(Part 2) Best products from r/amateurradio

No matter what you do, it's always better to start small. Start small, make small mistakes. Start big, make big mistakes. The important thing is to experience a little of everything while spending as little as possible. Then, you can make your money go further, to maximize your fun and experience.

Don't get all-in-one radios. They're expensive, and if you break something, nothing works. It's better to get a bunch of separate radios that are a lot cheaper, so if something breaks, you're not off the air.

u/ElectronSpiderwort recommended a Kenwood TM-D710GA:

• Kenwood TM-D710G, Kenwood TM-D710GA APRS Mobile Radio
  
  Absolutely consider getting this radio. Even if you get other radios, you will still love this one. You can do so many different things with it, it will keep you busy for a long, long time, even if that were the only radio you got. My favorite feature is the ability to send text messages. You can even send to cellphones via email. Each phone company has an email alias for SMS messages, so search for the SMS email address for the particular phone (phone company) you want to reach, and you can send text messages to that phone even the user is not licensed. They can watch your travel on a map if they want to see where you are.
  
  It's an expensive radio, but you can save a lot of money buying it used. People take care of these things, so you should have no trouble finding one in near-new condition. Buy two, one for your vehicle and one for home.
  
  A Mirage B-320-G 200 watt 2 meter amplifier is the only amplifier you will ever need, if you need one at all. It will work equally well with a handheld, or a mobile radio, and at 200 watts, it's not in the price-capability region where it's cheaper to just buy a dedicated high-power radio. You can buy it for a mobile, or buy it for a handheld, and eventually use it for both. It actually puts out about 240 watts at full power. That's impressive, and way more than you will ever need. If you put lower input power, it outputs lower power, so it basically covers everything, which is awesome.
  
  One HF radio I would like to have is a Motorola Micom 3, because it can work any HF frequency, and it does a great job of it, but it's almost $8000 with no accessories:
  
  
• motorola micom - Google Search
  
  Marine is a big part of life in Maine, and having access to marine frequencies could be helpful. I have forgotten if a Micom is type accepted for marine used, but if it is, you might save money by getting one. It's as good mobile as it is at home, and there's even a backpack version if that's your thing.
  
  A Motorola APX 8000 handheld costs about as much as a new Micom at $7000+, but you get 4 bands and lots of features. I would prefer to get a Yaesu FT-60R with the AA NiMH pack. It's cheap, works great, and it's designed for AA NiMH batteries! I currently use a Kenwood TH-F6A, which is much more expensive with amazingly fast scanning speed on 2 receivers simultaneously, but the radios I use the most are Motorola MT352R FRS radios I can buy nearly new after holidays for about $23 each (people return them and they get sold as "open box" or refurbished for half price). The performance beats any ham radios I have ever used, and they're so cheap you can loan them out like candy. I keep them in plastic bags so they're always clean and new, and nearly waterproof. They are also designed for AA NiMH! AA batteries are important. See r/AAMasterRace.
  
  I have a nice selection of fine quality BNC telescoping antennas tuned to all the frequencies I care about, from Smiley Antennas. Put a low profile BNC adapter on your new radio as soon as you get it, and get those big antennas from Smiley. The Kenwood TH-F6A goes down to 0.050 watts, so with a big antenna, you save battery above all. People think of antennas as being for a lot of various purposes, but they don't often think of battery life, because most radios can't go as low as the Kenwood TH-F6A. With the big antenna, the low power gets out just fine, and no matter how rich you are, batteries are bulky and heavy and it's always better if you don't need more of them. I got the biggest 2 meter and 440 MHz antennas Smiley makes. I got their tri-band antenna, and antennas tuned for FRS, MURS, marine, and probably a few other things I have forgotten. Be sure to mark your antennas so you know what frequencies they're tuned for.
  
  An ADS-SR1 simplex repeater with the larger memory option will get a lot more use out of all your handheld radios and mobile. It runs on AA batteries, and it has a voicemail system. It's not a lot of money to greatly expand your capability.
  
  I want an MTR3b_LCD, because it's the only radio small enough to EDC that can go around the world, on 40, 30, and 20 meters. Nobody else has a smaller, more capable radio. The radio, the antenna, and batteries, will all fit in your back pocket. Ridiculously amazing.
  
  Contact K1EL and tell him to make a Morse code keyer that emulates a USB keyboard, so you can practice Morse code in your routine PC usage at 45 WPM. You will become an expert very quickly that way.
  
  Begali Adventure Mono will work equally well portable as it does on a desk. If you buy one key, this will do it all. Don't get a 2-lever iambic key, they suck. All the fastest Morse code operators use single lever keys. NOBODY codes faster with an iambic key. NOBODY. I have no idea why people think they must have this useless feature. Palm Pico Single, N3ZN-SL (single lever), American Morse Equipment Mini-B, and any nice touch key, would round out your collection of keys. Again, avoid iambic 2 lever keys like the plague. They are poison.
  
  An Elecraft KX3 (10 watts) with a KXPA100 (100 watts), and a KPA500 (500 watts), along with all the other accessories like a PX3 (SDR waterfall display) etc, will cover all of your regular ham radio HF needs, from portable QRP, to high power at 500 watts. You will have a lot of flexibility with this setup, and it's not super expensive. The best part is Elecraft gear has a high resale value, so you will have no trouble dumping it if you decided it's not for you.
  
  If you like luxury gear, take a look at Elecraft's other radios. You might decide to buy nothing but Elecraft. A lot of people do, and Elecraft has rightfully earned that loyalty.
  
