There are a few questions out there and good answers, but this might be slightly different. 10m seems to be pretty hot when watching the YouTube videos. My question is, does it make sense to get a 10m base unit (or mobile unit and power supply for the lesser cost) or continue on 2m and 70cm until i get my general license?
I like gadgets and building things so I think I’m going to get in to the CW aspect of the hobby. Seems like HF is the way to progress on that line. Maybe.
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Hello @KK7PDC
I would recommend buying an HF radio. With a wire, balun and some insulators you can make an economical 10M antenna. While you continue studying for your general exam and listen and learn more about CW in the CW portion of 10M. I recommend that you start little by little. Something simple and then you get a triband antenna and little by little you update your station (radio, antennas, rotors, headset, coax, etc.)
Alfredo WP3C
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I have only used VHF / UHF so far. Is HF reliant on repeaters? Or is HF a direct communication?
Actually so far all of my contacts have been on the 70cm band. There is a repeater near Las Vegas with excellent coverage.
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Hello, Making QSOs on HF is direct, from antenna to antenna a repeater is not used. Although in the 10M at 29MHZ there are several repeaters. I don’t know much since I don’t use them. HF depends on how the propagation is. For example, right now the solar cycle is very good and the propagation in 6M, 10M, 12M, etc. is magnificent. Every morning I listen to Europe and in the afternoon I start listening to Japan. I only do HF and 6M. 73"
Alfredo WP3C
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I’ve been checking in to a President brand 10m mobile unit based on a recommendation. Looks really good. I didn’t know President made anything but CB so I never thought to check. I don’t do CB but I think they have high quality products anyway. I think that is a fine way to start in 10m.
Stupid question time; if I make a base station would I or could I just add an amplifier later? Or is that not really necessary? I plan on putting an antenna up on my roof. I was window shopping at Gigaparts checking out a few ideas.
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Hi, I would recommend an HF radio that has all the bands and that way when you pass the general you can go to other bands. With that President radio you won’t be able to. There are radios (not new) at good prices. Everything will depend on your budget. It is my opinion. About an amp, I don’t think you should think about that now. I had 2 and sold them because I didn’t use them. With the 100W that the radio gives is enough for me. About the antenna, it will depend on your house and space. It will depend on whether you can install a tower or not, etc etc. As I said before, with one wire you can make an antenna and with several wires you can make a fan dipole for several bands. A multiband vertical is also a good option. Another thing, no question is stupid, on the contrary, in order to learn you must ask. I spend time in groups of antennas asking questions to continue learning and debate respectfully. 73’
Alfredo WP3C
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I see that this post is a few years old, but for others new to the hobby, a suggestion would be to contact and/or join your local Ham Radio club and see if anyone has a HF radio for sale. You might be able to pick up a rig that is not too old for a good price.
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