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AK0LW
04-02-2009, 07:47 PM
I just ordered a FT-2800 as a mobile rig for my pickup.

Any tips or tricks that I should know about with this little 2m radio?

Thanks!
KJ4CMG
04-02-2009, 10:22 PM
I have one and used it as base for over a year. No problems and easy to use.
KJ4KDM
04-02-2009, 11:46 PM
Pretty straight foward radio. I have two of them their great.
W9EPL
04-03-2009, 02:38 AM
i had one... great starter rig. they do get hot as my 1802 i have now is just the same... you will love it..
73 de w9epl
AK0LW
04-03-2009, 12:29 PM
These are all GREAT things to hear!! http://forums.qrz.com/images/icons/icon10.gif
AK0LW
04-10-2009, 06:57 PM
I have my FT-2800m installed and it is working great! I like that size and the simplicity of it. My only qualm is that the VFO is mighty sensitive to the touch, but nothing serious. It is exciting to be able to monitor the frequencies while I drive!!
AE5JU
04-15-2009, 01:55 PM
My wife gave me an FT-2800M for Christmas. :D

Hooked it up in the shack temporarily and got good signal/audio quality reports.

Installing in my truck now.
KB3QLK
04-15-2009, 03:22 PM
I own 2 and for the price you cant beat it!!
AK0LW
04-15-2009, 03:52 PM
I am very happy with this radio! Works and sounds great!
W6CGA
04-15-2009, 05:30 PM
I had one in my car for 2 years and it worked just fine. Now I use it as a base unit and it works fine also.

73
W6CGA
AE5JU
04-30-2009, 02:02 PM
Truck installation complete, getting good signal reports all over the area.

Easy to use. Dang, there's a lot of buttons on that mic! I have to be careful how I hold it... hahaha!

I'm using the Comet SBB-5 NMO, the radio is in a homebrew mount made from aluminum angle and 1/8" sheet.

Working well!
KE5ZQC
04-30-2009, 04:37 PM
I almost got that SBB5 comet. How do you like it? I got the diamond HR77.
KA0MGM
05-05-2009, 02:00 PM
Greetings, first post here.

I installed a FT-2800M in my work vehicle. I do field service on public radio transmitters, onsite.

The problem I am having is, I drive a lot of rural gravel roads in Iowa/Illinois and the volume control will not stay put. I'll glance down and notice repeaters coming up, but no audio, check the volume knob and find, once again, it has vibrated to the minimum poition. It doesn't take long on a rough rural road either.

Anyone know of a fix for this?

Thanks.

Jim
KA0MGM
KI4MXO
05-05-2009, 11:51 PM
i bought mine when they first came out. the mic had a problem. had to remove the little plastic thing blocking the element, and enlarged the mic holes. no more can sound! and for some reason, the wide and narrow setting doesnt seem to work, but not a big problem. other than that, the rig has been great! had it as both mobile and base. will get another one when the XYL gets her call.
KA0MGM
05-06-2009, 10:06 PM
Greetings, first post here.

I installed a FT-2800M in my work vehicle. I do field service on public radio transmitters, onsite.

The problem I am having is, I drive a lot of rural gravel roads in Iowa/Illinois and the volume control will not stay put. I'll glance down and notice repeaters coming up, but no audio, check the volume knob and find, once again, it has vibrated to the minimum poition. It doesn't take long on a rough rural road either.

Anyone know of a fix for this?

Thanks.

Jim
KA0MGM

Well, I took a shot at fixing it myself and it seems to have solved the problem. I took two flat, rubber, old-style faucet washers. Hand drilled the center holes out to 11/32", which gave a nice snug fit on the small diameter hub on the back side of the knob. The O.D. of the washers were the same as the O.D. of the knobs and since they were black, nearly invisible. Pushed the volume and squelch knobs on tightly. Did NWS field strength audits in 2 rural Iowa counties today on pot-holed and washboarded gravel roads. And not an iota of movement from either knob. Nice smooth friction feel when you adjust the knobs. Thought I'd share.

Jim
KA0MGM
AE5JU
05-11-2009, 04:32 PM
I almost got that SBB5 comet. How do you like it? I got the diamond HR77.

Talking to others on several of the area repeaters, telling them my location and how much power I'm using, I'm told I'm doing as well as or better than most. Unless right at the line-of-sight fringe, I can often reduce power to 10 or even 5 watts.

So, I'm happy with the Comet SSB-5NMO as well as the radio.

The antenna mount is the CP-5NMO, the third one down here:

http://www.natcommgroup.com/products.php?CatID=3&famID=9&childID=14

It's screwed to the upper edge of the driver's side "suicide door" on my Dodge Laramie 1500 pickup.
AE5JU
06-12-2009, 12:54 PM
A little update. I liked the FT-2800M in my truck so much, I bought a second one for the shack.
KF5BRI
06-18-2009, 07:09 PM
Just got my Ham License and a FT-2800m. Your reports sound promising. Will be setting this one up as a base station soon.:p
73's kf5bri
W2TXB
06-20-2009, 07:03 PM
We have one as the "emergency" radio at the hospital where I work, and I liked it so much, I bought the company. ;)

Seriously, the '2800M is one heck of a good radio. If you want a decent radio that is easy to use and has enough transmitter and receiver to get things done, then the FT-2800M is a good choice. While you are at it, get the programming software (RT Systems or G4HFQ) and a cable (buy or build), and you are good to go.