Hi all,

I've been studying for my Ham license over the last week, and if all
goes well I'll be licensed in a few weekends with any luck So now
the big step -- which radio to go with.

As I said, I'm a total rookie to the Ham radio world, so I have no
idea what I'm looking for. I've just started reading-up on
frequencies, so I'd like to find something that'll handle a majority
of (if not all) the frequencies I'll be licened to use. Also I'd love
a baseunit with PC software that'll allow me to control the radio via
my computer. This isn't a must, but it'd be nice to have.

Also what antenna would you guys suggest? I live in the country, so
I'm unrestricted on what kind of antenna I deploy. Also since I live
kinda far out I'd like to have a radio powerful enough and antenna
high enough to reach the larger cities around me (15-20 miles away as
the crow flies).

Pricerange is $200-$400, but I can go abit more if needed. I want to
buy something with TONS of stuff I have no clue about so I can learn


My future goals are to eventually setup an IRLP repeater since I do
have broadband, plus a good friend of mine lives some 1500 miles away
and there's an IRLP repeater not far from him. Also I'd love to give
back to the local HAM group (what little of a group there is anyway).
I also ran across this guy's website -
http://www.gravitywell.org/index.htm - and I'd love to get a rig going
like his.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions, and take care --

- Ringo -