New to Ham looking for Radio

[CLynch7]

I'm going to throw in and agree that a HT is a great way to start, it was how I got started too. Worst case, you can always pick up an in-line amp.

 

[N8IAA]

My favorite radio is the FT-60R. Free programming via: Jim Mitchell - KC8UNJ , 1k memories, scan banks, outstanding out of band receive, alphatags. Have the battery eliminater, AA battery pack, couple of MFJ rat tail antennas. My first VHF radio 22 yrs ago was a thumb wheel 2M Yaesu ht, 1/4 wave mag mount, and a 35 watt brick (amp) for simplex. Used it for a couple of years until upgraded to an Icom 2M FM, SSB 10 watt mobile. Upgraded the brick to a 80 watt model for SSB contacts. Have had many mobiles and ht's, always go back to the ht for ease of use But, will say, the best mobile that was in the shack and vehicle was an Icom 2720. If it had alphatags, it would still be in the shack. Have always used my radios for conventional scanners.
HTH,
Larry

 

[fredg]

I have been licensed since 1993 but only just this week got on the air (at the time I got it mostly to listen to my scanner in the car and not be harassed). I am using an old Kenwood TH-79A dual band HT with a speaker mic loaned to me in the exact manner Wyandotte suggested, I use it in the car with a mag mount and in the house with a 2/70 ground plane mounted about 20 feet, I use this as a scanner antenna but now it gets used on my Kenwood.

Works real well, I am able to get into a repeater about 35+ miles away with no problems with what I think is 4 watts on batteries.

EDIT: Actually it's 2 watts on alkaline!

You guys mention an inline amp... what kind would that be? It's not the same as a scanner amp like the GRE Super Amp?

 

[reedeb]

Back in 95 when I first got my ticket one of our old RACES members passed on [SK] and in the sale of his equipmen I got his Yaesu FT 208 R 2 mtr ht and N7 charger / power supply for $50.00 . I used that radio till I picked up a Radio Shack HTX 202 HT and HTX 212 2 mtr mobile' The yaesu is an old workhorse BUT it had no PL. But I was given the cod to shut off the PL on my Elmers repeater so I could talk and I used that ht during several calls we had even the Ice Storm of 98 we had in Maine. When I moved to So Carolina in 2001 I donated it to the RACES team so someone else could use it if needed and from what I've been told it's a good old rig even today as it's been used by some of emthere.

I know I'm long windeed but I agree while a base or mobile is nice an HT is good as well to start out with.

 

[N8IAA]

You guys mention an inline amp... what kind would that be? It's not the same as a scanner amp like the GRE Super Amp?

Nope. It is a power amplifier. You transmit a certain amount of watts from a transceiver into the amplifier, and it amplifies the watts out to give you a stronger signal. Example: 2 watts in, 35 watts out.
Larry

 

[zz0468]

Interesting that all that's been suggested are 2 meter radios and dual banders.

My first radio was an HF rig, a Swan 500, in fact. Of course, I never got on the air as a Technician class, so I considered my upgrade to General to be my entry level license. And I didn't waste any time upgrading, either. I was down at the FCC office within weeks of receiving the Technician ticket.

What I worry about is so many new hams getting on 2 meters to start with, and getting stuck there for the rest of their "careers". Then there's the new ham across town here... seems that her first radio is an HF rig, and she's burning up the airwaves on 10 meters - and having a helluva good time, from the sounds of things.

A decent HF rig can be had on eBay for not much more than the cost of a new dual bander. Techs have usable;le HF privileges (voice on 10 meters, code on a few other bands), and there's a ton of fun to be had there. If you have the motivation, HF is an excellent place to start.

Food for thought...