Newish Ham looking for a good place to find some ragchew

[WA7PBE]

I am limited in what I can do, I have a 5w 2m & 440 handheld but there doesn't seem to be a lot of people listening in on the local repeaters. I also have been looking at echolink but haven't found anything there either. any suggestions?

[n0iu]

Welcome to the Island!

If there isn't anybody on your local repeaters, there isn't a lot anyone can do to help you.

As far as EchoLink, have you looked at the conferences to see if there is anything there that interests you?

Have you looked into joining a club in your area? If you go to: http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club and plug in your zip code, you will get a list of several in the area.

Other than that, its going to be tough with just a dual band HT.

[W7XF]

Barkeep.....the house special for the new guy.....of course on Da Pope's tab!

And a shot.... try 146.52 simplex. And up that way, you should be able to hit any repeater west of Snoqualmie with 5W. Should give you some more options.

[K0RGR]

Are you sure you're getting into the repeaters well? There are a lot of them in that area, but an HT might not be the whole answer. Let's look at some possibilities for you.

You say you've tried EchoLink. Have you tried any of the nets there? You can join the EchoLink_Nets group on Yahoo, and they have a calendar under 'Events' of all the EchoLink nets they know about. During the week, the 'Breakfast Club' meets on the *DODROPIN* reflector at 7 a.m. Eastern, and goes most of the morning - they usually have over 100 checkins. Here's a listing for the week for *DODROPIN* -

Net Schedule

Saturday
9:00 PM Eastern
*DODROPIN* Saturday Night Net/Newsline (http://dodropin.org/index.html)
ON


Monday ~ Friday
7:00 AM till 1:00 PM Eastern
BREAKFAST CLUB NET (http://www.centralmiarc.com/nets.php)
ON


Sunday
8:00 PM Eastern
OCARC Sunday Nite Net (http://www.kb9ohy.org/)
ON


Monday
8:30 PM Eastern
NFARL TECH NET (http://www.nfarl.org/nets.html)
ON


Every Third Monday
9:30 PM Eastern
AmateurLogic (http://www.amateurlogic.tv/blog/)
ON


Tuesday
7:00 PM Eastern
LADIES TEA TIME NET (http://www.centralmiarc.com/ladiesonly.php)
ON


Wednesday
10:00 PM Eastern
HAM NATION (http://wiki.twit.tv/wiki/Ham_Nation)
ON






Thursday
8:00 PM Eastern
OCARC ARES NET (http://www.kb9ohy.org/)
ON


Friday
OPEN
OPEN
OPEN





Here are some more on different nodes:




Net
Echolink Node
Times
Days
Web site


NHC / Skywarn Voip
WX-TALK
8pm ET
1st Sat of Month
(May to Nov - Every Sat)
http://www.voipwx.net/


South Coast Amateur
Radio Service Voip
SCARS
8am-10 am ET
Saturday
http://voip.southcars.com/


South Coast Amateur
Radio Service Voip
SCARS
10am ET
Sunday Ragchew
http://voip.southcars.com/


Southeastern Linked Repeater Net
KI4NGD-R #317195
9pm ET

Wed
http://selinkedrepeater.net/



The Breakfast Club
DODROPIN
#355800

7am ET
Mon-Fri

http://www.centralmiarc.com/nets.php


State of Franklin Friendship Net
KE4KQI-R
#476483

9:30pm ET
Thur

https://www.facebook.com/stateoffranklinnet


World Wide Friendship Net
world
#KF0PB-R

8pm ET
Mon-Fri

http://www.worldwidefriendship.net/World%20Friendship%20Net.htm
















The World Friendship Net is fun to listen to.

You live in the land of IRLP, also - it started in the Vancouver area. There are MANY IRLP nets and reflectors that are always busy.
You will need to get into an IRLP node repeater or simplex node in order to use IRLP. http://www.irlp.net/ See if you can find a node that you can access, and contact the owner for permission to use his IRLP link. Most of them are 'open'. Once on IRLP, you can access a number of things. I like the WIN System, the PAPA System, and the Western Reflector.

If you don't already have an outside antenna, putting one up would open new worlds to you. 5 watts into a ground plane on the roof will probably vastly outperform an HT on a rubber ducky antenna. I would expect you to be able to hit high level repeaters all up and down Puget Sound with a good antenna. The next step beyond that might be higher power and a beam antenna. The more you increase your range, the more repeaters and simplex stations you can reach.

