Gifted an Icom 208H -- Now What?

[aggmeister2010]

Hello All,

I was recently given an Icom 208H as part of a payment for services. I have always been interested in radio technology and communications, but never actually took the leap - I figured if I took on some equipment, that might help me get started!

I spend a significant amount of time driving for work - usually to the middle of nowhere - and I thought that both listening to and interacting with other radio peeps might be a good way to help keep my mind occupied rather than having to hear the new Lady Gaga single over and over again.

Here's the thing. I am just beginning and am a complete novice. I have no idea what I'm doing. I don't even know what I can legally do with this device. I really need some help getting started.

I want to make sure that I get off on a good foot and use this equipment respectfully and legally - so I guess my first question is, Can I even have this in a car in TX, or do I need a license? It would be neat to communicate with my pilot friends from the ground, as well as just chat with random radio enthusiasts in the area. I keep seeing "radio operator" license plates around town - would I need one to be able to use this equipment in a mobile application?

I'd also love to hear some of the things you monitor with your radios to inspire me to do some additional research!

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (BlackBerry; U; BlackBerry 9900; en-US) AppleWebKit/534.11+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/7.1.0.1047 Mobile Safari/534.11+)

What you were given is a Ham(Amateur) radio, legally, to transmit you need a ham license.

 

[WB4CS]

Welcome to Radio Reference.

As Kayn1n32008 suggests, you will need an Amateur Radio License to transmit with your radio.

For starters, take a quick look at this website: http://www.arrl.org/what-is-amateur-radio This will give you a general idea of what Amateur Radio is, and how to get licensed.

There are 3 license classes: Technician, General, and Extra class. The beginner license, Technician, is needed to use the radio you have received. To receive your license, you take an exam based on FCC rules of the Amateur Radio Service, as well as basic radio and electrical principals. You can either study from online websites, or use a book to study. My recommendation is the Gordon West Technician Class books.

If you decide that you do not want to get your Amateur Radio license, you can still legally use the radio to listen and receive transmissions, but you will not be able to legally transmit with it.

 

[robertmac]

As mentioned, it is Ham radio and not a aeronautical radio. Even if it was aeronautical, you would need to be licensed for use in that band. As a matter of interest in the USA, the only frequencies that one can legally transmit on are the MURS frequencies, FRS. All others require license. As the radio you refer is Ham, it should only be used to transmit on the Ham frequencies on VHF and UHF. Look at the threads on Amateur radio as really that is the only frequencies that radio can transmit legally on.

 

[MTS2000des]

If you have a genuine interest in wireless technology as a hobby/personal interest, pursue getting your amateur radio license. The technician test is easy, and the sky is the limit. Amateur radio has many facets, but the core of the service is that it is for non-commercial use (no business use unlike CB or part 90 radio services). You cannot receive compensation for making any transmissions (e.g. commercial dispatching) or use amateur radio for business communications.

As was mentioned, the only legal use of the transmitter section of the Icom is for use by a duly FCC licensed amateur radio operator with a technician class or higher on the 2 meter and 70 cm amateur bands.

Use of the radio as a scanning receiver in a vehicle (not activating the transmitter) may be subject to local laws. Some states restrict the mobile use of scanners or require a permit (most of the states also provide an exemption for FCC licensed amateur radio operators).

 

[kg4ojj]

Here's another vote for the amateur radio license. Use the link provided for the ARRL to find a radio club near you and go to a meeting. Most clubs are (likely) done for the year because of the holidays but put it on your January calendar. If you have the luxury, go to several different clubs and meetings. You'll find someone with similar interests, etc.

Get the programming software for the radio. I suggest the RT Systems cable and software but that's from personal experience with their stuff. I owned the -208 radio and have its cousin (ID-880H) now. Your radio will be great on AM receive. It's NOT capable of transmitting AM mode.

That radio will scan without the microphone connected, if that makes you feel better.

The preparatory material for the amateur radio examinations are low-cost (and even free). The exams consist of a sampling of the question pool. All of the possible questions are published and available from the FCC (for free). For a 50-question test, there might be 500 +/- questions in the pool.

Good luck,

 

[aggmeister2010]

Thanks everyone! Since I'm new, my posts have to be reviewed before they actually stick - so I actually did some research around here during the day, and have ordered some books to start prepping for the radio license test. I'm hoping to take the tech test in January. In the mean time, I will get my radio installed and start listening only. That should help me learn more about the functionality of the radio itself, and better understand the information I'm learning (I want to learn, not just pass the test).

