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

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.

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.

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.

Hope this helps.

"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


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