Any amateur radio operators here?

Usually find myself too busy to unpack the HT, but I'm K8RFD.

 

I AM NOT A RODIO USER, BUT SURE WOULD LIKE TO LEARN!!! I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START. WHERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT??
PATMD

 

I've been combining ham radio and camping for many years. I usually work QRP CW on the HF bands. Here's the homebrew antenna I use with my 1999 Coleman Sante Fe:

http://www.qsl.net/wb3gck/puv2.htm

73, Craig WB3GCK

 

N8WSQ here!! Haven't had the radio out in quite awhile, though. Just seems like there is always something else going on.

 

KC8PNY here, I tote around a FT817 QRP Rig. Works out nicely.

 

Retired US Navy dit chaser. Had MARS call NNN0CYK.

 

N3MQM

 

I looked into a few years back and come to think of it, I don't know why I didn't go get my license.....Might have to look into again....

 

KF7IPW

 

KB0YGL in TX

 

AF5LO here in Sunny Texas. Anyone figure a rig for a popup? Thinking about an Icom 706 but in a quandary about a suitable antenna for HF 10-75m.

 

Great thread!! I'm gonna keep up with this one. I also want to know :

1) What I have to do to become an operator
2) What are the benefits of having one and being an operator.
3) Can you guys send pictures of your set-up?
4) Which radios are the best to have on a small budget but are just as effective? Sooooo many questions. Sorry.

 

You have to pass FCC exams to get licensed. They progress from easy to moderately difficult and are administered by what are called VE (Volunteer Examiners). You should be able to find study guides and test question pools online. Best place to start is http://www.arrl.org which is the American Radio Relay League. As to equipment, reviews are posted at EHam. They have a classified section and radios are also available on eBay. Buyer beware. As to new, you could try AES (Amateur Electronic Supply) and other outfits. The more knowledgable you get, the better you will be - don't want to get called a Lid!

73, AF5LO

 

KD0LRQ

I keep a Icom IC-Q7A HT in my truck.

 

KD5YZE here. I guess I will have to find, unpack, dust off my rig and see how to set up in the pup. That means I will have to rig up some sort of antenna to talk off of. Just bought my pup and had not thought of the radio. Good idea, thanks...

 

I use an Icom 706 mkIIg, LDG Z100 tuner with a 20m dipole. The rig is wired directly to the battery.

http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b166/AnthonyYak/Ham%20radio/

 

KE5BNR

I mostly use it for storm chasing and only have technician class license. I usually do take my HT camping just in case.

 

KD0JLU (General) Checking in....I have a Kenwood 261 in the Jeep and a Wouxan K2 for an HT. I have a 1988 Starcraft Comet SD.

 

KF5CKB
WQNL489 (GMRS)

73