1st Base

vnsdeacon said:

I was thinking of putting up a base. The only problem I have is. I have no clue what im doing. AM/SSB only.
What power supply to use ?
What antenna ? Cant put up a big azz tower.
Coax ?
Meters and stuff ?
Thanks

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An AM/SSB Base Radio would be a good choice. But there is a subset to that choice - Do you buy an Approved by FCC CB, or do you risk it and buy and export? My two cents: go with the approved by FCC CB (at least for your first Base)

Re: Power Supply. If it's really a base station it will have the power supply built into the radio. If your going to use a mobile rig at home, then "yes" you'll require a Power Supply.

Re: Antenna. What can you put up? Anything? or does it have to be concealed?

Re: Coax. If your antenna is sitting just outside your radio room window you can use almost any type coax. For medium runs, RG8 should do.

Re: Meters and Stuff. If you have the $$$ buy a nice RF/SWR meter. However, if you have a friend who has a meter (and if your on a budget), just borrow his so that you can rest assured the installation was A-OK.

I guess the biggest question is...What are you looking to spend ?
Secondly, Do you want to be able to plug your radio into the the wall? or run a mobile radio off a power supply? If you run off a power supply then you can put the radio into a vehicle also. The other good reason for running a mobile for a base is...they take up less space.

There are many radios to choose from, get some opinions, investigate them, choose which fits your needs better. But, by all means, get one that has all modes...AM/FM/SSB.

AAAhhhhh antennas, again this is like radios. Size performance and cost are big factors. For the money I would say the Imax-2000 is a good antenna and priced under $100.00. Of course you can go more expensive and get a beam antenna. But for starters lets just keep it simple.
The antenna will be the most important piece on your base station. Pick wisely and get it up as high as you can. At least 36'
Coax,Make sure it is well shielded, DO NOT BUY IT FROM RADIO SHACK. Again, there are many kinds of coax and opinions. Ask and investigate and of course it is all errelavent to how much you have to spend.
Lastly, you are going to want a meter that is accurate and doesn't cost you an arm or a leg. I prefer to have one with an antenna tuner which, will help to protest the radios finals.

Half the fun of creating a station is the investigation and knowledge. Enjoy it, there will never be a first base station.

I was thinking of putting up a base. The only problem I have is. I have no clue what im doing. AM/SSB only.

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Trial and Error… that is how I learned what works best for my station.

What power supply to use ?

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The smallest I would go with (stock radio) is a 4 amp supply. I prefer a 10-12 AMP for a SSB radio. Reason being for multiple radios, or future radio and station upgrades.

What antenna ? Cant put up a big azz tower.

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IMAX 2000, AstroPlane, or a dipole are my personal preferences. I don’t have the room for a big tower either so I purchased a ROHN R40 push up mast.

Coax ?

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RG-8X or RG-8 for runs over 50ft, RG-58 for short runs is OK. I prefer Amphenol connectors.

Meters and stuff ?

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Basic SWR/Power meter will suffice for a beginning station (such as the Radio Shack model). Don’t forget the jumpers to hook up the meter.

Happy_Hamer said:

DAMN I thought this post was someone getting to first base with a girl!!!!!!!!!!

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haha!!

my suggestion if your looking to run base, ive heard those north point cbs 1000's arent bad if your trying to go low budget and the dont require a power supply. Personally i love my Galaxy dx2547, many others like their cobra 2000gtls(a little pricey but never the less a sweet classic) another to consider the Ranger tr696. For the cobra your gonna have to look on ebay. for the Galaxy and the ranger, try CLAYSRADIOSHOP.com They did an excellent job with my radio very fast and best price for the dx2547 i could find on the net and man did i do alot of looking, also i recomend the performance tune. SSB my radio swings 33watts and 21 am. (As per the tech sheet).
ANTENNA - antron a99 with ground plane kit. Gain like crazy. i talk 20-30 miles daily with decent conditions SSB.
Thats my 2 cents. BIGREDS CT BASE IS 10-7
PS. welcome to the forum

