Ham Radio Bus

[mangus580]

Hoping to get my Skoolie conversion going soon. I have plans to set up a bus as a mobile Ham Radio station. Its for a local club of ours that is dedicated to introducing the hobby to the younger generations.

We hope to use the bus to travel around the local area and set up at schools, boy scout events, and hamfests, etc. When setup, we will be able to show kids what ham radio is all about.

it will also be able to be used as a communication setup for public service events, as well as emergencies.

I figure a 72 passenger sized bus is about the perfect size, and anticipate leaving a few seats in the front, and making the rest 'work station' type benches, and a small kitchen and toilet area to bring it into an RV class.

I am not sure how quick my project will get moving, as I am still working on the financial part of it. I have started a fundraiser to help assist with it.

https://www.gofundme.com/yarn-bus

I would appreciate any help i can get, be it a small donation, or at least sharing the link around.

One thing I still have yet to decide, is what chassis, manufacturer, etc I would prefer. I am partial the the Freightliner shown as an example on the gofundme link. Would prefer to have the Cat 3126 engine, and MD3060 transmission, but fear those may be out of my budget. Also I need to consider air vs hydraulic brakes. I dont mind either, I just have to get a grasp on NY licensing requirements for air brakes in an RV.

I am pretty sure I want to go with a front engine bus, be it flat nose or conventional. (I think conventional is preferred, as it makes it a bit more accessible to those that have trouble with stairs, etc). The reasoning behind the front engine, is I envision having a set of stairs for the rear exit, so people can come in the front, and out the back if we are giving a large tour. Granted I suppose a side exit would work for that too, and may lend to a better layout (allowing the small kitchen/bath area behind the side exit and not having to 'tour' through it)

One feature I do hope to find, is a wheelchair lift, so that we can accommodate people that may not be able to climb the stairs. This can also help in loading gear as needed.

Something else I do have in my plans (this is where some Skoolie expertise can really shine), I want to make a tower that at least folds down and lays flat onto the roof. Its possible it may be a telescoping setup too. If I find the right one, it may not need to fold over, but just the same, I will need some ideas on how to properly support it at the back of the frame, as well as how I might hide some outriggers that can be extended for support.

Other things I plan to consider, are stationary air conditioning (maybe some low level heat?). Roof raising?(hoping to avoid the need for this) new flooring - thinking maybe just cleaning up the stock floor and laying a nice laminate on it? and what I am going to do for paint on the exterior.

I am open to any suggestions anyone has for me. I know what I want for function in the end, I just felt it prudent to ask the Skoolie experts for ideas too, as I dont want to miss something.

Thanks for any ideas!

Mike

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by mangus580

Hoping to get my Skoolie conversion going soon. I have plans to set up a bus as a mobile Ham Radio station. Its for a local club of ours that is dedicated to introducing the hobby to the younger generations.

We hope to use the bus to travel around the local area and set up at schools, boy scout events, and hamfests, etc. When setup, we will be able to show kids what ham radio is all about.

it will also be able to be used as a communication setup for public service events, as well as emergencies.

I figure a 72 passenger sized bus is about the perfect size, and anticipate leaving a few seats in the front, and making the rest 'work station' type benches, and a small kitchen and toilet area to bring it into an RV class.

I am not sure how quick my project will get moving, as I am still working on the financial part of it. I have started a fundraiser to help assist with it.

https://www.gofundme.com/yarn-bus

I would appreciate any help i can get, be it a small donation, or at least sharing the link around.

One thing I still have yet to decide, is what chassis, manufacturer, etc I would prefer. I am partial the the Freightliner shown as an example on the gofundme link. Would prefer to have the Cat 3128 engine, and MD3060 transmission, but fear those may be out of my budget. Also I need to consider air vs hydraulic brakes. I dont mind either, I just have to get a grasp on NY licensing requirements for air brakes in an RV.

