Ham novice question

[prepgirl]

So, if I do happen to pass my Ham test this summer
what is a good "starter kit" to get so to speak.

Is it best to buy used first?
Where are good places to shop?

[Leper]

The test is easy to pass. Go to Qrzed and take the practice test. Take it untill you get a 100 on it, then take the next test and do the same. Repeat untill you can pass all of the tests. I did that for three days, in my spare time, and passed the general test. BTW... I didn't wait until I had a100% score on all of them. High 90% worked for me. Set it up so you keep answering the question until you get it right. Then study the question and the correct answer. That is all.

For a starter, I would suggest a small 2m mobile(car) unit. Cheap and easy.

[C-ya]

I got my 2m handheld (handitalkie HT) and my HF rig from the classifieds on www.qrz.com. Start used, but do your research. I used www.eham.com and http://universal-radio.com/catalog/index2.html to research rigs. I started with my 2m HT, then got my HF mobile rig (which I use in the house). Talk to the club that you have local, and see if you can check out a few rigs and see what you like.

[Paladin]

There is generally no real savings in buying used ham equipment these days. The minimal amount you do save doesnt take into account the fact that you do not have a valid warranty, or the fact that there is use on the battery packs, for around a hundred and a half you can get a brand new HT (walkie talkie) and not much more for a moblie rig. Power supplies and some accessories that are not big ticket items are not bad used. HF rigs get expensive and you may save several hundred dollars but again, you risk not having a warranty. Antennas are a mixed bag, and are hit and miss used vs new... mobile antennas forget used... just not worth the headache... you can have the best radio in the world but a bad antenna will negate everything.Base antennas can get expensive and you can save a few bucks but MUST know what you are looking at and doing. And NEVER buy used COAX, if it has moisture in the dielectric it is SHOT and isnt worth a cent. I'm an Extra, and I agree with using the practice tests on QRZ instead of buying books and programs... you cant beat the cost and they work!

[MountainBear]

+1 on what Paladin said. Buying used probably won't save you much.

As you study for your test, you will learn the capabilities of ham. Make a list of criteria you would like to meet for shtf communications and then go find the equipment that will do it.

For example, for my comms, I wanted radios the would work on more than one band. As a result, my base unit covers all bands, and my car and HH units are at least dual if not tri-banders. To extend the range of my HH's, I purchased base and car units that could function as "repeaters" if necessary.

As you can see, choosing equipment for shtf may be a little different then ham's wanting to work competitions. Their main concern is working weak signals. Mine (ours) is streamlining communications and/or working under adverse conditions. My (our) criteria is more in line with the folks that work disaster comms.

It really is hard to find "junk" in ham. Operators have weeded out subpar manufacturers over the years since most hams are willing to build their own if they can't buy cheap and good! All of the top brands make quality stuff. Also, I have yet to find better prices than at Ham Radio Outlet.

[prepgirl]

I learned best from books, plus - my kiddos are going to be home schooled - so they can use them as "course" and get their license when they are ready as well.

My big question is - what is the minimum I need as a "starter" to get my foot in the ham radio world?
There is a local group near me that I will be meeting with. However, I adjunct teach at night (to buy preps!), so I haven't been able to make their meetings yet. Luckily, I have a break in my teaching schedule for a few weeks, so should be able to make a meeting.

[hiker]

Here is what I would recommend and others here may have different opinions.

1-Yaesu FT-7800 dual band radio--you can use this radio either as a base station or mobile

2-25Amp power supply I recommend Jetstream JTPS28-this is for inside the house to hook up your radio to

3-Arrow J-pole antenna OSJ-146/440-this is for using your radio as a base station

4-Hustler MX-270 mag mount antenna-this is when you use your radio in your car/truck

5-Pole to mount the Arrow antenna on

Most of everything listed you can order from either GigaParts or Ham Radio Outlet. If you need any more info, just send me a PM.

I hope this helps you out.

[prepgirl]

Hiker - exactly what I needed!

Thanks!

[Maat]

I too am starting down the comms/HAM path.

I went onto the http://www.qrzed.com/ website but don't see any way to get to the practice test. Have they changed the website? Do I have the wrong address?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Maat]

I think I found the correct site - http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl