Any Ham Radio Operators on FHC?

Ok, so an update to the thread.

Got (5) SO-239 sockets and 25' RG-8X coax in today to complete the 2M antenna build.

A fellow Ham ordered a Rigexpert AA-55 zoom SWR meter, and we'll be getting together once it arrives to check placement of the socket prior to soldering.

I also should be receiving my "used" HF antenna tomorrow.

Alpha Delta Parallel Dipole Antennas DX-CC

I've gotten in a 1000' spool of 550 paracord for antenna hanging.

Some outlets on a dedicated circuit yet to be added into the radio room, hope to get to that later this week.

I'm getting really excited nearing the point of making some contacts. I'll be experimenting with homemade antennae as well, but caught a good price on the used multi-band dipole.

Anyone been up to anything new?

 

A tad over the top, but thanks.


Was talking with Chazsbetterhalf and like I told her, I've a brand new playground to play in.


Other than Linux, I can't think of much that has stimulated the sleepy brain cells in a very long time.

It seems everyday I find new things we're allowed to do.


I may have to forego the Amateur Satellite though.

 

Just power read through this thread... Is there a site to look up where clubs are located, and also one to look for repeaters that may be in the area?
Ive been interested in getting a radio (like the boefang) for emergency usage "just in case". But honestly, even some of the general radio info in this thread is over my head. My wife works about 60ish miles from home. I would be interested to know if i could get 2 of the cheaper beginner radios, and be able to talk to her that far away if needed?

 

Glad to find this thread, I just came across that baofeng radio and considering getting it.
I've tossed the idea of getting into this hobby for some time and for the price of this radio I think it would be a good entry point/motivator for me to move forward on it.

 

Where do I get a FHC license
I did see that though, it really seems like a good cheap all around radio. If comms ever go down, it would be great just to be able to listen for information.

 

Awww shucks..


Thanks WS


Ok.. So

1. At 60 miles, unless it's the flatlands, a VHF/UHF radio won't reach out that far without a repeater.
2. An FCC license is required if not using the FRS radios/frequencies. Family Radio Service - Wikipedia

A Technician license is all that's required for full VHF/UHF usage. Test for Tech isn't all that hard, and I'm willing to mail out the study books I have, to anyone interested.

My Baofeng UV-5R can hit the repeater that is ~22 miles away, but with a bit degraded signal.

Repeaters are prevalent.. An app I've downloaded/installed is called Repeaterbook.

It will list all applicable repeaters anywhere in the US.

If you purchase a radio, I would consider a digital/analog radio. If you get really interested in the hobby, there are many advantages to digital.

With many of the digital options, it's like an internet chat room, without the internet.


Now.. one should remember that in a true Real World Emergency, repeaters may not be functional/available. So it will come down to the rig you have and your antenna.

I've not gone down the entire Emcomm (Emergency Communication) "menu", nor do I have all the most relevant information.

Like Well Seasoned I'm still learning.

But I will help wherever I can.

 

BTW.. Timely callout WS


Was gonna pop in here and update.

So, I have the materials to put up a 22' mast for my antenna. Borrowed my bud's welder for assembling it.. Well, we're BS'ing and one thing leads to another and his wife offers me this....



Booyah!!!!!!!!!!!


We'll be dropping that 40+ foot beauty this summer.


It was there when they bought the place, and have not wanted it there, but seemed a minor inconvenience compared to dropping it.

But it's all mine...
Mmmuhaha

 

this house I bought several years back, the owner must have been a huge HAM radio enthusiast, I need to take a picture of the aerial that is installed.
I don't know much about them but from the looks of it I bet he could talk with Japan. Video might be better because I really don't think pictures would do it justice.
He has it tethered down with 4 cables and there is a pulley and platform on it, I'm guessing to change out different aerials?
There is a a old heathkit radio in the basement of the house that I want to tinker with when I get the time. (finishing the house is first)

 

Looking forward to the pics.

Maybe a couple of the Heathkit as well.

 

No, bottom 10' section is actually welded.
So, I'll have to drive a couple miles with a 20' tower portion on top of the truck.


But, I remain undeterred.


Will need guy wires, perhaps a rotator if I do a directional antenna.

But even if it becomes the peak of some long wire antennae, it'll be something to play with.


Back to MMANA antenna modeling software.

 

If I had the welding and fabrication skills like a few members here, I'd make it so it could lower.

We'll see what comes of it.