I am pretty sure I want to go with a front engine bus, be it flat nose or conventional. (I think conventional is preferred, as it makes it a bit more accessible to those that have trouble with stairs, etc). The reasoning behind the front engine, is I envision having a set of stairs for the rear exit, so people can come in the front, and out the back if we are giving a large tour. Granted I suppose a side exit would work for that too, and may lend to a better layout (allowing the small kitchen/bath area behind the side exit and not having to 'tour' through it)

One feature I do hope to find, is a wheelchair lift, so that we can accommodate people that may not be able to climb the stairs. This can also help in loading gear as needed.

Something else I do have in my plans (this is where some Skoolie expertise can really shine), I want to make a tower that at least folds down and lays flat onto the roof. Its possible it may be a telescoping setup too. If I find the right one, it may not need to fold over, but just the same, I will need some ideas on how to properly support it at the back of the frame, as well as how I might hide some outriggers that can be extended for support.

Other things I plan to consider, are stationary air conditioning (maybe some low level heat?). Roof raising?(hoping to avoid the need for this) new flooring - thinking maybe just cleaning up the stock floor and laying a nice laminate on it? and what I am going to do for paint on the exterior.

I am open to any suggestions anyone has for me. I know what I want for function in the end, I just felt it prudent to ask the Skoolie experts for ideas too, as I dont want to miss something.

Thanks for any ideas!

Mike

Awesome project...good luck...I wish I could help...speaking of ham radio...what ever become of ham tv? Back in the 80s I knew a operater with a little video set-up...mostly radio though

Sent from my VS500PP using Tapatalk

[TrailLifeBill]

Originally Posted by Jdawgsfanasty

Awesome project...good luck...I wish I could help...speaking of ham radio...what ever become of ham tv? Back in the 80s I knew a operater with a little video set-up...mostly radio though

It's still there... plus many other modes that were in their infancy in the '80s. I used packet radio some during the Atlanta Olympics, took a sabatical for 10-15 years and was astonished in the amount of progress digital radio modes have made since then.

Here's a link describing amateur tv operation....

SSTV --- INTRO TO SLOW SCAN ON HAM RADIO! QUICK START GUIDE!

73's, Bill N4TJS

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by TrailLifeBill

It's still there... plus many other modes that were in their infancy in the '80s. I used packet radio some during the Atlanta Olympics, took a sabatical for 10-15 years and was astonished in the amount of progress digital radio modes have made since then.

Here's a link describing amateur tv operation....

SSTV --- INTRO TO SLOW SCAN ON HAM RADIO! QUICK START GUIDE!

73's, Bill N4TJS

Thx for the link...I've heard the rules changed for code too...I'm tone deaf and have never been able to do code

Sent from my VS500PP using Tapatalk

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by TrailLifeBill

It's still there... plus many other modes that were in their infancy in the '80s. I used packet radio some during the Atlanta Olympics, took a sabatical for 10-15 years and was astonished in the amount of progress digital radio modes have made since then.

Here's a link describing amateur tv operation....

SSTV --- INTRO TO SLOW SCAN ON HAM RADIO! QUICK START GUIDE!

73's, Bill N4TJS

I'm glad SSTV is still alive

Sent from my VS500PP using Tapatalk

[M1031A1]

I'm doing something similar, but scaled waaaay back. I'm on every now-and-then on 20 meters

KF5NZM

M

[cadillackid]

I used to be into HAM and SSTV.. fun stuff.. unfortunteyl I let my license expire and havent been back into it.. would love to have a shack in a bus though! go up in the mountains ands work the 10 or 20! i was mainly into 2 meter stuff for voice.. compurters kind of took over for me. as I had gotten into HAM mid-late 80s but then went the direction of building computers and electronics.. and then more software..

what a great idea!! looking forward to watching this build!!
-Christopher

[ACamper]

If you want to promote HAM radio help get rid of the ridiculous backwards licensing and test.
People do not want to waste their time memorizing completely worthless information just to use out dated communication. People clam the test is "weeding" people out, the reality their is no one on these channels. If you spend enough time you might find a couple of old men talking about their bird feeder or Trump.

