Beginner needs help
Beginner needs help
Would like some opinions on a good radio and atenna for a beginner. Do not have my license but will pursue a Tech. level. I'm thinking upper middle class level in radio and antenna will be fine for me. Thanks to all in advance. Smoker
“Democracy is two wolves and a
lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” Ben Franklin, 1759
lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” Ben Franklin, 1759
While every person will have their own opinion, I believe a good start for a beginning ham would be an Icom 2100, and a Maxrad 5/8 wave antenna. Right now you can find a good deal on that rig at both www.aesham.com and www.associated radio.com. The 2100 has 5/10/55 watt power settings, 100 memory channels (I think it's 100), and a lot of other good features.
Right, wrong or indifferent, it's my opinion.
Right, wrong or indifferent, it's my opinion.
How about ...
How about a nice old rig ... TS520 or FT101 (my first rig - knew it inside and out - even got bitten once or twice (knew it better then)). And a 10-80m G5RV or a trap dipole. (If you have the room to run it). They are kind of fun to learn and operate on.
Beginner needs help
Thank Folks, your info is a great starting place. KE3GK, your items sound interesting but with my vast experience you could be selling me a 357 Magnum. I have no idea what those numbers mean.....real newbee. KC0PEB
I sent you a PM as I am not quite clear on a couple of things. Hope you can find the time to reply. Smoker
I sent you a PM as I am not quite clear on a couple of things. Hope you can find the time to reply. Smoker
“Democracy is two wolves and a
lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” Ben Franklin, 1759
lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” Ben Franklin, 1759
Entry level?
Smoker,
I would start by recommending that you not fall into the "tech trap" that has become overwhelming in amateur radio today. The no-code tech license has become a terminal license instead of a stepping stone. The ability to use voice transmission on VHF/UHF becomes the end of the road. There is a ton of things to do. But, I think you miss one of the greatest pieces of amateur radio tradition - the international community. That said, set your goals on a general class and above license. That will open the real world of HF to you where there is a boundless community of new friends. The VHF/UHF world remains open as well and there is plenty to do there as I mentioned. With that in mind, and your consideration of "mid-range +" as an entry point, consider one of the newer rigs that offer both HF and VHF capabilities. These would include several models from the IC-706 (currently available on the 2nd hand market for around 450 - 500 and up depending on options) all the way on up to the stratosphere for newer versions of BIG radios. It is my experience that the fact that you own the capability will serve as added incentive and motivation to continue your license progression so that you can utilize the whole spectrum. The antenna advice you have received here has been pretty accurate. For VHF, start with something like a 5/8 wave vertical (about 40 bucks) and use a multi-band wire (G5RV or similar) for an HF antenna as you start. As you grow in the hobby you will learn that $ spent on the antenna is far more productive than money spent on the transceiver but no need to start with the 180' tower with multi-element antennas that we all end up drooling like senile old farts over. I would absolutely recommend that you start in the 2nd hand market and get some help in selection. Write down your criteria and then make a choice. You will find that you can get far more of your $ in return from 2nd hand gear than from new. I have even used a 2nd hand rig for years and then turned a profit in the long term aftermarket. Rare but it can happen! (Don't bother with a 2nd hand wire type antenna - - more potential problems than you save in investment)
For years, amateur radio had a tradition of "Elmers." Elmer was the mentor. He/she/it could be a neighbor, friend, or family member that just served as the mentor to new hams. That tradition has been lost in the high powered shuffle of the internet. Now, it is every man, woman, and child for themselves. Try to find a local club and PICK OUT your Elmer. Don't listen to everybody but listen to all of 'em and figure out for yourself who you CHOOSE as your Elmer. It won't be the local 2 meter "king of the repeater" or the club leadership or "Mr Packet Cluster" or any other individual necessarily. It may be any of the folks you meet. I'm obviously prejudiced, but pick out a long time ham with a general or above license. Latch on and pick the Elmer's brain. Go over and play with the radios (legal as long as there is a licensed operator there) and get your ears buzzing. Above all else, remember that the world above 30MHz (VHF/UHF) is only part of the world. Make the world below 30MHz (HF) part of your new dotcom domain!
This forum is sponsored by QTH.COM and there is a lot of information available on it. Another excellent site, particularly for HF information, is AC6V.COM where there are links to the world of ham radio. You can find information on about anything related to being an amateur radio operator.
