cheap ham setup
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 494
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From: Roanoke, Va
cheap ham setup
I have an intrest in getting into ham and I've read all the posts but I can't find what I think I'm looking for. Could one of you put together a package so to speak that's cheap that would work for 2 metere to get a noobs feet wet. They just seem so exspensive and I can't find a good place to start. I've seen sites but have no idea what I'm looking for. Just an idea package of what you'd need and what it would cost. Thanks again
JK Jedi
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 0
From: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
As you would imagine, cheap and expensive are relative terms...ie, one mans cheap is another mans expensive.
You didn't say if you are wanting new or used? No doubt, one of the cheapest ways to get into 2m would be either a used 2m monoband handheld, or mobile. If you really want to save a lot of money, probably the best way would be to go to a local HAM Radio club meeting. There will no doubt be somebody there that has a rig and no longer needs it. That's what I did. My first 2m rig was an old Kenwood TH-21AT http://www.rigpix.com/kenwood/th21at.htm. I ran a cheap RAt Shack external mobile antenna, and a small homebrew amp. It wasn't the greatest, but it got me on the air for very little money.
As far as what kind, it's like Fords and Chevys. There are literally all kinds of each brand.....Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, that will meet your needs. But again, it sounds like you are on a budget, so you may want to see what might be available to you through the HAM club members, and then go from there. You will need to introduce yourself sooner or later at the HAM club anyway, as that will be where you will be taking the exam. BTW, while you are at the club meeting, I'm sure there will be a few HAMS running 2m mobiles, and you will be able to look at them and see what they are all about as well ie, dual/mono band, extra features, etc...
Another place to look would be on the classifieds at eham or qrz.com. You can even post on the "wanted" section at each site.
Good Luck....
You didn't say if you are wanting new or used? No doubt, one of the cheapest ways to get into 2m would be either a used 2m monoband handheld, or mobile. If you really want to save a lot of money, probably the best way would be to go to a local HAM Radio club meeting. There will no doubt be somebody there that has a rig and no longer needs it. That's what I did. My first 2m rig was an old Kenwood TH-21AT http://www.rigpix.com/kenwood/th21at.htm. I ran a cheap RAt Shack external mobile antenna, and a small homebrew amp. It wasn't the greatest, but it got me on the air for very little money.
As far as what kind, it's like Fords and Chevys. There are literally all kinds of each brand.....Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, that will meet your needs. But again, it sounds like you are on a budget, so you may want to see what might be available to you through the HAM club members, and then go from there. You will need to introduce yourself sooner or later at the HAM club anyway, as that will be where you will be taking the exam. BTW, while you are at the club meeting, I'm sure there will be a few HAMS running 2m mobiles, and you will be able to look at them and see what they are all about as well ie, dual/mono band, extra features, etc...
Another place to look would be on the classifieds at eham or qrz.com. You can even post on the "wanted" section at each site.
Good Luck....
Last edited by AK4Dave; Feb 28, 2009 at 09:56 AM.
JK Jedi
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 0
From: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Here ya go..... the home or the Roanoke Valley Amateur Radio Club.
http://www.w4ca.us/contact.php
Good Luck....
http://www.w4ca.us/contact.php
Good Luck....
Last edited by AK4Dave; Mar 1, 2009 at 10:24 AM.