You can buy a HAM radio for $40. now days. Get one use it.

An old school bus is not going to make people want to waste 50hr studying worthless info for a license.

[TrailLifeBill]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

I used to be into HAM and SSTV.. fun stuff.. unfortunteyl I let my license expire and havent been back into it.. would love to have a shack in a bus though! go up in the mountains ands work the 10 or 20! i was mainly into 2 meter stuff for voice.. compurters kind of took over for me. as I had gotten into HAM mid-late 80s but then went the direction of building computers and electronics.. and then more software..

Much the same story here - but was astonished in the advances in digital modes such as PSK31 when I snuck back in. Before, I primarily worked 2 and 10M voice, but now I spend more time working QRP digital on 40-20M. My next equipment update will be toward SDR - that certainly will make mobile operation easier and will better merge the ham and computer hobbies. Christopher, find a field day and check it out! DXing in the desert or in the mountains from a bus is one of my motivators while working on my build!!

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by ACamper

If you want to promote HAM radio help get rid of the ridiculous backwards licensing and test.
People do not want to waste their time memorizing completely worthless information just to use out dated communication. People clam the test is "weeding" people out, the reality their is no one on these channels. If you spend enough time you might find a couple of old men talking about their bird feeder or Trump.

You can buy a HAM radio for $40. now days. Get one use it.

An old school bus is not going to make people want to waste 50hr studying worthless info for a license.

part of the reason for tests and such is that while you may find on a nice clear day that there are just a cpouple old men popping on a repeater now and then.. But ever hear of 'Nets?' specifically the weather-net in most areas is a HUGE reason people;s lives are saved from tornados.. when the tornado flew over my house last week (I was out of town).. the HAM operators were the only ones in the area that accurately depicted where it ended up going from live reports directly back to NWS personnel montoring it.. in those situations you dont want every kid with a squack box out there trying to blast in.. there are etiquettes to be followed when on HAM and when on a monitored net for sure.. HAM while it is fun for many its not child;s play when emergencies happen..

HAM's in particular the old-schoolers.. ones with tube type rigs are possibly the only form of communications that may be functional if something horrific occured like an EMP or an all out power grid attack..

going through that "useless" testing to know how electronics work and how to properly handle yourself on the airwaves is necessary to prevent chaos.. being able to help repair radios, set up towers, antennas, etc may be necessary.. knowing the proper cable type to drop for a 10 meter antenna, maybe the correct antenna type and length surely is going to be vital in situations where time may be of essence.. hook up a battery backwards and you ruin a whole set-up people are depending on..

HAM field days, while often bring a lot of fun, smiles, and gathering of friends.. or also drills of how to operate in as much an off-grid capacity as you can.. to simulate and test how well your setup could function if it was actually called to action for more than just "talking about trump".

im not here to start a debate on HAM.. but am hear to say it goes far beyond what apparently you have known it to be..
-Christopher

[PNW_Steve]

I recall handling emergency traffic during a big wildfire that took out landlines, power and cell towers in the area. If not for Ham Radio there would have been zero civilian communications.

Ham Radio is not what it used to be but it does still have practical applications.

Now, who can tell me how to fit a 40m NVIS on my Bluebird?

73's

[ACamper]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

but am hear to say it goes far beyond what apparently you have known it to be..
-Christopher

I actually know a fair amount about it. I have also set up emergency communications in a few disaster areas. SAT, cell boosters, radio antennas, etc.

The amount of help amateur HAMs provide in an emergency is so small... You can search for days and find a couple of examples. Meanwhile in disasters and emergencies thousands, hundreds of thousands used SAT, SMS, internet, etc

The amount of time, effort and money it takes to set up a ham antenna that will reach anywhere would be much better spent on a small satellite antenna that will reach the anywhere in the globe in seconds.

Thinking HAM saves the day in disasters is like saying horse and buggy, blacksmith, bow and arrow will save the day. It could, it has(once or twice).