Ultimately, though, most people tire of VHF/UHF FM fairly quickly. So, to keep yourself entertained in the long run, I'd start thinking about HF capability. The difference there is that HF is typically useful around the clock, and there is an unending supply of new people to talk to, unlike the VHF repeaters that turn into pumpkins after commute hours, and have the same handful of people on them all the time. As a Tech, you have 10 meter SSB capability, as well as digital and CW there. You also have CW on some of the lower bands. Honestly, you can 'work the world' with 200 watts of CW most of those bands, and when 10 is open it doesn't take much to do it.

[W5BRM]

Heres a simple cheap improvement on using your HT. Simple easy to build antenna for a few $


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkmD3Sgz7Q0&sns=em

Just stick it on the pole like Randy shows and you will get a big improvement on your distance and coverage area.

Welcome to the Island!

[WA7PBE]

Welcome to the Island!

If there isn't anybody on your local repeaters, there isn't a lot anyone can do to help you.

As far as EchoLink, have you looked at the conferences to see if there is anything there that interests you?

Have you looked into joining a club in your area? If you go to: http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club and plug in your zip code, you will get a list of several in the area.

Other than that, its going to be tough with just a dual band HT.

Thanks for the reply i have looked at some conferences but most seem to be out of my language or just no activity. There is only really one club locally and unfortunately my work schedule makes it so i can't attend the meetings. I do hope to one day get on the HF when I have the $$

[NQ6U]

Welcome to the Island! First round for newcomers is always on the Vatican's tab. And don't cheat yourself with well drinks—go for the top shelf stuff. We never pay the tab anyhow.

I can't add much to RGR's excellent post except to say that you don't need even 200 watts to work the world. From here on the Left Coast I've worked countries as far away as New Zealand on SSB phone with only five watts on the 10m band, where you have full privileges.

[WØTKX]

Ask the bartender for some Green Dragon. :mrgreen:

Echolink is fun sometimes, so is IRLP. Try linking up to a repeater during "commute time" for the locals.

For instance London England is a lot of fun to talk to when they are stuck in traffic. ;)

My favorite upgrade antenna for an HT is at this link, The Twin Lead J-Pole (http://www.qsl.net/wb3gck/jpole.htm)

12084

[KG4CGC]

Welcome to the Island!
Welcome to Hamdom!

I listened to 2m on a scanner for years before I had a "ticket." Once I got on the air, I realized that 2m wasn't my crowd. I went to 6m &10m then upgraded to General. Now I'm an elitist Extra and I haven't looked back.


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c79/bebop5/drinks/Copy_of_IMG_01731_zpsd1f9f3ae.jpg

[WA7PBE]

Heres a simple cheap improvement on using your HT. Simple easy to build antenna for a few $


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkmD3Sgz7Q0&sns=em

Just stick it on the pole like Randy shows and you will get a big improvement on your distance and coverage area.

Welcome to the Island!

Thanks for that sounds like a project for next weekend! i have a car antenna that i stick on a cookie sheet and that seems to work somewhat good. but this would be a better long term solution.

[WA7PBE]

Welcome to the Island!
Welcome to Hamdom!

I listened to 2m on a scanner for years before I had a "ticket." Once I got on the air, I realized that 2m wasn't my crowd. I went to 6m &10m then upgraded to General. Now I'm an elitist Extra and I haven't looked back.




I got into ham because of my neighbor when i was a child. Somewhat of a big gun station he would work the hell out of the HF DX. I do want to get into HF but with a little one in the oven and E-4 pay its hard to do anything but 2M right now.

[WA7PBE]

Ask the bartender for some Green Dragon. :mrgreen:

Echolink is fun sometimes, so is IRLP. Try linking up to a repeater during "commute time" for the locals.

For instance London England is a lot of fun to talk to when they are stuck in traffic. ;)

My favorite upgrade antenna for an HT is at this link, The Twin Lead J-Pole (http://www.qsl.net/wb3gck/jpole.htm)

12084

Havent thought about it like that will have to try that this week. thanks for the advice!

[N8YX]

I got into ham because of my neighbor when i was a child. Somewhat of a big gun station he would work the hell out of the HF DX. I do want to get into HF but with a little one in the oven and E-4 pay its hard to do anything but 2M right now.

Get thee onto eBay or any of the usual ham radio site classified ad sections.

Look for a used HR2510 or HR2600 - preferably the latter - and a Wilson 1000 or K40 antenna.

