I'm new to this forum and I'm glad to see this thread. Great information for the masses. I have been a HAM for about 10 years and I love it. KC0WWQ 73
OB Approved So You Want To Be A HAM? (US Edition)
- Thread starter Lars
- Start date
Advocate II
This looks like a great thread!
I was into the CB radio thing way back in the seventies.. and still have a couple of old Cb radios.. just recently purchased a newer mobile CB radio, and antenna.. now I'm looking to get into the ham scene.
I am currently doing a little studying for the technicians.
I havent decided, when I jump in, and get a Ham rig, what type of mobile transceiver I want to buy. Obviously the more bands an features, the higher the cost.
I will be buying good used equipment, as in one of the big 3. Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu. I want to be able to remove radio equipment at home for theft reasons. Lotta little hoodlums nearby, and I dont want to be a target.
@Lars can you please reccommend a good model of each of the top 3 in a dual band configuration, and a good magnet mount antenna?
Thanks in advance!
I was into the CB radio thing way back in the seventies.. and still have a couple of old Cb radios.. just recently purchased a newer mobile CB radio, and antenna.. now I'm looking to get into the ham scene.
I am currently doing a little studying for the technicians.
I havent decided, when I jump in, and get a Ham rig, what type of mobile transceiver I want to buy. Obviously the more bands an features, the higher the cost.
I will be buying good used equipment, as in one of the big 3. Icom, Kenwood, or Yaesu. I want to be able to remove radio equipment at home for theft reasons. Lotta little hoodlums nearby, and I dont want to be a target.
@Lars can you please reccommend a good model of each of the top 3 in a dual band configuration, and a good magnet mount antenna?
Thanks in advance!
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@NorthStar96 something like the Yaesu FT-7800r is tough to beat as a good dual band mobile. 2m/70cm is ideal for mobile communications between vehicles.
If you're looking at upgrading to your general, and willing to shell out a bit more coin for one radio that will do virtually everything you'll ever want in the hobby look for a Yaesu FT-857d, Icom IC-706Mk.II g, or Icom IC-7100 (these are all HF bands, 6M, 2m, and 70cm, all mode)
If you're looking at upgrading to your general, and willing to shell out a bit more coin for one radio that will do virtually everything you'll ever want in the hobby look for a Yaesu FT-857d, Icom IC-706Mk.II g, or Icom IC-7100 (these are all HF bands, 6M, 2m, and 70cm, all mode)
Off-Road Ranger I
Off-Road Ranger I
I am getting ready to move up to General I have been a Tech for about 10 years now.
Pathfinder II
Good luck, and looking forward to hearing you on the air.
BTW @stringtwelve, I'll be driving through NM from four corners down to Austin on June 4th, perhaps we can coordinate lunch/dinner or maybe just a coffee on the way through?
Two weekends ago, on May 7th I did my first round as a VE at a testing session.
We had 4 people take the Technician with 3 passing. 3 upgraded to general, and one of those attempted his extra.
All in all a good day!
We had 4 people take the Technician with 3 passing. 3 upgraded to general, and one of those attempted his extra.
All in all a good day!
@Lars what's a good radio that has APRS, a removable face and doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I'm looking to get into Ham since everyone in my local club uses it, and want to be able to be up on technology. Also wouldn't be bad to have APRS so that if I go without my fiancee she can see where I'm at.
Pathfinder II
Passed the tech with flying colors... they smiled and handed me me another test and said, "you should try the general for free before you go". No such luck on the general, but I'll know what to expect when it's time for an upgrade!
Watching the database now for my callsign!
Pathfinder II
Influencer II
Thanks for the write up! I definitely need to get into this for my future solo trips.
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That's a tall order. Yaesu FTM-100 is as close as it gets. And that's not cheap. Alternately the best option is the Kenwood TM-D710GA
I guess I don't consider $320ish to be an arm and a leg, haha. I think that is the ticket. Thanks @Lars .
Another really great option would be the FTM-400XD, it's a bit more money than the FTM-100, but should be a bit less with rebates than the kenwood.
Pathfinder II
I recently had to perform a phone reset and lost most of my contacts. Please shoot me a message.
Pathfinder I
