WSEL330 Posted 10 hours ago Report Posted 10 hours ago I got my tech license recently and I am excited to get going. I have a HT and find it interesting but I am looking for a budget friendly base station for the general bands I am authorized to use. Budget friendly means under $800 for a radio that has room for me to grow and not limiting in a short time. Thank you in advance for your suggestions. P.S. I have Radioddity and BTech GMRS bases, Radioddity and Bufwang HT's. I am not brand loyal so..... Quote
SteveShannon Posted 10 hours ago Report Posted 10 hours ago Just now, WSEL330 said: I got my tech license recently and I am excited to get going. I have a HT and find it interesting but I am looking for a budget friendly base station for the general bands I am authorized to use. Budget friendly means under $800 for a radio that has room for me to grow and not limiting in a short time. Thank you in advance for your suggestions. P.S. I have Radioddity and BTech GMRS bases, Radioddity and Bufwang HT's. I am not brand loyal so..... Are you talking about UHF and VHF or HF which will allow you to grow? The Icom IC-7100 goes on sale from time to time for $899. It does all of the popular HF, VHF, and UHF amateur bands. The Yaesu FT-991A is another, but it’s incrementally more expensive. The color spectrum scope is nice though. If you’re really just talking about 2 meter and 70 cm, there are few purpose built “base stations” but many mobile stations that can easily be used in a fixed location. I would look at Icom, Yaesu, Alinco, and Kenwood, although it’s hard to find Kenwood now. Quote
WSEL330 Posted 10 hours ago Author Report Posted 10 hours ago 1 minute ago, SteveShannon said: Are you talking about UHF and VHF or HF which will allow you to grow? The Icom IC-7100 goes on sale from time to time for $899. It does all of the popular HF, VHF, and UHF amateur bands. The Yaesu FT-991A is another, but it’s incrementally more expensive. The color spectrum scope is nice though. If you’re really just talking about 2 meter and 70 cm, there are few purpose built “base stations” but many mobile stations that can easily be used in a fixed location. I would look at Icom, Yaesu, Alinco, and Kenwood, although it’s hard to find Kenwood now. My mistake, I am guilty of being vague. I am looking for a station which can reasonably handle all bands I have voice privileges on (6m and up). Agreed the spectrum scope seems helpful. I am initially interested in building antennas. The contact thing will be fun once I find folks on the air but I need to spend more time searching for traffic instead of just 'scanning'. I programed my HT with all local repeaters within 25 miles but only heard one organized net one time. I am investigating the local HAM clubs. Quote
SteveShannon Posted 9 hours ago Report Posted 9 hours ago 8 minutes ago, WSEL330 said: My mistake, I am guilty of being vague. I am looking for a station which can reasonably handle all bands I have voice privileges on (6m and up). Agreed the spectrum scope seems helpful. I am initially interested in building antennas. The contact thing will be fun once I find folks on the air but I need to spend more time searching for traffic instead of just 'scanning'. I programed my HT with all local repeaters within 25 miles but only heard one organized net one time. I am investigating the local HAM clubs. You also have SSB voice privileges on a portion of 10 meters: 28.300-28.500 MHz. Here’s the problem. VHF and UHF radio’s typically do not include 6 meters, even though 6 meters is technically VHF. But 6 meters is almost always included in HF radios, as is 10 meters. I would not try to buy a radio that includes just the bands you’re allowed. Quote
WSEL330 Posted 7 hours ago Author Report Posted 7 hours ago 2 hours ago, SteveShannon said: You also have SSB voice privileges on a portion of 10 meters: 28.300-28.500 MHz. Here’s the problem. VHF and UHF radio’s typically do not include 6 meters, even though 6 meters is technically VHF. But 6 meters is almost always included in HF radios, as is 10 meters. I would not try to buy a radio that includes just the bands you’re allowed. Noted, Sir. I think I will go with two radios with a price point that is palatable and play. Having said that, I will continue to actively work the bands with the HT on an aerial antenna. Thank you for your time again. I just didnt want to get a radio(s) that would be next to the treadmill and bread maker in the garage.... Quote
SteveShannon Posted 6 hours ago Report Posted 6 hours ago 52 minutes ago, WSEL330 said: Noted, Sir. I think I will go with two radios with a price point that is palatable and play. Having said that, I will continue to actively work the bands with the HT on an aerial antenna. Thank you for your time again. I just didnt want to get a radio(s) that would be next to the treadmill and bread maker in the garage.... Treadmills make great clothes hangers… A good way to get started is to pick up a Radioddity db20g and swap it to 2 meters and 70 cm. It’s inexpensive and versatile. Most people like them. It’s 20 watts but for those two bands that’s usually enough. Quote
WSEL330 Posted 1 hour ago Author Report Posted 1 hour ago Finally! Checked in on a local net and got to talk to real humans!!!!! Totally stoked, rabbit hole, here I come! Quote
WSEL330 Posted 50 minutes ago Author Report Posted 50 minutes ago how do you feel about the Btech UV-25X4? Quote
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