Bitten by the Amateur Radio Bug! This is only my second post in this forum but I wanted somewhere to share this with others who may help me along in the journey into Amateur Radio. I have posted some of my progress on a local forum as well but I figure this will be more radio specific.
So, after years of a curiosity about Amateur Radio I decided to start doing some serious research of late. After reading much information and watching many videos I had concluded that a MT was the best to start off with. I like the Yaesu FT-7900r : Amazon.com: Yaesu FT-7900R Mobile Dual-Band Amateur Ham Radio 50W/45W VHF/UHF Transceiver: Electronics
I assumed that would be my best starter rig for the house based on reviews and recomendations. However, I started to second guess the expense of such a unit and had a fever. A fever, where the only cure for it was HT in the form of immediate gratification. Thus, the Dr. Ordered this: The Baofeng UV-5R Plus : Amazon.com: New Baofeng UV 5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM 5W Amateur Radio UV-5R Transceiver - 2013 Latest Version with Enhanced Features: Car Electronics
I received that little radio the very next day. (Apparently there are better B&M Radio places to order from but Amazon was easiest to organize!)
So, Obtained that radio and love it! I found myself listening to everything I could on it and that was just last week. I have sat in on a few Nets locally and programmed all the local repeaters in. I even heard several conversations today where folks are just checking on the weather. Impressive reception clarity but I really have nothing to compare it to. I am now studying for my Tech exam!
Moving forward, I have made my first mistake! I began reading about 10 meters. Now, I understand I will need an additional level of licensure for the use of 10 M but I sure would like to listen to whatever I could! So, to that end I ordered: The Magnum 257 Amazon.com: Magnum 257hp 10 Meter Amateur Radio: Electronics Only thereafter to determine that this unit is apparently frowned upon based on its' ease of modification. Darnet! Not to be outdone though. I then ordered the Venerable Radio Shack HTX 10 from a dealer on Ebay that same day. So, these units should both be here next week. Not sure what to do with the Magnum as I fear it is unlawful to sell. Not certain though as I was able to buy it. Hmm...
At any rate. I welcome any and all commentary or recommendations for antenna or other accessories that I will need to obtain. At first, I will likely just use a mag mount and stick it to a metal pan in the house until I am familiar with the operations of the radios. Then likely a mount in the truck and a more permanent antenna.
Anything else I need? Glad to be a part of the group. I will post updates as they come. Thanks.
So, after years of a curiosity about Amateur Radio I decided to start doing some serious research of late. After reading much information and watching many videos I had concluded that a MT was the best to start off with. I like the Yaesu FT-7900r : Amazon.com: Yaesu FT-7900R Mobile Dual-Band Amateur Ham Radio 50W/45W VHF/UHF Transceiver: Electronics
I assumed that would be my best starter rig for the house based on reviews and recomendations. However, I started to second guess the expense of such a unit and had a fever. A fever, where the only cure for it was HT in the form of immediate gratification. Thus, the Dr. Ordered this: The Baofeng UV-5R Plus : Amazon.com: New Baofeng UV 5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM 5W Amateur Radio UV-5R Transceiver - 2013 Latest Version with Enhanced Features: Car Electronics
I received that little radio the very next day. (Apparently there are better B&M Radio places to order from but Amazon was easiest to organize!)
So, Obtained that radio and love it! I found myself listening to everything I could on it and that was just last week. I have sat in on a few Nets locally and programmed all the local repeaters in. I even heard several conversations today where folks are just checking on the weather. Impressive reception clarity but I really have nothing to compare it to. I am now studying for my Tech exam!
Moving forward, I have made my first mistake! I began reading about 10 meters. Now, I understand I will need an additional level of licensure for the use of 10 M but I sure would like to listen to whatever I could! So, to that end I ordered: The Magnum 257 Amazon.com: Magnum 257hp 10 Meter Amateur Radio: Electronics Only thereafter to determine that this unit is apparently frowned upon based on its' ease of modification. Darnet! Not to be outdone though. I then ordered the Venerable Radio Shack HTX 10 from a dealer on Ebay that same day. So, these units should both be here next week. Not sure what to do with the Magnum as I fear it is unlawful to sell. Not certain though as I was able to buy it. Hmm...
At any rate. I welcome any and all commentary or recommendations for antenna or other accessories that I will need to obtain. At first, I will likely just use a mag mount and stick it to a metal pan in the house until I am familiar with the operations of the radios. Then likely a mount in the truck and a more permanent antenna.
Anything else I need? Glad to be a part of the group. I will post updates as they come. Thanks.