Trucking And Ham Radio

Another topic just made me wonder about this...

Any truckers here licensed hams? Anyone know about any drivers that use amateur radio while on the road?

I'm sure there's some limitations (probably stuck between 2 meter and 70 centimeter) most of the time. But it still seems interesting to me. I'm guessing someone could run an HF rig (no pun intended) from the truck, but that would most likely have to be berth-time only, which would really limit operating time (and the dynamic driving sechdeule of trucking would probably wreak havoc on hitting optimal times.)

Still, can't help but wonder...

I’m not a ham but my brother has been since 1964 so I’ve been exposed to a fair bit over time.I’ve met several drivers who are and they all run 2 meter mobile units.

I’m not a ham but my brother has been since 1964 so I’ve been exposed to a fair bit over time.I’ve met several drivers who are and they all run 2 meter mobile units.

That's encouraging! I'll do some more research into this later tonight on a few of the ham sites. Never even thought to look for it before and I pretty much have spent all my time studying on this site since I pulled the trigger and planned a training date.

Suppose I better also check out company policy on adding an extra radio, antenna, etc. because I do want to run a CB. I see posts that say there's a lot of garbage and BS on the CB, but I also see posts saying that there's lots of info and support there, as well. A decent 2M rig would be fun, but a CB just sort of seems necessary. Hopefully I can run 'em both!

I run a cobra 29. It’s always on except when I pull into a truck stop. I keep the squelch turned down so all I pickup is people pretty close to me. It has saved my backside many a time on traffic backups and even a few potential speeding tickets

I've also been reading about and am interested in getting a technician license and adding a mobile ham radio to my truck. Looks like a fun hobby on the road.

But I will be getting good CB and antenna running first. The current truck I'm on has a Cobra 29 LX hooked to the stock Freightliner antenna. I tweak the squelch and rf gain throughout the drive for maximum sensitivity in the current area. Yes you hear a lot of smack talk between other drivers, but when you hear that faint staticy transmission from a driver miles down the road calling out detailed directions to avoid the traffic backup ahead of you, it can be a game changer. I've avoided lengthy delays due to road closures by getting off early and making a 5 minute detour because of info from other drivers.

I consider the CB a very valuable tool and will be adding one as soon as I can when I move to my own truck. Will also add an antenna so I can increase my listening distance. The stock Freightliner antenna is pretty poor.

Once my CB setup is good. I will start studying for my technician license and start looking to add a mobile ham radio and antenna.

I run a cobra 29. It’s always on except when I pull into a truck stop. I keep the squelch turned down so all I pickup is people pretty close to me. It has saved my backside many a time on traffic backups and even a few potential speeding tickets

I've been eyeing the Galaxy DX 949, especially love that SSB (Single-Sideband) option. Yeah, I keep reading more and more how useful that thing can be.

I've also been reading about and am interested in getting a technician license and adding a mobile ham radio to my truck. Looks like a fun hobby on the road.

But I will be getting good CB and antenna running first. The current truck I'm on has a Cobra 29 LX hooked to the stock Freightliner antenna. I tweak the squelch and rf gain throughout the drive for maximum sensitivity in the current area. Yes you hear a lot of smack talk between other drivers, but when you hear that faint staticy transmission from a driver miles down the road calling out detailed directions to avoid the traffic backup ahead of you, it can be a game changer. I've avoided lengthy delays due to road closures by getting off early and making a 5 minute detour because of info from other drivers.

I consider the CB a very valuable tool and will be adding one as soon as I can when I move to my own truck. Will also add an antenna so I can increase my listening distance. The stock Freightliner antenna is pretty poor.

Once my CB setup is good. I will start studying for my technician license and start looking to add a mobile ham radio and antenna.

Yes, sir! It can be fun. And I think it would be kinda neat making contacts all across the country. The tech license is pretty easy, if you got a CDL then studying for the tech will be a breeze. I've only got a general license myself (which is only slightly more interesting than the tech.) If you're going to have the time to study, I'd just study for the general and then take both the tech and the general on the same day. Most VEC's will let you test for both on the same day for just the one fee.

Just as a note for the future, when you're ready to study, check out the HamExam.org website. Great study aid, really puts me in mind of the High Road CDL Training Program here on this site - just different material. I used it for both my tech and general and thanks to that site I aced them both on my first attempts.

Anytime someone keys up on a CB they are technically on an HF band. I see no reason why you would limit yourself to talk only during sleeper berth time. Oh and I’ll let you in on a little known secret… there is always someone awake and listening somewhere, hence our time zones.

Another topic just made me wonder about this...

Any truckers here licensed hams? Anyone know about any drivers that use amateur radio while on the road?

I'm sure there's some limitations (probably stuck between 2 meter and 70 centimeter) most of the time. But it still seems interesting to me. I'm guessing someone could run an HF rig (no pun intended) from the truck, but that would most likely have to be berth-time only, which would really limit operating time (and the dynamic driving sechdeule of trucking would probably wreak havoc on hitting optimal times.)

Still, can't help but wonder...