What equipment is ideal for me at Foundation level?
 

Hi Greg,

The answer to your question on "what equipment is ideal" greatly depends
on your personal location and circumstances.

Some general thoughts:

If you're just starting out, get a less-expensive rig. You don't need to
start out with something like an FT-1000. Are you interested in operating
voice (FM/SSB, or even AM?), CW, or digital? Some rigs handle some modes
better than others. Do your research.

I like the idea of built-in ATUs for making my installation easier
too. What do you suggest?

Automatic tuners can make life a lot easier. You don't need a rig with one
built-in--there are good external ones that inexpensive. I've heard good
stuff about the LDG Z-100. I have the LDG QRP autotuner, and it's great. I
also have a manual MFJ 969, which is nice. Nothing fancy, but it works.

Also, what type of antenna should I be looking at?

Depends on where you are and what your restrictions are. I'd contact a
local Ham club and consult with the members about what would be
appropriate.

Do I gather that I should be looking at HF equipment?

Assuming you have a license permitting you to operate on the HF bands,
yes.

73,

-Josh, AE6IQ

--


Remove the reversed "nospam" in the address.

Greg.S wrote:
I'm looking around at starter equipment that is simple(!) for my
ability level.

I like the idea of built-in ATUs for making my installation easier
too. What do you suggest?

Also, what type of antenna should I be looking at?

Do I gather that I should be looking at HF equipment?

Many thanks... Greg
I susgest you find your local radio club and make contact . your location ?

Joshua G Senecal wrote in message avis.edu...
Hi Greg,

The answer to your question on "what equipment is ideal" greatly depends
on your personal location and circumstances.

Some general thoughts:

If you're just starting out, get a less-expensive rig. You don't need to
start out with something like an FT-1000. Are you interested in operating
voice (FM/SSB, or even AM?), CW, or digital? Some rigs handle some modes
better than others. Do your research.

Voice (no idea what band - a lot for me to learn yet!)


I like the idea of built-in ATUs for making my installation easier
too. What do you suggest?

Automatic tuners can make life a lot easier. You don't need a rig with one
built-in--there are good external ones that inexpensive. I've heard good
stuff about the LDG Z-100. I have the LDG QRP autotuner, and it's great. I
also have a manual MFJ 969, which is nice. Nothing fancy, but it works.

Okay, thank you I will look those up.


Also, what type of antenna should I be looking at?

Depends on where you are and what your restrictions are. I'd contact a
local Ham club and consult with the members about what would be
appropriate.

Good idea. I'll speak to the Leicester Radio Society (LRS).


Do I gather that I should be looking at HF equipment?

Assuming you have a license permitting you to operate on the HF bands,
yes.

73,

Perhaps I should be clearer. Is HF the band I will be allowed to use
at foundation level? Hope that isn't a silly question.


-Josh, AE6IQ

Thank you Josh for your help.

atec wrote in message ...
Greg.S wrote:
I'm looking around at starter equipment that is simple(!) for my
ability level.

I like the idea of built-in ATUs for making my installation easier
too. What do you suggest?

Also, what type of antenna should I be looking at?

Do I gather that I should be looking at HF equipment?

Many thanks... Greg
I susgest you find your local radio club and make contact . your location ?

I'm in Bushby, Leicestershire. I'll contact Leicester's group. Thank you

Hi Greg,

speak with the folks at the local club. Nothing better than a local to help you. If they
cannot answer your questions, take to the internet. Many sites with info such as the RSGB
site at http://www.rsgb.org.uk

If I am well informed you will be able to use HF but I suggest you look into something
which will also cover 50 & 144Mhz such as the Yaesu FT847 (or similar - cheaper) radio's.
In your area VHF is also being used and will give you a completely different perspective.
For VHF you need (preferably) a horizontal beam.

Again - it will depend on what YOU want to do. This hobby has something for everyone....

73 and GL on the test!

On 26 Apr 2005 22:56:49 -0700, (Greg.S) wrote:

Joshua G Senecal wrote in message avis.edu...
Hi Greg,

The answer to your question on "what equipment is ideal" greatly depends
on your personal location and circumstances.

Some general thoughts:

If you're just starting out, get a less-expensive rig. You don't need to
start out with something like an FT-1000. Are you interested in operating
voice (FM/SSB, or even AM?), CW, or digital? Some rigs handle some modes
better than others. Do your research.

Voice (no idea what band - a lot for me to learn yet!)


I like the idea of built-in ATUs for making my installation easier
too. What do you suggest?

Automatic tuners can make life a lot easier. You don't need a rig with one
built-in--there are good external ones that inexpensive. I've heard good
stuff about the LDG Z-100. I have the LDG QRP autotuner, and it's great. I
also have a manual MFJ 969, which is nice. Nothing fancy, but it works.

Okay, thank you I will look those up.


Also, what type of antenna should I be looking at?

Depends on where you are and what your restrictions are. I'd contact a
local Ham club and consult with the members about what would be
appropriate.

Good idea. I'll speak to the Leicester Radio Society (LRS).


Do I gather that I should be looking at HF equipment?

Assuming you have a license permitting you to operate on the HF bands,
yes.

73,

Perhaps I should be clearer. Is HF the band I will be allowed to use
at foundation level? Hope that isn't a silly question.


-Josh, AE6IQ

Thank you Josh for your help.

Hi Greg, I have a 746 with ATU at home and a 706 NO ATU in built in the car
you would find these good radios for the Foundation level as you can run
theses radio`s at 10w no prob`s, I have spoken to a lots of people on 10w on
80m and with good signal reports,not sure on your price range? Also make up
a G5RV very easy done and great for all freq, let me know if you want the
wire lengths and I will send them 2 you
Good luck on your exam
Geoff
Vk3vfl
"Greg.S" wrote in message
om...
I'm looking around at starter equipment that is simple(!) for my
ability level.

I like the idea of built-in ATUs for making my installation easier
too. What do you suggest?

Also, what type of antenna should I be looking at?

Do I gather that I should be looking at HF equipment?

Many thanks... Greg