Looking forward to test in June

[mrstangblb]

I don't even have my radio in yet but am studying for the General test in June. I have always been interested in ham radio but never got a good chance to get one until earlier this week. Amazon had an inexpensive Baofeng UV-B5 handheld that should be here by test time from China. I am really excited and glad to start up!

I am sure I will learn a lot from you guys, so thanks in advance. Have a great week!

------------

Barry

Jeremiah 29:11-13 / John 3:16

 

[radiokatz]

Good luck on your upcoming test!

 

[WB4CS]

Good luck on your test!

That radio will be good to get started, but when it comes to what you can pick up (and later talk to) a handheld isn't your best option. So don't get discouraged if you can't hear/talk very far with it. You'll want to move up to a "base" radio or mobile radio mounted in your car for better coverage. Unless you're lucky like me and are 1/8 of a mile from your favorite repeater, then a handheld will work great

Again, best of luck on the test and if you need any suggestions on building your amateur station or operating skills feel free to ask questions!

 

[mrstangblb]

Thanks for the help and encouragement! Yes, I'm sure that handheld won't be optimal... but to start off with I hope it'll be nice to learn on. I will probably get a good car antenna to see if that will extend the range somewhat, but I am not sure that I will be able to set up a full blown base station.

I've seen what antenna requirements may be and that may knock me out of a base station (or my neighbors might knock me out for having such a big antenna!). I'll see once I get going, and I'm sure I'll have questions for you - I hope to not bother everybody with too many!

------------

Barry

Jeremiah 29:11-13 / John 3:16

 

[pgnsucks]

I don't even have my radio in yet but am studying for the General test in June. I have always been interested in ham radio but never got a good chance to get one until earlier this week. Amazon had an inexpensive Baofeng UV-B5 handheld that should be here by test time from China. I am really excited and glad to start up!

Her is a website for repeater freqs that will help out with your HT;
:: RepeaterBook.com :: Amateur Radio Repeater Directory

 

[k3cfc]

You don't need a big antenna for 2 meters. i built one for vhf/uhf about 58 inches tall and weights about 1 pound.


http://nt1k.com/blog/2011/open-stub-j-pole-project-completed-many-times/

 

[mrstangblb]

Her is a website for repeater freqs that will help out with your HT;
:: RepeaterBook.com :: Amateur Radio Repeater Directory

Oh, wow. What an extremely helpful post! I went through the link and downloaded the repeater app that picks up the repeaters around you by GPS coordinates. There are several within 15 miles of my house.

I really appreciate the info!

------------

Barry

Jeremiah 29:11-13 / John 3:16

 

[mrstangblb]

You don't need a big antenna for 2 meters. i built one for vhf/uhf about 58 inches tall and weights about 1 pound.


http://nt1k.com/blog/2011/open-stub-j-pole-project-completed-many-times/

Nice! I like DIY projects that actually work - one of the coat hanger antennas I built for my TV works better than lots of other manufactured ones. I will for sure check it out. Thanks!

------------

Barry

Jeremiah 29:11-13 / John 3:16

 

[k3cfc]

Nice! I like DIY projects that actually work - one of the coat hanger antennas I built for my TV works better than lots of other manufactured ones. I will for sure check it out. Thanks!

------------

Barry

Jeremiah 29:11-13 / John 3:16

This works like a champ. i live 55 miles from the 147.090 repeater and have no problem getting into it. you just need to follow the instructions to the letter. a drill press comes in handy here.


Good luck.