Ham radio help.

[Brianad]

I am fixing to jump into the ham radio world and I have read so much about radios that I am more lost then when I started. I am getting ready to take the tests weather it be tech then general or both at the same time.

I do not know anyone that is into ham or knows anything about it to talk to me about radios. Is their someone in the Charleston area or with in 40 minutes of it that would talk to me in person and possibly show me some radio things? I would come to you.

I would be looking for a mobil radio new or used. Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[cvfd2023]

Soon to be new WV ham (I hope)

I am from Clay county and will hopefully be taking my technician test at Charleston this week if all goes well. I dont have any active hams that I know of in my area either so I emailed Dave Poe from the Kanawha county radio club and he called me that same day. This is his email address w8iw@cebridge.net

 

[Brianad]

I am think about the Yaesu FT-2900r for a starter radio. What do you think?

 

[jackj]

Are you taking a test given by a club? If so, ask the examiner for his/her club meeting dates and location. If not then check the ARRL's (American Radio Relay League) web site and find clubs in your area.

 

[SCPD]

What I would do is monitor 2 meters and 440 and see which band has more activity ,in NJ,I would say its 440!and
Dont bother with DSTAR or any digital modes,nobody uses them really,get something simple,there are cheap no brand DUAL BAND radios on ebay,look around!
I myself like Kenwood,I do like yaesus but I feel Kenwood makes a better radio,cleaner audio for one reason.

 

[GrumpyGuard]

Get in touch with one of the Amateur radio clubs in your area. Here are a couple of links to some clubs websites. Go to one of there meetings and ask you questions and someone will love to talk with you.
http://w8gk.org
http://hamdepot.com
Saturday, October 12, 2013 the Parkersburg-Wood County Hamfest, is taking place at Wood County 4-H Center, Mineral Wells, WV. (1-77 Mineral Wells Exit 170). This will be an excellent place to get all of your questions answered
Good luck on our test whether it is the tech or both the tech and General.

 

[ab5r]

Hi Brianad,

These suggestions are valid. Beginning with Amateur Radio can be confusing with all the different modes possible. As suggested, listen to your local FM repeaters to see the activity. That is where most newbies start and get use to the "ham speak" etc.

However, some other modes like CW, HF and Digital usually require additional equipment antennas and costs. Pick one that you think you might be interested in and start there.

By all means, talk to other hams and local club members. They would be delighted to help. Ham Radio has many routes to try. Have fun.

73, Jerry

 

[Brianad]

Jackj, the tests will be local club.

K2rty, ab5r, I would say more on 440 in this area but I travel all over the US 2-3 months at each move.

GrumpyGuard, the wood county hamfest is that going to be at the fairground?

 

[Brianad]

I am from Clay county and will hopefully be taking my technician test at Charleston this week if all goes well. I dont have any active hams that I know of in my area either so I emailed Dave Poe from the Kanawha county radio club and he called me that same day. This is his email address w8iw@cebridge.net

Yea, taking the test this Friday at the meeting is to soon for me. I just started studing for it yesterday but I might take it if I feel good about it.

 

[GrumpyGuard]

here is the web page for the ham fest. It has all the information you need.

 

[Brianad]

I am going to go to that ham fest and see what's what.

 

[Brianad]

Passed the tech class tonight. Hopefully I'll be taking the general next month.

Now if the Federal Government will grow up maybe I will get my callsign sometime this year.

 

[VE7WV]

Well done - congrats!

Mike
VE7WV

 

[Bubba1661]

Well Your on the way, Congrats, Maybe I can get your radios programmed this weekend, if you still want them done.

 

[Brianad]

Well Your on the way, Congrats, Maybe I can get your radios programmed this weekend, if you still want them done.

That would be great. You still have my number?

 

[Bubba1661]

Number

That would be great. You still have my number?

Yep!