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Michael Figgins
Mar 03, 2021
In TRIP REPORTS
I made a video using footage I have gathered over the years since I have been with the NWOL Figgins Mix Vol. 1 - YouTube It's part of a 6 volume series Just wanted to see what you guys think.
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Michael Figgins
Nov 04, 2019
In FIELD COMMUNICATIONS
Hello I got my technician license. I primarily got my license to use 5 watt baofengs for off road and over landing purposes, though I do have a mobile unit in my jeep that is uhf/vhf 50 watt that I use when I am on the go and much prefer the strong radio and large antenna over the little Baofengs. now I don't think I will ever convince friends/family to commit to that kind of investment into a more powerful radio that is more intrusive in your vehicle. especially since the Baofengs are so convenient and are far superior to CB radio in every way imaginable, in my opinion. Now the advice I am in need of is that I have a dream of turning my jeep into a repeater for friends and family to use when we are out on the trail, as we are regularly outside of cell phone reception, and once we set up camp you would be able to use the jeeps much larger antenna and 40 watt power source to send your baofeng signal significantly further and if some one decided to go hiking it would be a much more reliable and reach further then the simple baofengs by themselves. what i have come up with thus far is either getting a radio that performs the function by itself https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014R3FGWW/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A3EB62EZDL1WQ0&psc=1 OR https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071F9FDVV/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A25505C8NUXJM5&psc=1 or alternatively, using this device which seems to be just a repeater in a box that i could then just use an amplifier between this and the antenna https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PKQD7BZ/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=AJFR970E0U757&psc=1 now i am not sure if i am even on the right track of coming up with a feasible solution or if i'm just wasting my time all together. I also have had trouble coming up with antenna solutions as well. originally i planned on using a 102" stainless steel whip antenna but have recently learned that that isn't even close to the correct antenna to use. but i would like to get a long antenna that could be pulled over to avoid getting hit by branches and then deployed when i need it. the antenna only needs to be for VHF not dual band. Thank you for your time any advice is greatly appreciated, Figgins KJ7JVE
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Michael Figgins
Jul 09, 2019
In FIELD COMMUNICATIONS
So I am having a little issue with interference with my Ham radio(s). I have good ground on the antenna. I only get the interference after about 5 to 10 minutes of driving and its almost a constant static. I only get it on 146.46 that i have found so far. I also get the static on baofeng portable radio same channel, if i put the baofeng radio on the visor and turn the antenna away from the jeep the static goes away. but if i put the palm of my hand touching the metal of the shift lever the static is constant and i can play with the noise by touching, not touching, touching, not touching. I know i have good ground on the antenna for the base unit. I don't think running a ferret choke would do anything with this issue cause i believe its just the antenna getting interference on a certain frequency. maybe static electricity from the transmission? maybe running a ground strap to the transmission from the frame? or maybe an anti-static strap? i'm open to any ideas or suggestions. for the short term I've just been using alternative channels to avoid the noise. Thank you for your help.
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Michael Figgins
Apr 26, 2018
In TRIP REPORTS
Myself and 3 other rigs headed out sunday morning to go find the new West Loop trail at tahuya state ORV Elfendahl Pass Staging Area (Tahuya ORV Park). (map location linked) my 92 YJ on 33s 2 CJ7s on 35s and a 94 YJ on 37s what we found was an AWSOME 4x4 trail for experienced drivers. i was the smallest rig and was high centered about 4 times winched forward off of 2 of the obstacles and backed out of the other two. Everybody had a turn at some point at the end of a tow strap. i would suggest running the trail with 35s if you don't have a winch and plan to just use a tow strap I was able to back off of this obstacle I wish i had more pictures but there wasn't time, the trail really did keep you busy at almost every turn Damage Report: -Left CJ7 Jeep backed into a stump and mangled the exhaust all the way to the muffler. we had to used a high lift jack and a tow strap to straighten it back out enough so it wasn't rubbing his tire or his drive line -The YJ wrangler on the right broke a universal joint on the driver side on a ford 8.8 getting a little to heavy into it in a log and rock combination obstacle -The red CJ7 some how separated his exhaust at a connection presumably when he was high centered on a stump - My green YJ I scratched a fender flare but it still counts lol all the damage was avoidable if more time and consideration was taken. The trail featured thick mud, deep ruts, off camber sections, log obstacles, large rocks. I highly recommend the trail to experienced off roaders!
Tahuya 4/22/18 content media
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Michael Figgins
Apr 04, 2018
In INTRODUCE YOURSELF
I just found out about this community this morning and promptly joined! i have quite a bit of experience off roading (with jeeps) and have been building an overlanding rig for about the past 4 years, and while i don't think i will ever be done adding to the rig it is finally ready to hit the open road. I live near Kent, Wa and am always ready to hit the trail. I am very excited to meet new people who share my interest of overlanding. I plan on going to the April 20th meet up in Tacoma, hope to see you guys there. Figgins
Hello Everyone! content media
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