Don't know alot about HAM or CB coms.

I have to pick something out for Xmas and like to have others buy me the toys I would not.

Searching for info I came upon this informative thread. Sounds interesting!

Somebody asked about cost? This is what I found : ICOM IC-706MKIIG

 

Exactly.......and I thank you....

Guys....is HAM radio for everybody?....No, and I do get that. You seem to forget that I was a diehard CB operator for years myself. When I wanted better coms I found out that I could have my CB modified, I added power too and became what I have referred to as a "bandit" operator. At first I didn't know, but quickly became aware that this was/is illegal. Illegally, I still had lots of fun. But...during the peaks of the cycle, even those freqs. ie, above and below the basic 40 channels, get to the point of being almost useless because they too are being bombarded by thousands of DX signals. All I did was decide that I wanted even greater enhanced coms, and at the same time do it legally.

I agree that if you don't particularly like talking on the radio, and don't really have the gift of gab...so to speak, then why waste your time??? But for those of you that have found yourself getting more and more intrigued with that little "squawk box" then, like Desert Fox said, I'm only offering you a different, and more reliable "venue" to go about doing it.

BTW guys, I also want to mention that in recent years, like anything else, the technology available now has also ventured into the HAM radio world. If you are really a PC person, you can now link your radio to the internet and talk all over the place....google "Echo Link".

Another thing that I tried was satellite coms. This is where you talk to others via certain satellites orbiting the Earth by a VHF uplink and HF downlink. I did this rather primitively, again ie, not much money or equipment involved, but still was amazed at what was actually happening with my signal. Pretty cool.

The VHF (2meter) repeaters I speak of, not only allow you greater range of VHF coms. but many also offer the ability to patch into a landline if need be.

There is also something called RTTY.......which is super high spead digital coms.

There is Moon bounce, mountain bounce.....The list goes on and on, and like I have said many times........it is indeed limitless.

Again, for those of you that ask how much is this going to cost me? Well I never bought a new radio for years and years, but found myself getting on the air and talking with the best of them. I doubt I spent more than a couple hundred bucks for the first few years. As you would imagine, antennas are a major part of radio coms, and the nice thing about them is you can build your own for a fraction of the cost of new. As far as radios go, you can find great deals on Ebay, (but like anything on Ebay, beware of those selling for almost new prices), as well as finding them through your local HAM radio club. Most HAMS are happy to help get you on the air in a way that fits your budget. Are new, high tech, do everything radios spendy?......you bet, but so are Jeep mods. I was never one that could afford to just plop down beau coup bucks on radio gear, so I started slow and just bought and sold as I went along.

All 'n all guys, I just thought I'd mention it to you as the sunpot cycle reves up. Take the info and do with it what you will. I'm not as active as I used to be, and a lot of the new HAM radio techno stuff is over my head, but for those of you that are interested I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can.
73 & Happy Ho-HO...!!!
Dave / wl7cmg

 

That is not all true - they do not require a license UNLESS you plan on using the GMRS frequencies. If you use the FRS frequencies, they are license free but have lower range. Most radios are equipped to transmit on both GMRS and FRS.

I bought a license for GMRS, it cost 80 for 5 years. But was it necessary to use FRS? Not at all. In fact, I don't plan on renewing my GMRS license.

Again, I appreciate the info though! I didn't realize the solar cycle is coming up. Should be interesting to see how it affects comms - but I still wont buy a license for radio, because I dont want to talk to my buddies on the way to the trail. That's my iPod's job.

 

Thanks for the heads up. My CB has been giving me trouble lately so I'll look into it. I saw the link for the ICOM -it's a $grand then you have to build or buy an antenna- is $300 going to do that? So for $1300 to $1500 puts you in a really nice working unit?

 

I kinda always wanted to get a HAM radio but did not think that many people still used them and I am not on the road long periods of time. I am usually driving to and from work and usually talking on the phone (hands-free ). If I did get one, my conversations would usually be 5-10 minutes long because I can not see myself sitting at home talking on one.

 

Aside from it being ilegal. Could this unit work on 11m ?

 

Yes that would pretty much do it. But you have to realize that the 706 is a VERY high tech, multi mode...(AM, FM, Upper and Lower Sideband, Digital, CW), all band....(160 meters - VHF /2 meters) ie: (do everything) radio. Thus the price Yes they are super nice, but for somebody starting out in HAM radio that just wants to enhance his coms, say, somewhat along the lines of CB, you can buy a 10 meter mobile rig, or a straight 2 meter FM only rig for a couple hundred bucks used, or an extra hundred or more new. This will allow you to access VHF FM repeaters as well as simplex, (radio to radio) coms. The 10 meter rigs (28 meg) are only slightly higher in freq, than the 11 meter (27 meg) CB band. Soon, as the cycle builds, 10 meters will be an excellent HF band to use for local or DX. What is also nice about using the 10m and 2 meter bands, is it is allowed for use to the lowest licensed operators. As you grow in HAM radio, you have to take additional tests that will allow you more com privliges on the many different HF bands. Now there are only 3 levels of licenses. Technician Class....the lowest entry level, General Class....the second level, and Extra Class...the highest level.

So, getting back to the 706.....although it would be a REALLY nice radio to own, unless you have the license to operate on the modes and freqs. the radio is capable of, you don't really need it. If you plan on getting to the Extra Class level right away, and can afford such a radio, then by all means it is the way to go.

 

Not without being internally modified.

 

Figured so, some, easier than others. I run a 10 rig on 11m.

 

yes, they work well on 11m SSB, on AM they sound ok keep in mind it was not designed for AM use on 11m so that is not where it excels...If AM is your thing just buy one of the many high power exports on the market (Stryker and Magnum).....

73

Mike....