Dee Flint wrote:


Beachbum wrote:

Well, that was simple enough. EARCHI had a testing session this AM,
and I passed! I've been listening in to a couple of the local repeater
nets, getting a feel for local practices and personalities. Now comes
decision time...Yaesu or Icom? I'm leaning to the Icom dual band HT's
right now.

For the home portable/base, would a mag mount on the corrugated metal
carport roof work pretty well (vs. rooftop mag on the car)?


I would also suggest looking at mobile VHF radios. While larger than a
handheld, they are also more powerful. You can run them off battery
power in the house for an emergency fixed station or off your car batter
for a mobile station.

Eventually you will probably want one of each if you want to get
seriously involved in emergency communications.

If you used the ARRL study guide (not the shorter question/answer book),
I believe that it contains instructions for a 2 meter J-pole. This is a
very useful antenna for fixed station use as it doesn't need the ground
plane like a standard vertical does. So basically you can connect where
you like (although you might want to get it away from other metal
objects for best results).

Dee, N8UZE

Mahalo, I'll look into that antenna. I do have the ARRL Level 1 Ham
Manual. I've got a couple of options on where/how to set up antennas.

I have definitely checked out the mobiles, but have decided to start
with the HT. When I get a better feel for various bells/whistles, and
limitations (or not) of my QTH, I will no doubt get a bigger rig. I also
anticipate upgrading to general within a short time, and will need to
consider HF.