  Airspy HF+ SDR. It's the most bang for your buck, and outperforms most radios at any price, but it only costs about $160, if I remember correctly. You can never have too many inexpensive, high quality receivers.
  
  RTL-SDR. It's $30, and does everything up to gigahertz range with mediocre quality, which is what you would expect from a receiver that costs 5 times as much. This thing is versatile. When you just need to test something, or monitor something extra on the side, these are handy. Many people own 2 or more. I like to dedicate mine to monitoring FRS frequencies, because I wouldn't want to dedicate a more expensive receiver to such a low job. An RTL-SDR is probably the smartest first purchase you can make, especially if you believe in my "start small" philosophy. Even when you go big, you will still find uses for these things.
  
  
• AmazonSmile: RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U 1PPM TCXO SMA Software Defined Radio with 2x Telescopic Antennas: Electronics
  
• AmazonSmile: BlueRigger USB 2.0 Type A Male to A Female Active Extension/Repeater Cable - 32FT (10M): Gateway (get 2 maximum for each RTL-SDR)
  
  You need test equipment, like dummy loads, watt meters, SWR meters, antenna analyzers, etc. And power supplies. You need to know what your equipment is doing or not doing.
  
  Get a nice antenna system. You don't need to spend a lot of money at first, but antennas should be on your mind while you're selecting radios. Antennas make or break your station, regardless of what radios you have.
  
  That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure you will have a lot of fun shopping for new gear!

The Kenwood is going to be a higher quality radio but it won't like gain you much as far as distance on the TX. Gotta start with a better antenna.

the Baofeng is a fine enough radio and at such a cheap price it's hard to go wrong. A buddy has the UV 82 and the earlier one, the UV5. The difference is really minimal as far as output and general performance.

If it were me, for my type of use, I'd go with the cheaper UV 5 and a decent Nagoya antenna. Even better, this UV82 is cheaper yet.

If you're going hand held the Nagoya will be best. If you're inside build a copper J-Pole and put it on your home somewhere high for even better performance. If the J-pole is too much a simple ground plane can be soldered together super easily and will get you great performance as well.

Summary, the HT performance for distance is more about ANTENNA!

How far away is your closest repeater according to RepeaterBook etc?

To use a 4W HT (doesn't actually emit a full 4W BTW) in your situation you may need to resort to making a Yagi beam antenna. Something like this https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/9ggxhr/2m_yagi_v2_with_improved_feed_point_and/ though I'm not sure I'd recommend my exact plan for making one. (It works but it's a bit shoddy and doesn't fold up.)

A J antenna is also good and is omnidirectional but also involves getting at least 2m of coax (it's not a handheld antenna design, though it's easy to make with twin lead "tv antenna" cable and some cutting/soldering), some twin lead cable, and some SMA connectors.

Getting a 25W or better "mobile" (car type) UHF/VHF radio like https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-UV-25X4-Tri-Band-Mobile-Radio/dp/B06XCDWT6V/ with a reasonably well elevated J antenna is also an option that isn't too horribly expensive if you don't want to "QRP" around with 4W.

You might also want to use this http://www.hillmap.com/ as an easy way to figure out if you have any hills between you and repeaters around you. (This will show you a profile in a line between point A and B, but doesn't do radio propagation modeling. For that there's some other software called Radio Mobile.)

But basically even the best whip antenna isn't going to make it that far with a 4W HT unless you're on top of a mountain or something.

Welcome to the sub! Congrats on passing your Tech.

First up pick up an RTLSDR, these are great little receivers that will cover 30MHz-1700MHz which covers a tremendous swathe of spectrum. Definitely check out the different types of antennas you can make over on Antenna-Theory, the RTL-SDR blog and /r/rtlsdr

Then if you want to transmit on the post popular amateur bands for techs (which are local to your area) pick up a VHF/UHF Baofeng radio like a UV-B5, UV-82 or UV-5R. Not a whole lot of difference between any of them; I think the UV-B5 is the better one, since it has a better antenna and a rotary encoder. But it's very much up to you as to what you get (style > substance after all :) ).

Now from there its a question of what where you are. City? Rural? Nearby airport? Ports or ocean?

Edit: I should start linking to the wiki more often: Baofeng radios and Your First Radio are good places to start.

At that budget level, you're going to be looking at more budget oriented radios from the likes of Baofeng, TYT, QYT, Leixn, and the other assorted Chinese manufacturers. The one you mentioned is not a bad choice, so let's run with that...

• Radio - $128.86
  
  
• 8Ah SLA battery - $17.77
  
  -or-
  
  
• 20Ah SLA battery if you don't mind the extra size and weight - $38.00
  
  
• Battery charger - $21.85
  
  
• You'll need an antenna. I'm guessing you don't have a vehicle to attach a mobile antenna too, so I'd recommend something that attaches directly to the back of the radio, like this antenna. I actually have one and it's surprisingly decent for the price. - $12.99
  
  
• You'll need a right angle PL-259 to BNC adapter to properly attach this antenna to your radio - $7.49
  
  side note: For a mag mount antenna, the Tram 1185 is a good cheap option at $21.63
  
  additional side note: Neither one of these antennas I mentioned is tri band capable, they're dual band 2m/70cm only. Tri band 2m/1.25/70cm antennas are considerably more expensive. Unless there's regular 1.25m activity in your area, you may wish to reconsider your need for having this band.
  
  Total: $188.96 or $209.19 if you choose the 20Ah battery option.
  
