Initial Ham Setup

[Road Squawker]

Well, .....when I followed the link to the E-Bay end fed antenna, and the site ad said no ground/counterpoise was needed, ....I moved on.

so should you.

 

[w9cll]

Well, .....when I followed the link to the E-Bay end fed antenna, and the site ad said no ground/counterpoise was needed, ....I moved on.

so should you.

I have one of those QSO-Kings, they do work but radiate into everything. I don't use it much

 

[fourstringburn]

I have one of those QSO-Kings, they do work but radiate into everything. I don't use it much

That's a good antenna for your worked all neighbors, worked all TV's, and worked all toasters awards!

 

[Blackcat630]

Am using "The No-Nonsense Technician Class Study Guide". Will check out the cards at hamstudy.org. Thanks!

Hamstudy.org helped with getting my general. I'm now using the cards and practice tests for extra. 85-90% on my practice tests just have to find time off work to go test!

 

[jon666]

your better off building your own.
there are lots of websites to show you how. just google building dipoles.
i build all my own dipoles.

 

[CB590]

Hamstudy.org. worked for me for tech and general. They have sample tests too. Free.

if you make a login it will track your progress on the bar on the right. it will then veriate the tests it gives you for each class level.

 

[Tallman]

That's a good antenna for your worked all neighbors, worked all TV's, and worked all toasters awards!

I like that feature of the antenna! Noisy stereos at three A.M. don't stay on long when I key up and start calling CQ.

Well, .....when I followed the link to the E-Bay end fed antenna, and the site ad said no ground/counterpoise was needed, ....I moved on.
so should you.

You do need a counter poise. I used a 8ft long grounding rod and connected it to the matching box. You don't need radials.

 

[2RT307]

After much consideration, I've decided to go with:

Yaesu FT-450D
Mega Watt S-350-12 power supply

And a couple of dipoles (6M &10M) to get me “on the air” as a Tech.
Once I pass my General, I’ll look for a good multi-band.

I know the current solar cycle is in the dumpster, but I’m excited anyway. After all, there are worse things in life than limited radio contacts.

A happy and meaningful Memorial Day to you all!

Jim

Good choices! Have fun with Tech... and get General soon. 6 has been crazy lately, and 10 hasn't been bad, either. Best of luck!

73,
Brett

 

[w9cll]

That's a good antenna for your worked all neighbors, worked all TV's, and worked all toasters awards!

I am going for Worked all Worms!

 

[543_Dallas]

I am going for Worked all Worms!

I fertilize the yard with ironite. It's making the grass look better and increasing ground conductivity to keep the worms cooler.

 

[Riverman]

Thanks for all the study advice, everyone. I feel really good about it now.

Have decided to bite the bullet, spend the extra $260, and get the Yaesu FTDX-1200 rather than the 450D. Looks like a lot of radio for the money. Think I'll be happier in the long run.

 

[543_Dallas]

Thanks for all the study advice, everyone. I feel really good about it now.

Have decided to bite the bullet, spend the extra $260, and get the Yaesu FTDX-1200 rather than the 450D. Looks like a lot of radio for the money. Think I'll be happier in the long run.

I've had the 1200 for a couple of years. No complaints.

 

[Riverman]

I've had the 1200 for a couple of years. No complaints.

Worth the extra money over the 450?

 

[n8fgb]

Worth the extra money over the 450?

Yes. I have a friend who upgraded from the 450 to the 1200, and loves it.
Rich

 

[2RT307]

I have the 3000, and absolutely love it. What I like about the 1200 and 3000 is they are full size base rigs. The 450 is great for the money, but a little small for me. I think you will like the 1200!

73,
Brett