I really wish there was a site that had something for new operator retention.
What I mean is, Where is the contests/awards/leader boards for the “Technician only”. Why (as a new operator) do I have to be told or forced to get my General or extra. Example as a new lic. tech I can’t afford $1,200 HT radio at first.
You loose so many new operators because there is nothing for them to get the ham bug. Do they know about P.O.T.A or other activities are. The FCC only allows such a tiny spot for a new operator.
We should be (as good stewards of Ham radio) Helping them with places to go that are not swarmed with antiquated operators from the 60s. Figure of speech.
All I am saying is can you not make a section or place for the Technicians to get their feet wet to get recognized till they can afford/upgrade/educate before they get shoved in the deep end.
I started out learning about Linux / hacking and somehow ended up getting the bug to get a ham license, then soon after my general. YouTube and books can only take you so far so I joined my local AaRL chapter. I went to two meetings and honestly never went back. The problem for me is here - I need a mentor or mentors to really progress in this hobby . In my area it felt like all I could get from the locals is brow beating and gate keeping. So maybe I could recommend a mentor program where hams can find someone and work with them in the topics they are interested in.
I did the exact same thing. I went to my local club. Paid the fee for the year that visit. They really had their stuff together. The fee was so you could use their repeaters. Great, but I don’t know who to talk to… I never went back.
I agree with you 100%.
I was hoping to get a tech only section or whatever because. Now you have mommy couch “keyboard warriors” who don’t even have to be at the radio to make contacts all day. One guy on YouTube left for work while he “Made contacts” all day on FT8.
Not saying “everyone gets a trophy” but can’t expect freshman to go against the varsity team.
This was meant for the whole post. Not “at” you. Thank you for your reply.
I am glad to hear that it is a priority for the HRP and HRL.
I just got my License two ish month ago. I was very fortunate to find a used Xiegu G-90 and Xiegu 100w amp for $550. Add in the fact I have to go mobile (Apt.) so Battery, antenna, a good analyzer. It will be next spring before I can even make my first contact. There is only so much YouTube before you get too confused with the ways ham radio has expanded.
This is a good idea and topic. I received my call sign yesterday. I passed my Technician Test on 28 Oct. it all seemed so quick from start to end. Of course I used the ham radio prep app to study. I had preemptively bought a baofeng bf-f8hp because I was confident I would pass.
This morning was the usual Net meet up time for the Alaska Morning Net, and I just so happened to be home and catch it. I patiently waited and called Net control when there was a silent moment for check ins. When the Net Controller responded asking for the station calling for net control, it hit me that he was not only calling me, but my cheap HT actually worked! I programmed all the Las Vegas valley repeaters in on Chirp and it actually worked. So I had a cool conversation and marked K0KON in my log book.
So for my low budget investment in a cheap HT and a couple “better” antennas, i got that hooked feeling.
This may be a regional success. Maybe not all regions have a whole mess of repeaters everywhere. But maybe selling new Tech’s on the ability to reach way out there on easy to get equipment might be a good approach. Then upgrade as you go, but still have the ability to talk.
Be aware the cheaper Chinese radios are dirty. What I mean is, Baofeng and others like it transmit harmonic frequencies. Your root frequency is say 28.375 MHz (in the tech range) and you will also be transmitting on several other harmonic frequencies above and below the root. Transmitting below the allowed 28.300 MHz. Most likely not an issue for a low power HT to a repeater. Just food for thought.
You may already know this. Just offering info. Many YouTube videos using a nano VNA to show multiple simultaneous harmonic transitions.
Good luck KK7PDC. Hope to hear you out there soon.
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Baofeng UV-5R HT
Yeah I saw mention of that after getting one. I did order a QRZ-1 from Gigaparts today. That should be pretty neat. I was looking for mobile units to make a base station today. LOTS of info and choices out there.
If I may. And if you are going to stick with Tech for a while.
A good starter mobile radio. President Lincoln 2+.
Single Din size.
Been around for years.
Runs 12v, and 24v
FM, AM, USB, LSB
Really good out of the box mic
For me the only down side is the small screen.
Most cases I would never offer a CB radio company for 10m 12m.
I can say my $260 Lincoln2+, has held up well with correct power output levels and on frequency. It’s electronics are robust to run up to 24v
I’ve been checking in to this. 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.
Dane, I started in a similar way. Bought 2 Baofengs for SHTF scenario and scanned past the local San Antonio repeater one day. Had not remembered that repeater transmission was a possibility. I had a neighbor 30 years ago that was a tech at the time and would listen to his HT while we visited in the evening.
I had to do research all on my own to find out who AA5RO was and why they were broadcasting. And listening to the active morning and afternoon chat on the repeater made me want to talk… badly!
I passed my tech in Nov of '20 and got to talk on the repeater for a while then moved back home to Ga.
Now I’m a general, studying for my extra, after meeting the HRP guys at a hamfest this past weekend.
I started on a budget and when I moved, was only 20 miles from my original ham neighbor, who has been a tremendous Elmer to me! He and local club members from K4PAR have helped me get used equipment for my HF fix and also provided lots of education also.
Long post but to all who are just starting, hang in there. Join the local club and start talking on the repeater. Find an Elmer. They are willing to help and grow their hobby1
The simple answer is no, you do not. You do not need to start out with one.
Having said that. There are several questions you need to answer (think about) before paying the money for a amp at the start.
What do you plan to do with your license? Stay a tech or get your general. (right now) Are you staying on 10m or are you wanting to get the DX of other frequencies to call other countries. Then I would say YES.
Do you have repeaters you can hit on 10m?
Do you really need an amp for 10m right now with this solar cycle happening? No you do not.
What is your cash availability? Do you have the funds to spare? Only you can answer that.
Your antenna may need to handle the watts given. Meaning I would spend the money getting a better antenna so down the road you are not buying an amp and an antenna to handle the power output.
Also If I was prioritizing. Spending more on antenna and cable (like RG-8) will make you a happier Hammer down the road. RG-213/U 50-ohm is $1.60 a foot right now. Not saying to buy this. Just research for what you can afford.
Last thing make sure you make it water tight where you connect your cable to the antenna. Corrosion is not your friend. I would use Dielectric Grease, wrap with electrical tape and then heat shrink. Over kill - maybe - Couple extra bucks and time will save you down the road. I call it cheap insurance. Don’t forget Toroidal Chokes noise filters at both ends. When buying cable add the extra feet to wrap both toroids. Factor this in now with your antenna on the roof. No need to keep getting up there.
The above is based on… On the CHEAP. I would wait on the amp. Get better antenna and cable. Invest in a good antenna analyzer. Maybe not right away but soon. A good analyzer will benefit you for years.
Last thing. Years of aviation electronics, installing emergency radio systems. Getting a high quality Ham radio amplifier is the only way to go. Buying say EBay amps or amps made by CB shops. You will never get the quality and performance Per watt for what you pay for. With all that was stated above. Save your money and get a rig with a built in 100w amp like the iCom 7300. That is my opinion. I am sure there are other ways to look at it. This is my 2 pennies lol
Hope this helps.
You can message me if you wish so we don’t take away from the original post.
