring off-road areas.

Following good engineering practices when installing amateur radio gear in vehicles results in driving safely without distraction yet with all the capabilities a prepared ham needs to call for help even from very remote locales.

Best Ham Radio Equipment for Overlanding

Rugged, reliable long distance communications are essential equipment for the adventurous activity of overlanding – where modified vehicles with onboard living accommodations explore off the beaten path boondocking in the remote wilderness outside cellular network range. Vehicle-based amateur radio gear tailored for overlanders includes:

• High power dual band mobile transceivers (50 watts VHF/UHF)
• All-weather roof/trunk exterior lip mounts securing antennas
• Multi-tap battery isolators preventing discharge from extended radio use
• Frequency agile antenna tuners that actively optimize bandwidth
• Cross-band and multi-mode digital transceivers to access expansive repeater networks and worldwide DMR, D-STAR and C4FM conversations
• Heavy-duty power cables, fuses, wiring suited for overlanding vehicles
• Radios supporting APRS packet data for transmitting GPS coordinates and messaging

Reliable manufacturers of overland-focused ham radio gear include Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu and Alinco. These brands offer AM/FM/SSB transceivers with durable construction plus handy remote head options to conveniently mount controls in tight cabins. Overlanding requires installing equipment to handle intensely rugged terrain so quality gear survives intense vibration, dust and even submersion without losing satellite-reaching transmission power across desired meter bands.

Best Mobile Ham Radios for Offroading

Venturing off road intensifies the demands on vehicle-mounted mobile ham radios. Rugged terrain combined with creek crossings or equipment mounted outside on trail rigs requires robust waterproof radio hardware that provides consistent transmission power despite intense shakes and vibration. Key traits for the best ham radios for off-road include:

• Fully waterproof exterior (IP67/IP68 rated) keeps dust and moisture from damaging internal electronics when splashing through streams or flipping over on extreme trails. Smart engineering like inverted cabling blocks water ingress through ports as well.
• Assembled from impact-absorbing materials, quality off-road radios boast heavy-duty frames to withstand constant bumps and jolts from uneven ground without internal components fracturing loose, maintaining peak performance exceeding MIL-STD-810 ratings for shock/vibration resilience.
• High power output reaching 50+ watts for VHF and UHF bands ensures signals penetrate dense foliage or rocky terrain at maximum legally allowed levels for repeaters possibly 100+ miles distant, maintaining reliable backcountry communication.
• Detachable controller heads for flexible mounting and infrared wireless remote microphone attachments provide adaptable control configuring tight rig cabins.

Leading all-weather radio models built ruggedly for intense off-road include the Kenwood TM -D710GA, Yaesu FTM-100DR and Icom IC-705. Waterproof gear like these models allow continuous communication scanning emergency frequencies when beyond cell coverage or disabled far from help. Overlanders rely on amateur bands when exploring remote locations continents away from home.

Our Favorite Mobile Ham Radio: The Stryker SR-955HPC

The Stryker SR-955HPC packs the most valued overlanding and off-road ham radio capabilities into a single affordably priced unit. Rugged construction plus smart features has made it our top overall choice favorite dual band mobile transceiver.

This radio transmits at 10 watts on both the 2 meter and 70 centimeter amateur bands allowing simplex and repeater access from remote locales. The convenient hand mic connects via a coiled cord while the front firing weatherproof speaker delivers loud, clear voice and signal reception – essential for understanding instructions over engine drone traversing rugged backroads.

We appreciate the large 7 inch pinch-to-zoom touchscreen visible in bright sunlight thanks to the 5000 nit high resolution display. Intuitive menus clearly indicate signal strength meters, channel names, GPS activation and selected transmission mode. Easy to interpret icons help hams configure preferences like customizable channel names, emergency call functionality and display settings allowing upside down mode while mounted to a roll cage.

Included Bluetooth streams device audio, supports hands-free mobile calls and enables wireless headsets. Digging deeper into features, cross band repeating allows extending communication between handheld ham radios relying on the Stryker’s more powerful 10 watt transmission strength. Activating the Emergency function sounds an alarm on the last selected frequency while sending GPS coordinates to other vehicles in your party.

This radio’s stellar combination of rugged IP67 waterproof construction, reliable transmission power, intuitive interface and flexible communication modes in one compact unit makes it perfectly suited for overlanding and off-road enthusiasts who need unfaltering backcountry communications. We’re confident the Stryker SR-955HPC will capably serve as the foundation of many off-grid mobile ham radio setups.

Conclusion

Equipping vehicles with quality dual band amateur radio gear allows licensed ham operators to explore off-grid while maintaining communications from remote locales beyond reliable commercial cell coverage. Emergency communication capabilities also provide peace of mind while adventuring away from prompt emergency response.

Thoughtfully engineered mobile ham radios with high power transmission, rugged construction and weatherproofing maintain connectivity across widespread networks between operators and repeaters. Now with advanced digital signal modes complementing tried and true FM analog, modern vehicle-installed transceivers surpass antiquated CB and commercial gear for features and long range.

Whether thundering across the open desert kicking up dust between stops to serve safety communications at off-road races or silently gliding on snow through icy forests on an overlanding expedition, dedicated mobile ham setups build connections everywhere across thousands of miles. Invest in reliable radio gear purpose built for vehicles to stay in touch from the most distant grid-free locations accessible by road and trail.