ham radio or short wave?

[YLee Kioti]

So am in the market for a short wave radio or a ham set.
Ham set, nothing fancy where it will take a lot of complicated antenna set up.
I've seen the one u-toob channel where a telescoping antenna was used for field used.
Looks like I could set up near an oak tree and have it camo'd. Neighbors with glasses two acres away won't see it.

Hurricane season on us, and just getting around to this and a standby gen unit.
Remember the freeze we had in Texas two years ago? Yeah just getting round to it.
News was scarce during that time and my old radio shack S.W. Radio only picked up AM band. Which was an Austin station and did help a lot.

Any seasoned hands out there with recommendations would be appreciated.
Have a good week.

 

[rontaki]

If you are looking for a receiver, no transmitter, consider the Sangean ATS-909X2. I have an earlier version of this, the ATS-909X.
It receives Shortwave, AM, FM and Longwave. Very high sound quality, runs off an AC adapter or the included Eneloop rechargeables.
When plugged in, it recharges the batteries. I love mine, and no doubt this newer version is even better.
I has a built-in whip antenna, and can accept external antennas. Lots of other bells and whistles that don't get in the way of using it, and can be handy. I use some of them, not all.

This radio was the gateway "drug" to me getting an ham radio license and portable rig with various antennas.
But the Sangean is my go to for normal radio listening. As a matter of fact, I am listening music on it right now!

It's worth checking it out on their website. Seems a bit pricey, but to me worth it for all it does.

ATS-909X2 : The Ultimate <br>FM / SW / MW/ LW/ Air / Multi-Band Receiver

 

[Roadworthy]

You don't give much information, really. As a receiving antenna any piece of wire will work - the longer the better. Receivers are far less expensive than transceivers. The specific band you seek to listen to will affect your choice of receiver. Most will so HF but you need to shop more carefully for VHF and UHF bands. Budget may come into play here as well.

 

[ljjhouser]

Are you looking for a transceiver - both tx and rx. Do you have you Amateur license or interested in moving to that in the future?

To receive and listen to different bands would be a shortwave receiver as mentioned in post #2. A receiving antenna could be as simple as a wire and insulator antenna spanning 1/2 the wavelength of the frequency wanted to receive. This is a dipole antenna. Simple, low cost, and usually out of sight. (dipole antennas can also be used to transmit certain frequencies) There are many "Ham Operators " here on TBN. Best Wishes.

 

[Oaktree]

Be forewarned that there isn't really that much left to listen to on shortwave anymore. Most of the big players either shut down or greatly reduced their broadcasts 15+ years ago.
You don't even need a dipole antenna...a straight longwire should suffice. Keep in mind that they are directional...a longwire is more sensitive from the ends, a dipole from the sides, ie-if you're interested in stations from the east, a longwire should be strung E-W, a dipole would be strung N-S.
No real need to camouflage it, the 1996 telecom act prohibits cities, towns, HOAs or any other governing bodies from banning receive antennas. Not sure how it applies to amateur transmit antennas, maybe one of the hams on this board could chime in.

 

[YLee Kioti]

Short on details yeah sorry bout that.

So mostly interested in listening to ham operators that support emergency operations during hurricanes and storms.
So upper/lower side bands would be great. Don't have license Tx/Rx from a Ham rig.
May work on that once I get my feet wet on the passive mode of listening.
Gives me time to get engaged and see what will work for my skill level.
Budget is fair so currently don't have to scrimp. A three or four hundred dollar rig is doable, for the Short Wave that is.

UHF and VHF I may consider a scanner for aircraft traffic. I still remember tower frequencies for VHF and UHF in my old avionics days on Hooks and slicks. Yeah sad huh. but forget what I had for dinner...sigh...lol..

Back on topic. Antenna set up thanks for the basics. Gives me a jump off point.
Interested in listening to what is happening in Europe, Australia South America region from local folks.
Don't speak many languages, can can pick up nuances of German.
Australia and South America should be OK.
Portuguese is close enough to Spanish to grasp the gist of it.
I'll dig into the Sangean unit. That's a god jump point to look and specs and research some more.
Appreciate all the input folks.

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

I would just get a VHF rx for atis

 

[YLee Kioti]

Read the reviews on the Sangean and placed order.
Think we're gonna need it soon. Things took a bad turn over the Atlantic side. Not the thread for side bar, other then well we all gonna need this device....'suddenly' is key word.
OK family thanks a lot for the help....
Moving to next storm cough preps...cough ...