I would suggest in purchasing coax that you look for Mil Grade or Type II A cable which features a non contaminating plastic covering also known as NCV. As for using RG 8, I would instead go with RG 213/U which is Type IIA. You'll find this coax will give you over 10 years of good service providing you use a good silicone sealant around the connectors to keep moisture out. And also forget the foam dialectric RG8/X, use the stiff polyethylene because when it gets hot outside the center conductor can move around and cause changes in the impedance. And for grounding the flat braid is considered to be better than (round) wire. I was fortunate to find some RG 214/U
while checking out an auction site. Your antenna is a "system" and worth giving your best attention.
Here's a question...do coax connectors between radio, swr meter, and whatever (lol) you have in line prior to going to the antenna need to be a certain length and does the length of connectors add into the theories of half wavelengths and multiples etc... hmmmm ???????

SmackDown said:

Here's a question...do coax connectors between radio, swr meter, and whatever (lol) you have in line prior to going to the antenna need to be a certain length and does the length of connectors add into the theories of half wavelengths and multiples etc... hmmmm ???????

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Yep, as well as the meter, switch, or whatever. But good luck figuring out just how much. Without an analyzer, you're just guessing.

Rich

I would snag a uniden/president washington off ebay, they can be had for about $100. then I would spend money on good coax, lmr-400 would be great. then get ya a maco v5/8, or an imax 2000 and you will be on the air!! if ya want more power then get ya an amp.

Hi vnsdeacon

The most important thing in any radio setup is the antenna system. Use good high quality coax, RG-8 or better, the antennas that BIONIC_TEXAN88 listed are good choices or even an antron-99. Get the antenna up as high as you can (60 feet up from the top of antenna to the ground if possible) but it may not be practical to go that high and there might be restrictions where you live too, check with your local government officials about any restrictions.

MOST IMPORTANTLY Please make sure the antenna is not near any power lines and that its secure and wont fall the first time a big wind hits it. Make sure it’s well grounded in case of a lightning strike and there it also less chance of TV interference.

The radio recommendation by BIONIC_TEXAN is also a good choice and there are several others, just read the articles here for other radios. The only problem I had with the Uniden Washington was receiver bleed over if I was near any other operators running power but otherwise it worked well.

If you do try eBay carefully read what is being sold and ask the seller questions about the radio. Also check the sellers feed back and what comments other buyer’s have left about the seller. There are some good deals on eBay and there is also some junk too, just be careful and don't be afraid to ask questions.
I think everyone here is willing to help just ask.
Just my 2 cents worth

Have Fun!

first station

If I was the fellow, the maco 5/8 stands out like a sore thumb, they are big, I own one..I would stick with the IMAX or the Astro Plane, they don't stand out as much and are good workhorses for local and skip

My two cents

doctor

All Depends on your Budget..

i take it you are not a ham operator..
so the question becomes..

you want a legal fcc aproved set up..Cobra 148 GTL for FCC type
if extra channels and more power (without amp) Ranger 2970DX
all out ham radio for HF Icom ProIII or Kenwood 2000

best vertical omni directional would be Interceptor I-10K
but for beginner more reasonable price Imax 2000

coax depends a bit on power and distance it needs to go
most will do ok with RG8 (under 100 feet)..better with RG213 or LMR400
(best but hard to work with is hardline like Andrews Heliax)

you need tell us more of your peferred usage and budget

Since Avanti recommends 12' multiples of stiff dielectric coax when installing an Astro Plane then that means the jumpers need be 12' also. Okay I have an swr meter that has a "remote" connection. Could I come out of my radio with an L shaped PL-259 and connect directly to the remote connection of the swr meter, then use a 12' jumper to my accessory, or could I use two 6' jumpers which equals 12' or is it strictly 12' per jumper ????
Can I or should I consider connecting the remote connection directly to the radio via a curved pl-259 connector and not have a need for two 12' jumpers ? Any suggestions ?


73's