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#81
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I plan on getting a basic "learning transceiver" off eBay to begin with, then after I know what options I need and learn more, I'll get a new one. What features will I need to be able to start to do low-power CW, and is there a preferred brand or model to look for? Low-power operation is referred to in the amateur radio lexicon as "QRP." If you search on that keyword in Google or Yahoo, you'll find that there are many different options available to you in that category. You could purchase a QRP CW transceiver such as the Heathkit HW-8 or HW- 9. They're easy to operate, fairly low-tech. But they are capable of operating CW and ONLY CW. If you get the itch to move on to SSB or digital modes, you'll need a different radio. Also, it's ONLY able to operate on HF, so if you decide you want to work some of the VHF or UHF bands, it won't go there. Your best bet would be to get a transceiver that can accomodate multiple modes. My first rig was a Kenwood TS-520, a very forgiving radio that offered CW and SSB operation on the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. It was all solid-state except for the final amplifier, which used tubes. You can find these on the used market nowadays for under $200 in decent condition. It operates at around 100 watts, but can be cranked down to very low power levels if you need to. (One of the rules in Amateur Radio is to use only the power output necessary to carry on the contact, and 100 watts is often overkill.) My personal preference these days is the Yaesu FT-817 transceiver. It only puts out five watts, but it supports operation on all of the HF bands, plus 6m, 2m and 70cm. It also provides a general-coverage receiver for HF, plus receives (but won't transmit on) public-safety VHF-hi communications, the FM broadcast band, and the VHF aircraft band. With a device like a RigBlaster and just about any present-day computer, you can also operate just about any digital mode with the '817. (Obviously I'm a big fan of the 817! There's also the FT-857 if you want to have a little more power on tap if needed.) Hope that helps. Thanks for the info, I'll check out those models also. I will probably be trying out all modes of operation on all bands eventually, as I learn more, so how many watts of output power will I need for most contacts? I don't want to start out undersized! Also, does anyone know of a website that has side-by-side compairsons of rigs? Thanks, MikeB |
#82
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In case you haven't seen it -- Try eham reviews -- not side by side
comparisons -- but a lot of owners have comments. http://www.eham.net/reviews/ -- 73 From SNIP Also, does anyone know of a website that has side-by-side compairsons of rigs? Thanks, MikeB |
#83
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In case you haven't seen it -- Try eham reviews -- not side by side
comparisons -- but a lot of owners have comments. http://www.eham.net/reviews/ -- 73 From SNIP Also, does anyone know of a website that has side-by-side compairsons of rigs? Thanks, MikeB |
#84
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Legal Limit -- http://www.qsl.net/sv1hao eventually, as I learn more, so how many watts of output power will I need for most contacts? I don't want to start out undersized! |
#85
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Legal Limit -- http://www.qsl.net/sv1hao eventually, as I learn more, so how many watts of output power will I need for most contacts? I don't want to start out undersized! |
#86
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eventually, as I learn more, so how many watts of output power will I need for most contacts? I don't want to start out undersized! It depends. For running around town talking through your local repeater on VHF/UHF, somewhere in the range of 5 to 50 watts will do the job. It depends on the heights of the respective antennas and their distance apart. For HF communications, usually 100 watts is adequate. When conditions are very good, considerably less will be needed. When conditions are marginal, you may have to go up in power (limit is 1500 watts) or switch to CW. If conditions are very bad, you may just have to go read a book as all the power in the world won't help. Dee D. Flint, N8UZE |
#87
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eventually, as I learn more, so how many watts of output power will I need for most contacts? I don't want to start out undersized! It depends. For running around town talking through your local repeater on VHF/UHF, somewhere in the range of 5 to 50 watts will do the job. It depends on the heights of the respective antennas and their distance apart. For HF communications, usually 100 watts is adequate. When conditions are very good, considerably less will be needed. When conditions are marginal, you may have to go up in power (limit is 1500 watts) or switch to CW. If conditions are very bad, you may just have to go read a book as all the power in the world won't help. Dee D. Flint, N8UZE |
#88
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It depends.
For running around town talking through your local repeater on VHF/UHF, somewhere in the range of 5 to 50 watts will do the job. It depends on the heights of the respective antennas and their distance apart. For HF communications, usually 100 watts is adequate. When conditions are very good, considerably less will be needed. When conditions are marginal, you may have to go up in power (limit is 1500 watts) or switch to CW. If conditions are very bad, you may just have to go read a book as all the power in the world won't help. Dee D. Flint, N8UZE I've been so busy studying for the tests that I haven't had much time for anything else. So far I obtained a Heathkit HW-8 and a keyer to start my shack. I also have a SWR meter. I think a transmatch and dummy load will be next on my list. What are other common accessories I will need (besides an antenna)? Once I set up a dipole and get some experience, I'll start looking at HF rigs. My test was today & I passed elements 1, 2 & 3, I'd better get busy on the antenna!!!! TIA, MikeB |
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