Now I need suggestions for First ham radio

[ctcamper]

Still lots to learn, but after my call sign is in the database I can find a radio to play with.

Suggestions would be great. I can look for a used radio to start off with. Maybe I can get to that meet in Orlando after the rally in Brooksville.

Is there a preferred band to start off on while RV'ing and sitting in a campgroud or at a rally?

I have been listening to the repeaters around my area for the last few days on the scanner. Still not sure on half of what they are doing.

[TXiceman]

Yaesu, Kenwood or Icom are all good radios.

First, what do you want, base, mobile, portable operation, or one that can handle all three. UHF/VHF or HF.

Next what do you have in the way of antenna restrictions to deal with if a base unit.

Answer some of these issues and I am sure you will get lots of good information.

I have a Kenwood TS480HX (200 watt) radio. This radio covers 6m through 160m. For the house I have a Carolina Windom 80m at 50ft. and a Butternut HF9V ground mounted with 12 radials. I use and LDG AT200 Pro for an antenna tuner.

In the truck I have a Yaesu FT857D with w antennas. One is an ATAS 120 and for VHF/UHF a Larsen dual bander. The FT857D is an all band all mode radio.

For the trailer, I use the Kenwood with a High Serria Little Tarheel II and a programmable turn counter. I also can use a portable 20/40m dipole if I want to . The Yaesu has a removable face plate and the Kenwood has a detached face plate.

Have fun spending your $$$$.

Ken

[smiller]

In order to give tailored advice we would need to know your interests, i.e what bands do you intend to operate on and what modes. Without this info it's like someone asking 'what RV should I buy' with no other information.

[ctcamper]

Probably a mobile unit. I can use a mobile in the RV and as a Base. As multi mode as possible I guess would be a good start. That Yaesu FT857D looks decent. Covers all bands except for 33cm and 23cm?
Maybe I can find a decent used unit for sale to get started.
I can't do cw .. or yet anyway and that is a ways in the future so I guess it's mainly phone for me now.

I don't have much of a clue where I want to be at this moment as I am brand new to the hobby.

[smiller]

If your primary intent is local communications then a good VHF/UHF FM rig is all you need. HF is really a different kind of animal and I think you will find HF mobile operation on phone a little frustrating when first starting out. The combination of a compact (and thus limited-performance) rig and and the 'make-do' antenna systems used in a mobile environment can make for a challenge, especially on phone. But HF is a lot of fun (magical even, when you snag that first DX contact) and I'm not trying to dissuade you. You might want to consider trying one of the many digital modes (PSK31 and others) at first. With these modes you can do quite well with limited power and antenna, in fact if you do your part you should be able to work regular contacts all over the hemisphere, and with the right mode and good conditions all over the world.

[ctcamper]

As all around as possible. I am liking the sound of the Yaesu FT857D. Are there any other do it all mobile units like that? HF UHF/VHF Even if it's not really great on the HF I could still Rx and get a feel for it.
There are no towers in this town, basically roof or side of house mounted antennas.

[smiller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctcamper I am liking the sound of the Yaesu FT857D. Are there any other do it all mobile units like that?

Yes, Icom makes the IC-7000 and the IC-706MkIIG (the latter has been around a while so you should be able to get a good deal on a used one.) eham.net is a good place to go for user reviews of all manner of equipment.

[ronharbour]

Hi,
Been into amateur radio since 1963. Currently I live in a condo with antenna restrictions, ergo I sold my 1000MP awhile ago and my mobile 100D. Now I own an Icom 7000 with a little tarheel II and a turbo tuner. Mounted in my Dodge pickup. Recently bought a 34' Dutchmen and plan on running the tarheel mounted on the roof access ladder. I plan on contacting the Turbo Tuner fellow and getting him to build me a 30 foot control cable for it. I have a 12 VDC power supply and will use it to power the rig.
Now, what level did you get licensed for? If tech, do you plan on upgrading to General or above and if so do you want to run HF? If so the 7000 is a nice unit, works all bands. There are video units to attach so you can see the screen better. It is a menu based radio so it does take some getting used to but they work great. They have been around for quite a number of years so used ones are readily available.
Have fun, it's what it's all about.

73, Ron KR1H

[wa8yxm]

My suggestion is a visit to Dayton, Ohio In May. (I am very serious here).

Since you RV you can camp in any of the many campgrounds near/in Dayton, and attend the Dayton Hamvention. Just about the largest collection of options you will find anywhere, You can play with Kenwood, Icom, Yesau, Elcraft and _____ (Fill in the blank)___ Both radios made here in the us and in China (UG) as well as other coutnries.

Myself, I use a Kenwood, Others like other makes.

Other suggestions are URL's. Now you are a day late or 6 early but long about 8:50 Eastern Time point your browser to Ham Nation | TWiT.TV and click on the LIVE link, if you have two computers the other one points to IRC Chat | TWiT.TV and you /join #live as I recall. If you do not know how to survive in an IRC chat room /help works.

AmateurLogic.TV - Your Source For Practical Technology, Hacks, and Mods. :. Amateur Logic TV Vidcast Podcast .: also has some good episodes.

The first is Bob Heil and Gordon West with Leo Laport (Owns TWIT, means This Week In Technology by the way) George Thomas (From Amateur Logic) and others. Show runs an hour. Tues Evening, offically starting 9pm Eastern.

You can download past episodes, yesterdays' should be up by the weekend.

AmateurLogic is less frequent and less regular, You can download past episodes there too, They have some good construciton projects.

There are many more such links.. ALas, too many to list.

Oh two other comments.

One: Ham Nation (The TWIT link is to Ham Nation) a couple episodes ago Bob Heil plays his theater organ. A tune that I believe is officially titled "Good Morning To You" but is commonly known by a different name.

Second: No matter what radio you get, You will wish you had a _____ and whoever has that make,, May well wish he had Yours.

In short, No matter what you get, it will be a good one.

[TXiceman]

And when you read the reviews on eHam.net Home - Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Community Site, you will find people that love a radio for what it is and some will complain that it does not do this or that and does not have that knob like a Kazoo Xp1000 Super plus. They get hung up with the features on a $5000 radio when they are looking at a $1000 radio.

I recently put a JTV vertical (like the Comet CHA250B) set up on the 5er. A few reports on Eham, some like and some do not. But I was looking at portable and easy to set up and take down. The antenna is mounted off the rear ladded and the base if the antenna is about 18 to 20' from the ground. The antenna may not be the best, but you know what, it works pretty well. I will still keep my carolina windom 80 short for when I can get some wire up in the air.

I would be very cautious about buying any radio from Ebay or craigslist. Especially the ones that state they jsut got this radio and they plugged it in an all of the lights work and no other information.

I feel you would do better getting a radio from a local ham through a local radio club.

Ken