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Question by 1992dodge: morse code and ham radio?
Ok I have been studying morse code from a cd. But now I want to get a radio and start. I want to know some pointers and what to look into when it comes to the equipment. What should I get and what channels should I focus on. I have a IC-208h now. I like the idea of DXing also. Two things though; I don’t have $ 10,000 to spend and depending of the size of antenna, if it’s to big it will be portable from field to field.
I’m a general, and about the code practice oscillator, I made my own. I’m getting pretty good at it. I plan on getting my extra in a few months. Thanks a lot for the help.
Best answer:
Answer by derek t
Hi and good for you to study the code. I`m not a code guy but I know you don`t need to spend a bundle on a radio .Even a new HF rig can be got for under a grand (mobile)or approx. 2 grand for a base station. Or good used radios can be gotten for 500 or so and they all cover most bands.If they are less than 15 yrs or so they should have many code features built in such as filters orkey-erer circuits for paddles.If you get an older or basic rig you may need to get a separate key-er unit etc.A good source of help is a local Ham club some of which have club radios to use or borrow or members who have used equipment.E-ham net has good info or do a search for Elmers.20m is a good band 40m as well dipoles for these bands a pretty manageable or a vertical wouldn`t take any space.I hope I`m not being too generic or patronizing. There are so many opinions on equipment some love Yeasu some Kenwoods I like my Icom IC-765 old as it is. I wouldn`t sweat the details TOO much just look around for a bargain or maybe visit a Field day which is this weekend. Boy that was long winded Good luck. W1WWW
Ok, let’s look at the techniques.
Are you a Technician, General or Extra class? As a tech, even though you don’t have access to the phone parts of the HF bands, you do have an allocation for CW on 80, 40, 15, and 10 meters. You can use that and it will help to develop your “fist”. A fist is basically like a voice. You know how we all can recognize our friends voices even when we don’t see them, well the way a person uses a morse code key is just like that, we may all be using the same characters, but the way we send them is unique.
If you have the CDs, you might also want to get hold of a code practice oscillator. I looked at the specs for the IC-208H, and I didn’t notice if it had a function that allowed you to practice with a key, some radios do. You can get a code practice oscillator from MFJ for $ 40. The MFJ 557 comes with a key included. If you are a member of a club, you may be able to borrow one from someone. It’s important to be able to send clear CW before you get on the bands. It doesn’t have to be perfect, we all had to learn the same way, but a little practice doesn’t hurt.
The MFJ 557 is the code practice oscillator I got to brush up, and after I started in, i removed the oscillator and use the key with my rig. It has a nice heavy base, that makes it easy to use.
I sympathize with you about the money. I just replaced my DX-77 with an ICOM 746, which I got used for $ 825, but I wanted it because of the IF DSP, for improved reception. For me, it seemed like a good choice, since it also has 100 watts on 6 Meters and 2 meters, plus 160-10. As a multimode rig, I can try my hand at SSB and CW on VHF, which I’ve never been able to do before.
If you are looking for a rig, you might try the hamfests. It’s summer and the hamfest season is upon us, and if you look at the link I am including, you can search for one near you.
The second link is for a dealer that’s been around for many years. They also sell used, reconditioned equipment, and they also have a list of demos and closeouts.
I can also recommend the Ham Station in Evansville Indiana. He also reconditions gear and that’s where I bought my IC 746 earlier this month. The IC-746PRO that is for sale on his used list has dropped $ 30 in price since he first listed it at the end of May.
If you can get a copy of the July CQ magazine at the newsstand, you might give a look at the Beginners Corner, starting on Page 70. He’s got a list of classic radios that you might find at a Hamfest, and a few good tips on how to examine the rigs on offer.
As to the antennas, I suggest googling dipoles, G5RVs, HF verticals and loops. There are several good sites with instructions on how to put together a good basic antenna, or even a multiwave doublet, with a tuner, you can take some TV twinlead, an insulator and a length of wire, and run from 80 meters to 10 meters, with a fairly good signal. If space and speed of raising the antenna are important, then some compromises must be made, but you can still get out.
Also take a look at the Ham radio groups on Yahoo. There are some good ones, and the Ham Radio Help group is a good place to learn, for beginners and old timers as well.
Best of Luck OM
AB9BD
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