|
|
Post by Kevin VE3EN on Apr 25, 2012 14:27:00 GMT
Ham Section now Re-Added.
|
|
|
|
Post by justsomeguy on Apr 25, 2012 15:11:11 GMT
For someone who just wants to start out, what is a cheap setup that actually will work?
|
|
|
|
Post by Kevin VE3EN on Apr 25, 2012 15:26:33 GMT
Are you looking to make contacts with other countries? Or are you looking to talk more locally?
There are many radios both old and new to choose from. Many people when starting off, purchased used equipment (like I did).
You can purchase an older and used HF transceiver from 300-500 dollars. My first radio after getting my ham license was a Kenwood TS-440sat. the AT at the end means the Automatic Antenna Tuner is built in. This is important. They are going on Ebay for 300-400 dollars. You can also check out or google locally for Ham Swap shops. Many will only to sell if you have a valid license already.
For antennas, again it all depends on what you are looking to do.
Yagi design antennas are best for worldwide communications. They offer a horizontal radiation pattern which is most common. This requires a solid tower and would also need an antenna rotator. The smaller antennas start off at a few hundred. Tri-Band yagis are very popular as they get you on three different HF bands (28-21-14 mhz).
There is vertical trapped antennas. They can get you on more bands and are easier to install than yagi antennas. You can expect signals to be not as strong both transmitted and received as compared to the Yagi.
The 3rd type of antenna, which is popular for people with limited space are Dipole wire antennas. You can string these from trees or from towers. They are inexpensive and can be used in line with the antenna tuner on many bands.
Radio and Antenna are the two key components. Everything else in between such as coax is not too expensive. RG213 type wire is good for HF use.
This is just a start however.
|
|
|
|
Post by sigurdur on Apr 26, 2012 2:25:26 GMT
justsomeguy:
I plan on getting my ham license this winter. It won't take me long, and my favorite area will be in the code rather than the vox.
At one time I was around 50wpm with code, sometimes bursting a bit higher. While I have sorta forgotten it, something tells me that I could relearn it fairly well in a week or less. When you do something for hour on hour every day for a few years it kinda sticks with you.
I like code in that it can bounce, and some DX would be a challenge to pick out of static etc.
|
|
AD6AA
Level 2 Rank
Posts: 82
|
Post by AD6AA on Apr 27, 2012 23:46:29 GMT
For someone who just wants to start out, what is a cheap setup that actually will work?
************************************************
With the right conditions on HF, anything will work. Which is why Hams watch this site.
Most People start out with a HT (Walkie Talkie) for local communication. Cheap, it works and everyone has one. It is also a compromise, in that it has a small antenna and low power.
I started with a used HF radio (Icom 725) because I was interested in world-wide Communication. My first antenna was a 10 meter dipole.
It's like fishing, you can catch fish with a bamboo pole or you can get a $20,000 bass boat.
Mike
AD6AA
|
|
|
|
Post by sigurdur on Apr 28, 2012 0:13:21 GMT
A long time ago.......35 years or so, Vox was not used much via ham......correct?
|
|
AD6AA
Level 2 Rank
Posts: 82
|
Post by AD6AA on May 2, 2012 4:35:01 GMT
A long time ago.......35 years or so, Vox was not used much via ham......correct? I haven't been a Ham that long, but Voice communication has long been a part of ham radio. Before SSB there was AM. When most people see VOX they think of the radio being keyed by the sound of your voice and not by a PTT switch. I believe you were referring to "Voice" modes. Mike AD6AA |
|
|
|
Post by GD0AMD on May 4, 2012 12:14:14 GMT
For someone who just wants to start out, what is a cheap setup that actually will work? . Amateur radio is a very wide topic, there are many facets to it, and until you have put a toe in the water, you probably won't know what appeals to you. I would buy kit secondhand, then if you find you don't get on with a particular mode or band your losses won't have been too great. I would also strongly advise you to have a go at making something at least once, even slinging a bit of wire up as an antenna puts a whole new aspect to the hobby. Most importantly enjoy it. 73s Andy GD0AMD |
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Jun 16, 2012 3:21:59 GMT
I've noticed that the solar flux value on the solar ham site is consistently different and usually higher than what's shown on the N0NBH site and QRZ. What's going on here. Where is Kevin getting his solar flux readings?
|
|
|
|
Post by Kevin VE3EN on Jun 26, 2012 20:17:06 GMT
Solar Flux readings are from the same place at N0NBH, Direct from Penticton, BC. The solar flux is reported 3 times daily. The official Flux value for each day is taken from the second reading. That is what I always report, because it is what is official. N0NBH and the Data Banners outside from the SolarHam one, including QRZ.com report all three readings. So if the third flux reading happens to be higher or lower than the second, they will report that. I chose to only report the 2nd one because that is what is officially recognized by NOAA.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
Post by KelHaks on Oct 11, 2019 0:07:31 GMT
5mg Cialis Price100 Mg Brand Viagra And Cialis Costo Viagra In Farmacia <a href=http://cialtadalaff.com>п»їcialis</a> Kamagra Forum Zithromax Cardiac Events
|
|
