2 meter mobile - want to use in radio room

[KF4FCA]

I recently purchased a Yaesu  FT2600M mobile rig ... what type of power supply / interface hardware do I need to get to use this radio inside a building using 110V/120V?  and antenna recomendations.

thanx

[N2MG]

What kind of supply? You should tell us!

Seriously, the rig runs on 12VDC (right?!) and you'll need to know how much current it requires.

Unless you want to build a supply yourself, there are several commercial supplies available: Astron, for example.  I bought a 35 amp unit years ago - it powers all the junk in my shack that runs on 12V (2M radio, TNC, other goodies)

Personally, I'd avoid any kind of switching supply as they tend to create a lot of RF noise.

[KC8AXJ]

Power supply:
As you most likley know, you'll need 10 amps
to run your 2600.
BUT (there's always a but)if you can afford it
by big. If someday you want to get a HF rig
you'll need a power supply that will give
you 20-23 amps. Astron makes a very good unit.
A 25 amp unit will run about $150 vs. a 9 amp
at $70 or 16 amp at $100. I know this mistake because
I have a 16 amp and in March received my General,
now I'm power poor. Never thought three years ago
I would go beyond tech but you here I am.
MFJ makes a 30 amp with meters that looks pretty nice
for about $140. I don't know about how it's quality
though.

Antenna:

Make one, verticle dipoles work very well I've made them,
or you could make a 1/4 wave ground plane.
MFJ 5/8 wave ground plane does a NICE job, I have
one and they're only $20.
Cushcraft "Ringo" models, lots to chose from.
The Comet GP-6 is a VERY good ant. and it's dual
band if you would ever get a 440 rig.

You are on the right track. Ask around BEFORE you pull
your wallet out, Hams love helping fellow hams !!

Well that's it IMHO,
73 !!
Steve kc8axj@arrl.net

[N6AJR]

I have picked up 2 used power supplys in the last week, a 20 amp astron used from HRO for $50 and a used 25 amp tripplits supply for $50 from another ham.. so look around and get something at least 20 amps (surge to 23 or so) and the bigger the better, then you can pick up a 160 watt linear for 2 meters on ebay for under $100 and still have the power to run it at the same time.  look here and at qrz in the used, but these are heavy so probably better to find one locally and haul it home...if it ain't heavy, its a switching rig.. they work ok but I prefer a big transformer my self...heavy is good....

I have a cushcraft AR270b antenna @15 feet for my rig ( 2 m & 44 ringo style) and it does a good job....

have fun, horse trade and keep an eye open for stuff even if you don't need it right now.. you will soon...

tom  N6AJR

go to www.cebik.com

lots to learn from the Dr.

page to technicals and down to vhf

read the 2m half square plans,
cost you a few dollars to build it
and has good performance over jpole
or 1/4 wave vertical.

This will get you on the air fast and easy.

Then build a quad beam at least two elements
or up to five if you have the time to do it.
Cost you about $ 10 to do it using pvc or cca wood.

Post back and let us know what you did and
if it works for you.

73 clay

[KA0AZS]

I power my VHF/UHF radios (IC-2000H for APRS, Kenwood TM-731A for voice) from a 24AH gel cell with an old Micronta 8 amp power supply in parallel.  Have a volt meter hooked up and turn on the power supply when voltage drops to top battery off, or during extended voice operations (nets, etc).  The gel cell not only keeps me going during power outages, but also nicely filters a nasty 60hz hum generated by the power supply.

I use a Cuscraft AR-270-10 dualband beam on a rotor for voice, and an AEA Isopole for APRS.

Power supply, gel cell, and Isopole were all purchased used at ham fests or silent key sales.

73 and good luck!