I've been a ham since 1992 and I've probably gone through dozens of radios. If you are just getting into amateur radio I'd recommend you start with a simple 2 meter hand held like an Icom IC-V82 or something similar. You can easily attach a battery eliminator to it and plug it into the jeeps cigarette plug. It will get into repeaters fairly well and work better on simplex than most CB's.

Later, after you've had a chance to get the feel for it, you can upgrade to a mobile radio and still have the handheld for a back up or away from the jeep.

The Icom IC-V82 is a good choice. It is basically a programmable version of the radio used by the Army as a squad radio. It is rugged and very inexpensive. It has a BNC type connector for the antenna so you can easily attach an exteranal antenna if you choose to.

You can find them very cheap at HRO, Hamcity, or on Ebay.

Glad to see so many off roaders are starting to get interested in Ham radio! The two really do go together.

 

x2 on West. His guides cover all the questions in the test bank with explanations and highlighted recognition items. Well worth the $.

 

I don't know what "Now Your Talking" edition is the most recent, but as long as it is, you should do fine with that. The questions are the same weather it's in the Gordon West or Now you're talking manuals.

 

If you just want to pass the test the Gordon west books is great. If you want to pass and have a good understanding of ham radio I wouldrecommend the arrl technician class study guide. It's all about what you want out of ham radio.

 

First, thanks to everyone for your good suggestions.

I have now gotten my Technician License, and I'm studying for my General Class license. Hopefully, I will pass it in early June.

I have a 2 meter handheld that I have been able to use successfully. According to the owner of the only Ham Radio Shop here in Salt Lake City, with the good repeater coverage we have in Utah, this should be adequate for most locations in the state.

If I pass my Element 3 exam, I am thinking of getting a mobile unit that can do 2 meter and HF. What are your thoughts and recommendations?

 

I need to get back into it...got my novice license back when I was 11, and had a blast with the local HAM club...but as I entered teen years, my interest waned...and well I kinda let every lapse.

Do remember fondly the HAM club outings with the WWI and WWII era guys all bringing their gear, and doing the club contests to see which club could contact the most countries....and taking a shift at 3am, and morsing with someone from Moscow...and taking about 10 minutes to convince him that yes, he was "talking" to an 11 year old from Iowa...and the old WWI era guy who was working another rig chuckling, and shaking his head that I wasn't "helping much"...spending too much time with the one person....but it was my first overseas hit, and ended up being one of the longest distance contacts we got that time.

Still pretty sure I remember my call from then, KAOAZI.

Just need to get off my butt and pick it back up

 

It's very hard to beat an Icom IC-706.......any, and all versions.....from the plane Jane 706, to the 706MIIG (Mark 2 G). Fantastic radios.

 

Thanks AK. I have been looking at the Icom 706. Glad to hear that it is a reliable transceiver. I like the feature of the detachable face plate. I am thinking of mounting the main radio under the driver's seat, and then mounting the face plate on the dash.

What mobile antennas work well? I know that it is unlikely that I will be able to do all the HF frequencies with a mobile antenna, but what works for at least 2 meter through 20 meter?

PS - It took me a while to realize that AK4Dave probably applies to your State of residence, not to your preference in assault weapons.

 

FWIW, Iv got an 09 Sahara and was thinking about using a Cool Tech license bracket for the 2 meter/440 and a Quadratec mount on the spare tire for the cb.
Not to keen on drilling holes on a new vehicle.
THe antenna I was thinking about using for the ham is Comet SBB 224NMO.
Reason being Im currently using a Yaesu VX6 as a mobile.
FWIW, I did use a mag mount on the roof of my truck before I sold it and it worked quite well and it screwed onto where the rubberduck antenna went
With no metal roof on the JK I have to look for another antenna.