Question on Bumper Stickers

[Richard Stouffer]

I want to have a sign on the back of my fiberglass motorhome that shows I'm monitoring 146.52. I only want it there when I'm actually monitoring the frequency.

Is there any type of material that will stay in place on fiberglass yet be removable like a magnetic sign. Of course I want to be able to put it on and take it off an infinite number of times.

Thanks

[Radio]

IT seems at every hamfest there is a "cap and badge" vendor. These guys often make license plates as well. You could have a plate made that said 146.52 and attach that to your state issued license plate.

I'm thinking of doing this when my trailer gets here. Of course, when the trailer is on the road I will be on 146.52 so that would work for me.

Radio

[wa8yxm]

Well,,,, I use a 2nd radio to monitor 146.52 so I can use a fixed sign. However there are problems... I think the best option would be a LED sign, the sign would say "Monitoring" all the time and below it woudl be some LED digits, a 1 and a 4 (Fixed but switchable) and then an 7-segment 8, a dot and two more 7-segment 8's and optionally a (or another 7-segment 8)

That way you could turn it on/off as you wished. You could also do this with 146.52. Just lay it out using LED marker lights and dummy lights (Turn it on when on 52 and off otherwise (You use the dummy lights so that if it's off they see 888.88 and know it's off)

[Richard Stouffer]

OK, thanks.

I'm wondering if that would be kosher- having lights on the back of the unit other that brake, taillights, etc.

[k9yli]

I think the only requirement for lights on the rear of a vehicle is they can't be white.
I would avoind anything but red though.
velcro is a possibility, or suction cups on the window.
actually suction cups inside the rear window.If it falls off it doesnt go anywhere.
I suppose a sign that says TRY .52 would be meaningful to any ham..

[AE5BI]

Here is my dilemma: I monitor the local repeater when I am in my home state. I monitor 146.52 when traveling but rarely call CQ. My friends expect me on the repeater and because simplex is limited to line-of-site this makes sense. So, I am going to put my call and monitor frequency on my bumper with magnets. Since I tow the Jeep with the MH I will have the current frequency displayed. Does this work for all of you?

[wa8yxm]

I think we need a changeable message sign, like they have on City Bus buses. This would be part-fixed part changeable

Mine, for example, would say:

WA8YXM
146.52 MHz

The numbers would be changable so I could put in 52.525 or 440.xx or whatever

Actually the best option is a 2nd radio, if you have a hand held, leave it on 146.52 (since anyone close enough to read the sign can hit the hand held no problem, even inside the ride)

Magnetic signs may or may not stick around.

[radiow6lar]

I use a magnetic sign on the back bumper of my TT. But I really like the idea of a message sign that can be changed at will. Now to find one that is easy to mount and operate from a distance, your TV, and affordable. It also might be a good possibility for something custom made by oneself. Say your call and a switchable frequency readout. Its got to be something that looks right and not just thrown together. That would makes us look all a bit CB'ish. :rolleyes:

[wa8yxm]

There are a couple of ways to do it, The KISS method involves a lot of wire so hit up your phone company for some multi-pair trunk cable or office cable You need at least 40 or 50 wires (25 pair) One pair is simply power and ground (you may need more than one ground or use a pair of heaver wires) This runs your call and provides ground. The others are wired up in 4-pair batches, (8 wires) one to each of a 7-segment display An 8 pole 11 throw switch at the operator position allows you to "Dial up" a frequency

Just lay out an 8-segment LED bar, Examples

Off52.525 is the Six meter calling frequency (the point is fixed)
146.52off for 2 mtrs

I'm not sure what the 440.xxx is


I also note that the last digit is either a 5 or off (so one wire is all you need) and the first is off, 1 or 4 so 2 wires works there, makes the switching easier too.

I suspect you figured out the 11th position on the switches, (off)

The high tech way is to send digital data down a wire pair, lots less copper, but lots more that can go wrong

[phredsee]

It's been some time now since the last post and wondering if anyone has figured out a way to display? Another idea might be to have a plate made similar to what Radio suggested and attach it up high on the ladder with either velcro or tie raps. Use (2) plates for (2) freqs. or (1) plate with both freqs.. I might try this and report back. Talking enroute would sure break up the trip a little.