  Use whatever is left over for a case. A nice Pelican will probably consume the rest of your budget. Or you could go down to your local sporting goods store and browse the handgun cases there. You'll probably be able to find something good for $15-30 and have a few bucks left over. I found this 4 pistol case at my local Sportsmans Warehouse, it's cheap, reaonably well built, and is a pretty good size. I can fit a small army of handheld radios and associated paraphernalia in mine, so it should be big enough to hold a mobile rig plus battery.
  

The numbers stations you can pick up depend a lot on your location. I love my little Sony ICF-SW7600GR, and have listened to numbers stations on it. The numbers stations I hear are Cuban ones. A shortwave will let you listen in on pretty much anything. I've heard aircraft navigation beacons, conversations between hams, Morse code chatter, world band international programming, and Coast Guard contacts with distressed boaters. If you do get a shortwave before getting licensed, the book Passport to World Band Radio is well worth getting. It contains guide charts to international broadcasts you can tune in, and includes reviews of various shortwave radios you might consider purchasing.

You do know that in a properly executed numbers station, the code they use is uncrackable? Not uncrackable as in really difficult, but as in mathematically impossible. Don't let that detract from your desire, though. Listening in is still fun, and I think the uncrackable nature makes the code that much more mysterious. It is fun to spend an evening listening to the code, and let your imagination run wild as to what message, if anything, the spies in the field are getting. I've done it.

Have you heard of the Conet Project? It's a 4 CD recording of categorized numbers stations! The publisher has made it freely available for download, and encourages P2P distribution, so you can grab it from The Pirate Bay, or directly from the publisher's site. If you download from the publisher's site, don't forget to grab the PDF booklet, too.

I need help choosing my first radio. I want to get it just after my exam in late December (after Christmas) so that I can order it right after I get my license (hopefully!). I've narrowed it down to 4 radios. I'm on a bit of a budget, so that's why I'm going really cheap.

1. [Baofeng UV-5RA] (http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5RA-136-174-Dual-Band-Transceiver/dp/B009MAKWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408887006&sr=8-)
   
   
2. [BaoFeng UV-5RE] (http://www.amazon.com/Dual-Band-Improved-Stronger-Enhanced-Features/dp/B00C83AU9S/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1408887006&sr=8-5&keywords=ham+radio)
   
   
3. [Baofeng UV5R] (http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5R-136-174-400-480-Dual-Band/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1408887006&sr=8-3&keywords=ham+radio)
   
   
4. [BaoFeng UV-5RB] (http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5RA-136-174-Dual-Band-Transceiver/dp/B009MAKWC0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408887006&sr=8-1&keywords=ham+radio)
   
   This list is in no particular order but I would prefer to get the UV-RE because I want the emergancy alerts and the flashlight (I'm not sure if any of the other ones have those).
   
   I have also found what seems to be a [good, cheap antenna] (http://www.amazon.com/NAGOYA-NA-771-Antenna-BAOFENG-KG-UVD1P/dp/B00BY3XN7E), an NA-771, but I would like to know if there are any better, cheaper ones out there that connect to the radios I stated above.
   
   My price range for everything is about $45, but I will go to $55 if I have to. I would also be open to any better radios out there that are within my price range. Thanks in advance for your help!
   
   Tl;dr - I need a $45 radio and I need you guys to help me decide on one, or lean me towards another one.

TxSurfer,

I would recommend something like a Tecsun PL-660 if you don't want to spend too much money. Check http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004H9C4JK/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004H9C4JK&linkCode=as2&tag=swlcom01-20

The Sony ICF-SW7600GR is also nice. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IS4X/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006IS4X&linkCode=as2&tag=swlcom01-20

If you can spend money like in the $300 - $500 range look for a used Kenwood R5000 or Icom IC-71A or Icom R-75. Those are all really good recievers as well and many times you can find them for a bargain under $500. It all depends on your budget. I would recommend reading about them a bit first before you decide so that you can get the features that you want. But those radios are my general recommendation.

Hope that helps! 73! de Nick N9SJA

I got started by using the ARRL technician class manual. You can then find yourself a testing session and get your first license. With your background you may want to go ahead and test up to General class. Even if you decide not to study for the General exam, your test administrator will probably ask you whether you want to take the General exam once you pass the Technician exam. I recommend doing it. It paid off for me.

Once you're there, you might want to get involved with a local club, as others have said. Maybe get a VHF/UHF rig (my first was an HT) and make some friends on the local repeaters. If you get a license that gives you HF privileges, there is a lot to explore in the HF world. I enjoy building my own HF antennas out of wire. You might be interested in some of the digital modes, such as PSK31, which you can run using just your computer with a sound card and software such as fldigi. You might be interested in getting involve with your local ARES group, which aims to be ready to provide communications in emergencies.

There's a huge range of things to do. I recommend spending some time just trying to learn what's out there and get an idea of what interests you.

Yeah. I'll admit. I did my research about the Baofeng radios. I was going to get a couple of these. But I read somewhere that the UV-B5s were improved and much better.

I initially thought to myself, "So I'm getting an improvement on something that was a piece of junk. So I'm getting a piece of junk that is slightly better than the other piece of junk."

I was completely wrong. Sure, I use my Yeasu FT-7900 when I'm in my Jeep. But when I'm at home I use the UV-B5 exclusively to hit the repeaters nearby. I'm in Charleston, I can hit the USS Yorktown repeater, both MUSC repeaters, a 70cm repeater down the road a piece and another two meter repeater 'round the way a bit. These are great radios.

