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.Originally Posted by KG4CGC
Havent thought about it like that will have to try that this week. thanks for the advice!Ask the bartender for some Green Dragon.
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
Attachment 12084
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 $100-150 if you're careful.
Place in and on your vehicle then have a blast. I used such a setup in the early 90s and easily worked DXCC just driving to and from work.
The spectrum from 26-30MHz has been very active lately with regards to F-layer propagation.
"Everyone wants to be an AM Gangsta until it's time to start doing AM Gangsta shit."
This, or even a Radioshack HTX-100. It's a fun little rig, and they can be had for anywhere from 75$-100$.
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.
I AM THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS!
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.
"The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you."
Neil deGrasse Tyson
73 de Warren KB2VXA
Station powered by atomic energy, operator powered by natural gas.
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.
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.
A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory
RIP ALBI-W3MIV RIP RUSS-W5RB RIP BOB-VK3ZL
Funny, he doesn't look Newish...
All the world’s a stage, but obviously the play is unrehearsed and everybody is ad-libbing his lines. Maybe that’s why it’s hard to tell if we’re living in a tragedy or a farce.
Good to know im not to green ;)
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