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Question by Ryan S.: Want to get started with HAM Radio.?
I’m looking to hook up my SUV with a Mobile HAM Radio (If that’s possible) as well as a HAM Radio in my home without the large antenna array that I see with so many HAM Radio Operators. I’m just looking for something small that I can monitor local radio frequencies and something I can use in my car in times of emergencies like Severe Weather & Natural Disasters.
Any suggestions on where to start? I know nothing about HAM Radio Operations.
All answers are great, however I am looking for a listing of actual products by name & model.
I know I need to be licensed, but I am looking into equipment for a mobile platform in my SUV. Suggestions?
Best answer:
Answer by Botsy
I’m sure that somewhere near you is a store that sells ham gear, and also some ham radio clubs, so contact one of them for details, like classes and testing.
There are many types of ham radio licenses, “novice, tech, general and up from there”
I think that no code is required for most anymore, which is a shame, as CW will get through when voice communications wil not, and with less power.
You can get any number of mobile radio frequencies for your vehicle, depending on license class.
Your ability to use many frequencies will also depend on your antenna’s and the type of antenna tuner.
Sounds like a plan with one important suggestion. Get your license.
An emergency bad enough to allow you to use a ham radio unlicensed is very rare. When it does occur your communications will most likely not be effective or efficient as you didn’t have a license and never used the radio thus had no experience with it. Get you license and participate in R.A.C.E.S. and ARES nets and if the emergency arises you will be able to step in like a seasoned pro.
First start with your technican class license, or modern equivalent.
For equipment, you ikely want a decent 2M or 2M/70cm set. For local use, you may not need anything more than a handheld.
Mobile ham operation in most vehicles is perfectly possible, I’ve even used a VHF rig on a motorbike. Check out the ARRL website for licensing and other good information such as constructing antennas for small lots. http://www.arrl.org/licensing-preparation-exams
Find out where your local Ham club is and join.
HF coms is the most interesting due to long distance communications righ taround the world, a yaesu or kenwood mobile unit would be good with a multiband mobile antenna vertical whip it will look tuff on your suv 2. other than this the vhf and uhf band is there for repeater use and packet etc however range is limited vastly compared to hf as vhf & uhf is line of sight. good luck in ur interests .