Initial Ham Setup

[Riverman]

After much consideration, I've decided to go with:

Yaesu FT-450D
Mega Watt S-350-12 power supply

And a couple of dipoles (6M &10M) to get me “on the air” as a Tech.
Once I pass my General, I’ll look for a good multi-band.

I know the current solar cycle is in the dumpster, but I’m excited anyway. After all, there are worse things in life than limited radio contacts.

A happy and meaningful Memorial Day to you all!

Jim

 

[338_MtRushmore]

I'm glad you have narrowed it down. I am not looking forward to sifting for days on end to decide what I will get.

 

[jon666]

i have the same setup works well.
you wont regret getting the 450d great radio

 

[Riverman]

I'm glad you have narrowed it down. I am not looking forward to sifting for days on end to decide what I will get.

I finally decided after carefully reading the instruction manuals for all the radios I was looking at. In the end, the 450D felt like the best fit for me. And my budget. LOL.

 

[Riverman]

i have the same setup works well.
you wont regret getting the 450d great radio

Great! Thanks.

 

[Tallman]

When you get your general get this antenna along with the 1:1 choke for the feed line.
I run the IC-746 as my primary base and use the 50 amp Megawatt power supply. I have a bunch of radios and antennas for mobile but nothing in the 2 meter band at all.
If you don't like the antenna you will not have wasted a ton of money and you can take the antenna down and take it with you on vacation.
I have made a bunch of contacts with it with no linears.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5336136228&icep_item=170652880991

 

[Riverman]

When you get your general get this antenna along with the 1:1 choke for your feedline.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/17065288099...9255-0%26rvr_id%3D1220176584177&ul_noapp=true

Thanks, Tallman. That looks similiar to the Par End Fedz I've been looking at. Will definitely consider it!

 

[fourstringburn]

After much consideration, I've decided to go with:

Yaesu FT-450D
Mega Watt S-350-12 power supply

And a couple of dipoles (6M &10M) to get me “on the air” as a Tech.
Once I pass my General, I’ll look for a good multi-band.

I know the current solar cycle is in the dumpster, but I’m excited anyway. After all, there are worse things in life than limited radio contacts.

A happy and meaningful Memorial Day to you all!

Jim

Good choices!

At the moment, 10 and 6 has been opening.

Not sure if you have your Tech license yet, if not as long as you're in study mode, get your General the same day. You can do it!

Good luck!

 

[Riverman]

Good choices!

At the moment, 10 and 6 has been opening.

Not sure if you have your Tech license yet, if not as long as you're in study mode, get your General the same day. You can do it!

Good luck!

That's good news!
Still studying for both. Been a LONG time since I've had to take any kind of test LOL.

 

[RatsoW8]

After much consideration, I've decided to go with:

Yaesu FT-450D
Mega Watt S-350-12 power supply

And a couple of dipoles (6M &10M) to get me “on the air” as a Tech.
Once I pass my General, I’ll look for a good multi-band.

I know the current solar cycle is in the dumpster, but I’m excited anyway. After all, there are worse things in life than limited radio contacts.

A happy and meaningful Memorial Day to you all!

Jim

The 450D is a good choice. Don't be discouraged by the solar cycle, just get on the air and call CQ.

 

[338_MtRushmore]

That's good news!
Still studying for both. Been a LONG time since I've had to take any kind of test LOL.

I don't know how you are studying, but the flash cards on hamstudy.org have been a huge help for me. I have gone from 35% on the tech tests to 80%+ on the general in about 8 hours of studying. I didn't think I could pass the general after trying the tech, but it is easier than it seems. Best of luck

 

[Riverman]

I don't know how you are studying, but the flash cards on hamstudy.org have been a huge help for me. I have gone from 35% on the tech tests to 80%+ on the general in about 8 hours of studying. I didn't think I could pass the general after trying the tech, but it is easier than it seems. Best of luck

Am using "The No-Nonsense Technician Class Study Guide". Will check out the cards at hamstudy.org. Thanks!

 

[338_MtRushmore]

A semi-wisewan once told me to learn the math, and memorize the rest. It seems to be working so far...

 

[w9cll]

Am using "The No-Nonsense Technician Class Study Guide". Will check out the cards at hamstudy.org. Thanks!

Take the online tests at qrz.com and eham.com, test until you are at a solid 85% then sit for the actual test.

 

[Riverman]

Take the online tests at qrz.com and eham.com, test until you are at a solid 85% then sit for the actual test.

Will do. Thank you.