Any Ham Radio Operators on FHC?

Been watching this thread for awhile now. Like most I don't know jack. I'm figuring out a shopping list before I study and go test. I figure to study up for the general, as I have to drive into the fiery lake to take the test. (Missoula) If any body can stop me from making some terrible mistakes, I am all ears. The way I understand it is I will need High Frequency to be able to get out of our valley due to the mountain ranges. Here is my potential list:Yaesu FTM-3100Rfor the radio.
for the tuner for antenna (jpole).
I really don't want a handheld, but not opposed to the idea. We will probably just mess around with it at home. Am I way off base Chaz ? I haven't down loaded the repeaterbook app yet, figured I see how far off base I am before deciding to move forward. This stuff just a wee bit stressful

 

Wow.. lots there to unpack.

I came here as a spectator to Well Seasoned. progress


But.. If you want to go HF, that's not the radio for you.

It's most likely a great 2 Meter transceiver, but I'd at least look towards a 2 band. VHF/UHF combination is the way to go.

If ya wanna contact the ISS or satellites, dual band is basically essential.

HF is a whole different animal to tackle, and a touch pricey.


If you want to make "long range" contact.. then there's your playground.


Basically.. VHF/UHF is good for local communications, repeaters extend the range.

HF is limited by your antenna and your radio.

You can do "local" HF as well, it depends on your interest.

Bottom line.. If you're considering testing, definitely go for General.. It opens up so much more than a Tech license, and it's not that much extra to learn.

I can see where some get their Tech, get bored with playing on the local repeaters and leave the hobby.

Kinda "CB'ish".. and I loved CB growing up.. but it gets stale.

I am only limited by my ambition and knowledge now.


OK.. there is bandwidth I'm not allowed to play in.. YET


Best of luck in your journey, I'm here if you have questions or need help.

73

 

Camber first off.. Definitely download Repeaterbook, that'll help you see what's available for VHF/UHF communication.

You say your in the valley.

There are so many ways to overcome that obstacle. I don't want to get too technical unless it's requested.

I also live within a valley (bit high up) and I can make some great HF contacts, I've not finished up on my 2M Jpole yet.. but I'm sure that it will give my handheld much better range.

I haven't (till now) informed Chazsbetterhalf that I want to purchase a nice 2 bander (VHF/UHF) radio for ISS contact.

 

thanks Chaz! I'm glad I posted my questions. I have more research to do. a dual two bander is what I'll look into. I really don't mind spending a few hundred on the radio as long as it is what I think I need. I have heavy equiptment, welders, ect ect. The general license is what I have been looking at. I've had nice CB stuff in the past, but got tired of it while driving truck. Most of us up here have two way radios for logging. No one really uses CBs because of our topography. I use to have a "peaked and tweaked" cb, and a booster on my truck twenty years ago. All I remember is some guy named "Diesel Demon" matched my coax and CB in a truck parking lot in Arkansas.

I'll do some more digging

 

I'll download the APP on my phone tonight. I'm at about 6100 feet, with mountains ringing me out to about thirty miles. I'll go talk to the local search and rescue kid in the next few days. Maybe he can give me some more insight too. As to what I want to do with it? Well.....I don't really know. I just wanted a HAM radio sense reading Hardy Boys years ago. Don't want to learn Morse Code though.

 

Camber this is a good review of what you may be looking for.

 

Thanks again Chaz. I'll watch it now.

 

Fortunately that's not a requirement any more.


I honestly think that kept a lot of people out of the hobby.

You might actually decide differently at some point.. but it will be your choice

 

A heartfelt thanks goes to Well Seasoned for starting this thread, and giving my grey matter something to digest.


Not sure that I can thank you enough.


Chazsbetterhalf might not feel the same way.


But she has seen how it excites me, and she (as always) is supportive.


Thx again WS

 

BTW.. I certainly don't want to scare anyone off, or dissuade them from starting the journey.

BUT.. it really is a journey, filled with many varying choices and styles of contact, and learning how to get from. A->B.

Digital is fun for a lot of people, voice is fun, and a lot are into CW (Morse) that's a bit more technical.. bit I'll leave that there.

There are people running computer networks across the spectrum.. unhindered and separate from WIFI, but essentially the same.. but "home brewed" and more powerful.

There's much that one can learn, one need only go as far as they choose.

It's a great hobby. For the mind, as well as the soul. After all, wanting to communicate with fellow humans is natural.

We use the WWW (sorry wildwest) for communication all the time, radio is just more "primal".

 

Ok. I watched the review video. That helped a lot. At least I know more of what I want. A dual band, dual receiver, with a volume and squelch button on each side. One thing to figure out is if you can get those options with digital and analog also. Maybe even one that can jam antifa. Just kiddin.

Thanks for bringing up the topic well seasoned.

 

You should let him come out and play sometimes.

 

A lot of the rigs do digital as well..

But.. there's another sticky point.. some do DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) and others use different modes.

I know Yaesu does "System Fusion"
I think Alinco does DMR
Kenwood has its own system as well..

It gets confusing and frustrating.. but you may want to talk to some locals to see what's prevalent and available in your area, then make your shopping choices.

Oh..BTW.. not to be a jerk.. but don't buy anything till you pass the test.. unless you wish to be a spectator.

 

Oh no. I won't be buying anything until I pass the test. I may become discouraged after all. Just want to know how much I'm going to spend before I begin. As they say, no reason buying a jet if you can't afford the fuel. Nighty night.

 

I hope you don't get discouraged.. sounds like you'd really enjoy the hobby

73

 

I see where you and well seasoned mentioned 73. Did you miss the extra by scoring 73 instead of 74 and above?

 

No, I'm not sure of the real origin of 73, but it (roughly) means "best wishes" in radio parlance.

As to the Extra test.. I was likely closer to 50%


But, there's more advanced electronic theory involved.

BTW.. If you want, I know that there's online testing options available.

I'll see what I can scrounge up for links tomorrow.

 

I think I found a website, and app to do the practise testing. but if you have some resources you would recommend, I be happy to know. still waiting on the repeater app to download so I can get to bed.