 

[plowhog]

You can buy whatever shortwave equipment you want and listen all day long. It's only if you transmit that requires having a license. But, in a true emergency, will you really face consequences if you key the microphone?

Also-- the antenna is very important. Height is might with antennas.

 

[3Ts]

Also-- the antenna is very important. Height is might with antennas.

Has anyone tried a helium balloon to lift an antenna? Is it even practical to consider? I realize it is only temporary (a day?) because the balloon will leak & deflate and the whole thing comes down.

 

[YLee Kioti]

You can buy whatever shortwave equipment you want and listen all day long. It's only if you transmit that requires having a license. But, in a true emergency, will you really face consequences if you key the microphone?

Also-- the antenna is very important. Height is might with antennas.

I asked that question once and got boo'd off the stage by all the HAM-sters on u-toob.......but yeah agree indeed....and pray it does not come to that either.

 

[nikdfish]

Any wire length can work for receiving, but transmitting would require a reasonably well tuned antenna to work effectively (& avoid potential damage to the transmitter). Depending on the radio, attempting to transmit, without a proper antenna or dummy load, can cause damage.

In an emergency, do what is necessary to preserve life. Just like you'd use a police car radio to call for help if the officer was incapacitated.

If you want to listen in on ham radio emergency nets, you will want a receiver that can do SSB (single side band) in the frequency range of 3 - 30 Mhz to cover 80m - 10m bands. SSB consists of USB (upper side band) and LSB (lower side band). This is the most common voice format in use, using only one side band for transmission. AM is less common as it uses more power for the same range (it uses both USB & LSB at the same time).

 

[ljjhouser]

I asked that question once and got boo'd off the stage by all the HAM-sters on u-toob.......but yeah agree indeed....and pray it does not come to that either.

I wouldn´t pay too much attention to that kind of response (the utube). Just know and follow the rules. That kind of response is problematic for for promoting and continuing the hobby for many and is not acceptable.

I entered this hobby many years ago when I taught electricity and electronics in high school - and sponsored a radio club. Then in later years, before the bag cell phones (that cost about 8-$10 in fees per call) I put a 2 meter radio in all the vehicles so that my wife and I could keep in contact while away.

Today, when working on our small acreage, we use still use 2 meter hand held radios to keep in contact when out working. There is a 2 meter transceiver on the tractor. Amateur radio has many different uses and the license levels can be very easy at entry level. Years ago, most levels required a morse code test. I had to pass the 20 word test for my license back then. That is no longer the case.

You may prefer to listen to short wave and that is good. Also a hobby. Many got a amateur license because of their interest in listening to information from a distance. Or, maybe in the future you may choose to obtain your license.

But remember, whatever your interest level, it is your choice and should not be subjected to judgement of others as long as you follow the rules.

I will also mention that a lot of the attitude about judgment you experienced may have come from years ago when citizens band was confused by many to be the same as amateur radio. Citizens band has been unregulated and a free for all. Many people do not know that at one point CB also required a license, but on request, not tested to qualify.

The entry level - Novice - license is not technical, but mostly about operating rules regarding transmitting, and more narrow band options, including 2 and meter.

Sorry so long. Hope i did not bore you too much.

 

[Oaktree]

I will also mention that a lot of the attitude about judgment you experienced may have come from years ago when citizens band was confused by many to be the same as amateur radio. Citizens band has been unregulated and a free for all. Many people do not know that at one point CB also required a license, but on request, not tested to qualify.

The entry level - Novice - license is not technical, but mostly about operating rules regarding transmitting, and more narrow band options, including 2 and meter.

Yeah, back when CB radios were first introduced back in the 60s, hams absolutely HATED them, and the fact that they could get on the air without a test. Called 'em "chicken banders" or worse and rarely missed an opportunity to bash them.

Had a ham for a neighbor when I was growing up, and did some studying for a license. Never was able to master Morse code, and other than voice on 2 meters, that's all you could use with a novice class license. Also, after visiting my neighbor a few times when he was on the air, it seemed that all hams did was talk about what they had for equipment, etc. and I kind of lost interest. I did get my "radio fix" by getting a job as a weekend DJ at our local station...something I continued to do p/t well into my 30s. Wasn't good enough to want to pursue a career in it, but it was a fun hobby I got paid for plus a lifetime supply of promo 45s and T shirts.

