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NEW to ham radio...
I'll be passing my technician test next Saturday, and I'll have about
$400.00 to spend on a first rig. I would be very desirous to start out with a good older piece of equipment that I can attach a simple dipole, and start transmitting, but I was wondering if there is a specific web resource for buying used, older equipment? I'd assume $400.00 is a decent amount of money to get one's feet wet without having to buy a small handheld, and talk either on simplex or via repeaters... Again, QUITE new to this, with stunningly limited knowledge of buying used, old gear. Any point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Daniel |
A technician license does not allow HF.
Why a dipole for 2 meters? A quarterwave groundplane is a much better match then a dipole at 75 ohms and up. Same amount of surface area. "Daniel J. Morlan" wrote: I'll be passing my technician test next Saturday, and I'll have about $400.00 to spend on a first rig. I would be very desirous to start out with a good older piece of equipment that I can attach a simple dipole, and start transmitting, but I was wondering if there is a specific web resource for buying used, older equipment? I'd assume $400.00 is a decent amount of money to get one's feet wet without having to buy a small handheld, and talk either on simplex or via repeaters... Again, QUITE new to this, with stunningly limited knowledge of buying used, old gear. Any point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Daniel |
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"Bob Johnson" wrote in message ... On 26 Dec 2003 12:34:03 -0800, (Daniel J. Morlan) wrote: I'll be passing my technician test next Saturday, and I'll have about $400.00 to spend on a first rig. I would be very desirous to start out with a good older piece of equipment that I can attach a simple dipole, and start transmitting, but I was wondering if there is a specific web resource for buying used, older equipment? I'd assume $400.00 is a decent amount of money to get one's feet wet without having to buy a small handheld, and talk either on simplex or via repeaters... Again, QUITE new to this, with stunningly limited knowledge of buying used, old gear. Any point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Daniel Daniel: Good luck on your test -- we can always use more good amateurs. The rig you're looking for will depend on whether you pass the No-Code Technician test, or if you can also pass the 5 WPM CW test and become a Tech Plus. No-Code Techs are presently limited to 6 meters and above, which pretty well limits you to FM repeater operation. Although Techs without code are limited to 6m and up, you are NOT limited to FM repeater operation. In many parts of the country there is SSB and CW activity on 6 meters and above. There is also satellite activity in the VHF/UHF real. All of this is open to Technicians, including using CW as at VHF/UHF you don't have to pass a CW test. Some Techs get into collecting grid squares. My OM has worked up to 1000 miles on 6meters and 2meters by taking advantage of Sporadic E openings and tropospheric ducting. It does require work to learn when these propagation modes are providing interesting contacts and work to stay on top of these openings. However some people find that working grid squares all over the US and Canada on VHF just as exciting as working rare foreign stations. Tech Plus licensees have CW privileges in certain sections of the frequencies below 30 MHz. You can transmit in the lower bands of the 80, 40, 15, and 10 meter bands by CW only. Techs who have passed the CW test also get 10m voice privileges from 28.300 to 28.500 It would behoove you to pass the 5 WPM code test if you want to get on the lower frequencies immediately. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the CW requirements for American hams will be eliminated, and your privileges can change any day now. People familiar with the FCC rule making process are projecting at least 2 years IF the FCC decides to act at all. They may just leave it as is. Even if it does change in the future, there is no point in waiting as you will miss out on some fun operating time and CW itself is a fun mode once you get some ability at it. (hint: try the G4FON free software and follow the directions. After about 30 hours of study and practice, you should be ready for the CW test). Dee D. Flint, N8UZE |
Good luck with the exam Daniel, and keep at it.
Your best bet is to find an Elmer in your area to help get you started. Buying a used rig and not knowing anything about them is a fast way to get ripped off. Start with this link: http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Ham_Radio/Elmers/ Have fun and hope to hear you on the air! 73, Dan "Daniel J. Morlan" wrote in message m... I'll be passing my technician test next Saturday, and I'll have about $400.00 to spend on a first rig. I would be very desirous to start out with a good older piece of equipment that I can attach a simple dipole, and start transmitting, but I was wondering if there is a specific web resource for buying used, older equipment? I'd assume $400.00 is a decent amount of money to get one's feet wet without having to buy a small handheld, and talk either on simplex or via repeaters... Again, QUITE new to this, with stunningly limited knowledge of buying used, old gear. Any point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Daniel --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.555 / Virus Database: 347 - Release Date: 12/23/2003 |
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