I am in the process of preparing a to-do (actually a to-get) list in order to be able to contribute in a communications emergency situation. I have already initiated preliminary contact with local ARES and RACES, so this post is limited to equipment questions. Currently I have a Kenwood TH-F6A tri-band HT with 2 battery packs, and an Icom 706MKII. My only current mobile antenna is a tri-band mag mount.
I am considering a marine rated 12v battery. Is this the type of battery you pick up at Wal-Mart, or is brand quality an issue? What is the most prudent way to connect the MKII to the battery? Should I get a second factory power connector, or make one myself? If home made, what gauge wire, what size fuses and what type of connectors at the battery end? Would grounding to my truck frame suffice? As far as antennas, what band and type? I was thinking about building some sort of wood frame for the truck bed to support the antenna. I would also use all of these items for regular mobile communications. Any other aspects I should be thinking of at this point?