I've also used these radios helping out with hour annual bridge run, they did great.

1. Awesomeness! I ended up getting a Super Antenna MP1DXTR80 portable vertical when I bought the radio. If it doesn't work out, though, I'll definitely check out this loop!
   
2. Great minds think alike! =)
   
3. That's the route I'd probably take as well.
   
4. Yes, very nice.
   
5. PM'ed you, begging for more pics! =)

If you can find this book at your local library, or from a local ham, it is definitely one of the best single sources out there. It's complex in places, but you can skim through the math without losing a lot of the big-picture theory.

>How is it being reflected back?

It is very much the same mechanism that causes light to bend, and a small portion of it to be reflected, by a smooth water surface. A difference of impedance with an electrical wave is very much like the difference in refractive index between air and water when dealing with light.

> How do I do these calculations myself?

I don't bother doing them by hand, as the math is a bugger. This calculator usually works nicely for approximating it.

>I am also having a hard time understanding how impedance is even a variable since we are dealing with DC and not AC.

We are most definitely working with AC. The power to your radio might be DC, but when it leaves the antenna jack, it is Alternating Current that is switching back and forth at whatever frequency you're operating at. If you were to put an oscilloscope on the output of your radio, the only difference between the wave pattern it produced, and the wave pattern produced by mains AC would be the frequency and voltage.

FRS is legal for business, its basically a 'citizens band' and can be used by anyone for anything as long as they obey the legal limits of frequency and power etc.

HOWEVER, if you use it then, you can't get mad when kids in their backyard are interrupting your radios and you hear them come out of your speakers when talking to customers. They have just as much right on that frequency as anyone else so keep that in mind.

But, if you want really cheap and for just in-building use then FRS or GMRS is probably fine. Lots of businesses use them ok. Make sure you get some that have PL/privacy codes, that can help quite a bit. FRS/GMRS radios would probably be much more likely to work if you were using them in an area where there is not much in the way of housing such as a business district or downtown etc.

The Motorola MS350R/MT350R's are pretty much the best radios available these days if you go the FRS/GMRS route.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PGM9PO
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MT350R-FRS-Weatherproof-Two-Way/dp/B0072LAAA0
https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MR350R-35-Mile-22-Channel-Two-Way/dp/B001UE6MJ8

They also support hand-mics, ear mic's and other accessories which might be handy in a work environment like you describe.

If I was buying piecemeal, I would buy...

• FT-450D $750
  
• Pyramid 30amp switching psu ~$80
  
• DX-CC Fan Dipole $180
  
• 50' rg8x feedline $20
  
  total ~ $1030
  
  So youd save ~$200, but you also wouldnt be getting the LDG tuner ... which is likely where the cost difference is. IMO you dont need the LDG tuner, the built in ATU + fan dipole that is resonant on multiple bands will get you operating on 80,40,20,10 (and maybe even 6).
  
  Alternatively, you can build very simple 40/20 fan dipole for MUCH cheaper than the DX-CC (like ... $50?) so it really depends how much you want it to work "out of the box".
  
  FWIW i bought the dx-cc when i bought my first HF rig (an FT-897d) because I didnt want to mess with antenna stuff a ton before getting on the air. I've been very happy with it.
  
  
  
  edit:
  
  to clarify, I think you are better off spending money on an antenna than you are on a tuner.

What's your budget? :-)


For starters I'm a big fan of the btech units. I recommend a dual band or a tri band unit. I've been using this and it's quite good:


https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-UV-25X4-Tri-Band-Mobile-Radio/dp/B06XCDWT6V/

They're not bad for $130.


However, make sure you:

• get a triband or dualband antenna! I have a Comet dual-band vertical antenna on my roof for 2m/70cm FM operation.
  
• get a decent 13.8v power supply for home! I picked up the analog meter version of this a couple years ago and run almost everyone on my desk from it: https://www.amazon.com/TekPower-TP30SWV-Digital-Switching-Supply/dp/B00L2K263Q/ . It's $140 but it's well worth the money.
  
  • but obviously i only transmit from one at a time, purely to not burn out the power supply.
    
• get good coax! For VHF/UHF you wanna get LMR-400 to minimise loss over longer distance coax runs.
  
• get a SWR meter that'll do VHF/UHF as the output amplifier will overheat and burn out if you run it into a badly matched antenna. I er, burnt out the dual band version of the above when I got my technician ticket - I was used to more spendy radios that have mismatch protection (ie, reduce output power) but this radio doesn't.
  
• get the PC programming cable for it.
  
  Once you get more familiar with the radio-y bits you can look at the kenwood, yaesu, icom, alinco, etc VHF/UHF units. There are some very nice ones but you want to know what you're doing so you don't make them unhappy. It's better to learn that on a $130 radio.

Sounds like an HT would be a good first addition.

• Baofeng UB-82 - Dual band HT, great for local communication, repeater access, etc etc. You can also monitor other public service frequencies/weather band. $37.50
  
• Handheld mic for the Baofeng - Nice if you keep it on your desk in a charger, or if the radio is clipped to a bag or something, you can still access the mic (it's also a speaker). $6.37
  
• USB Programming Cable - Easily program memory channels with your computer. $20.46
  
• Upgraded antenna for the HT - This one is pretty big, plenty on Amazon of various size which will vary in performance, but anything should be better than the stock antenna. $16.99
  
  Well that's $81.32. Remaining could be spent on an extra battery, a power cable for the car etc etc.