 

[bmaverick]

I asked that question once and got boo'd off the stage by all the HAM-sters on u-toob.......but yeah agree indeed....and pray it does not come to that either.

Per the FCC rules on radio communications, a person can transmit on ANY of the HAM bands in regards to EMERGENCY TRAFFIC (communications) with no license whatsoever. This means, life threatening or life injury. I would say it's like calling 911 in a 'true' emergency, not because your neighbors snores.

HAMS really forget about that part of the rules.

Had my ham radio TX/RX for nearly decade before getting a license. And YES, I did TX. BUT, under another rule. When a licensed person for that band is present, you can piggy back off them for use. Sort of like a learners permit of sorts. 2M, 10M & 20M is all I ever did back then.

There are other radio services with regional coverage or simplex coverage that have no license requirements. On source is 11M (CB) on the SSB channels. There are so many HAMS still on those frequencies nationwide. A person can talk down the road or about 100 miles on a regular day. SKIP does happen a bit too. And those SSB bands do get crowded. Listening is a huge help to know what's going on around the country faster than the HAM bands.

If you do HAM and want info from the Nation Traffic Service of the ARRL, then go here to know the clubs, times and freqs being used along with how often during the week they meet in your area. NTS

SW radio is like saying 'fake news' or getting strong biased news from sources that may lead you astray with the info. I gave up on SW a decade ago due to so much propaganda being aired.

 

[YLee Kioti]

I put a 2 meter radio in all the vehicles so that my wife and I could keep in contact while away.

Today, when working on our small acreage, we use still use 2 meter hand held radios to keep in contact when out working. There is a 2 meter transceiver on the tractor. Amateur radio has many different uses and the license levels can be very easy at entry level. Years ago, most levels required a morse code test. I had to pass the 20 word test for my license back then. That is no longer the case.

Sorry so long. Hope i did not bore you too much.----Heh not at all

Appreciate the idea of a 2 meter band radio. Currently no way for wife to contact me when out back.
Even though it's only 8 acres I'm a small dot to her and waving arms no longer works at that point...lol.

So, This is on my top five projects that are running in parallel right now.
Greatly appreciate all the good info our here.....
Enjoy the rest of the week.....y'all.....

 

[bmaverick]

Appreciate the idea of a 2 meter band radio. Currently no way for wife to contact me when out back.
Even though it's only 8 acres I'm a small dot to her and waving arms no longer works at that point...lol.

So, This is on my top five projects that are running in parallel right now.
Greatly appreciate all the good info our here.....
Enjoy the rest of the week.....y'all.....

8 ACRES, try using FRS radios.

 

[ljjhouser]

8 ACRES, try using FRS radios.

Yes FRS (Family Radio Service) is certainly an option. And will probably serve well for most purposes and does not require a license. I have never had a lot of luck in the hills here with FRS. I usually have the signal fade out before the property lines are reached. That may be because FRS channels are limited to a max of 2 w transmit power, and a max of .5 watt between channels 8-14.

It seems most of the FRS radios boost a range of about 20 miles (with no obstruction) and may do well in many situations.

Most 2 meter transceivers have a low power 5 watts, medium power, 25 watts, and high power 50 watts selections. It is getting difficult to get a single band handheld. Seems most are now duo band 2 and 6 meter. I have use the Yeasu FT270 transceivers for several years. Hard to find now.

I will say, if you ever get a amateur band handheld transceiver, download the operation manual and NEVER loose it. These radios have what seems to be thousands of settings and many multifunction buttons. I set my setting for use here on the property and LOCK the so they cannot be changed. (without looking up how in the manual)

That is one problem you will not have with FRS, and they are very affordable.

 

[YLee Kioti]

Have looked at the FRS and there is a family license with a one time fee, IIRC.
So anyone in the family ,siblings and all can use one under one general license.
Pretty generic used to be bout 30 bucks or so back in 2019.
Will just dig into all this when I get caught up.

Currently filling a 17 year void in computers and just got all components in.
So this coming week will be building, testing and retiring the old 2005 build.
Then I can use it as a tool and move on to fun stuff like this one.


It pretty flat but for a few hills, nothing like in the Austin area and west though. mostly little 150 foot elevation changes here and there so not bad.
This may be a matter of just getting the FRS and trying it out.
Won't go to waste that's for sure.