HAM Radio advice needed

[Duluth Diesel]

Well I'm studying up for my Technician license exam. I've decided that since I want to use my radio in more places than just my truck, I want to first get a handheld radio and get a mobile later on. I want a good one that will do enough bands that will work for me if I upgrade my license in the future. Point me in the right direction!

Thanks.

 

[TSpecht]

I have a Kenwood TH-F6A. This is a tribander, which covers the 2m, 1. 25m and 70cm bands. I suggest something other than the standard rubberduck antenna as well. Theres' a comet model that seems to have fairly high reviews. I have a Maldol triband antenna, and I'm wishing I had gone with something else, because while it's got decent gain on the 1. 25 and 70cm bands, it's got about no gain on 2m.

Battery life on this thing is nothing short of amazing, and it'll give you 5w of output. It's fairly small though, will fit in the palm of my hand. There are some occasions, such as right next to powerful RF sources, where there's a little IMD present. I suspect this is a problem with just about everything to some extent...

An excellent place I've found to research things is www.eham.net. They've got plenty of user reviews, and so forth, the only thing to keep in mind is make sure to read the reviews and complaints, because most of the people doing reviews are the sort who could pick "something" out on equipment even if it was technically perfect.

**Edited to add the following**
It might help out to see if there's a local club in the area, or look at a list of repeaters in the area, to see if there's a need for the extra expense of a dual or tri bander. For example if the area is all 2m repeaters and users, 1. 25 or 70cm won't really be particularly helpful, unless you've got some friends you'd like to talk with on the less used bands. The only other thing is just in case you'd like to plan for the future a little in case you plan to travel to other areas which might have other "standard" bands the locals use...


Tim KD8ABJ

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Thanks for the advice! I've been looking at the ICOM IC-T90A. I'll have to check out that Kenwood. Is ICOM a decent brand?

 

[RonaldLarson]

Yup !

Icom is good stuff. Yaesu is another good one. Kenwood is good, and higher priced. Check with Ham Radio Outlet on the internet, they usualy have great deals on HT's and all other ham gear. For HF work, you will need a different HT, but that's in your future. Try to get a tranceiver that automatically adjusts the CTCSS freq. for you.

Good luck on your test. It is not all that difficult, but make sure you are studying the latest series of tests to be current. It's a great hobby, and if you buy the ARRL's antenna book, you will soon have a home transceiver, too. Also, get their repeater frequency guide, which gives you the current repeater frequencies all across the country.

Let us know your call sign when you get your ticket !!

Ron

Ivins, Utah

KC7MME

 

[RonaldLarson]

Forgot to tell you.....

By all means, look at the ADI 2 meter tranceiver for your mobile rig. I have one, (from Ham Radio Outlet) that I love. Three output powers: 15, 30 and 60 watts. Great features, and I paid $170. 00 four years ago. My antenna is a Wilson mag roof mount.

Ron

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Just got the Now You're Talking book in the mail yesterday. Haven't had a chance to read more than the first few pages. What bands will I be able to operate on with a technician license? What should I make sure to get in a radio? I see dual and tri band radios. What do I need to take full advantage of my license?

 

[RonaldLarson]

Bands

Hi !

You'll be legal on two meter which is 144-148 MHZ, and 440. There is a data only frequency which is not phone applicable. Your choices are 144-148 only, or combo 144 and 440. MY ADI is 144-148 only, because that's where the traffic is. You might want to dial up ARRL and print a copy of the frequency band limits of the Technician class license, but you will likely spend lots of time on 144-148. A dual band might be nice if there is 440 traffic in The Duluth area.

Most two meter radios are max. 25-30 watts output, and that can limit your mobile range. I bought the ADI because of the 60 watt high range. For local repeater work, the 15 watts is plenty. You can also use your mobile at a home station, by buying a ham power supply, and building an antenna.

Another great source for ham radio info is the Gordon West website. He is probably the foremost ham training man alive, and is a legend in radio. Just dial up gordonwestwb6noa and look at his site.



When are you taking your test?

73's !

Ron

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Another good equipment source is:



www.aesham.com



Good stuff, good prices and service.

 

[TSpecht]

As a Technician licensee you're authorized to operate any legal amateur radio allocation over 50mhz. Don't limit yourself to 2m, 70cm, 1. 25m, etc. There's some other action above those for those who want to give it a shot. If you're feeling lucky with the right equipment the "magic band" 6m might be interesting for you. I've not explored much beyond 2m repeater use thus far. Some day when I've got more money I'll probably spread out into other areas including 2m SSB.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

My work schedule has me traveling a lot this spring, so I won't be taking the test for a couple months. There is a test locally during a ham meet at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Superior, WI during the early part of May. I'll be taking my test there.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I want to first get a handheld radio and get a mobile later on.

Well, my vote is for the Icom IC-W32A (2m/70cm). They're tried and true - been out for quite a while... very sweet little HT. I bought one last spring and it has been a FANtastic little rig.



73,

Matt