Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

I'm no antenna guru, but for vehicle installations, I would only go with NMO mount for VHF/UHF.

 

Mainly receiving above 460. Only transmitting on 2M/70cm.

 

NMO is easier to mount more water proof and more popular. The popular comes into play with ham radio swap meets if you decide you’re looking for a better antenna down the road. The higher freq rating pretty much means better design.

 

Personally I would buy the Diamond. I have one on my tower that is 25 years old. I have used a single band 2 meter Diamond as a repeater antenna put it up as a temp antenna and ended up on the Mt. for 5 years! I have not been impressed with any thing JetStream yet.

 

Cool, thanks. I figured there was a reason NMO seemed to be more of the standard.

 

Passed my tech test today! I'm pretty pumped about it! Now I have to figure out a good first set up for cheap to start out. I was thinking about one of the cheaper handhelds with connections to use it with a mounted antenna on a BAMF tailgate mount. That way when I decide to upgrade to a mobile system, I'll still have the handheld for hikes, etc. Thoughts?

Can't wait to get my call sign and set up to try it out!

 

I am kj6feu in corona usually on big bear or simplex.

 

Congrats! You could do that. I have a handheld with a magnet mount, battery eliminator, and speaker Mic. Total money spent was about $85. works well to repeater sites 42 miles away ( and 5000 feet higher. ) lol

 

Good job! What I would do is buy and mount an antenna that you can us once you have up graded your radio. In other words spend the money now for a good antenna and mount it properly. They make adaptors that will fit your hand held use the handheld connected to your nice antenna then once you up grade it will be only a matter of plugging in you antenna in to the new unit. You should have no problem with local repeaters on 5 watts with an HT and a gain antenna. I had a friend that used to work on top of Mt Washington 29 miles away I could talk to him with my hand held from the back yard simplex with just the rubber duck so that will give you an ideal of how the repeaters will work out for you with only 5 watts.

 

Thanks for the advice. That was my plan. I already have a BAMF tailgate mount for my CB antenna. Was just thinking about swapping that out for a 2 meter/440 antenna. Maybe someday I'll get the balls to go NMO.....but not anytime soon. I hate the idea of drilling a hole in my roof, even though I realize they're pretty much leak proof when installed properly.

I have a question for you guys here. I live in the Norfolk, VA area. I have a buddy who lives just south of Atlanta who's also interested in getting his license. I'm trying to read up on Echolink and similar repeater linking systems to find a way to talk to him over the air once he's up and running, but can't find a lot of information. It appears the only way to do it would be to use my computer to connect to his local echo link repeater (or he uses his computer to connect to my local echo link repeater). Anyone know if this is my only option? I'd like to be able to operate my mobile or handheld on a repeater here that was linked to a repeater in an Atlanta area without needing to use a computer. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

Hey guys..i really really want to get a HAM setup..few of my friends are thinking about it and really the pro's of it over CB is just staggering so...any pointers on where to start?

Im a Wyoming resident..but have been in St Louis for a while..can i take my test in St louis but my id be in Wy? or hows that work?..

 

Eham.net has practice tests. Also, if you have an iPhone, search for ham tests in the App Store. They have a great app with study material and practice tests. I just took practice tests over and over for a couple weeks and easily passed.

You can take the test anywhere. It's valid nationwide. Go to arrl.org for testing dates and sites. Whenever you feel you're ready, just show up to one of the test sites. Take the test and you're good to go. Only costs $15.

 

There are apps for echolink. I use my tablet when I away from the area. If your local repeater has a link you may need to contact the repeater owners for an access code.

 

Your current address will be your call sign area. If your address is Wyoming it will be a 7 call. If you present address is MI then it will be an 8 call. Bottom line what ever you fill out will effect the call area but that's where it will be sent. Does not really matter where you take the test.

 

cool!

Thanks a lot for the info guys!

 

Congrats!!!

HRO has a great deal on a fantastic lil 2 meter rig

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-011362

 

Thanks! Seriously considering this unit, but I'm wondering if I'll kick myself for not getting a dual band 2m/440 radio. Thoughts on that?

 

Thanks for posting that Erik. That's a sweet deal, no doubt!

Interesting that Kenwood only provided two power options Hi/Lo @ 65W / 25W. And they don't put that in the specs of the owners manual, I had to find it on eHam.

According to www.repeaterbook.com, there are:

• 113, 2-Meter repeaters found in Virginia.
• 108, 70cm repeaters found in Virginia.

A vast majority are listed as open as well. That's good news.

Good news on the ham gear is if you don't like something you bought, you can generally sell it for close to what you bought it for, break even, or sometimes profit. It's not like other electronics...

Another factor is pricing. UHF/VHF radios are considerably more expensive. The cheapest I saw was an Alinco for $308. Then I found the Wouxun for $279 at Universal-Radio.com

 

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. Twice as many repeaters if I get dual band. But the resale value is good to know. Thanks for the info!

 

Just thought i'd post the beginning.......of the birth......of my pneumatic James Bond antenna mast.