amateur radio

/ amateur radio #63  
k0ua said:
You can start here:

What is Ham Radio

Or you can ask me specific questions you may have.

HF= High Frequency = Those radio frequencies between 3 Megahertz and 30 Megahertz. Sometimes called the "shortwave bands" These frequencies are often used for worldwide communications without infrastructure. Just a radio, power source and antenna on each end.

VHF= Very High Frequency= Those radio frequencies between 30 and 300 Megahertz. These frequencies are often used for more localized communications, and broadcasting, etc. Many types of services are within this range.

UHF= Very High Frequency= Those radio frequencies between 300 and 3000 Megahertz. These frequencies are often used for more localized communications, and broadcasting, etc. Many types of services are within this range.
Click to expand...
Ok...for a total "newbie", let's start with the antenna (because I would like to extend my AM/FM radio reach at the same time...my shop is metal inside and out and radio doesn't like that much, nor do cell phones). I live in the "glaciated" area (i.e. flat as a pancake for miles around). Then just a few hints on the "set".
 
/ amateur radio #64  
teejk said:
Ok...for a total "newbie", let's start with the antenna (because I would like to extend my AM/FM radio reach at the same time...my shop is metal inside and out and radio doesn't like that much, nor do cell phones). I live in the "glaciated" area (i.e. flat as a pancake for miles around). Then just a few hints on the "set".
Click to expand...

To talk about antennas, we first need to decide what frequency's we are interested in operating. VHF/UHF local operations, or HF worldwide long distance operations. We use a term for "long distance" you will note we are full of "jargon", we call that term for long distance DX.

Keep in mind everything I am telling you is in generalities. I can't go into specifics until we nail down your interests, and budget. Just like tractors and all the implements that go with them.. we often ask "what do you want to do with it?" Same here in Amateur Radio. I realize you cannot fully answer these questions without more background information and/or experience. Just like tractors:)

Lets say you are interested in local communications with a simple VHF FM radio, priced from $100 to $250 dollars, a simple base station support mast and a simple vertical antenna suitable for working directly other stations within 30 miles and thru repeaters maybe 60 to 100 miles in distance.

You might want to make this mast out of simple TV masting about 30 to 40 foot high with the antenna on top and say 50 foot or so of good quality coaxial cable. You will need a good quality power supply to operate the radio. or a gel cell battery an a method to charge it. You might easily have $250 in the mast and antenna, and possibly the coax or a bit more. There is work and planning involved, and it is often best to find another one of "us" locally to help with ideas, and techniques, and maybe even possible to loan or give you some equipment or supplies. These local Amateur Radio operators are often found at local club meetings, and it depends on how good you are at meeting new friends.:) Jargon alert: They are called "Elmers". I don't know why.

A simple HF (worldwide communication on 3 to 30 Megahertz bands) wire antenna like mine, which is a simple Windom/OCFD can be purchased for about $150 or made for about $75. Depending on how good you are at scrounging. Some trees if you have any can be used for supports, or some type of mast or even something on your house. Used HF radios run from about $150 on up. I paid under $500 for one of mine used, (FT450) and it is fully featured 100 watt radio. I have another more upscale radio I paid well over $2500 for when I bought it new (756 pro III).

I hope this will prompt you to ask more questions.:)
 
/ amateur radio #65  
teejk said:
Ok...for a total "newbie", let's start with the antenna (because I would like to extend my AM/FM radio reach at the same time...my shop is metal inside and out and radio doesn't like that much, nor do cell phones). I live in the "glaciated" area (i.e. flat as a pancake for miles around). Then just a few hints on the "set".
Click to expand...

Your FM radio antenna will need to be either an omnidirectional or a directional beam type of antenna up as high as you can get it on a mast or tower. Again depending on which stations you are trying to receive and how far away they are. An AM broadcast band antenna (530 Khz to 1700 khz) is typically a long wire, that doesn't have to be exceptionally high, perhaps 25 foot, but the wire needs to be rather long. There are other options, but this gets detailed real quick. Also your AM radio needs to have an external antenna terminal. Many don't.
 
/ amateur radio #66  
I have a few boxes of ham equipment i want to sell..a few radios...tuners, a couple power supplies, and a few keys. Besides Ebay and Craigslist, where should I look to find buyers for this kind of thing?
 
