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Bicycle Mobile Amateur Radio

Oct 31st, 2009
by Michael Martens.

This weekend I gave a short presentation on bicycle mobile amateur radio at the Wisconsin ARES/RACES Leadership Conference. Ever since I’ve been an active cyclist I’ve carried a small HT with me. I’ve also ridden in several Bike Wisconsin rides across the state as a member of the SAG team and a bike mobile ham. Cell phone coverage can be very spotty while riding in rural areas, but I’ve never had an issue making a contact using amateur radio. If I’m riding locally, I’ll use the duck antenna on the radio.  But for longer rides, I’ve got a half wave end fed 2 meter antenna that I built out of coax and a bicycle flag. This antenna’s performance is outstanding and I highly recommend it over any other type of antenna for the bicycle. My presentation notes and antenna plans are below.

Bicycle mobile amateur radio

2 meter end fed half wave antenna

Posted in: Emergency Communications, Fun Stuff.

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