New Technician - starting point questions...

[WRFM426]

So I just passed Technician (and will shortly be studying for General..). I have been dabbling with GMRS and having a lot of fun there, and have received very helpful advice from members of this forum...

Now I'm looking to get started with HF/VHF/UHF and was wondering where the more experienced members would recommend that I invest my modest funds - towards suitably 'sensible' equipment..

My thoughts are either go for a 'shack-in-a-box' like the Yaesu FT-991A which would cover all the bands that I'll want to tackle in the short-term, OR, to opt for discrete gear for HF, and another separate unit for VHF/UHF.

I already have a GMRS Mobile/Base station here at home, which will stay here as a GMRS Base, so I was wondering whether doing a similar thing and getting a 'decent' Mobile dual band rig might also be an option for a Base Station - say something like the Icom IC-5100, Icom IC-2730, Yaesu FT-200/300/400 range, Anytone AT-D578UV, then put-up a dual band antenna (Diamond x300A..?) and then approach HF down the road.
Suggestions on something suitable for a Dual Band antenna would also be most welcome..

I also have a concern that if the chip availability issue worsens, then might it make sense to 'grab' a 991A while they are available...?
Anyone had any experience with the 991A: how does it stack up?

I'm sure that this sort of question must have asked many times before, but a few wise words of advice would be most welcome..

Last question regarding the Forum: can I change my member ID (from my GMRS callsign) to something different, or do I need to create a new account?

 

[belvdr]

A dual band mobile is fine for home/base use. Depending on where you live, you might not find much UHF activity. Therefore a solid, simple rig like the Yaesu 2980R is perfect, and quiet.

You're likely to get multiple answers, but I would shy away from a shack-in-a-box. I had a TS-2000 and it did everything very average. I upgraded to a discrete HF transceiver and it was night and day difference. It's also nice to monitor a 2m repeater while you're perusing HF.

I had an IC-7300 and TS-950 and loved them both for different reasons. I liked the audio quality of the TS-950 but for overall use, the 7300 was the winner.

 

[Hit_Factor]

An ID-5100 works well as a base station. If you have some DStar repeaters in your area (and we have lot's in SW MI) it makes alot of sense. If you have a lot of Fusion repeaters then the Yaesu makes sense. If you have DMR then the Anytone makes sense.

The X300 will work good in most situations. Don't forget good coax like lMR-400.

Find the local ham club and talk to them before you spend any $$.

 

[ladn]

Congratulations on earning your Technician license!
You've posed a very broad based question to which there will be diverging multitude of answers.

Here's the view from where I sit (and I've been a ham for more than 30 years).​

HF and VHF/UHF are very different parts of the hobby. I do some HF, but most of my activity and interest is VHF/UHF.​

​

In addition to a transceiver, HF requires an antenna, and because the frequencies are low, the antenna needs to be on the large size for any sort of efficiency. For instance, an OCCF (off center fed) dipole, which is a common multi-band HF antenna made out of wire is at least 68 feet long (Buckmaster OCF Dipole Antenna), a vertical 6-band antenna is around 24 feet tall, not counting the mounting pole (Hustler 6-BTV 6 Band Vertical HF Fixed Station Antenna 10-80m 24ft 1kW)​

​

VHF/UHF, of course, also requires an antenna. As you have learned from your GMRS experience, UHF antennas (depending on design) are relatively short (VHF are a bit longer). These antennas are nearly always deployed vertically. One of the big things going on now in VHF/UHF are the digital modes. There are ham-specific voice modes such as D-star and C4FM (System Fusion) and commercial modes, such as DMR and P-25. While these are all "digital" they aren't compatible with one another and no one vendor supports all the modes. Digital modes let you easily connect through hot spots or compatible repeaters with regional talk groups which are like channels.​

​

Many of us have made the costly mistake of buying equipment, then finding out using it wasn't as much fun as we expected. IF you have a local ham radio club, go to a few meetings, get to know some of the members and talk radio. Find out what they are using in your local area and ask lots of questions. You may luck out and a member will loan you some equipment to try out or use at their station. Some clubs have their own stations or loan equipment..