[w7wv]

Well,,,, I use a 2nd radio to monitor 146.52 so I can use a fixed sign. However there are problems... I think the best option would be a LED sign, the sign would say "Monitoring" all the time and below it woudl be some LED digits, a 1 and a 4 (Fixed but switchable) and then an 7-segment 8, a dot and two more 7-segment 8's and optionally a (or another 7-segment 8)

That way you could turn it on/off as you wished. You could also do this with 146.52. Just lay it out using LED marker lights and dummy lights (Turn it on when on 52 and off otherwise (You use the dummy lights so that if it's off they see 888.88 and know it's off)

I saw a guy a few years ago with a high end RV that had a ticker tape style display on the rear of his MH.
It's banner displays his callsign and his monitor freq and even invited you to give him a call. You could not miss it!
Of course these signs can be programmed for the information you want displayed.
Makes me wonder what voltage source the banner ran on, AC or DC.

[W6DCS]

I have not found an answer yet either. I am wondering if the plastic stuff that sticks on windows will work on fiberglass? I will be out and about up to Shaver Lake, will be monitoring, and looking for any ideas I might see on the back of someone else's rig.

[k8zfj]

FWIW...i purchased a custom made plate frame from these folks:

http://www.engravenet.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=E&Category_Code=blframe

several yrs ago for my truck; may need to revisit them soon

[K3NOQ/Mobile]

The "Try .52" sounds good to me. If I am on the road, I don't want to be distracted entering different freq'.s, PL codes, etc. on the radio as we go through different areas. I am certainly within range of .52 simplex if you are reading my sign! I will start travelling with the HT on 52 on the dash to listen for other travellers.

I see many sign shops offering same day service on vinyl stick on signs. Some auto parts stores sell a generic make your own kit. You could color coordinate it to display nicely on your rig. A decent sized sign for "Try 52" would be cheap and not require mounting holes to apply. You could put your call on it also. :2cents:

// K3NOQ/3 (today near Ballamer, Hon!)

[wa8yxm]

Have a license plate made and get a holder for it.. Some holders you kind of "Slip in" the plate.. Get that kind and slip it out

The only other choice is a lighted sign or some kind of "Shuttered" sign

[KU4EF]

Saw these posts maybe a little late, but as for a sign that will display a message with LED's, there are a couple of items in Northern Tool Catalog that may suffice. It's a scrolling digital message display one for the license tag and the other for the rear window. Item# 7015100-1901 or 7016100-1901 for about $39.99. Page 365 in the 2008 fall/winter catalog. Hope this helps.

[KC1BUD]

OK, thanks.

I'm wondering if that would be kosher- having lights on the back of the unit other that brake, taillights, etc.


In Michigan it could cause you to be ticketed.

You could try glueing either sheet metal behind where you want the sign or even magnets to improve the grip of the sign. There are many kinds of epoxies and other glues that should do the trick and you wouldn't be limited to the bumper area but as far up as you could reach.

[wa8yxm]

I have a plate that says as I recall

146.52 52.525
2-mtr-6

Just now it's on a junk trailer. .It will be moved to some kind of holder on the motor home when I finish my radio set up.. (I have most of the parts just short one "Round-tuit")

I'm going to have to get to that one of these days

I may put it in a "Dealer's Frame" on the towed..

[WB4VYH]

Well, No body asked me ....... but...... this would do it....

http://shopping.msn.com/specs/roadmaster-rear-deck-scrolling-digital-message-system-model%23-rrds100/itemid1013132537/?itemtext=itemname:roadmaster-rear-deck-scrolling-digital-message-system-model%23-rrds100

but with the letters 1 1/4 in high....how close would one need to be to read it? Oh yeah, it runs on 12 VDC.

Al

[donnie]

When I tow the Jeep behind the MH, I took a magnetic sheet and got some self stick numbers and put my call and 146.52, then cut the sheet to size and placed it on the rear of the Jeep.
Dont have anything on the MH yet as I dont have a rig in it other than the HT.
If Im not mistaken the National 440 freq is 446.00
I believe that 432.10 could also be used.

I also apologize because after posting my reply, I saw the age of this post.:whistle::hammer:

[One Country Boy]

When I tow the Jeep behind the MH, I took a magnetic sheet and got some self stick numbers and put my call and 146.52, then cut the sheet to size and placed it on the rear of the Jeep.
Dont have anything on the MH yet as I dont have a rig in it other than the HT.
If Im not mistaken the National 440 freq is 446.00
I believe that 432.10 could also be used.