I think I might start with a basic dual band 2m/440 antenna and see what's going on in the air around me. From what I can tell, that's kind of the "general forum" for radio users. Anyone have any suggestions for a decent starter low-profile antenna? I have used Laird Phantoms for 4G in the past, and love the small footprint - I know it may affect range, but are there any similar sized antennas out there for those bands?

 

[kg4ojj]

Antenna choices vary widely among users. You'll get a different response from everyone you ask.

Anything that is labeled "dual-band" for amateur radio use will get you started. It doesn't have to cost $100, either. In fact, you could make your own (don't ask me how - I just buy mine).

You are going about this the RIGHT way. Congratulations and welcome to the hobby!

Once you start reading, look over the questions. Test yourself at the end of each section. Make sure you understand the material. It's easy to memorize it all, but you'll do yourself a favor to LEARN it. It really helps you understand.

Many clubs offer free or low-cost training courses. Look on the ARRL (www.arrl.org) website for a testing site near you. The examiners are amateur radio operators (and they were in your position, at one time) and are likely good resources (AKA elmers).

One area that may help you with the lingo, etc. is weekly nets. These are usually published on a club's website or in their newsletters. Do your (Google) homework and you'll find them. These nets are deliberate practice for controlled communications. You check in, report what you information you have, and you listen to announcements and other people's information. These practice sessions help you in times of disaster, etc. because you learn HOW to pass messages to others.

All of this (and more) may be going on in your "backyard." Learn to use the search function on your radio (and here on RadioReference) to find new things to listen to.

Best of luck. When you get Private Messaging privileges (be patient, Grasshopper), you can PM me and I will provide my email, etc.. I would be happy to help you with your quest, even if I am a few thousand miles away.

 

[MTS2000des]

While you are studying (BTW, the website Callsign Database by QRZ.COM has some great practice tests online for free), my best advice once you get that Icom IC-208 hooked up is to LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN as much and as often as you can.

you can find active repeaters/simplex frequencies in your area by using the programmed band scan function of the radio and scan between 144-148 and 440-450. You will also get a "feel" for the crowd on the repeaters you listen to, much like online forums. Do not hesitate to reach out and contact a local club/s in your area to ask questions and assist you!

As far as antennas, I always say buy the best antenna you can afford for your particular application. I would AVOID glass mount antennas and magnet mounts (in that order) as both are poorer performers than more permanent mounted antennas. Any dual band antenna designed for the 144-148/440-450MHz ham bands will work.

 

[aggmeister2010]

Thanks to everyone for the positive encouragement!

As far as antennas, I always say buy the best antenna you can afford for your particular application. I would AVOID glass mount antennas and magnet mounts (in that order) as both are poorer performers than more permanent mounted antennas. Any dual band antenna designed for the 144-148/440-450MHz ham bands will work.

I have used glass/mag mount antennas in previous work, and I agree, they're not great.

Right now I have four NMO mounts on my car - one is a 16" whip for a scanner, one is a Laird 4G phantom for my hot-spot. Two are capped - just waiting for antennas to be added. Ideally, I'd like to stick with either phantom-type antennas or short whips (6" or less) because anything longer hits the rear window when I open it. I suppose I could buy separate 144 and 440 mhz antennas and splice the line together to the 208H, but I'd have to research how to do that.

 

[MTS2000des]

Thanks to everyone for the positive encouragement!



I have used glass/mag mount antennas in previous work, and I agree, they're not great.

Right now I have four NMO mounts on my car - one is a 16" whip for a scanner, one is a Laird 4G phantom for my hot-spot. Two are capped - just waiting for antennas to be added. Ideally, I'd like to stick with either phantom-type antennas or short whips (6" or less) because anything longer hits the rear window when I open it. I suppose I could buy separate 144 and 440 mhz antennas and splice the line together to the 208H, but I'd have to research how to do that.

To use separate antennas, you would need a device known as a duplexer, to separate the signals- to send them to the different antennas and isolate the antennas from each other, like this one:

Diamond® Antenna ~ MX72D Triplexer

 

[aggmeister2010]

Great, I found a duplexer I can use. I'll have to search for 144 and 440 mhz antennas if there's no low-profile dual band available.

 

[aggmeister2010]

As mentioned, it is Ham radio and not a aeronautical radio. Even if it was aeronautical, you would need to be licensed for use in that band.

