Ham Radio Question

[Brother DXer]

@AudioShockwav brought up the fact that when the solar cycle starts to wane, I (a CBr) may want to consider getting my ticket. I'll be honest, the main reason I've been hesitant about HAM radio is the cost of equipment. So before diving into the HAM pool, or even thinking about it, I'd like to know this. When the solar cycle ends and conditions are at their worst, (as a HAM) which frequency would I choose and why?
I'm speaking in general terms. And yes, there is a method to my madness.

Thanks!! Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

[FlatlandBusa]

I got into the Amateur radio side of the hobby at the bottom of the solar cycle and was always able to make a contact on 80, 60, 40, or 20 meters depending on the time of day. If you have the space 160 is pretty decent at night during the bottom of the cycle.

As far as cost, I was on the air for less than $1500 which included a 7300, tuner, doublet, and mast. 100 watts works good on the ham bands and they there tends to be less emphasis on power. There are also digital modes like JS8 that will let you text radio to radio during terrible conditions.

Any questions, just ask.

 

[AudioShockwav]

Here is a short overview of the different bands and how they differ from each other.

HF BANDS - WHAT TO EXPECT - ALL ABOUT OUR HF BANDS

73
Jeff

 

[Crawdad]

@AudioShockwav brought up the fact that when the solar cycle starts to wane, I (a CBr) may want to consider getting my ticket. I'll be honest, the main reason I've been hesitant about HAM radio is the cost of equipment. So before diving into the HAM pool, or even thinking about it, I'd like to know this. When the solar cycle ends and conditions are at their worst, (as a HAM) which frequency would I choose and why?
I'm speaking in general terms. And yes, there is a method to my madness.

Thanks!! Your input is greatly appreciated

Are you looking for DX (other countries) or local/regional USA?? Either way, you'll want to take the Technician and General exams to get access to the HF bands mentioned above.

www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands4_Color_17x11.pdf

Hope you do, you'll enjoy it.

7 3

 

[Crawdad]

I'll be honest, the main reason I've been hesitant about HAM radio is the cost of equipment. So before diving into the HAM

Wire antenna designs that will cover multiple HF bands are plentiful on the internet, can be homebrewed at low expense and are used by amateurs all over the world.

Used radios and accessories can be had at good prices compared to brand new on sites such as QRZ.com, QTH.com, eHam, etc.

7 3

 

[Brother DXer]

Are you looking for DX (other countries) or local/regional USA?? Either way, you'll want to take the Technician and General exams to get access to the HF bands mentioned above.

www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands4_Color_17x11.pdf

Hope you do, you'll enjoy it.

7 3

Not local, possibly regional, if you consider regional 300 miles and definitely some long distance contacts. And yes, I looked into the various licenses a while back.
Thanks!!

Here is a short overview of the different bands and how they differ from each other.

HF BANDS - WHAT TO EXPECT - ALL ABOUT OUR HF BANDS

73
Jeff

Thanks Jeff!!

 

[Brother DXer]

Here is a short overview of the different bands and how they differ from each other.

HF BANDS - WHAT TO EXPECT - ALL ABOUT OUR HF BANDS

73
Jeff

Jeff,
This is perfect! This is exactly what I was looking for and it explains the bands better than I've been able to find so far. I know it's not an exact science and I'll take it at face value.
Thank you!
-Rodney

73's

 

[Eldorado828]

I was close to convinced since a little before this thread started and now I'm sold. I'm going to go for it.

 

[928bolo]

Brother DX,

Even when the solar cycle is at its lowest the bands will still be busy. 40 meters, 30 meters (you can run digital modes on this band), and 20 meters are always busy.

Take Crawdad's advice and study for both the Technician and General exam. A tech license really limits the frequencies where you can operate and the modes you can use. https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band Chart/Hambands4_Color_11x8_5.pdf

With the advent of the WSJT-X software (free), many weak signal digital modes have become popular. FT8 is the most popular. While FT8 is not a mode where you can have a personal conversation I find it enjoyable. I get a kick when I can working guys like VR2VAZ. He uses a fishing pole to hold out a wire from his apartment balcony in Hong Kong. You won't work stations like that on Side Band from the US. He has pictures of his antenna set up here https://www.qrz.com/db/VR2VAZ

CW is a great mode but fewer people are learning it. However, I think there are many more DX stations on the air because of the FT8. Particularly South East Asia.

