Worldwide DX Amateur Radio Forums - Ham - CB - HF - VHF - UHF

Round two!

TheIrishJedi, you are getting some really good coaching here. Some excellent answers being shared.

Since you have some interest in "going long distance", I'll throw out how it went for me. I have yet to get on VHF/UHF. When I studied, I went for both the Tech and General tickets at the same time. I passed both, and met a wonderful gent (Ed) at the Testing Session. Since I had the General ticket, I could jump straight to HF, and start going for the long distance stuff. And that is what Ed suggested I do. He could tell I really wanted to work those DX stations. He introduced me to another Ham who would eventually loan me a small auto tuner and power / SWR meter. Things I needed. I managed to score a few deals on e-bay for an older rig and 12 power supply. Then I built my own antenna with some wire, and insulators. Very cheap. In about two months time, and about $500, I was on the air working stations.

Now, I know you are limited. Space and money. But this can be done.

A few words about ebay, and clubs.
Clubs are a great place to find others that will help you out. And it will be a local club that will be offering the VE session where you will take your test. Some of the older guys will have rigs and equipment that they don't use anymore, and may sell or loan some of it to get you going. But don't be surprised if it takes a few meetings before someone reaches out. Heck, some clubs have classes to help you pass your tests. They want you to succeed! It really can be a spring board to your long term success.

Ebay is full of both good stuff, and ripoffs. Do lots of research before jumping in! It is USUALLY safer (but not always) to buy from another Ham in the Ham Classifieds on various forums. This is where it's nice to have an experienced local Ham to guide you through.

Now, get to studying and get a ticket! A Tech ticket (for VHF/UHF) is a fine place to start!

Again, good luck!

Jerry

"A Tech ticket (for VHF/UHF) is a fine place to start!"

Yes, it is. But the key word in that is 'start'. Don't deprive yourself by not getting at least that General license. There would be just soooo much you'd miss out on.
- 'Doc

VHF/UHF sounds like a good place to start and a 200-400 mile range sounds fine to me at the moment.

I popped on over to Amazon and found two books that I am considering:

The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual

&

The ARRL Operating Manual For License Beginners

I am probably going to go the self-education route. I cannot do the club scene as, being a student, I have some serious transportation issues for the time being BUT there is a fellow I met at my friend's church who has been doing ham radio for decades. I might contact him again for some advice.

But now I need to start planning the construction of my "Ham Shack" as I am learning they are called. I need to see what the damage to my wallet is going to be. What are the essential pieces of equipment I will need? If you had $250 to spend and were going to start off with UHF/VHF, what would you get yourself knowing what you know now? I'm trying to avoid buying absolute crap and getting the most out of my investment.

My firearm collection is becoming jealous. I can hear my guns crying out to me: "We're starving.... feed us ammunition.... fondle us...." It breaks my heart. It really does.

Get ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. It is what you need to study to get the first license. Don't forget you can do practice tests online FOR FREE.


As far as a radio, in your price range, I would suggest waiting until you have a license. Then come back and post when and how you plan on using the radio.

I see a VX-6rb tri-band (2m/220/440) for sale on QRZ for $200. By the time you have your license there will probably be another for sale for generally the same price.

__________________
CISA, CISSP, Computer geek
clueless about HAM

www.linkedin.com/in/dariandunn

TheIrishJedi,

Doc is so right. It is just a start!

I also agree with KD8WLX. For now, just get the Tech license study guide.

Here is a link to one of the online test sites. YOU DO NOT need to pay money to take the tests. They are free. You can even register, and it will track your progress. That's free too. I aced both of my tests using this site, and the ARRL study guides. And to be fair, this is just one place you can take the free tests.
HamTestOnline™

I think that is a GREAT idea. Why don't you talk with that friend. You may just find your first "Elmer" (what we call a Ham mentor).

Have fun, that is what it's all about.

Jerry

I honestly think it's a bit early to be thinking about a radio. Maybe a receiver to listen with, but even with that, they ain't cheap! If you contact that ham at church, you might ask if he has a 'loaner' to listen with.
There are as many different makes, models, 'styles' of radios as there are cars, so don't tie yourself down with something till you have some sort of idea what you would like to have. Another word if caution is about hand held radios. Sure, they are certainly portable, and handy to have at times, but they are also very limiting in abilities. For some of us, the tiny size is NOT the best idea in the world! Has to do with the size of fingers, eye sight, and my absolute "love" of those @#$ menu systems. I would NOT advise one as a 'first' radio. Later, sure. But not first. Before jumping in the 'deep end', why not see if you can float first, you know?
- 'Doc

I agree with 'Doc about buying something yet...see if you can get a loaner. Or if you must, buy something used really cheap that you can listen on and won't mind selling if you decide you don't like it after you become more familiar with gear. Do you live in a big city, or at least a well populated area? If so, there should be plenty to listen to on an inexpensive handheld.

I recommend the Gordon West books. They're easy to read & follow and will get you through the tests quickly. The ARRL books area great, but they are more like a manual than a study guide. As a student, would you rather read the Cliff's Notes to pass a test or the whole technical manual?

You could always find someone that is willing to do some horse-trading with you What all do you have? (warning, thread-hijack!)

I recently passed the Technicians exam. I bought the ARRL license manual and it is a good book, but more suited for a classroom like environment. I also bought this book:

Amazon.com: Ham Radio for Dummies (9780764559877): H. Ward Silver: Books

This book was actually pretty good. Maybe not as thorough as the ARRL manual, but an easy read and covers everything you need for the test. I do not regret buying either book.

Does the Ham Radio for Dummies book cover all the license classes or ?? I haven't seen that book, but I don't doubt it's probably a good one.

Here are the Gordon West books, in case you want to take a look at these:

Amazon.com: Technician Class: 2006-10 FCC Element 2 Amateur Radio License Preparation (9780945053453): Gordon West: Books

Amazon.com: 2007-11 General Class Audio Theory Course (9780945053514): Gordon West; WB6NOA, Pete Trotter; KB9SMG: Books

Amazon.com: Extra Class 2008-12 Element 4 FCC License Preparation (9780945053552): Gordon West, WB6NOA, Pete Trotter, KB9SMG: Books

As far as I know, the Dummies books only covers the Technicians exam. I wish they would make one for the General and Extra class as well. I am working through the ARRL General manual now.