Should be able to do this for $100-150 if you're careful.

Place in and on your vehicle then have a blast. I used such a setup in the early 90s and easily worked DXCC just driving to and from work.

The spectrum from 26-30MHz has been very active lately with regards to F-layer propagation.

[KC2UGV]

Get thee onto eBay or any of the usual ham radio site classified ad sections.

Look for a used HR2510 or HR2600 - preferably the latter - and a Wilson 1000 or K40 antenna.

Should be able to do this for $100-150 if you're careful.

Place in and on your vehicle then have a blast. I used such a setup in the early 90s and easily worked DXCC just driving to and from work.

The spectrum from 26-30MHz has been very active lately with regards to F-layer propagation.

This, or even a Radioshack HTX-100. It's a fun little rig, and they can be had for anywhere from 75$-100$.

[W2NAP]

I am limited in what I can do, I have a 5w 2m & 440 handheld but there doesn't seem to be a lot of people listening in on the local repeaters. I also have been looking at echolink but haven't found anything there either. any suggestions?

this is why I tell newbs don't run out and by a HT for 1st radio. get a real rig with a real antenna and good feedline.

I am really not trying to be a dick about it but I have seen this time and time again. new guy gets ticket, runs out grabs a HT. ends up only able to hit 2 or 3 machines and all of them are dead. then gets discouraged cause nobody is around and ends up HT in a box in the closet never to be used again.

[kb2vxa]

Hi Patraic, welcome to the intriguing world of hamdom, and the even more intriguing Island, you'll soon discover why we're the whacky and wonderful Misfits.

Two things I should mention about that ground plane since I used to make and mount them the same way and I didn't bother to watch the video. I used 12ga bare copper wire the first time, big mistake, it bends in heavy wind. Then I used 1/16in diameter brazing rod, it worked like a charm. Be sure you waterproof it so water doesn't creep into the coax and ruin it. First, when it's completed and before you put the mast up, wrap the connectors and a few inches down the coax with cheap vinyl electrician's tape, the expensive stuff like 3M doesn't stretch or stick well. Then put a glob of silicone bathtub caulk on the insulator.

You may consider a high gain antenna because with only 5W you'll need all the effective radiated power (ERP) you can get and height is might. Then somewhere down the road, it's a bit expensive but you get what you pay for, an all band all mode transceiver and 12VDC regulated supply adequate for power demand plus head room, I suggest 200% for cool operation. Some time ago I bought an Icom IC706Mk2G and love it, 100W 160-6M, 50W 2M and 25W 70cM. Just remember that FM is the only vertically polarized mode for the sake of mobiles, some 6M mobiles use horizontal halos for SSB. FM is the most power hungry mode too, range is considerably less than others which is why repeaters came about to extend mobile range. Now they've become hangouts but I digress.

Last but not least, my first supply was a car battery and a 4A regulated supply I had kicking around, left on 24/7/365 to trickle charge the battery. Don't worry about explosive hydrogen gas or acid spatter, that only happens at high charge rates. Don't worry about overcharging the battery either, current tapers off as the battery charges and at full charge current is very low, only determined by the battery's internal resistance, Ohm's Law.

Don't lose interest like many in your situation do, get involved with a local club and you'll find a bunch of guys to elmer (teach) you and help you along. One hint based on my experience, the best clubs don't have repeaters, those that do often have an inner circle of repeater elite snobs, but you can ignore them on and off the repeater(s). Not all clubs are ARRL sponsored, but they're a little harder to find, so I wish you the very best of luck. Like a couple of old sayings go, keep on pushin' and keep movin' on up, and sooner or later you'll be up there with the big boys.

[WA7PBE]

Thanks for all the advice. Wind isnt a big issue out here in the wet northwest but rain is so il be sure to waterproof. good thing is that my 4 sq ft of backyard is mostly covered so i don't have to worry about wires getting wet to much. I was thinking about holding off on a HF rig until i get my General because i will have a lot more privileges as far as the HF spectrum so in effect more bang for the buck. As i have mentioned i have attempted to get with the local club but haven't had to much success because of my wonderful duty schedule.

[K7SGJ]

Welcome.

If all you have is the 2M/440 rig, go for improving the antenna until you can improve the station. The twinlead J-pole suggested is very inexpensive, and a good performer. Until you can upgrade the station, I'd check the stuff that RGR posted. That should be a great resource for you.

And don't worry about being newish. We on the Island don't care what religion anyone is.