 

[WRFM426]

An ID-5100 works well as a base station. If you have some DStar repeaters in your area (and we have lot's in SW MI) it makes alot of sense. If you have a lot of Fusion repeaters then the Yaesu makes sense. If you have DMR then the Anytone makes sense.

The X300 will work good in most situations. Don't forget good coax like lMR-400.

Find the local ham club and talk to them before you spend any $$.

A look at RepeaterBook shows digital repeaters are mostly DMR...
Point taken re LMR-400..!

 

[AK9R]

I also have a concern that if the chip availability issue worsens, then might it make sense to 'grab' a 991A while they are available...?

I think we are pretty close to being over the hump regarding electronic component shortages. Yeah, there are still supply issues here and there, but manufacturers are working out the problems.

Yaesu has a history of letting older radios die while releasing new radios that duplicate the old radio's features. The FTM-400D is a case in point. It's been on the market for about 10 years and is still popular, but Yaesu recently announced an FTM-500D that will effectively take the place as Yaesu's flagship dual-band mobile.

I've heard good and bad about the FT-991A. If the "shack-in-a-box" concept is what attracts you, I think you can do better with your HF/6m radio and your VHF/UHF FM/digital voice radio as separate units. You can read user's comments about the FT-991A here: https://eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=12991

 

[Hit_Factor]

A look at RepeaterBook shows digital repeaters are mostly DMR...
Point taken re LMR-400..!

Repeater book has issues.

Look for the frequency coordinators report for your area.

 

[jaspence]

I have the FT-991A. I have had a license for almost 40 years, and it is not a good radio for beginning due to the touchscreen menu system and lack of simple switching from one band to another. It is much easier to grab an HT for VHF-UHF or use my G90 for HF. The G90 feeds an end fed wire antenna, and using about 15 watts I have made good contacts with the west coast and sw US with the 10 meter band this spring from southern Michigan. The cost of the G90 and a decent dual band HT will also be less than the 991.

 

[Hit_Factor]

Regarding operating the Yaesu, I've had a few and always thought the user interface was very date and not particularly intuitive. So I understand you comment about the FT-991a.

... The G90 feeds an end fed wire antenna, and using about 15 watts I have made good contacts with the west coast and sw US with the 10 meter band this spring from southern Michigan...

A 20w max HF rig is not a good starting point in my opinion. QRP can be a lonely place and frustrating for a new operator. I recommend 100w for the first HF rig.

 

[nc6a]

I tell new hams to listen, listen and listen some more. Learn the lingo and proper etiquette being used on the air.
A couple of weeks doing that and you'll fit right in.

 

[Project4]

KC1SSD,

I took a quick look through your WRFM426 messages and it appears you have quickly accumulated relevant knowledge and experience with UHF transceivers, antenna systems and propagation. I suspect you will find, as I have, that VHF (2 meters) will double your effective range through the woods and over the edges of minor ridgelines. VHF has served the US Forest Service and the military well in similar terrain.

The Diamond X-300 is an excellent choice for a dual band amateur radio antenna. I have used many Diamond X-30's and X-50's, the shorter, single piece models, since the early 1990's with some units in service for 20 years. I only recently upgraded one to an X-300 and am enjoying the increased gain on both bands.
If your finance department approves, consider installing multiple feed lines from your operating position to accommodate near-future growth. You may wish to install a VHF (or dual band) yagi to insure a noise free signal to specific distant stations or repeater sites.

When I operate HF, I do not want to interrupt reception of activity on 2M/70cM, so separate transceivers are an absolute necessity. Compact dual band mobile transceivers can also move from the shack to your vehicles if desired.
If your planned activity on HF is to scan a small set of relatively quiet net "channels" than you might be satisfied with the "shack in the box" system. However, you would be less likely to seek and find new HF activity that may capture your new-ham interest. All band radios are great for portable use when exploring new spectrum activity.


Before you invest in a digital radio, consider who you want to talk to. Does a particular digital mode (P25, DMR, Fusion, D-Star) offer the connection to a system in another town, county, state or country of interest?