The Anytone mobile rigs are really good for the price, and supported by CHIRP for programming.

https://www.amazon.com/AnyTone-Transceiver-AT-5888UV-Amateur-Radio/dp/B00B1F7IEE/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542630873&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=anytone+at-5888uv&psc=1

And the tri-band version if you have a 220 repeater in the area.

https://www.amazon.com/AT-5888UV-III-Tri-Band-136-174Mhz-400-490Mhz/dp/B07DZKH6G3/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542630913&sr=8-3&keywords=anytone+at-5888uv+iii

I have the dual band AT-5888U and I love it, it is my favorite mobile rig for the price, full featured and easy to use and program. Comes with the programming cable and a mount for the remote head.

I'd take the money you'd spend on an 8w HT and go with a 4 or 5w HT and a better antenna.
It'll get much better results.
Something like a roll up slim jim J pole is a great antenna for portable and even base use.
A simple Baofeng like this one is decent.
Jus know that more than half of Baofengs don't meet FCC spurious emissions regulations compliance. Buy at your own risk.

I originally thought it'd be fun to be able to talk with my friend who lives in a neighborhood about a mile away from me. After scratching the surface of two way radios, I soon found out that might not be so easy. I've looked at Midland, Uniden, Motorola, etc. And I just can't decide which would be a good option. So, my question to all you folks is, what two way radio should I be considering? I would love the option of NOAA access in the event of an emergency but it's not necessary. I'm also not looking to spend too much.

This keeps coming up as an option. Should I be reluctant or just go for it? Any better options?

Thanks in advance for at least reading.

Hello from across the strait! Victoria here.

No worries, here are the parts I used:

Fuse Box
[Switches (available in other colours, look at the similar items)] (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01APBAQSE/)
12V Lighter Ports
Voltmeter
Inverter
Battery Charger (external)

I snagged the last battery charger they had in stock for $50, looks like the price available now is significantly higher. I'd recommend shopping around. Everything else is a basic part, and of course could be easily replaced. Just make sure your switches are rated for the amperage you're going to draw from them, and that the fuses are rated the same or less than the load you put on.


Best of luck, and don't forget to post your build when you're done!

Thanks for the reply! This looks pretty great. This is cheap and does the job.
How does this one look?

http://www.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-RTL2832U-Popular-Software-Packages/dp/B00C37AZXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408850993&sr=8-1&keywords=USB+sdr+tuner#cm_cr_dpwidget

or

http://www.amazon.com/Receiver-Previously-Compatible-Packages-Guaranteed/dp/B009U7WZCA/ref=pd_sim_e_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1GTFVRQ2YBC6P749ZN8T

Since you mentioned talking with local hams while riding a bike:

Baofeng UV-5r

External mic

This antenna mounted to a metal plate on a rear bike rack, or this antenna and you can just strap the radio to a back pack or your belt.

And you'll need a programming cable.
Use Chirp to program in all of the local repeaters as well as the 2m calling frequency and any other freqs you might want to use.

I didn't do the math, but that's well under $100 (probably around $50 in fact). You can also use the mag mount antenna on your car for mobile ops, I've been doing this for a while, and it works great, but I am finally upgrading to a real mobile with a more proper mobile whip.

you know what might be a GREAT idea that would cost you 15 bucks.

Go totally on the sly and get your Technican license. Dont go buy expensive crap yet.

Buy this
http://www.amazon.com/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Arrl/dp/0872590976/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320626578&sr=8-2
read it cover to cover without her seeing

then go here

hamexam.com

When you got the questions down (it took me a week mild study)
go here

http://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/search

and Viola!

that is how yours truly went from zero to third level (Extra) in like 4 months.

THAT would be a present I would appreciate.

Welcome, fellow codeless extra!

Me and two of my friends did zero to extra in the same session. Can only imagine what the VEs thought.

youtube channels, david casler's is a good one to cover the basics of what you've already been tested on. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaBtYooQdmNzq63eID8RaLQ

Read the Gordon West books, they're a pretty light and simple introduction to the various concepts. Find an elmer to help guide you. And don't be afraid to make mistakes.

low cost beginner radio, the UV-5R V2+ https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HX03AMA/ and /r/Baofeng to ask questions about your potato.

I have a Grundig G3 Globe Traveler that I like a lot. It's a very simple but versatile multiband receiver. Covers the popular HF frequencies as well as shortwave, am and fm. AND it can rx ssb. Catching a few qsos and psk rag chews with this little guy got me back into radio.

edited to add: Looks like the G3 isn't in production anymore, but this little sony number seems to be about the same: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICF-SW7600GR-Shortwave-Receiver-Reception/dp/B00006IS4X/ref=pd_cp_e_0

While we're throwing random products out there, I got the Comet SMA-24 antenna for my FT-60 and I am loving it. The Signal Stick is definitely more flexible though.

Just make sure the connector is compatible. Some HTs have female SMA connectors, while others have female.

Edit: Ain't she purrdy?

I was reading some of the questions on the the Baofeng Amazon page. Some were saying that although they could broadcast on FRS, it is considered illegal to because they are higher power than FRS? So, I am under the impression that the Baofeng isn't exactly a simple handheld to handheld option. Having the ability to listen in to local police/fire/EMS and other information has piqued my interest.