[NQ6U]

And don't worry about being newish. We on the Island don't care what religion anyone is.

Funny, he doesn't look Newish...

[WA7PBE]

Funny, he doesn't look Newish...

Good to know im not to green ;)

[NA4BH]

Welcome to the Island, I'm the only sane one here.

[VE7DCW]

Welcome to the Island, I'm the only sane one here.

Welcome to the Island,he THINKS he's the only sane one here....... :rofl:

[KG4CGC]

Good to know im not to green ;)

Nope. I can see you browning up around the edges.

[WA7PBE]

Nope. I can see you browning up around the edges.
like a plantain?

[NA4BH]

Welcome to the Island,he THINKS he's the only sane one here....... :rofl:

You take that back or I'm gonna send my fire breathing dragon up to take care of you.

[VE7DCW]

You take that back or I'm gonna send my fire breathing dragon up to take care of you.

Ouch!! ......that will hurt! :shock:

[NA4BH]

Better yet, I'll have Eddie and Carl come stay a week with you. You're pooping your boots now, EH??

[VE7DCW]

Better yet, I'll have Eddie and Carl come stay a week with you. You're pooping your boots now, EH??

A fate worse than death itself?? .......perhaps equitable! :-?

[NQ6U]

Just remember: Bob doesn't answer to anything except that one voice in his head that sounds like Lambchop quoting Mein Kampf.

[KG4CGC]

like a plantain?

I was looking for lettuce but we can go with plantain.

[NA4BH]

If it's plantains you're looking for, here is the place to go. (http://www.restauranteraices.com/)

[WA7PBE]

plantain chips are bommmbb

[NA4BH]

I tried making them, no luck. In one word, Mofongo.

[WA7PBE]

its really easy

[K7SGJ]

Funny, he doesn't look Newish...

That would put him a "cut" above so to speak.

[K7SGJ]

Welcome to the Island, I'm the only sane one here.

This statement must be what they call "Minnesota Bullshit".

[n6hcm]

Funny, he doesn't look Newish...

newish, nebbish ... potato, potato ...

[W9JEF]

Don't lose interest like many in your situation do, get involved
with a local club and you'll find a bunch of guys to elmer (teach) you and help you along.
One hint based on my experience, the best clubs don't have repeaters, those that do
often have an inner circle of repeater elite snobs, but you can ignore them on and off
the repeater(s). Not all clubs are ARRL sponsored, but they're a little harder to find,
so I wish you the very best of luck. Like a couple of old sayings go, keep on pushin'
and keep movin' on up, and sooner or later you'll be up there with the big boys.

Ahoy, WA7PBE...

A good thing we don't have those elite snobs here, where all Islanders are equal. :mrgreen:
But alas, it seems some think they are "more equal than others." (Apologies to George Orwell.) ;)

You can make a high-gain antenna out of wire,
so don't fall for the high-priced commercial jobs.
https://www.google.com/#q=homebrew+ham+radio+high+gain+VHF+antennas

I served a year on the Hancock (CVA-19) (out of Frisco),
Final year (1960) as FT3 (E4) on the Sperry (AS-12) (San Diego Harbor).
Made E5 on the day I got out; sewed on the new crow and went back
on board to harass a GM3 w/hash mark that had been flaunting his seniority,
but the a-hole must have got the word, and made his miserable self scarce.

I miss that Navy chow--really, especially the breaded shrimp.
Even the creamed beef on toast wasn't all that bad. :)

73, smooth sailing and following seas,

Jim

[suddenseer]

Welcome to the "Newish Ham". There are several former, and maybe current broadcast engineers here on the Island. There are several others like N8YX who have forgotten more technical stuff than I will ever learn. They are here to help. You don't have to spend several month's pay to get on the air. I lived on the 22nd floor in an apartment building next to Lake Erie. I bought an old Radio Shack (HDX202) 2m walkie talkie for $50. I used my cheap 2m car antenna mag mount on a pizza pan. There wasn't an open carrier 2m repeater in NE Ohio that I could not kerchuk. I am more of a simplex type of guy. I chatted with several stations 50-60 miles away on simplex with only 1 watt of power. Of course, being 220 ft. above the ground did not hurt.

You have come to the right place. Thread hijacking is encouraged. The forums in Alpha Hotel, you can cuss like a sailor. Beware of the old coots here, no matter where you are at, they think it is their lawn. Don't forget to have fun!