[mangus580]

Originally Posted by ACamper

If you want to promote HAM radio help get rid of the ridiculous backwards licensing and test.
People do not want to waste their time memorizing completely worthless information just to use out dated communication. People clam the test is "weeding" people out, the reality their is no one on these channels. If you spend enough time you might find a couple of old men talking about their bird feeder or Trump.

You can buy a HAM radio for $40. now days. Get one use it.

An old school bus is not going to make people want to waste 50hr studying worthless info for a license.

Personally I feel the testing is too lax as it is. The information isnt worthless. Part of the point of being an Amateur Radio operator is understanding how your radio works, and how electronics work to a point. As well as understanding your antennas, interaction with other electronics, and what part of the bands you are legally allowed to use and how.

One of my twin 8 year olds is licensed. Its not difficult to do, and the test shouldnt prevent someone interested enough in what is going on from getting into the hobby.

The tests are designed to put a level of effort into getting a license. Otherwise it would turn into what CB has become.....

[ACamper]

Originally Posted by mangus580

Personally I feel the testing is too lax as it is. The information isnt worthless. Part of the point of being an Amateur Radio operator is understanding how your radio works, and how electronics work to a point.

=== Here are a few random questions I took from the test-
-----------
-What is the basic unit of inductance?

-What are the three electrodes of a PNP or NPN transistor?

-If an ammeter calibrated in amperes is used to measure a 3000-milliampere current, what reading would it show?

-Which of the following describes a simple dipole mounted so the conductor is parallel to the Earth's surface?
--------

I use radios sometimes I never need this type of info= worthless. Radios are very basic technology we do not build them in a wooden box with parts anymore.We buy them all put together and use them until the break or out dated.

Now days a person can buy a cell phone call or text anywhere in the world. Buy a laptop email, text send images anywhere in the globe in seconds.

Why would a young person study stuff like the above just to be able to use a radio ?

[cadillackid]

the problem is in an all out catastrophe SMS, cell, and the like will likely be dead.. Satellite potentially could still be active as long as the base stations beaming up are active and the ground supporting equipment is functional..

I work in the telecom industry and while a lot of care has been taken in the most recent years to try and protect infrastructure against EMP and all out grid outages.. Much work needs to be done..

Maria? Sandy? anyone who was in the eastern half of the USA during Sandy and works in the tech industry knows what disasters ensued as complete fiber CO's went on their arses.. AWS east was down... verizon lost all capabilities..

all these technologies are not point to point, they require underlying infrastructure to function.. (hello! I build that stuff and write the software that runs it!).. your iphone cant simplex or repeat off another iphone next to it to the next.

Yes makeshift wi-fi networks can be provisioned with mesh technology and then VoiP servers deployed to help with communications short distance..

I get that most people probably dont need to know how to wire up transistor and op-amp circuits on a daily basis.. (that learning however sure did help me in life.. maybe thats one reason why the electronic busses dont bother me in the least.... ).. and yes in the modern world most of the radios are not serviceable like they once were.. one thing that was done about 25 years ago was offer a HAM license with no morse code needed.. that allowed alot more people to join in.. and it worked..

like I said this thread isnt supposed to be about whether HAM tests are valid or not.. its about a guy;'s bus build... and personally i think HAM and the idea of a field day bus shack are awesome.
-Christopher

[ACamper]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

Maria? Sandy? anyone who was in the eastern half of the USA during Sandy and works in the tech industry knows what disasters ensued as complete fiber CO's went on their arses.. AWS east was down... verizon lost all capabilities..

Maria, great example satellite phones, satellite internet connections were the only communication for weeks, months in some places.

Didn't hear or see any HAM radios... ? meanwhile hundreds of thousands depended on emergency SAT communications.

Their are plenty of communication disaster examples and HAM never puts any kind of real relief to them.

Originally Posted by cadillackid

like I said this thread isnt supposed to be about whether HAM tests are valid or not.. its about a guy;'s bus build...

The guy is asking for money for this build. When people ask for money they put themselves and the project under scrutiny.

