amateur radio

[buickanddeere]

Iirc the Canadian 70cm band is wider than the US 70cm band.

 

[k0ua]

Iirc the Canadian 70cm band is wider than the US 70cm band.

I believe it is the other way around. Canadian 70cm is 430 to 450Mhz, and US 70cm is 420 to 450Mhz.

432 MHz (70 CM) Page
Graphical Frequency Allocations

 

[teejk]

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.

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".

 

[k0ua]

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".

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.

 

[k0ua]

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".

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.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

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?

 

[B7510HSD]

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?

QTH.com has a classified area and I think maybe qsl.net?

 

[KB9UDE]

QTH.com is a good place to list ham gear. I have some VHF stuff on there right now

 

[k0ua]

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?

Eham.net

eHam.net Amateur Radio Classifieds - Home

What do the keys look like?.. Can you post some pics?

 

[B7510HSD]

Eham.net

eHam.net Amateur Radio Classifieds - Home

What do the keys look like?.. Can you post some pics?

Hopefully they are not Motorola keys!!