 

Would it be possible to have legal handheld to handheld communication like during caravans/convoys/general use for around 1 mile with the Baofeng? The more that I'm trying to look into it, the more it seems that If I want to listen in to the above and/or find other things to listen to, get the Baofeng, but I won't ever be able to use it to transmit. I'm under the impression that I would never be able to transmit because of this thread from 2 months ago on this sub. I see several posts saying that all the frequencies are in use and should never be transmitted on. How and what do you guys transmit then, if all frequencies are in use?

To meet my physical needs, I'd need to purchased something like the Midland GXT1000VP4

Check out this laptop for the computer part. Also I recommend this antenna kit since it is very portable. A long as you are doing mostly digital modes, check out this SDR which may be all you need if 5 watts is ok. They have a 50W amplifier too that is pretty small if needed. Those three items are together less then half your budget :)

I would say 1.25m or 70cm. If one or both of you can put an antenna up in the air a bit (just TV antenna height, nothing fancy) you should be able to talk to each other easily.

For maximum communications you could go for directional antennas pointed at each other.

VHF, UHF, and above only requires a Technician level license (lowest tier) in the US, which is very easy to study for and get. Hamstudy.org is bloody great for getting you to memorize all the answers and pass the test.

----

as for the economic side of things, a Baofeng UV-5R V2+ should be more than good enough, and you can pick one up for $34 off Amazon. The UV-5R does 2m and 70cm,

Gecko45 is that you?

You'll be the guy/girl at work that is "too good" for the standard equipment and your coworkers/boss might react badly. Do you really want to be "that guy"?

FRS frequencies are 0.5 watts from a handheld, not 2 watts. You'd be using 10 times the legal power. It also means the battery will go dead 10 times faster while transmitting.

MURS would go through walls better then FRS. CB would go through walls better then MURS, but CB needs an 8 foot tall antenna to be efficient so it isn't practical.

My suggestion, get this: https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-MURS-V1-Manufacturing-Personal-Business/dp/B075VBP9YG/

It is the only Baofeng that is type accepted by the FCC for MURS. It's also cheap.

You won't need the programming cable as these are set correctly for MURS out of the box.

Amazon has trouble keeping them in stock because they are powerful for a handheld and US-legal without a liscense.

It will only work to other MURS radios, so you'll want 2 of them.

All handheld rubber duck style antennas are really more resistors than they are radiators. That "tactical" antenna does not even state what frequency they are designed for - probably not the amateur 2M band - so I would not spend that money.

A half wave vertical dipole antenna would be the most effective but that would be too long (3.2') for your backpack.

The next best possibility would be a proper 1/4 wave handheld antenna - they are about 16" tall or so, something like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Comet-Original-SMA-24-Dual-Band-Antenna/dp/B0053QEJHG

​

(PS: it is Yaesu, not Yeasu).

Hopefully you can find some used Yaesu, Kenwood, or other gear reasonably. I bought a new Flexradio years ago for near $2,000 and it's a fantastic setup for HF tied to a computer.

​

Here's a Yaesu FT-950 used on ebay UK for £525:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yaesu-FT-950-HF-50-MHz-Amateur-Radio-Transceiver/163747658969?hash=item26201efcd9:g:rbAAAOSwXzldDgPM

​

Here's something from Amazon UK new for under £ 700

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yaesu-FT-450D-Transceiver-Automatic-Filtering-Black/dp/B004SHVZBO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=hf+radio&qid=1562416539&s=gateway&sr=8-3

One big thing that no one else has mentioned is that even if all of the staff did get amateur licenses, you cannot use amateur bands for commercial purposes. I would strongly consider a MURS radio in your case if a commercial license won't be considered by your employer. I use MURS radios frequently and I've had a lot of luck with them. Check out this handheld: https://smile.amazon.com/BTECH-MURS-V1-Manufacturing-Personal-Business/dp/B075VBP9YG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524595798&sr=8-3&keywords=MURS+radio

You may also have luck dealing with a local company that can sell you better radios. We use commericial Kenwoods that have been locked to MURS Blue Dot.

Getting a better antenna is well worth it. I went from only having two or three miles range to having 15 with a better antenna. I got the two antennas listed below when I ordered my Baofeng.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C4ZBM38/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DTQ4A6M/

Please use clean amazon links, or else reddit flags the message. Thanks.

https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-300W-Power-Inverter-Adapter/dp/B004MDXS0U/

Yes, if he also gets the BNC adapter, I ended up getting the adapters for my Nagoya. much easier to change to another antenna like http://www.amazon.com/Original-Hypario-Antenna-baofeng-Sma-Female/dp/B00DTQ4A6M?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 with this http://www.amazon.com/2pcs-coaxial-coax-adapter-female/dp/B00CVQK466?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02 and this http://www.amazon.com/Valley-SMA-Male-BNC-Adapter/dp/B00AWELKJE?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

Longer is not always better. Or legal in this case. You (probably) need a license first. FRS are certainly not legally modifiable, but GMRS antennas are but it's not usable without a GMRS license.

That didn't stop me as a kid. I thought longer was better. Turns out that broke the RF power amp.

What you want is something that is designed for the frequency, usually a quarter wave (or about 16 cm). You can cheaply buy such antennas. Use search terms like "UHF antenna" "Land mobile" "450 470 MHz". For example. Trim that, stick it on a cookie sheet, and toss it on the roof.

You'll need a proper adapter as well.

But it's probably not legal. I'm not a lawyer though.

I was thinking more like one of these http://www.amazon.com/RTL-SDR-DVB-T-Stick-RTL2832U-R820T/dp/B00C37AZXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412096375&sr=8-1&keywords=software+defined+radio that is $8.25 to get into things a little. Not sure it interfaces with the Sound card or not. If I decide it's something I like I could see investing more though.