Repeaterbook can be helpful for locating established ham networks in your region. However, I am surprised to find relatively few repeaters listed in the "Boston" area. Look for antennas on vehicles (or people) and talk to the owners. Put an antenna on your vehicle and they'll find you. Google local radio clubs for net and repeater information. I suspect some members of your local GMRS fraternity are also hams with useful information.

 

[WRFM426]

KC1SSD,

I took a quick look through your WRFM426 messages and it appears you have quickly accumulated relevant knowledge and experience with UHF transceivers, antenna systems and propagation. I suspect you will find, as I have, that VHF (2 meters) will double your effective range through the woods and over the edges of minor ridgelines. VHF has served the US Forest Service and the military well in similar terrain.

The Diamond X-300 is an excellent choice for a dual band amateur radio antenna. I have used many Diamond X-30's and X-50's, the shorter, single piece models, since the early 1990's with some units in service for 20 years. I only recently upgraded one to an X-300 and am enjoying the increased gain on both bands.
If your finance department approves, consider installing multiple feed lines from your operating position to accommodate near-future growth. You may wish to install a VHF (or dual band) yagi to insure a noise free signal to specific distant stations or repeater sites.

When I operate HF, I do not want to interrupt reception of activity on 2M/70cM, so separate transceivers are an absolute necessity. Compact dual band mobile transceivers can also move from the shack to your vehicles if desired.
If your planned activity on HF is to scan a small set of relatively quiet net "channels" than you might be satisfied with the "shack in the box" system. However, you would be less likely to seek and find new HF activity that may capture your new-ham interest. All band radios are great for portable use when exploring new spectrum activity.


Before you invest in a digital radio, consider who you want to talk to. Does a particular digital mode (P25, DMR, Fusion, D-Star) offer the connection to a system in another town, county, state or country of interest?

Repeaterbook can be helpful for locating established ham networks in your region. However, I am surprised to find relatively few repeaters listed in the "Boston" area. Look for antennas on vehicles (or people) and talk to the owners. Put an antenna on your vehicle and they'll find you. Google local radio clubs for net and repeater information. I suspect some members of your local GMRS fraternity are also hams with useful information.

Points above are all taken on board; thank you.,!

I have already located and reached a number of repeaters on 2m - using just my Anytone 878 HT..!

I decided to take the advice of many here and opt for a separate HF rig, and just purchased the IC-7300; I pick it up tomorrow..🙂.

Ditching the 991A idea for now..

I do intend to listen across available bands and will probably get an OCFD or end fed - depending on where I can safely mount it.

As always I very much appreciate all the encouraging comments here; thank you..!

 

[AK9R]

I decided to take the advice of many here and opt for a separate HF rig, and just purchased the IC-7300; I pick it up tomorrow.

Good choice. Here's a link to a YouTuber who has published a series of videos covering just about every aspect of the IC-7300. Yes, there are over 40 videos in the playlist, but there's a lot to cover. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL48JZWhCJoH3bGOyfmZVxgRHFqs2VUG8P

 

[WRFM426]

Good choice. Here's a link to a YouTuber who has published a series of videos covering just about every aspect of the IC-7300. Yes, there are over 40 videos in the playlist, but there's a lot to cover. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL48JZWhCJoH3bGOyfmZVxgRHFqs2VUG8P

I am working my way through the videos - very good tip; thx..

I pick up the IC-7300 today… so, bearing in mind that I plan on getting my General license soon, and thus will have greater band access, which antenna would you recommend as a good starting point?
A couple of friends have suggested either an end-fed or OCF dipole could be an option.
I am interested in looking towards the Old Country (UK) but would also like to look cross-country westwards. I am in MA in a wooded area, but would have plenty of room in the back yard to suspend something I suspect..
I would like to get listening ASAP, and am happy to consider different antennas for different tasks..

 

[WRFM426]

I am working my way through the videos - very good tip; thx..

I pick up the IC-7300 today… so, bearing in mind that I plan on getting my General license soon, and thus will have greater band access, which antenna would you recommend as a good starting point?
A couple of friends have suggested either an end-fed or OCF dipole could be an option.
I am interested in looking towards the Old Country (UK) but would also like to look cross-country westwards. I am in MA in a wooded area, but would have plenty of room in the back yard to suspend something I suspect..
I would like to get listening ASAP, and am happy to consider different antennas for different tasks..