/ amateur radio
  • Thread Starter
#67  
WoodChuckDad said:
I have a few boxes of ham equipment i want to sell..a few radios...tuners, a couple power supplies, and a few keys. Besides Ebay and Craigslist, where should I look to find buyers for this kind of thing?
Click to expand...
QTH.com has a classified area and I think maybe qsl.net?
 
/ amateur radio #68  
QTH.com is a good place to list ham gear. I have some VHF stuff on there right now
 
/ amateur radio #71  
k0ua said:
Eham.net

eHam.net Amateur Radio Classifieds - Home

What do the keys look like?.. Can you post some pics?
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I just put some shorts on and went out in the garage to take pictures.
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/ amateur radio #73  
Woodchuck...Those are some beautiful key's...You should have no problem turning them on QRZ or EHAM.net..Me ? I am one of the last slow code General class holders(5 wpm to pass) before they did away with the code requirement..One of these day's I mean to become proficient again..
73's DE KD5JXF
 
/ amateur radio #74  
seaneastok said:
Woodchuck...Those are some beautiful vintage key's...You should have no problem turning them on QRZ or EHAM.net..Me ? I am one of the last slow code General class holders(5 wpm to pass) before they did away with the code requirement..One of these day's I mean to become proficient again..
73's DE KD5JXF
Click to expand...

Thanks. They were in my father's collection. I put one of the keys in with my father's ashes and kept one of the old mid 30's vibroplex keys for myself to sit on my desk. The rest of the stuff I need to get rid of. I simply don't have room for it.
There were also about a dozen or so miniature keys....so small they looked and felt like toys....but they just vanished. I'm not sure if they got swept into a trash bag or if one of the great grandkids pocketed them as a plaything......these things happen.
 
/ amateur radio #75  
The rest of the stuff is more modern Nothing really sought after. His E3 went to his buddy (per my father's wishes.)
Kenwood G707
Astro power supply RS-35A
Kenwood TS-8705 DSP
ICOM IC-R75 receiver
ICOM V8080
Kenwood TM V71A
LDG AT-11MP auto tuner
LDG IT-100 memory tuner 125 W 160-6 meter
LDG Z-100 auto tuner
Radio Shack 13.8 V 3 amp
MFJ 969 deluxe versa tuner II
MFJ 407D Electronic keyer
MFJ 544classroom code practice oscillator
MFJ 971 portable tuner
MFJ Morse Keyboard Keyer
WMZ QRP watt meter
 
/ amateur radio #76  
WoodChuckDad said:
Thanks. They were in my father's collection. I put one of the keys in with my father's ashes and kept one of the old mid 30's vibroplex keys for myself to sit on my desk. The rest of the stuff I need to get rid of. I simply don't have room for it.
There were also about a dozen or so miniature keys....so small they looked and felt like toys....but they just vanished. I'm not sure if they got swept into a trash bag or if one of the great grandkids pocketed them as a plaything......these things happen.
Click to expand...

Do you know what they are worth?
 
/ amateur radio #77  
What do you want for the WM2 QRP wattmeter? Oak Hills Research correct?
 
/ amateur radio #78  
That Mike March paddle is well thought of. Hand made you know.
 
/ amateur radio #79  
k0ua said:
Do you know what they are worth?
Click to expand...
I have looked on the net and have a fair idea. I have a small handheld 2 meter kenwood that my father gave me years ago. I have listened to it many hours on my morning commute, but never spoken because I am not licensed. I have toyed with the idea of keeping the kenwood 870s to set up in my office once the house is built but the reality is that I have many years of hard work to do on the farm before I have enough leisure time to use the radio.....and I also don't know enough about it to know what else I would need. Or how large of an antenna I would have to have.
 
/ amateur radio #80  
Let me look thru the boxes and verify that it is in there and I'll message you. There were several cabinets of stuff....and a full wall of bins with antenna pieces/parts. I simply didn't have room to take it all so I just grabbed up the radios and keys.

As for the Mike March paddle, I remember my father telling me about the show that he went to where he talked to him and told him what he wanted, and it was built for him. Not sure if he picked it up at another show or not. He and his buddy used to go up and down the east coast to those things.
 
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