Thanks

The ARRL book is great: http://www.amazon.com/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Arrl/dp/0872590976/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1334091406&sr=1-1-catcorr

If you read through that, take your time, and look over the questions as you read, you will be well prepared.

See, when I first got the dongle, payed around 10 usd, with free shipping. It included a decent stock antenna, and the dongle. the software was free and easy to setup. Only later I got the HF kit(ham it up, external antenna). It works fine, with the default if you are outside or near a window for VHF/UHF. I even got WWV on 25mhz with the stock antenna, inside my apartment, no direct sampling or up converter necessary. First I would recommend just buying the dongle from amazon, its 10 dollars and you can't go wrong with that. If you like it, you can later get an upconverter. Also any computer post 2004, should be able to handle the software easily. Core 2 Duo, i3/5/7 Series, amd, ARM, etc. Even an android tablet can be used.

This Alone(RTLSDR) Can: Listen to ~20-1800mhz
one last note:
The RTL-SDR can only be used as a receiver, sadly it won't transmit. but it does receive most signals for listening purposes.

Did you have that specific stock antenna on it or the older one that didn't have the tapered base? I've seen multiple measurements backing up the newer tapered base (as in OP's image) has NO difference to something like a Nagoya NA-701. The older Baofeng antenna, that looks like this, was definitely shit.

Of course if you put a longer antenna on with more gain you can do better.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001WMFYH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fYX6BbPE8DCT8

Something like these would probably work best for you. Or other GMRS/FRS radio

Yes. u/funbob suggested the 20Ah version for only ~$5 more, but it has screw type terminals. The TS-180S draws 1.6A on standby, and ~20A on transmit. I would recommend at least three in parallel, which is 60Ah. It would take much longer to charge, but as a backup battery, that should be fine, because a 12v charger/maintainer allows you to leave it plugged in indefinitely, and it will always be charged and ready to use.

Are there particular models that this would apply to?

From a comment on Hacker News:

> The trouble is this thing: "BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174Mhz VHF & 400-520Mhz UHF) Includes Full Kit"[1] This cheap radio is sold as a "ham radio", and requires a ham license. Large numbers of non-hams are using it in the GMRS service at higher power levels than allowed. It's popular with "preppers", even though it's not very rugged, is complicated to use, tends not to put out as much power as claimed, and the battery tends to come loose.[2] The FCC's concern is that it allows 8 watt blithering over a wide range of frequencies by people with no clue how to use it properly. There are GMRS radios made for hunters which are much more suitable for wilderness use - waterproof and easy to use.[3]
>
> [1] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MAULSOK
>
> [2] https://offgridsurvival.com/baofenguv5rv2review/
>
> [3] https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PGM9PO/

• https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18098689
  
  Should I be ordering a bunch from Amazon to stockpile them? :)
  

I have The UV-82 and I love it. It's currently <$30 on amazon right now

Sure why not! There is a little of everything in this hobby for everyone and if you find it fascinating then its already for you. Unfortunately you need a little time to learn the material to get licensed. It takes roughly 10 hours of studying to pass your technician license. As for money you can dump loads of cash or spend 50$ and get on air. What would your price range be? You can pick up a 30$ Baofeng UV-5R or a little more expensive $170 Yaesu FT-60R which from what I've heard is a tank and a very good starter radio.

Thanks for the help everyone, we ended up going with these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001WMFYH4/ref=twister_B06XKM77TP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

> Motorola MS350R'S, they come in a 2 pack with a base station charger for about $100 U.S.

Amazon has them for $67 and change... OP you need to be buying these, they are only a couple bucks more and way way easier to use. We do NOT!!! recommend you buy the BF-888s unless you plan to study for and earn your amateur radio license. Which admittedly does open up a lot of other cool things to do besides talking to your buddy on road trips, but I'm sticking to basics for now in this reply.

You could build your own Raspberry Pi Mumble server over WiFi and have everyone in the group run a Mumble client on their smartphones...a couple issues though might be range (probably no more than 50-100 metres unless you get a good wifi antenna setup and having your smartphone associated to an access point that isn't internet connected might screw with your phone's data connection at the same time. You could however, build everyone a Raspberry Pi client too or have them dig up an old no-longer used smart phone just for that task....

.

Edit: Have you considered simple GMRS/FRS radios with a headset and VOX (voice operated transmit)....they'd fit the bill too. For example: $60 for a pair with everything you need

For your LCD monitors consider a small inverter like those from Bestek. I've used a number of these https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-300W-Power-Inverter-Adapter/dp/B004MDXS0U/ref=sxin_2_osp20-8ec118f9_cov?ascsubtag=8ec118f9-82ab-4bea-a00e-5ed637af8fed&creativeASIN=B004MDXS0U&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.8ec118f9-82ab-4bea-a00e-5ed637af8fed&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=inverter&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B004MDXS0U&pd_rd_r=a0c0d2ba-43ae-414d-b6ac-2e8318eda3d9&pd_rd_w=50VOU&pd_rd_wg=Z4FQz&pf_rd_p=c501273b-119a-4fc9-ad78-eda5006b0be9&pf_rd_r=CX849SWNEE2R4KHGN9X5&qid=1563882908&s=gateway&tag=bestcont06-20 . I haven't noticed any RFI on 40, 20, or 17 meters or on 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 MHz marine or marine VHF. Lop off the cigarette power plug and hardwire or use PowerPoles. The cig plug is only good for 6A continuous. Bloody awful things. The Bestek has a metal case good for shielding and grounding. They make higher output units also and most also have USB power ports. On the little 300W one the USB ports are always hot while the outlets are switched on and off with the toggle switch.

