Went out this weekend and took my tests for my ham license, managed to go straight to General Class.

Now that I have my license, I was looking for some recommendations on what the type of unit is to get in order to get my feed wet into the whole ham radio arena. Am I better off going handheld or with a mobile unit?

I'm planning on hitting up the local club next time that they have a meeting, but any info I can get in the meantime would be appreciated.

 

Congrads on getting your ticket.
When I first got my ticket, I got a Yaesu HT.
IV got it in the Jeep and it works ok but IM looking into getting a regular mobile, either Yaesu or Icom to hard mount in the Jeep.
Im sure one of the other members will chime in on their suggestions.

 

Way to go ! Starting out as a General Class eliminates having to buy radios in phases. If I were you I would buy:

(1) A 2 Meter/70 CM HT. I have a Yaesu VX-6 HT. It has exceeded my expectations. It's very small and easy to carry with you when you hike away from your Jeep. You won't believe the range.

(2) A HF/VHF/UHF hard wire install unit for your JK. When I pass my General Class test, I will buy a Yaesu FT-857D to hard wire in my JK. This radio provides
HF/VHF/UHF capabilities. 100W output for HF.

- While I like Yaesu, others on this board like ICOM or Kenwood radios. They are all good radios and I would get the advice of your local HAM club members as to what the "locals" use.

- You might want to consider buying slightly used radios to save a few bucks. Again, check with your local HAM club.

Best of luck.

KI6VBQ

 

FANTASTIC.....!!! Congrats and welcome for sure...!!!

As far as radios go, it all depends on what you are looking for. You can go inexpensive or go all out and get with the program right away.

If it was me, and seeing that you have your generals', and IF you can swing it, probably THE most popular mobile radio out there, for a do anything/go anywhere rig, is the Icom IC706....all new and old versions. They are pretty spendy new, but you can pick them up used for a little over half the price of a new one, especially the older ones which are still fantastic radios. This would enable you to have HF as well as VHV in your rig. Of course to take full advantage or this radio, you will need the right antenna/s as well, like a screwdriver or a few HAM Stick antennas. Also, if you plan on building a shack at your qth, then a 706 can also be used as a base with GREAT results. Use it in the JK and when you get home pull it out and plug it into a big antenna and sit in your easy chair and work the world.

If you only want to start out fairly cheap, then just get yourself a 2m mobile, or a dual band vhf/uhf.

Or if you want to have a rig that you can take out and walk (or bike?) with then a 2m, or dual band handheld might be what your looking for. You can get an adapter for an external antenna, and use your rubber duckie for when you're hiking. Oh btw, the Yaesu FT897 is also an all band radio. What's nice about it is you can get battery packs for it and also use it portable.

There are a WORLD of possibilities. What you really want to ask yourself is what band/s do you want to work on, and how much money do you want to spend to start off.

Right now, with the solar cycle picking up, 20m is about the best thing going as far as fantastic worldwide coms. But don't forget 40m. as at night 40m will allow you to talk all over your state and then some. If you feel that you may want to get into DX'ing, and having your Generals, you may not want to limit yourself to VHF/UHF.

Again, it's all about what you think you may want to get into right away. Most HAMS I know that are General or Extra class, find out pretty quick that HF is really the way to go to truly get into HAM radio. It's all up to you and what you find appealing.

Good Luck and Have Fun...!!!

 

Welcome General Class.

Just spend lots of $$$$$$ and have fun.

 

Get a radio that you can also receive you local police , here in NYC I got a rig with high end receive so I can listen to police in the car.

 

I'm jealous. I had to study for 5 months between getting my Technician and going back for my General. Extra is going to require about a year of study time for me.

Congratulations on knocking them both out at once!!!

Having gotten upgraded I quickly started researching mobile rigs. I had and still have a HT Yaesu VX-7R with a Diamond CR-320A on the tailgate. I am looking to install a FT-857D and a Scorpion 680 antenna.

HT or Mobile? That is a personal decision depending you.

1. Money. As always budget will dictate what you can or cannot get.
2. Where will you operate? HF? VHF/UHF? Repeaters? For HF you will have to get a mobile rig. If you will be on VHF/UHF a HT or dual band mobile will suit probably most of your needs.
3. Do you travel? I do. A LOT!!! After I get the FT-857 installed, the HT and Comet mag mount antenna will only be used as a travel system.
4. How much are you in your Jeep? If it's a weekend toy and a short commute daily driver, a mobile install will go greatly unused.

To get your feet wet I would suggest a HT. You can use it in the Jeep. You can also unplug the antenna and take it inside the house to explore settings, features and program freqs. With an installed mobile you have to be in the drivers seat to do anything.

Just my ideas and perspectives. Whatever you decide on, let us know and send pics of any installs. Everyday I redesign my upcoming install due to something I see or hear.

 

Congratulations on the new ticket I pulled my General last March and decided to install a dual band rig from Kenwood in the JK along with a TH-F6A HT (now if I could only get the XYL or YLs of the household to pull their ticket...):


(...before we get too far into it I've mounted the head unit using non-metallic fasteners through the panel and 3M VHB tape being mindful of collision implications...)

There is a Cobra 75WX ST 11M radio tucked in around the side.

I've run several bicycle events as a SAG using APRS to provide course position updates. The APRS position information comes from a Green Light Labs GPS unit.

I have a Yaesu FT-857D and 8800 mounted together in a rack as a "go rig" for camping and field use.

As with anything, you can find satisfaction in little and big dollar expenditures for amateur radio (e.g.; Just Empty Every Pocket).

Cheers!

p.s. - with your Amateur Radio license you are a third of the way towards becoming Overland Certified (Wilderness First Aid and Overland Certification course are the other parts)

 

here4fun, with the radio mounted there, does it affect the navigation system?
I was thinking about mounting mine either there or above the rearview mirror.
Just trying to deceide which radio I want to run.
Thanks.

 

Donnie,
The factory navigation and compass are not affected by the head being mounted there as it is mostly comprised of an aluminum base, non-metallic mounting hardware and plastic components. The transceiver is mounted remote via cables to the back area of the JK so all that is on the dash is a remote faceplate, the gps receiver stuck to the back and the mounting plate.

I hope this helps.