I also apologize because after posting my reply, I saw the age of this post.:whistle::hammer:

It's not a problem Donnie. These posts seldom die. I enjoy seeing some of them re-activated with new ideas. Thank you for your posts.

I believe you are correct on the UHF FM calling frequency. I used to work 440 a lot but have not in awhile. My son, N4XCI, had a 440 repeater several years back. We had a good time with it. He had it crossbanded to a 2 meter simplex frequency so hams without UHF capabilities could also use it. A close friend had a 2 meter repeater and they shared the same dualband antenna. We had a good time comparing signals and the characteristics of UHF Vs VHF.

~Jim~

[donnie]

Thanks Jim.
When we travel to Utah, Iv tried the freqs that I found on the Utah VHF Society webpage for the Intermountain Intertie.
Ill try it again when we're up there again later this month.
Still figuring a simple way to get the antenna mounted on the MH.

[wa8yxm]

Many truckers do what is called a "Trip Lease" these trucks will usually have some Snaps on the door (Same as the kind of snap used to hold on snap on windshield covers on motor homes) and there is a pocket sign holder that snaps to them.. Many Truck Stops carry this kind of thing.

A 2nd option, one I hope to do some day, is a light up sign. (Currently monitoring ***.**) and if you are on 52. you turn it on

Note with a small PIC type computer to control it you could monitor multiple bands (I will when I'm fully set up) that would be neat.

I'm doing antenna work today, in-motion antennas

If MONEY is not an object (Oh man is it for me) you can get a small "Changable Message Sign" Such as the route sign on a city bus, Some of these are right impressive, Just remember that in many states flashing a message is not, an option (illegal) but a static display is. and the signs can do both.

[K3NOQ/Mobile]

I bought a toad recently, It had a Dealer AD plate on the front made of heavy plastic. I kept it after the Texas tags came in thinking I will flip it over and put callsign & "TRY 52" on it for the back of the MH. I think (hope!) hams will recognize the meaning. Check out your local dealers for a similar plate.

[W6ZKH]

I guess I will pop in here and give my :2cents: worth of nonsense advice.

I've probably had 8 different RV's in the past, and what I have done is just went to the boat shop or WalMart and got those 3-4 inch letters and stuck them on the back of the rig. I've had many QSO's from other hams who have passed me then gave a call on .52 simplex. It just seems to be the "channel of choice" for most guys who are traveling, in my opinion. I remember back afew years ago, we were coming thru Wyoming, and an England Trucker passed us, and we had a QSO for probably 100 miles before he outran my signal. And if you are traveling through a town, giving a call on .52 for info usually helps more than calling on a repeater. Alot of locals ignore others on repeaters except their clique buddies, whereas on simplex, they'll more than likely call you back, especially if asking for info. Again my :2cents: worth.

Here is my present "signage" on my RV now:

http://www.openroadsradio.net/attachments/photobucket/img_5902_0_d6bb79d993709d1492e281db54b59bcb.jpg

John W6ZKH

[One Country Boy]

Very neat job there John. I think I will do something similar. I'm going to do something similarly with my cable routing as well. I see you have a ground attached to the screw on the bottom of the ladder. I picked up some copper lugs from the auto supply store yesterday to do some grounding using 1 inch and 1/2 inch copper tinned braid.

[wa8yxm]

OK, thanks.

I'm wondering if that would be kosher- having lights on the back of the unit other that brake, taillights, etc.


Yes, provided they are static (not flashing, rotating, swinging back and forth, or such) A fixed sign, like on a city bus, is OK

At least in most states.. I can not speak for all.

[donnie]

What about making a sign and fasten it on the inside of the ladder, between the ladder and the MH?
I also saw a pic of someone that had his call similar to the above poster but did it on the refridg access door.

[wa8yxm]

Re: Attaching to ladder...... If you belong to the FMCA, (If you don't give me a few minutes and I can look up the company) there is a plastics company that makes special "Ladder adapters" for the FMCA goose egg These will work just as well for a license plate type sign though you may need to drill a hole or two.... IN THE SIGN. no holes in your lovely rig

There I found it http://www.kileymold.com/ They make FMCA "plates" and holders and mounts, including one that is specifically designed to hold the FMCA goosegg to a ladder.

NOTE; the Goose egg mounts with two bolts or screws, one at each end, not with 4, like a license plate, so you will either need 2 mounting kits, an egg shaped sign, or drill two holes in the sign.