You can also find very robust LCD monitors that run directly from 12VDC. I use daylight (full sun) water resistant units for glass wheelhouses on boats. You can pay a lot less for 12VDC units targeted at the RV market.

Regardless, I would put ferrite beads on the power leads on general principals.

73 es sail fast de dave KO4MI

I think the first question you have to answer here is: do you and your wife have tech licenses? If not, then it's illegal to transmit on a UV-5R. Now, having said that, there are unlicensed two watt radios available for about $50.
https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-MURS-V1-Manufacturing-Personal-Business/dp/B075VBP9YG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536072575&sr=8-3&keywords=murs+radio&dpID=51OLUMHUYpL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
They also allow external antennas like the UV-5R. Two watts might be able to get out 30 miles if you are, as you say, transmitting from an elevated position. At any rate, it's hard to imagine 3 more watts getting you there if it doesn't.

This book is the bomb:

http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Antenna-Handbook-5-e/dp/0071639586

Super Antenna MP1DXTR80 HF SuperWhip Tripod All Band 80m MP1 Antenna with Clamp Mount and Go Bag ham Radio Amateur https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BDPDKTI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ZJZXDbWNCJSB4

I've been looking at the BTECH's. Have these two saved to my Amazon list:

https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-UV-25X4-Tri-band-Mobile-Radio/dp/B06XCDWT6V/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525470026&sr=8-1&keywords=btech+mobile+transceiver

https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-MOBILE-UV-50X2-Mobile-Radio/dp/B06XK83VRV/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525470026&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=btech+mobile+transceiver

> Disappointing to hear that I won't be able to join the hobby for a while, since it won't be worthwhile.

That's not quite what u/xradionut said. Look into your local clubs. An inexpensive Baofeng will work very well to get you into the hobby if you can hit a local repeater and chat with people (like on a weekly net meeting with a local club). Look into your local clubs and ask them, do some research on the location of the repeaters in your area, and if you do get a Baofeng, at least get a better antenna (like the one listed on Amazon under frequently bought together).

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: For example.


|Country|Link|
|:-----------|:------------|
|UK|amazon.co.uk|
|Spain|amazon.es|
|Canada|amazon.ca|
|Italy|amazon.it|




This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

This may help:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007B5ZR4G/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1462798125&sr=8-6&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=frs+radio

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001WMFYH4/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1462798234&sr=8-4&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=frs+radio+weather

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C37AZXK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1406636910&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

)

UV-82 is a good one - and get the USB cable, you'll need it to program in the frequencies, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV-82-Two-Way-Radio-Black/dp/B00E4KLY34

http://www.amazon.com/Ham-Radio-License-Manual-Arrl/dp/0872590976

This does a good job of preparing you for the test and also teaching the material. There are other guides out there that prepare you for the test, without really learning the material.

Something like this ?:

https://www.amazon.com/ExpertPower-EXP12200-Rechargeable-Threaded-Terminals/dp/B00KC39BE6

It looks like this http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV-82-Black-Two-Way-Radio/dp/B00E4KLY34 doesn't need a liscense. Do you think that's accurate?

Im looking at this guy right here: ExpertPower EXP12200 12 Volt 20 Ah Rechargeable Battery With Threaded Terminals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC39BE6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_p5xJxbKETAZ92 (I don't know how to format links for reddit off the top of my head on mobile)

I have some of the Baofeng's for MURS. They aren't bad.

I picked up a UV-82HP from Prime Day but my real catches were Gordo's Extra Class study guide, Carr's Practical Antenna Handbook, and H/H's Art of Electronics.

Here's to spending the rest of my summer in a book.

https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-MURS-V1-Manufacturing-Personal-Business/dp/B075VBP9YG

An RTLDSR and an upconverter should both be available in your country. This would be the most versatile setup.

It's a cheap mag mount

This one > https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DTQ4A6M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I tried a couple Tecsuns but finally settled for a Sony ICF-SW7600

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICF-SW7600GR-Shortwave-Receiver-Reception/dp/B00006IS4X/

I just purchased this radio and this antenna for my car.

Do I need anything else? I intend on ordering the cable, CD, and chirp soon.

Any people here in the SoCal/San Diego area?

I dont know why you dont want your radio to have distress beacon/emergency frequency capabilities, that is a very standard feature most FRS radios will have.


I can assure you the Motorola MS350R is plenty heavy-duty enough for your needs, it is also waterproof and comes in camouflage or yellow. They're even on sale on Amazon right now.


http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-MS350R-35-Mile-Talkabout-Waterproof/dp/B004PGM9PO

It's a Baofeng UV-82. Which is only $50.

However, it's really just a UV-B6 is a different case. Which is only $38.

So in the end you're paying $26 for a case and the fake Kenwood stickers and box.

Shot answer.

Can you do what you want to do and probably won't bother anyone? Yes.

Is what you're talking about doing legal? No.

Would I risk breaking Federal law to use something just a little bit better than a similar Motorola walkie talkies set up. HELL NO!

Just get these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001WMFYH4?pf_rd_p=731c2082-c3b6-4ec5-ba3b-337a0516607d&aaxitk=E24CSNvIV2OInYFVQ0O7sQ&hsa_cr_id=4053267310601
100% legal and will do everything you need.