I have always had the desire to get my license, but was never able to learn morse code. It might be different this time around, but since code is no longer a requirement, I decied to give it a try. The first available testing date in my area was going to be on the 21st of September. I've had a fairly good grasp of electronics, so all that was needed was to become familiar with the rules of amateur radio. Rather than getting any sort of study guide, I started taking tests online to see how I would do. I found out by taking the tests repeatedly, my scores got consistently better. So between the 17th and the 21st I took the test many times. And on the 21st, I went to Ames to take the test. I passed the Technician, but not the General. I hadn't studied for the General, so that really wasn't a surprise. What was a surprise was that I only missed it by one question.
So using the same techniques, I studied for and passed the General portion of the exam 5 days later.
On the 27th of September 2013, I was granted a Technician class license by the FCC to operate radios on those portions of the radio spectrum permitted by that class. Unfortunately, due to the government shutdown, I didn't actually receive my General class ticket until the 18th of October.
To get my feet wet, I purchased a Baofeng UV-82 HT online. This is in the same family as the UV-5R HT's. I picked this one because it had slightly higher output, a larger battery, and was just generally larger and easier for me to handle. This radio is definitely not in the same class as the Yeasu's, Icoms, and all the other fine equipment out there. But as a starter radio, as long as you go into it with your eyes open, I was quite pleased. Using an external antenna, I'm able to hit the local repeaters from my apartment on only 5 watts. Which is a major feat in itself due to my location. If you choose to go the Baofeng route, the best thing you can do is to get the programming cable and use a computer and CHIRP to set up your radio. I was never able to get the actual Baofeng software to work. CHIRP worked well.
Not long after, I picked up an Alinco DR-635T. I realized I needed a true mobile radio for my car. Again, this is not in the same class as the high-end radios, but I've not had any trouble with it. This is a dual band 2 meter/70 centimeter unit that will receive the full VHF HI/UHF spectrum plus Airband. One nice feature is that you can remove the face from the radio and put the chasis in a remote location. There is a "kit" for this, but I took the diy approach. Turns out that you can make your own extension cable from some inexpensive silver 6 wire phone cord and a couple ends. I also made a mount for the head from some black 1/4 inch PVC sheeting I have. Threw in a couple external speakers, and came up with an acceptable way to have the radio in the car without having to drill or cut to mount it. The added benefit is that I can pull the head and chasis from the car, reassemble it, and use it as a base unit. I can recommend the RT Systems programming software and cable for this radio. Makes setting it up a simple operation. I can also recommend RT Systems for their tech support. The first cable I received turned out to be bad. Together we were able to diagnose it in short order and they sent out a replacement overnight at no cost to me.
I'd like to get into HF. But I have what you'd call a very limited budget. That combined with living in an apartment complex that does not permit external antennas presents unique challenges. I do have my eye on the Peaberry V2 kit sdr radio. I have plenty of computers around to use it with, and with the addition of a kit based linear amplifier, I think it might be a respectable way to start.
I've always enjoyed tinkering with electronics, so I think this hobby will provide a great outlet for that. To that end, I've already done a couple projects. But those will be subjects of other entries.
73
Steve
KDØWSW
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