Old topic nut new user

[WSEL330]

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.....

[SteveShannon]

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.

[WSEL330]

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.

[SteveShannon]

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. 

[WSEL330]

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....

[SteveShannon]

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. 

[WSEL330]

Finally! Checked in on a local net and got to talk to real humans!!!!! Totally  stoked, rabbit hole, here I come!

[WSEL330]

how do you feel about the Btech UV-25X4?