If you had to choose, which would it be and why?

Thanks,

Dan
KØAST

Why not, at 41 I did, and it has been a lot of fun!  

I never had a "ham dad" or even a technical mentor of any type.  Electronics does not come easy to me, but I had no problem passing the Tech & General tests, as well as CW lite.

I have a Icom 706MIIG mobile set-up right now, and do mostly commuting ham contacts.  It's that "magic of radio" thing, where I get to talk drive-time to people all over the US when the bands are right.  I end up not even noticing the commute time, and have a big ol' smile on my face when I walk in the door!

Why did I do this so late?  Not sure.  Wish I had done it earlier.

Was it a big investment of time?  Nope.  Of dollars?  Not really.

Is there any downside to getting started?  Can't see any.

Look at it this way -- if you fork out say $1500 for an all new mobile setup (706MKIIG, AH-4b, whip or screwdriver antenna)you can also use as a base (with antenna change) and you end up not liking this and getting bored, you can get about 60-85% of your dollars back on ebay for it.  In the mean time, you won;t spend yout time ever wondering if you should have done this...

BTW, don't let the fractuous ranklings on eham dissuade you at any time.  The squeakiest hams often need to get their egos greased here.  Most everyone I meet is great!

73'

Dan

PS. I think one of the reasons I got into this may be yours as well, a need for more "luddite" technology in the digital, software age.  A fun form of human interaction with technology that reaches way back, and still moves forward at the same time.

I will be installing a Rohn 25.  One of my local hams has one installed unguyed to 35', but I have heard they are only good to about 30'.  Mine will be unguyed as well.  any suggestions about unguyed heights on these as well as a good, light, multiband antenna?  Thinking about the Hexbean multi...

Guidance appreciated...

Thanks,

Dan
KØAST

PS.  Typical winds around here run to 35-40mph, occasional big storms to 70 (rare).  Most wind from one direction, and I could guy from that one side but it would be about 10ft from the base of the antenna...

well, actually hoped to keep the original power supply the way it is.

Going back to my original post, and not to discount any offeres of assistance so far (thank you ALL for your offers!), i want to build a power regulator I can add onto the 28v one as more of a learning experience than anything else.  I have several power supplies from a simple 12v/5a to an astron 0-15v/0-15a unit.

my biggest problem (well, maybe not my biggest, my XYL could probably list several) is my very limited knowledge of electronics.  it does not help me to just read about it, as it does not sink in with me that way.  I actually have to DO it.  As I do things, I learn them quite well.  With no computer training I can now set up entire Win2K networks, fix Exchange, etc.  I can wire your home for you as well.  All by doing, little reading, and some watching.

I thought it might be nice to build this regulator as a learning experience along with ending up with a useful unit.  there are plenty of projects out there to build, this is just where I wanted to start.

Looks like I might just have to find another unless someone can point me to something online.

Incidentally, if someone knows of a good "idiots guide to electronics" type book that walks you thru building circuits and why some of the components do what they do when they do them, that would be a big help as well.  At 43yrs old, I don;t have time to go to school for this, and I don't have an elmer nearby, so it is gonna be self-taough again...

Thanks!

Dan
KØAST

Yup, my terminology was rather poor.  Chalk it up to lack of experience and late hour I wrote that (about 2AM).

Anyway, I would like to, if possible, get variable 12-15v by 1-15amps if possible.

I could swear I had seen such a circuit somewhere in an ARRL handbook or old QST...

This is a commercial build supply, so i have no schematic to modify it.

Thanks for any help.

Dan

PS, Let me add that, while I am rather poor at electronics, I am a quick "hands on" learner.  I WANT to learn more about electronics & home brewing so all help is appreciated.

Well, I am a Licensed Amateur Radio op, but if you use the term "ham" in relation to being a good electronics or or homebrew wiz, nope, then I am not.  I can wire your house like a licensed electrician, but have little knowledge of electronics.  I thought, if I find the circuit I had seen somewhere, I might just try to build it an learn something at the same time.  I am not looking for something to buy...

Dan
KØAST

Hi,

I have a nice 28v power supply that puts out 12A.  I remember seeing (somewhere) a circuit design that would allow me to build a "reducer" allowing me to get 12-15v @ ??A out of it.  Anyone remember the magazine issue or the handbook it was in?

Thanks,

Dan
KØAST

hi,

Anyone made one of these, or know of a website link to one?

Thanks,

dan

I amy be a ham, but I am not a technically electronic ham.  Anyone out there done this mod & can help me with this setup?

Thanks,

Dan

Somewhere in a website on magloop antennas there was an onscreen calculator for calulating the capacitance for a loop antenna -- not just formulas but an actual fill in the blank thing.  Anyone remember where?

Thanks,

Dan
KØAST

I want to ake the time to say THANK YOU to all who contributed & offered to help.  I have an email off to two of you now to see what happens & appreciate any help I get.  Thanks again all.

dan
KØAST

Hi,

Newer to ham radio, but getting a good feel of it.  Passed the General ticket, now on to the Extra.  HOWEVER, I know ZIP about electronics.  Ask me to wire 110/220v stuff & I can do your whole house.  Ask me to breadboard a simple circuit & I am lost.  I could really use someone out there who has enough experience in electronics to help me with the projects I attempt to tackle like 555 timer circuits, or maybe reference a parts data sheet online to tell me how to wire the part in the correct way the first time.  We can do this all via email, and I regret to say I haven't much to offer back in return unless you live Seattle area & need some help wiring your house.  You would get my eternal online gratitude for answering my 0-3 emails a week.  Any takers?

Thanks,

Dan
KØAST

Took an old 551 one in for clean and alignment.  They Quoted about $125, and it came back at $125 plus tax.  They said about 2 weeks, it came back in 1.5 weeks. Then, when I asked about a DC power cable for it, they GAVE me the cable (like, who gives anyone anything nowadays?) plus the adapter needed for the rig.  Good folks & I was impressed.  Thanks ICOM.

KØAST

Any recommendations?  I know you can interface it, but i have no idea what program to use...

thanks,

Dan
KØAST

I assume that if i run coax up the water wall in my house to the attic, i will have no problems with harmonics & pipes, etc.  However, what if i want to run ladderline up this wall & it will be in contact with the pipes (ie, right along them & touching them).  Any issues?

ALSO, any fire danger using dipoles in the attic I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Dan
(newly minted General)