Modern Vespa

QRZ OM DE KB3MZX

I've actually been wanting to install one of my spare 2M rigs in my scoot primarily for traffic reports. I also want to install my new FM radio tuner (HD capable) for the same reason.

My husband (KM4DN) and I may even have better luck communicating via simplex while riding rather than our current bluetooth setup with 30 meter range. I don't know where I'll put his radio on his scarabeo since it doesn't have a pet carrier.

Most of the time I'll probably be using simplex, but it would be nice to have a QSO on a repeater while waiting in traffic when I'm riding alone.

I still haven't figured out how I'm going to mount antennas on my scoot. I've been looking at an antenna made by fanfare for RX of FM radio, not sure how it'll do wind wise. Still haven't found a suitable 2M antenna.

I have a PTT switch that will mount on my left handle, I don't think VOX will work very well even with a noise canceling mic. I use a Motorola HS8310 (I think that's right) bluetooth adapter to get audio I/O of my helmet, meant to connect to a bluetooth enabled phone. The helmet mounting kit has a great wind canceling mic on a little goose neck. Then to connect to the 2M rig I'll use another bluetooth audio I/O device made by Albrecht model BPA 100. I had to buy this one from the UK and had to wait months for customs.

hmmm..... HF.... I wonder if I can fit my Drake twins in my pet carrier.



-73

Do you think a scooter's battery will have enough excess juice to power a transceiver? That would be my concern.

-KF6OPR

Only running QRP.

Five or ten watts should be fine. What type of antenna would you use? Wouldn't it have to be directional?

That's what I figure. Shouldn't take much more than that for a bike to bike QSO with my OM on simplex.

I'm still looking at antennas. I'm thinking just simple vertical for FM, and a 5/8ths whip for 2M.

Are there any standard antenna mounting brackets for a BV250?

Probably you'll have to fabricate something. But first, I'd check Ram Mount. They might have something that would work.

Link to http://www.ram-mount.com/

Once you get your rig set up please post pics. de N4WSH

I figured I'd have to make something custom. I wonder if the motorcycle guys down the street will help... or laugh like they did the last time I went by there. I will definitely post pics!

Some of my broadcast (commercial) radio buddies are very interested in this project as well. Plenty of motorcycle mobile ops out there, but I've never heard of a scooter mobile. Sounds like an article for QST.

Unfortunately most of the antennas I've been looking at are for CB, I'll may end up adapting one of my 5/8ths antennas for the car to work on the scoot.

This is an ongoing project who knows when it'll be complete.... Stay tuned!

Two Meters sounds reasonable on a scoot but HF (short wave) could require a bit too much of your attention. If you can mount the rig within easy reach instead of placing it in the pet carrier, you will have better access to frequency, power, and volume controls. You want a metal to metal contact for the ground connection at the antenna, perhaps at the rear carrier.

73,
Bob Cowley
VE3HIX

I plan to use a hand held with a remote mike for short distance.

If there is any flat metal on your scooter just use a quarter wave magnetic mount. You can work a long distance through a repeater and probably 5 to 10 miles simplex on flat ground, even running one watt. That has been my experience on boats. K5Rl

Check out these links, Rob K5RL


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB5Yri68uKY

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuqY98ql_L8

The QST article sounds good. I don't recall seeing anything similar in the past. As far as HF QSO's I agree, to much going on to try that, but 2 mtr repeater contacts would be good. Also, a 2 meter rig with a detachable face might be the best option that way you could hide the rest of the rig. The other thing I though of is if you have a flyscreen, how about a through the glass antenna mount, like a Larsen antenna?

Just a thought too, if juice draw is a concern maybe replace as many of your stock bulbs with LED's.This way with the extra wattage you now would have by going led,no worry about power consumption draw.

Many moons ago QST had an article about a gut who ran HF with an Atlas 210b on his Suzuki. He even stopped in at W1AW to show off.

73's de N8HFS

AWESOME!!!!

Ok... after watching that video I realized that I'll probably want to disable the side kick stand kill switch! I know I saw a post somewhere around here about how to do that.