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How to Convert a Mobile Ham Radio Into a Home Base

Mobile ham radios can easily double as a base station inside your home. In fact, having your mobile radio serve double duty as a base station prevents you from having to buy a second radio just for that purpose.

Things You'll Need

Base station antenna capable of the frequencies that your radio can produce
RF cable
Power supply capable of supplying the rated DC voltage and current for your radio
Antenna tuner
DC cable

Instructions

- 1
  Install your base station antenna according to the directions provided with the antenna.
- 2
  Remove your mobile radio from your car and take it into your house to the spot where you wish to use it.
- 3
  Attach the antenna tuner to the RF cable that is attached to your antenna, if necessary.
- 4
  Attach your radio to your antenna RF cable or to the antenna tuner if needed.
- 5
  Place the DC power supply near your radio. Be careful to leave sufficient space around it to allow for cooling.
- 6
  Attach the DC power supply to your radio using the DC cable.
- 7
  Plug the DC power supply into an 115Vac outlet.
- 8
  Turn on the DC power supply.
- 9
  Turn on your mobile ham radio.
- 10
  Verify proper operation of your mobile ham radio.

Ham Radio