Who has a FCC licence for HAM operation?

[jentzschman]

Been looking into getting a FCC licence and learning how to use HAM radio.

If you are licensed, any advice as far as study help etc?

Also any advice on getting a decent, but somewhat lower priced radio and equipment?

I have been looking at one of these: http://www.wouxun.us/item.php?item_id=216

 

[cruiseroutfit]

KE7FYQ checking in. I'll pass along the same advice that came to me when I was first radio shopping, Kenwood, Icon or Yeasu... Buy once, cry once.

 

[Unimog]

KE7EDE here. On taking the test, there are a lot of good books out there, but the online sample tests are what saved my bacon. I'm fine with all the theory, I just have a tough time with all the memorized stuff. The test is not really hard if you really study the material shown by the sample tests.

On the Wouxon radios, no first hand experience, but word on the street is they are a pretty good little radio. The downsides are not as high quality, not as user friendly, and typical translated Chinese documentation.

 

[rambrush]

I would suggest the online test for practice and practice some more. The Tech is pretty easy but I would suggest taking both Tech and General at the same time while its fresh in your mind.
I do have the Wouxun handheld in my collection and use it daily. Programing is the main issue for me my Kenwood TS f6a is user friendly easy to program from the computer. But the Kenwood has spent a lot of time in the shop for repair so I don't like/ trust bringing it along as my sole handheld.

 

[jentzschman]

Would it be better to get a handheld first rather then a vehicle mounted one? I know a base station kind are probably the best way, but those are way out of the price range, at lest for me as a noob to ham

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[cruiseroutfit]

A handheld will always come in handy (pun intended), i.e. you won't buy one and not use it again. Base station on the other hand, what do you plan to do with it? Emergency coms? Long distance contacts? 95% of the time I use my HAM for vehicle to vehicle communications out on the trail, so for me in hindsight, the mobile setup would be ideal.

As for your ticket, get the study book, read as much as you can stomach. Then do the online practice tests until you consistently pass, then go take the real test.

 

[mbryson]

KE7KVP here. What's said above is exactly what I'd echo.

 

[jentzschman]

For now, I plan on using it as learning experience and for fun, but overall and long term I want it for emergency type comm.

Thank for the help and info!

Oh, are there places that sale the study book locally? This is the one to get right?: http://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/0872599639/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Communication Products in West Jordan stocks the books. Bob is a great guy, call him to make an appointment and you won't be disappointed.

 

[jentzschman]

Thanks Kurt! Looking them up now.

 

[gijohn40]

KE7FYQ checking in. I'll pass along the same advice that came to me when I was first radio shopping, Kenwood, Icon or Yeasu... Buy once, cry once.

N7SHZ here... and I echo Kurts advise. You can get Yeasu stuff for $200-300 that works great!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

If a mobile is in your cards, HAM outlet has a rock solid Kenwood TM-281A for $120, add a feed line and antenna and you could have a great setup for under $200.
http://www.hamradio.com/

 

[Kevin B.]

Wow. I didn't realize ham was that affordable.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Wow. I didn't realize ham was that affordable.

Yup. While it might be 2x the cost of CB, its 10x the functionality. Shop for used radio gear and you can score a setup in the sub $100 range.

 

[jentzschman]

If a mobile is in your cards, HAM outlet has a rock solid Kenwood TM-281A for $120, add a feed line and antenna and you could have a great setup for under $200.
http://www.hamradio.com/

I saw that one while doing some research. Looks like it should fit the bill well. I would like a handheld unit as well for the flexibility of using it anywhere. I hear the handheld ones can be used with a vehicle mounted antenna as well.

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[cruiseroutfit]

I saw that one while doing some research. Looks like it should fit the bill well. I would like a handheld unit as well for the flexibility of using it anywhere. I hear the handheld ones can be used with a vehicle mounted antenna as well.

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The major downside of the HH versus a mobile is the power output. HH's are generally 5W max, a mobile is 50-75W max, big difference in range obviously.

 

[jentzschman]

So it would be better to have one of each then?

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[cruiseroutfit]

So it would be better to have one of each then?

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It surely wouldn't be worse. You just need to figure out which one is the best use of your money for radio #1.

 

[gijohn40]

but with the majority of repeaters these days I only use .5 a watt on my mobile unit and hit the repeaters just fine so look at what band your going to run mostly in and see if there are repeaters (2m/70cm bands mostly) that cover the area you are in... if there are lots of open repeaters then a handheld might just work fine for you... I can hit the repeaters in Evanston wyoming from up near mirror lake with just 5 watts and a good antenna on the jeep....

 

[jentzschman]

It surely wouldn't be worse. You just need to figure out which one is the best use of your money for radio #1.

As of now I'm thinking a HH might be what I am looking for as a first radio. My thinking is that it will give me a good introduction without being to expensive. Granted the vehicle one is similar price, but I can use the HH with more mobilty

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