Chaz have you figured out programming everything into your radio? I'll be adding more digital channels tomorrow morning at the meeting. I don't remember if I posted, but this app is helpful with local channels at home and while you travel.....
Well Seasoned I've programmed a bunch of the local repeaters through CHIRP. I'm not certain I'm setup properly for the nearest repeater, or if I've not enough antenna yet. I'm looking at making a J-pole for now. Our bills have dictated I'll have to wait for an HF rig , but that gives me some extra research time.
Yea, take your time. A j pole sounds good. Chirp is a nice program. I hoped it would work for digital, but it does not. I still use the programming cable for my digital radio, and a laptop, along with a downloadable program. Still learning everything in the program, setting the right color code ect. It's a learning curve.
Hey Well Seasoned thanks for the repeaterbook info. Installed the app today. Not sure why I couldn't hit the repeaters before. Went through my programming again tonight, had to make a couple modifications, but hit a few repeaters (that acknowledged connection) tonight and made my first contact. Still working off the mag mount antenna on the truck, but picked up some 1/2" copper pipe edit (and other supplies) to make my first antenna for the house. Was pretty stoked to make a contact, now I'm gonna look at making a log book. Thx for the nudge to get into Hamming.
I'm happy for you! I look at it as a great way to communicate should grid go down or shift situation. Can never be too prepared! Definitely keep us posted on your antenna. Pics if you can. I'd like to do something eventually here too! 73
Oh boy, maybe I shoulda took the blue pill. Have you guys used MMANA-GAL antenna modeling software? I've installed it, but still learning it. Cal (see below) has one or two tutorials on it. Seems like good stuff. I've been watching (edit.. Mostly listening at work) a few YouTube channels for Ham Radio... DX Commander Ham Radio 2.0 Ham Radio Crash Course Dave Casler Get a kick out of Cal (DX C), and the man is a go-to when it comes to learning about antennas. Jasons channel (Ham Radio 2.0) is pretty good, loaded with digital. Dave Casler is all right, good general knowledge type stuff. Josh (HRCC) is meh, like his equipment reviews though. He does a lot of Baofeng videos. Created an acct on QRZ.com, been browsing the classifieds. Missed on an Icom 4600 @ $1060 this weekend.
Surprisingly Mama Bear mentioned something lastnight and I want a little learning. She is semi interested in a shortwave radio to listen in case shtf and mentioned that there was one she saw for $100. Is that just a non transmission capable ham radio? If I just got a $30 Amazon special would it do the same to just listen for updates and info?
Just to dip my toes in before "it" gets really bad, I am probably going to get one. There are multiple low tag entry-level units. What do you suggest. Uv-5r or uc5r plus or fruv8 or something like that.
Greenstick it depends on what you're after. There are radio's that use FRS that don't require any licensing to use. They are keyed to specific frequencies. Family Radio Service - Wikipedia The UHF/VHF handhelds like the UV-5R can transmit on multiple frequencies, most of which one should be licensed for. EDIT.. to transmit.. one can listen on anything available.
Well, I pulled the trigger tonight. Purchased a used Kenwood TS590SG. So it seems I've yet another antenna to make. You may hear me soon Well Seasoned
Oh, as another aside, if she wants to listen to police/fire reports local, not regional. A regular scanner is the ticket. Chazsbetterhalf has expressed the same interest to me. I told her she was becoming "the nosey neighbor lady"
Got the rig in today, have a power supply and antenna balun on order. Still need to figure out how much coax I'll need so that I can get an antenna up. TS590SG.. Forgive the mess, it's sitting on a reloading bench for now.
It'll serve a dual purpose. Reloading room & ham shack. More electrical outlets and grounding still needs installed. Getting there.