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by ACamper

If you want to promote HAM radio help get rid of the ridiculous backwards licensing and test.
People do not want to waste their time memorizing completely worthless information just to use out dated communication. People clam the test is "weeding" people out, the reality their is no one on these channels. If you spend enough time you might find a couple of old men talking about their bird feeder or Trump.

You can buy a HAM radio for $40. now days. Get one use it.

An old school bus is not going to make people want to waste 50hr studying worthless info for a license.

You are one of those "weeded out"...WSHTF those with the worthless knowledge will have the power...there is no wasted knowledge!!!

But if ham ain't your thing it's fine by me...

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

part of the reason for tests and such is that while you may find on a nice clear day that there are just a cpouple old men popping on a repeater now and then.. But ever hear of 'Nets?' specifically the weather-net in most areas is a HUGE reason people;s lives are saved from tornados.. when the tornado flew over my house last week (I was out of town).. the HAM operators were the only ones in the area that accurately depicted where it ended up going from live reports directly back to NWS personnel montoring it.. in those situations you dont want every kid with a squack box out there trying to blast in.. there are etiquettes to be followed when on HAM and when on a monitored net for sure.. HAM while it is fun for many its not child;s play when emergencies happen..

HAM's in particular the old-schoolers.. ones with tube type rigs are possibly the only form of communications that may be functional if something horrific occured like an EMP or an all out power grid attack..

going through that "useless" testing to know how electronics work and how to properly handle yourself on the airwaves is necessary to prevent chaos.. being able to help repair radios, set up towers, antennas, etc may be necessary.. knowing the proper cable type to drop for a 10 meter antenna, maybe the correct antenna type and length surely is going to be vital in situations where time may be of essence.. hook up a battery backwards and you ruin a whole set-up people are depending on..

HAM field days, while often bring a lot of fun, smiles, and gathering of friends.. or also drills of how to operate in as much an off-grid capacity as you can.. to simulate and test how well your setup could function if it was actually called to action for more than just "talking about trump".

im not here to start a debate on HAM.. but am hear to say it goes far beyond what apparently you have known it to be..
-Christopher

Do you still need code?

[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

the problem is in an all out catastrophe SMS, cell, and the like will likely be dead.. Satellite potentially could still be active as long as the base stations beaming up are active and the ground supporting equipment is functional..

I work in the telecom industry and while a lot of care has been taken in the most recent years to try and protect infrastructure against EMP and all out grid outages.. Much work needs to be done..

Maria? Sandy? anyone who was in the eastern half of the USA during Sandy and works in the tech industry knows what disasters ensued as complete fiber CO's went on their arses.. AWS east was down... verizon lost all capabilities..

all these technologies are not point to point, they require underlying infrastructure to function.. (hello! I build that stuff and write the software that runs it!).. your iphone cant simplex or repeat off another iphone next to it to the next.

Yes makeshift wi-fi networks can be provisioned with mesh technology and then VoiP servers deployed to help with communications short distance..

I get that most people probably dont need to know how to wire up transistor and op-amp circuits on a daily basis.. (that learning however sure did help me in life.. maybe thats one reason why the electronic busses dont bother me in the least.... ).. and yes in the modern world most of the radios are not serviceable like they once were.. one thing that was done about 25 years ago was offer a HAM license with no morse code needed.. that allowed alot more people to join in.. and it worked..

like I said this thread isnt supposed to be about whether HAM tests are valid or not.. its about a guy;'s bus build... and personally i think HAM and the idea of a field day bus shack are awesome.
-Christopher

Me2!!! I totally understand the concept of mobility

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by Jdawgsfanasty

Do you still need code?

I think somewhere in the mid 2000s the FCC dropped the requirement for morse code on the Tech and General licenses.. im not sure if 'extra' still requires it or not. in the late 80s / early 90s they created a no-code tech license which brought on a lot of younger people who wanted to join in but felt code was worethless.. this was a way to "taste" HAM.. you could work 2 meters and 400cm I believe but didnt have access to the HF bands. most often you got hooked so you would study and upgrade to a General which required code at the time.

-Christopher