Good luck. Hope to see you on the bands.
Ed/K4KK
I would start by recommending that you not fall into the "tech trap" that has become overwhelming in amateur radio today. The no-code tech license has become a terminal license instead of a stepping stone. The ability to use voice transmission on VHF/UHF becomes the end of the road. There is a ton of things to do. But, I think you miss one of the greatest pieces of amateur radio tradition - the international community. That said, set your goals on a general class and above license. That will open the real world of HF to you where there is a boundless community of new friends. The VHF/UHF world remains open as well and there is plenty to do there as I mentioned. With that in mind, and your consideration of "mid-range +" as an entry point, consider one of the newer rigs that offer both HF and VHF capabilities. These would include several models from the IC-706 (currently available on the 2nd hand market for around 450 - 500 and up depending on options) all the way on up to the stratosphere for newer versions of BIG radios. It is my experience that the fact that you own the capability will serve as added incentive and motivation to continue your license progression so that you can utilize the whole spectrum. The antenna advice you have received here has been pretty accurate. For VHF, start with something like a 5/8 wave vertical (about 40 bucks) and use a multi-band wire (G5RV or similar) for an HF antenna as you start. As you grow in the hobby you will learn that $ spent on the antenna is far more productive than money spent on the transceiver but no need to start with the 180' tower with multi-element antennas that we all end up drooling like senile old farts over. I would absolutely recommend that you start in the 2nd hand market and get some help in selection. Write down your criteria and then make a choice. You will find that you can get far more of your $ in return from 2nd hand gear than from new. I have even used a 2nd hand rig for years and then turned a profit in the long term aftermarket. Rare but it can happen! (Don't bother with a 2nd hand wire type antenna - - more potential problems than you save in investment)
For years, amateur radio had a tradition of "Elmers." Elmer was the mentor. He/she/it could be a neighbor, friend, or family member that just served as the mentor to new hams. That tradition has been lost in the high powered shuffle of the internet. Now, it is every man, woman, and child for themselves. Try to find a local club and PICK OUT your Elmer. Don't listen to everybody but listen to all of 'em and figure out for yourself who you CHOOSE as your Elmer. It won't be the local 2 meter "king of the repeater" or the club leadership or "Mr Packet Cluster" or any other individual necessarily. It may be any of the folks you meet. I'm obviously prejudiced, but pick out a long time ham with a general or above license. Latch on and pick the Elmer's brain. Go over and play with the radios (legal as long as there is a licensed operator there) and get your ears buzzing. Above all else, remember that the world above 30MHz (VHF/UHF) is only part of the world. Make the world below 30MHz (HF) part of your new dotcom domain!
This forum is sponsored by QTH.COM and there is a lot of information available on it. Another excellent site, particularly for HF information, is AC6V.COM where there are links to the world of ham radio. You can find information on about anything related to being an amateur radio operator.
Good luck. Hope to see you on the bands.
Ed/K4KK
Smoker,
I have to agree with KE3GK,a TS520 would make an ideal beginers rig,however in my humble opinion a windon OFC dipole may be a better choice than a G5RV.I have never had miuch luck with this antena,i have found them rather difficult to tune for all bands,but with a windon i have less than 2:1 swr 10 through 80 metres.
best of luck with your exams
timmie
I have to agree with KE3GK,a TS520 would make an ideal beginers rig,however in my humble opinion a windon OFC dipole may be a better choice than a G5RV.I have never had miuch luck with this antena,i have found them rather difficult to tune for all bands,but with a windon i have less than 2:1 swr 10 through 80 metres.
best of luck with your exams
timmie
Those that can do,those that can't teach.
Kill two birds with one stone.
Get yourself an inexpensive radio like the TS-520 / TS530 or TS-830 series and you can fiddle with them as you go along and build up your knowledge re: how radio's work etc.
This will help you in further developments of the hobby and at a lesser expence that the later radio's.
Make up your own wire antennas as it is a pleasure to be able to work stations on something that you have built yourself.
Good luck in what you choose to do.
This will help you in further developments of the hobby and at a lesser expence that the later radio's.
Make up your own wire antennas as it is a pleasure to be able to work stations on something that you have built yourself.
Good luck in what you choose to do.
Chris Wright
VK2UW
VK2UW