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Newbie
abr wrote:
If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. The only band that will allow you to do this with a tech license is the 6m (50 MHz) band, but since this solar cycle is quickly going to the dumps, you may have to wait a while for plentiful dx on that band. If you are serious about working dx, you will have to bite the bullet and pass at least the general license test. Abundant dx can only be found on HF. Here's the band plan: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/reg...ands_color.pdf And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... That depends entirely on which bands you intend to use. and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. You don't have too many alternatives: either learn some code (it's really not that difficult - it's been dumbed down to the point of absurdity) or sit tight and wait for the FCC to eventually abolish the code requirement for HF, like the increasing number of countries have done lately. 73 .... WA7AA -- Anti-spam measu look me up on qrz.com if you need to reply directly |
abr wrote:
If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. The only band that will allow you to do this with a tech license is the 6m (50 MHz) band, but since this solar cycle is quickly going to the dumps, you may have to wait a while for plentiful dx on that band. If you are serious about working dx, you will have to bite the bullet and pass at least the general license test. Abundant dx can only be found on HF. Here's the band plan: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/reg...ands_color.pdf And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... That depends entirely on which bands you intend to use. and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. You don't have too many alternatives: either learn some code (it's really not that difficult - it's been dumbed down to the point of absurdity) or sit tight and wait for the FCC to eventually abolish the code requirement for HF, like the increasing number of countries have done lately. 73 .... WA7AA -- Anti-spam measu look me up on qrz.com if you need to reply directly |
"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper Welcome back. 50 MHz (6 meters) has occasional "openings" which allow you to work long distance. However, these openings do not occur every day. Using SSB or better yet (gasp) Morse Code will be MUCH better for DX than FM. With a good antenna system and lots of patience, 144 MHz (2 meters) will occasionally allow relatively long distance contacts. This is mostly via Morse Code, however. As far as a rig goes, well, that depends upon what you want to use it for. I'd suggest a used Icom 746. I'd also suggest biting the bullet and passing the 5 WPM Morse Code test. If you really insist on not learned code, you can wait a bit until the FCC kills the code requirement -- which appears to be more than likely to happen within the next several years. (Note: That comment refers only to what is likely to happen and speaks neither for nor against code testing). 73 Paul AB0SI |
"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper Welcome back. 50 MHz (6 meters) has occasional "openings" which allow you to work long distance. However, these openings do not occur every day. Using SSB or better yet (gasp) Morse Code will be MUCH better for DX than FM. With a good antenna system and lots of patience, 144 MHz (2 meters) will occasionally allow relatively long distance contacts. This is mostly via Morse Code, however. As far as a rig goes, well, that depends upon what you want to use it for. I'd suggest a used Icom 746. I'd also suggest biting the bullet and passing the 5 WPM Morse Code test. If you really insist on not learned code, you can wait a bit until the FCC kills the code requirement -- which appears to be more than likely to happen within the next several years. (Note: That comment refers only to what is likely to happen and speaks neither for nor against code testing). 73 Paul AB0SI |
Gary,
Answers below... "abr" wrote in message If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. As other have stated, 6 meters (50mHz) is the best bet here/ I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. Read it again. There is a wealth of information there. Might I also suggest that you invest in some additional reading, such as the ARRL's "Now You're Talking" manual, which can be ordered on the ARRL site. I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... We all have that problem... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Gary Cooper Gary, here's a problem: This question or a variant is asked almost daily on the Amateur radio groups and sites. We are all running out of enthusiasm. There is a constant parade of "newbies" who want all the advantages that come with an Amateur ticket, but they don't want to work for it. This attitude is very evident in the text quoted above from your post. Please do us and yourself a favor and research the service before you ask us: "How can I get a ticket that would allow me to get on the best ham bands without working/paying for it?" The best things in life are worth working for. This will require some work on your part, and not all the answers can be found on the internet. Look for a local club that can assist with your efforts to become licensed. This at least, has been made easier because of the internet. Then, attend their classes, buy a book, and work for that ticket! Believe me, it can be done, and you will appreciate the ticket more than if it was just given to you. Sorry if my answer sounds unfriendly or harsh in any way, but it is at least realistic. After all, you would not show up at the local bowling alley wanting/expecting to bowl a 300 game without some practice would you? Would you show up at the softball field with no equipment or experience and expect to be allowed to hit one out of the park? Of course not. Amateur radio is the same. You have to learn and build some skills before you can get the DX. Hope to see you one the bands some day. 73, Gary WG7X |
Gary,
Answers below... "abr" wrote in message If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. As other have stated, 6 meters (50mHz) is the best bet here/ I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. Read it again. There is a wealth of information there. Might I also suggest that you invest in some additional reading, such as the ARRL's "Now You're Talking" manual, which can be ordered on the ARRL site. I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... We all have that problem... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Gary Cooper Gary, here's a problem: This question or a variant is asked almost daily on the Amateur radio groups and sites. We are all running out of enthusiasm. There is a constant parade of "newbies" who want all the advantages that come with an Amateur ticket, but they don't want to work for it. This attitude is very evident in the text quoted above from your post. Please do us and yourself a favor and research the service before you ask us: "How can I get a ticket that would allow me to get on the best ham bands without working/paying for it?" The best things in life are worth working for. This will require some work on your part, and not all the answers can be found on the internet. Look for a local club that can assist with your efforts to become licensed. This at least, has been made easier because of the internet. Then, attend their classes, buy a book, and work for that ticket! Believe me, it can be done, and you will appreciate the ticket more than if it was just given to you. Sorry if my answer sounds unfriendly or harsh in any way, but it is at least realistic. After all, you would not show up at the local bowling alley wanting/expecting to bowl a 300 game without some practice would you? Would you show up at the softball field with no equipment or experience and expect to be allowed to hit one out of the park? Of course not. Amateur radio is the same. You have to learn and build some skills before you can get the DX. Hope to see you one the bands some day. 73, Gary WG7X |
Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment) Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give skip conditions -- but very very infrequently. See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of communicating. See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or mobile unit can be had for $40+ Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+ Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL: http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL: http://www.eham.net/reviews/ For Swap pages and used price guide see URL: http://ac6v.com/swap.htm For radio photos -- see URL: http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio -- 73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"' ------------------------------------------ "abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper |
Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment) Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give skip conditions -- but very very infrequently. See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of communicating. See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or mobile unit can be had for $40+ Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+ Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL: http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL: http://www.eham.net/reviews/ For Swap pages and used price guide see URL: http://ac6v.com/swap.htm For radio photos -- see URL: http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio -- 73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"' ------------------------------------------ "abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper |
Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment) Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give skip conditions -- but very very infrequently. See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of communicating. See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or mobile unit can be had for $40+ Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+ Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL: http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL: http://www.eham.net/reviews/ For Swap pages and used price guide see URL: http://ac6v.com/swap.htm For radio photos -- see URL: http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio -- 73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"' ------------------------------------------ "abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper -- 73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"' |
Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment) Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give skip conditions -- but very very infrequently. See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of communicating. See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or mobile unit can be had for $40+ Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+ Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL: http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL: http://www.eham.net/reviews/ For Swap pages and used price guide see URL: http://ac6v.com/swap.htm For radio photos -- see URL: http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio -- 73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"' ------------------------------------------ "abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper -- 73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"' |
"abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper BANG.. Now that you have been shot.. As others stated 6 meters will open for DX. I have worked from NC to TExas and FL on 2 meters several times on ssb in about 15 years. Running about 100 watts ssb to do it. You might as well get an Icom 706 that has the low bands, 6 and 2 meters and also the 430 to 450 mhz band in it and is all mode. Also you will need a power supply of about 20 amps or more. The code speed has been lowered to 5 wpm for the General and Extra class license if you did not know that. Very easy test now. It might be done away with all together soon as other countries have been doing away with it. |
"abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper BANG.. Now that you have been shot.. As others stated 6 meters will open for DX. I have worked from NC to TExas and FL on 2 meters several times on ssb in about 15 years. Running about 100 watts ssb to do it. You might as well get an Icom 706 that has the low bands, 6 and 2 meters and also the 430 to 450 mhz band in it and is all mode. Also you will need a power supply of about 20 amps or more. The code speed has been lowered to 5 wpm for the General and Extra class license if you did not know that. Very easy test now. It might be done away with all together soon as other countries have been doing away with it. |
"abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper You will need to be able to work the HF bands (i.e. shortwave) for this kind of communications. So you will need to get a General class ham license. This means that you will need to pass the Technician written, General written and a 5wpm Morse code test. The Technician license only requires a single written test but only gives you privileges on VHF and higher frequencies. These frequencies are more for local communications although under some unusual circumstances, VHF frequencies can travel great distances. As far as a rig goes, it would be best to find some hams in your local area to advise you. Some probably have decent spare rigs that you could buy. Dee D. Flint, N8UZE |
"abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper You will need to be able to work the HF bands (i.e. shortwave) for this kind of communications. So you will need to get a General class ham license. This means that you will need to pass the Technician written, General written and a 5wpm Morse code test. The Technician license only requires a single written test but only gives you privileges on VHF and higher frequencies. These frequencies are more for local communications although under some unusual circumstances, VHF frequencies can travel great distances. As far as a rig goes, it would be best to find some hams in your local area to advise you. Some probably have decent spare rigs that you could buy. Dee D. Flint, N8UZE |
" wrote in message news:dtAeb.653304$uu5.106494@sccrnsc04... "abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper Welcome back. 50 MHz (6 meters) has occasional "openings" which allow you to work long distance. However, these openings do not occur every day. Using SSB or better yet (gasp) Morse Code will be MUCH better for DX than FM. With a good antenna system and lots of patience, 144 MHz (2 meters) will occasionally allow relatively long distance contacts. This is mostly via Morse Code, however. As far as a rig goes, well, that depends upon what you want to use it for. I'd suggest a used Icom 746. I'd also suggest biting the bullet and passing the 5 WPM Morse Code test. If you really insist on not learned code, you can wait a bit until the FCC kills the code requirement -- which appears to be more than likely to happen within the next several years. (Note: That comment refers only to what is likely to happen and speaks neither for nor against code testing). 73 Paul AB0SI Also note that no one knows when it will happen. If you wait, you'll miss many months or years of amateur radio activity. Dee D. Flint, N8UZE |
" wrote in message news:dtAeb.653304$uu5.106494@sccrnsc04... "abr" wrote in message ... Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I am now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question in the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for your time in reading this, Gary Cooper Welcome back. 50 MHz (6 meters) has occasional "openings" which allow you to work long distance. However, these openings do not occur every day. Using SSB or better yet (gasp) Morse Code will be MUCH better for DX than FM. With a good antenna system and lots of patience, 144 MHz (2 meters) will occasionally allow relatively long distance contacts. This is mostly via Morse Code, however. As far as a rig goes, well, that depends upon what you want to use it for. I'd suggest a used Icom 746. I'd also suggest biting the bullet and passing the 5 WPM Morse Code test. If you really insist on not learned code, you can wait a bit until the FCC kills the code requirement -- which appears to be more than likely to happen within the next several years. (Note: That comment refers only to what is likely to happen and speaks neither for nor against code testing). 73 Paul AB0SI Also note that no one knows when it will happen. If you wait, you'll miss many months or years of amateur radio activity. Dee D. Flint, N8UZE |
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