Community Forums

nothermark · 05-22-2016, 03:27 PM

FWIW as another retired guy who finally got around to getting licensed I wrote a General class around 4 years ago. As folks said, not a lot of chatter on the repeaters and the HF bands are generally not overcrowded. Kind of interesting considering there is now a record number of license holders. I guess there are just too many other ways to communicate now compared to when we were young and broke. ;-) If you want long distance emergency look for a used HF transceiver. There is a lot around for under $500.

tinkerreknit · 05-22-2016, 04:26 PM

I live in a fairly large city in VA. There are numerous repeaters near here that I can use. I can always contact someone. Also, HF is busy even during bad propagation times.
When all fails, HF digital can get through.
Cell phones aren't reliable during any outage event, while HF always works with even a minimal set-up. VHF and UHF might work, if the repeaters are accessible and have back-up power.

gspot · 05-22-2016, 06:16 PM

I would LOVE to have a Hf transceiver installed in my truck, but after pricing them, I'm not quite ready to drop that kind of change. I guess I'll have to take my chances.

nothermark · 05-23-2016, 01:00 AM

FWIW as in I have no idea what your price points are. I picked up a decent Icom 725 a couple of years ago for around $200 on Ebay. There are a lot of 2 or 3 generation old all solid state portable 100 W units around that quite usable. Add a painters pole off your ladder and a resonant wire antenna and it makes a reasonable portable setup for probably under $300. It also makes a good general coverage receiver for just listening around. Granted, we can dump a lot more money into a fancier setup but that is all it takes these days to get on HF with a lot better range than one can do on VHF. I happened to mess with Icom but they have competition in the same class units

Just poked around Ebay and did not see a lot. OTOH it is Dayton weekend so look for the bargains starting next week ;-)

gspot · 05-23-2016, 08:41 PM

Thanks I'll keep my eyes open. In the meantime I bought a repeater directory. Hopefully in a worst-case scenario there would be one on a mountaintop close by. Of course, then a cellphone tower would also probably be. Oh well, it's just a backup plan.

ajpaero · 05-23-2016, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gspot

Thanks I'll keep my eyes open. In the meantime I bought a repeater directory. Hopefully in a worst-case scenario there would be one on a mountaintop close by. Of course, then a cellphone tower would also probably be. Oh well, it's just a backup plan.

Welcome to Ham Radio.
My first experience with Ham Radio was at 10 yrs old for ARRL Field Day. It whetted my appetite and opened up a whole new world to me. On Field Day, Ham Radio Clubs across the USA set up portable radio stations and make contacts with as many US stations as possible in a 24 hour period. Field Day this year is June 25-26. I'm sure there is a Ham Radio Club somewhere in your area that is going to participate in Field Day. It is an excellent opportunity to meet local Hams and by invitation get hands on experience operating a radio. You'll find that these guys and gals are most eager to help you get started.
Use your internet connection Field Day Station Locator and go out, meet people and get your feet wet in this wonderful hobby.
73's
A.J. KB7KZ, Tucson, AZ