Exsmokey said:
You are using a ham radio technique I've used. You buy the equipment before you get the license and then the listening you do motivates you to get the license as you want to be able to key the mike and talk with people as well. I would like to use this method with my Yeasu FT-847 HF, 6M, 2M, 70cm rig but I'm having some zoning and homeowners association issues with this plan.
Exsmokey,
First, let me thank you for the service you provided back in your smokey days, thats a hard job not enough people have respect for.
Regarding what you posted, agreed 100% and I went against what everybody told me, including several Ham stores, one of which wouldn't talk to me until I had my license in hand. My first thought was, why wouldn't I want the equipment first, I didn't want a hand held, which several people suggested I start with and I didn't want to get licensed without first insuring I was in this for the long haul. I thought the same thing, listening provides a great motivator!
It seemed people were more worried about having another "newb" polluting the airwaves with unlicensed illegal mojo ruining it for everybody. So they would forgo profit to "save the hobby" this is backward thinking to me. If someone wants to get on the bands and try to QSO without a license there are hundreds of transceivers on eBay and all over the web and no license is required to buy any Ham equipment that I know of. In fact I've heard a few people with no license (they refused to give a call sign when asked or when they keyed the mic) create QRM while others were talking, not cool and I would never do that.
I researched the radio I felt would suffice for me and handles most modes and got good reviews. I was going to start with the Yeasu FT-450 until I learned it didn’t support 2 meter’s which I wanted to have, in one unit. So I went in belly first and bought the radio, power supply a good 2 meter antenna and a 20 meter dipole because I knew it would also provide general coverage for hearing other bands, since I'm not transmitting I'll worry about the 80 meter antenna when I have the license for it. It's maybe not the perfect beginning but I have heard people on 80 meter LSB from Florida, Mesa AZ, AB Canada, Las Vegas, VT, WA and others. On 20 meter USB I have heard just about as much.
I listen to several 2 meter nets and will be joining the FRRL on Tues 4/8/08 at their monthly meeting. I have enough material to study so I not only pass my Tech exam but kick its butt, then very soon after I’m going for my General and if I have my way I’ll be Extra class by the end of the year and next year I’ll go from a no-code to adding CW to my license. This is a lofty goal but I have set my mind to it, I suffered some brain damage (long story!!) years ago and it has affected my ability to remember things I have studied but I'm stubborn and will keep at it. I look forward to many QSO’s with many people from my QTH and hopefully there won’t be any QRM!!
I still have much to learn like why I hear many people on LSB, USB as well as AM (SAME frequency), which will sound stupid to many but it confuses me right now. But then 3 weeks ago I was confused about everything so I’m getting there slowly but surely.
Oh to make this long winded post even longer, there are loads of podcasts for helping a newbie learn this hobby, just check out iTunes and type “ham radio”.
Sorry for the long winded post, I am enjoying this hobby much more than I thought I would!