I'm a private pilot and receive/transmit in flight all the time - I assume I'd be able to just listen in from the ground, right?

 

[WB4CS]

I'm a private pilot and receive/transmit in flight all the time - I assume I'd be able to just listen in from the ground, right?

Hey aggmeister2010, welcome back!

You're correct, you can listen and receive all you want - no issues there. The issue would come into play that the Icom you mentioned is only for Amateur Radio use. It will not transmit in the aviation band, and even if it could you would need a radio that is FCC approved for the aviation band.

I'm curious, did you ever go and get your amateur radio license?

 

[aggmeister2010]

Hey aggmeister2010, welcome back!

You're correct, you can listen and receive all you want - no issues there. The issue would come into play that the Icom you mentioned is only for Amateur Radio use. It will not transmit in the aviation band, and even if it could you would need a radio that is FCC approved for the aviation band.

I'm curious, did you ever go and get your amateur radio license?

Hello there!

Yes, I did get my tech license in January. Couldn't have been simpler to get that and then keep on rolling. Of course, I didn't get a perfect score because I have A LOT to learn...but that's the exciting part!

I wouldn't mind just listening in on aviation. It just interests me. My pilot friends fly low enough to still get a cell signal, so no big deal on not being able to transmit on that radio. I'm working in another subforum to try to find an antenna I can mount on my third story window or roof gutter that's low profile enough to not warrant complaints from neighbors, but strong enough to pick up signals. I live smack dab in the middle of IAH and Hobby, so I'm hoping a decent antenna can pick up enough to keep me entertained.

 

[WB4CS]

Hello there!

Yes, I did get my tech license in January. Couldn't have been simpler to get that and then keep on rolling. Of course, I didn't get a perfect score because I have A LOT to learn...but that's the exciting part!

I wouldn't mind just listening in on aviation. It just interests me. My pilot friends fly low enough to still get a cell signal, so no big deal on not being able to transmit on that radio. I'm working in another subforum to try to find an antenna I can mount on my third story window or roof gutter that's low profile enough to not warrant complaints from neighbors, but strong enough to pick up signals. I live smack dab in the middle of IAH and Hobby, so I'm hoping a decent antenna can pick up enough to keep me entertained.

Good deal! Congrats on passing and getting your license!

Don't worry about still having a lot to learn, we all had to start somewhere. There's a lot of good knowledge here on the forums. Another two great resources of information are the ARRL Handbook and ARRL Antenna Book. The handbook will give you more information that you probably could care to learn about amateur radio, it has a lot of technical information about how electronics and RF work. The Antenna Book gives tons of guides on building antennas and teaches a lot of antenna theory. Both books are a little pricey but well worth the money.

 

[aggmeister2010]

Good deal! Congrats on passing and getting your license!

Don't worry about still having a lot to learn, we all had to start somewhere. There's a lot of good knowledge here on the forums. Another two great resources of information are the ARRL Handbook and ARRL Antenna Book. The handbook will give you more information that you probably could care to learn about amateur radio, it has a lot of technical information about how electronics and RF work. The Antenna Book gives tons of guides on building antennas and teaches a lot of antenna theory. Both books are a little pricey but well worth the money.

My biggest roadblock has to do with visibility. I know a little phantom antenna won't give me much...a whip, maybe a bit more...but if it's too visible, they'll make me take it down. And "too visible" is REactive...defined as "it's fine until someone complains." That and I don't see too many land based aviation frequency antennas.

 

[nanZor]

Congrats on the license!

For aviation specific antennas, you may want to take a look at:

DPD Productions - VHF Air/Aviation Band, FBO Base, ACARS & ADS-B (SBS / RadarBox) Antennas for Commercial & Hobbyist Applications

The "air blade" might be inconspicous enough for just behind the window, and not look too ham-sexy indoors, or perhaps outdoors and not raise any eyebrows. Without any radials, the other sticks might be acceptable.

Depending on your situation, you might do just fine with the 2 meter part of your amateur antenna setup, even though it is not cut specifically for airband. Just make sure that if you use a duplexer that it covers airband and does not cut it off.

 

[aggmeister2010]

That's crazy that an antenna can operate that well even through a wall or ceiling. I'll check it out!

 

[MTS2000des]

congrats on getting your ticket. I've been a ham since 9 (started out as a novice back in 1985), been a lifelong love of all things RF.

Have fun and enjoy!