[KC1BUD]

Figure out where the information comes out of the radio tuning circuit and goes to the display and send that information to a slave display. It would always display the frequency your on.

[wa8yxm]

How about a surplus HT with crystals for 146.52 and charge it's batteries off your inverter

That way you are always monitoring that frequency.. (PS. that is how I do it)

[KE5ZRT]

http://www.studio-lights.com/products/lights/on-air-light.htm

http://www.corbisimages.com/images/67/4158CF1B-BF26-4819-BE75-51D8A834AE39/YU001009.jpg

What about something like this in the back window? You could list the frequency with reflective mailbox lettering.

[KC1BUD]

I think we need a changeable message sign, like they have on City Bus buses. This would be part-fixed part changeable

Mine, for example, would say:

WA8YXM
146.52 MHz

The numbers would be changable so I could put in 52.525 or 440.xx or whatever

Actually the best option is a 2nd radio, if you have a hand held, leave it on 146.52 (since anyone close enough to read the sign can hit the hand held no problem, even inside the ride)

Magnetic signs may or may not stick around.

What is state law about lighted signs though? It is my understanding that Michigan will ticket you for anything other than lights factory installed.

[W9WLS]

Maybe you could have a plate made saying that you are "Monitoring 146.520" and hang it under the license plate using bolts and "THUMB NUTS" (wing nuts) .

[NN5I]

Me, I have a plate with my callsign and have always attached it with velcro. Since the back of my Damon is fiberglas, magnets won't work.

[W6ZKH]

http://www.openroadsradio.net/attachments/photobucket/img_8744_0_9b742e790e0ca9f351c345023c3629e0.jpg

I've had sticker letters and all sorts of things on the back of mine, but this time I dont have to spend time taking them off if and when I sell them.... these are vinyl letters stuck onto a blank tire cover....cost me $65 total....sure more than just lettering, but it is unique, hi...:idea:

[NT5CC]

Why would you not monitor .52 underway except if actively using another frequency? Even if not I don't think it's much of an issue, at least not enough to merit a major effort to avoid. I have a "146.52" reflective decal from "Debbie Does Decals" and always monitor .52 mobile, never yet had a call prompted by it.
Anyway, I suspect that after a call or 2 a passerby would figure out you're not on freq.

[N3LYT]

I scan a number of freqs. there is no doubt I'm a ham with a tri band FM on one side a screwdriver on the other side of the truck but never hear a thing even with a call sign decal in the back window. We have radio gear on top of Mt Washington and can be heard in Canada with a hand held every time I'm up there I try 220 simplex and have never heard a thing.

[wa8yxm]

Two suggestions:
First is basically a sign holder, This is a frame you drop a cardboard (NO not corrorgated paper but genuine cardboard, like 60 weight paper) sign into.. Laminate the sign.

Second an "Led Array" basically some large 7 segment lights.. (NOTE many ways this can be done.. and thanks for inspiring me to think of some) LED on it says 146.52, OFF it says ..888.88 (or nothign at all)

note, by use of the proper switch array you can "Dial in" other frequencies as well.

How to make.. Method one

I have a 5 meter strip of LED's next to me just now I got for as I recall 20 bucks. Might have been less. From Amazon. Cut into strips and solder on jumpers, Attach to a wood or metal back sheet (these are not waterproof) and cover with polyurethane varnish to water proof/seal. Then drop behind the glass.. NOTE; you need to "Simulate" the strips for the non-active segments (I think Fiberglass tape may work here, a couple layers).

Feed it power when needed.

Method 2: Glass front. "Mask" behind it (black painted wood or steel) with 146.52 cutout

Light (Single) behind that.

[wa8yxm]

Lighting is regulated as to color and intensity.. But I do not think it would offend.

Another option is a CMS (Changable Message Sign) this is purely reflective not a light, In your case it would be simple Three Sided blocks (2 sided woudl work but 3 sided are easier) Turned one way they spell out 146.52, Turned out the other way all blank or just Ham Radio (2 lines) or even all 3 positions.. Think Concentration TV show game board.

Another version of this I have seen is a "Shutter board" basically a flat black panel with slots.. (It can also say Ham Radio on it) but there is a cardboard page behind it (Use poaster board) and when the thing is "activeated" this board slides in between the flat black backer and a class or plexiglass cover with an alternate message.. You see this kind of thing on Billboards all the time.