Public feed
#727498
Dear Alex,
I am sorry for the delay of this e-mail, as my computer has recently had problems.
Anyway, I am very sure that the HRO (Ham Radio Outlet) sells the Yaesu FT-2800M. I personally know someone with it, and they enjoy it very much, and say that it is VERY simple to use. So, that is a very good choice, also, if you want to go Icom, there is the IC-2200H which is a very fine little 2m radio. Both of these radios are in the $110 to $160 range. Sorry I don't have exact prices. Keep in mind that these radios are 2m ONLY, and will not work on 70cm, (also known as 440MHz). If you want 2m AND 70cm, I would recommend the radio I own, the Yaesu FT-7800R. It is both bands, for about $250, and has great features along with the other radios.
Now considering these are mobile radios, and that you cannot drive, you will need a power supply. Any supply will work, just make sure red is on the plus terminal and black is on the minus. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. I would ask the people at the HRO about cheap power supplies. You will need at least 15 amperes, you can always get more amperes, but never lower. The power supply is not the most important part of the chain, so don't really worry about it.
Now, what will really make or brake your station, is your antenna. My first antenna was a $18 mag mount, that I put on top of a shelf piece. This did not get out very well, and people complained of my signal. Now, this does not mean that all mag mounts are bad, but it is important that you do not cheap-out on your antenna choice. Be prepared to spend over $40 on an antenna, but keep in mind, this will make or brake your station. I at the moment have a J-Pole. I don't know if the HRO has one or not, but they should. J poles are simple, and are great first antennas. Ask the people there what they recommend, and see what you (and/or your parents) can afford. Another factor to consider is where and how you place your antenna. One thing, the higher the better. As far as grounding goes, ask them about it as different antennas might have different needs.
Another thing to consider is, what coax you might need. Coax can be another factor in your station. First of all, ALL COAX HAS LOSS, which is bad. the less loss, measured in decibels, the better. The lowest loss coax is RG-8. If you can afford it, go for it. The down side to RG-8, is A, the cost, and B. the flexibility. Literally. RG-8 is hard to bend, and might not be good for tight spaces. If you want something that is flexible, and not to much loss, for the price, RG-56 is a good choice. Don't forget the connectors. Take the antenna you chose out of the box or plastic and see what you will need. You might need a female to female connector.
Okay, so, you are coming back from HRO with all these expensive goodies. If you are anything like me, you want to rip open the boxes and get on the air. First, take out your antenna, and place it right where you want it, mount it, and run the coax down to your 'shack'. Then take the radio and power supply out, and hook them together with the provided wires. REMEMBER RED IS POSTIVE, and BLACK IS NEGATIVE. Failure to hook them up right will burn up your radio.
Plug the power supply up to AC power, and hit the power button on the radio. It should turn on. Now, you are set! Read the manual and see how to do what on your radio. One thing, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRANSMIT WITH THE COAX OR ANTENNA UNHOOKED. This will also burn your radio up.
Now, do not be discouraged about the prices. I was there once. See this as an investment, because if you take good care of your radios, you won't need new ones!
One more thing, HAVE FUN! and don't get discouraged if it doesn't work. You can always e-mail me, and I would be more that glad to help you with any of your ham radio ventures!
Hope to hear you on the air,
David, Ki4YJL
--
-=___________________________=-
Daivd Lemcoe
Roswell, Gerogia
http://www.davidlemcoe.com/
lemcoe9@bellsouth.net
QRZ: KI4YJL
-=___________________________=-