Innovation in Vehicle Labeling

Twitter is such a wonderful source of knowledge and a great place to pick up amateur radio operating tips. I saw this post from Johnny/W5KV, talking about getting a 146.52 sticker for his truck. (146.52 MHz is the 2m National Simplex Calling Frequency.) I’ve written about these stickers here: Get Your Mobile Frequency Sticker On

A tweet from Johnny/K5KV

These oval stickers originated in Europe, to indicate the country where a vehicle is registered. In general, these oval stickers have become popular for indicating all kinds of things, including country, state, airport code, national park, etc. One of the most common stickers you’ll see has “26.2” on it to indicate the distance in miles of a marathon run. In other words, it means “I ran a freaking marathon” or maybe “I want you to think I ran a freaking marathon.” You’ll also see “13.1” to indicate the completion of a half marathon.  Hence, W5KV’s comment about 6 full marathons. You will see other numbers used on these stickers, such as “5.56” for you firearms enthusiasts.

So I posted this photo of the back of my truck. My 146.52 is actually a magnetic sign, not a stick-on label but the intent is the same.

K0NR magnetic label

But of course, radio amateurs are always innovating to find new ways of doing things. Michael/K2MTS posted this photo of his vehicle with a dust-enabled 146.520 indicator on it.

Michael K2MTS car label
An innovative solution from Michael/K2MTS

Like many brilliant innovations, I immediately realized the advantages of using vehicle dust to indicate operating frequency:

  • No cost to implement
  • Flexibility: the frequency can be easily modified
  • Text messages can be appended, such as “CQ CQ” or “Call Me”

One disadvantage is that it requires your vehicle to be dirty but that seems like a minor obstacle, easily overcome by a short drive down a dirt road.

73 Bob K0NR

The post Innovation in Vehicle Labeling appeared first on The KØNR Radio Site.

Bob Witte, KØNR, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Colorado, USA. Contact him at [email protected].

One Response to “Innovation in Vehicle Labeling”

  • jeff n1kdo:

    Hi Bob,

    I had The Sign Man make me magnetic signs — one with my call sign, and the other that says 146.52. I stick them on my car when I go on a road trip, and then I monitor 146.52. I have had a few good conversations on the interstate as a result.

    The other thing to do is to MAKE NOISE on 146.52. Send your call sign every 20-30 minutes. be heard. One trip I worked a station who was air-mobile, he would not have seen my magnetic sign.

    73 & HNY

    Jeff n1kdo

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