Something like this perhaps ? :

BUCKMASTER DX-OCF 7 BAND​

BUCKMASTER, DX-OCF 7 BAND, Antenna HF Wire Multi-Band, DXOCF 7 BAND

BUCKMASTER DX-OCF 7 BAND 80/75 40 20 17 12 10 6 Meters Off Center Fed Dipole Low SWR 300 Watts Max

www.hamradio.com

 

[AK9R]

Something like this perhaps ? :

BUCKMASTER DX-OCF 7 BAND​

Careful with that one. The feedpoint needs to be at least 35 feet above ground. Anything lower and the performance will be degraded.

 

[WRFM426]

Careful with that one. The feedpoint needs to be at least 35 feet above ground. Anything lower and the performance will be degraded.

Good to know.. however I have a number of tall trees around my house, so was thinking of getting a support line high up to ensure the feedpoint gets the elevation it needs.

The multiband capability is attractive, but if an OCFD turns out not to be a practical option, what might be a good alternative?

 

[WRFM426]

Good to know.. however I have a number of tall trees around my house, so was thinking of getting a support line high up to ensure the feedpoint gets the elevation it needs.

The multiband capability is attractive, but if an OCFD turns out not to be a practical option, what might be a good alternative?

I just found this vertical one; does anyone have experience with it?

24' HF Vertical Antenna, No Radials, OCF multiband vertical dipole 160-6M

24' HF Vertical Antenna multiband, 160-6M. No Radials is Low angle, Low loss, Low noise, low angle, for ham radio, NVIS, disaster prep, & emcomm. Free Shipping

greylineperformance.com

 

[bill4long]

So I just passed Technician (and will shortly be studying for General..). I have been dabbling with GMRS and having a lot of fun there, and have received very helpful advice from members of this forum...

Now I'm looking to get started with HF/VHF/UHF and was wondering where the more experienced members would recommend that I invest my modest funds - towards suitably 'sensible' equipment..

My thoughts are either go for a 'shack-in-a-box' like the Yaesu FT-991A which would cover all the bands that I'll want to tackle in the short-term, OR, to opt for discrete gear for HF, and another separate unit for VHF/UHF.

I already have a GMRS Mobile/Base station here at home, which will stay here as a GMRS Base, so I was wondering whether doing a similar thing and getting a 'decent' Mobile dual band rig might also be an option for a Base Station - say something like the Icom IC-5100, Icom IC-2730, Yaesu FT-200/300/400 range, Anytone AT-D578UV, then put-up a dual band antenna (Diamond x300A..?) and then approach HF down the road.
Suggestions on something suitable for a Dual Band antenna would also be most welcome..

I also have a concern that if the chip availability issue worsens, then might it make sense to 'grab' a 991A while they are available...?
Anyone had any experience with the 991A: how does it stack up?

I'm sure that this sort of question must have asked many times before, but a few wise words of advice would be most welcome..

Can't go wrong with a Icom 7300 for HF. It doesn't do 2m/440, but chances are you'd be happier with it than a Yaesu 991A. For 2m mobile, Yaesu 3100R. $149. There is always the used market, and you can't really go wrong with Yaesu, Kenwood and Icom. I've been happy with Yaesu 7900, dual band, and 8800, and 8900, dual band/dual receive, Icom 2200, 2300 2m. You can check out QRZ's, RR, eham classified.

​

 

[WRFM426]

Can't go wrong with a Icom 7300 for HF. It doesn't do 2m/440, but chances are you'd be happier with it than a Yaesu 991A. For 2m mobile, Yaesu 3100R. $149. There is always the used market, and you can't really go wrong with Yaesu, Kenwood and Icom. I've been happy with Yaesu 7900, dual band, and 8800, and 8900, dual band/dual receive, Icom 2200, 2300 2m. You can check out QRZ's, RR, eham classified.

​

Good advice..
If I wanted to hit local UHF repeaters too, what about the Icom IC-2730A? Would that be a safe bet?