As FlatlandBusa suggested you can get on the air with new equipment on a budget of $1,500. However you can spend even less by buying used. This can be tricky. I suggest you join a local club that has members interested in HF before you spend any money. They can help you with your equipment choices. They will likely save you some money, and will definitely expedite your learning curve.

Find and "Elmer". This is seasoned ham that can help you with your station and teach you how to operate. My club and Elmer really helped me get started. My Elmer got me into CW, taught me about antennas, and propagation. He absolutely refuses to operate any digital modes. He is an old curmudgeon but wears that badge proudly

Good luck with your studies.

 

[BJ radionut]

He absolutely refuses to operate any digital modes. He is an old curmudgeon but wears that badge proudly

Somebody call me?
All the Best
Gary/W9FNB

 

[BJ radionut]

Is VHF or UHF Better for Long Distance? – Radio Fidelity

Should you use VHF or UHF frequencies when you want to listen to long-distance radio? We'll answer this question ahead.

radiofidelity.com

Describes: 2 meters (144-148 MHz) & 440 MHz bands propagation
Many Hams operate even higher 900 MHz and 1.2 GHz bands!~!
I think one of the big enthusiasts just broke the 1.2GHz(microwave) record distance reaching a 300++ mile contact using CW...Many Facets of radio to find your nich!!!

MY FAVORITE:
The 6-meter band is the lowest portion of the very high frequency (VHF) radio spectrum (50.000-54.000 MHz) internationally allocated to amateur radio use. The term refers to the average signal wavelength of 6 meters.[a]

Although located in the lower portion of the VHF band, it nonetheless occasionally displays propagation mechanisms characteristic of the high frequency (HF) bands. This normally occurs close to sunspot maximum, when solar activity increases ionization levels in the upper atmosphere. Worldwide 6 meter propagation occurred during the sunspot maximum of 2005 & 2014-2017 making 6-meter communications as good as or, in some cases and locations, better than HF frequencies. The prevalence of HF characteristics on this VHF band has inspired amateur operators to dub it the "magic band".

One of the "KOOL" items of working VHF/UHF is the antennas are small!
A typical 6-meter, 4 element wide space Yagi is about HALF the size of a 3 element CB/10M beam!!!!

N6CA 50 MHz antennas

As you scroll thru these plans...the 6-element wide space 6m beam on 24 ft boom is very close to antenna I use. (my boom just shy of 25 ft.) true gain 10+Db over dipole!!

6 Meters is OPEN

I had 6m scatter members from Louisiana work Hawaii today on 6m SSB...AAaagh!!!!

www.worldwidedx.com

All the Best
Gary/W9FNB

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Small antennas sounds great! I was working on mine a while back, I have a subscription to Ham Radio Prep.com but am having trouble fitting it in when my brain is awake enough to do it. I am off two weeks for Christmas, going to try to knock it out so I can be ready for the tests.

 

[BJ radionut]

Small antennas sounds great! I was working on mine a while back, I have a subscription to Ham Radio Prep.com but am having trouble fitting it in when my brain is awake enough to do it. I am off two weeks for Christmas, going to try to knock it out so I can be ready for the tests.

Chris: I REALLY hope you do!!! I would love you to check-in with us mornings (put you in my log!) on regular basis.
K1FNX/Mike nr Boston
WZ1V/Mike/ Connecticut
KD4AA/Tom/VA
KA2FOP/John/Mid-state NY
All great ops in your area plus many more!

 

[BJ radionut]

50 Mhz 6 element yagi

5El 6m LFA Yagi

KG4JJH - Amateur Radio Projects

www.kg4jjh.com

https://n5dux.com/ham/files/pdf/Build%20the%20Featherweight%206m%20Yagi.pdf

Lengthen this to a 4 Element...nice antenna to get your feet wet
One of the "big guns" here in Ind...has a "STACKED" Phased pair of 4's... He hears really well at around 30ft to bottom antenna.

Scroll nr end of article for spacings...
1/2 wave spacing for noise reduction...
5/8th's wave or 9/8th's... over/under spacing for biggest gain

 

[BJ radionut]

Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org

Laurel VEC

Delaware Amateur Radio Association

Web home of the Delaware Amateur Radio Association, Delaware Ohio

k8es.org