;DI know the feeling, I just passed my Tech tonite,100%

ok I see what you guys are talking about "THE" arrl book, I just got the 19th edition with CD for 11 bucks...sounds like that will have what I need.

 :)that's how I ended up asking you guys, I notice several pages at arrl on antennas...instead of a shot in the dark I figured some of you may have read more than one of those and would know which one would suit my needs best.

I have a couple handhelds 2/70cm, and will be getting something in the area of a yaesu 897D at the end of the year, looking to build or buy antenna systems for all 3 radios..soooo...thinking onbe for the handhelds and one or more for the HF, could someone advise me on a antenna book that would best fit what I am looking to do ?...there seems to be 1,000,000 books on antennas.

I see what you guys mean..I got the Yaesu ft60 in, I picked up a repeater 80 miles away, at the same time could not pick the one 18 miles or so or any of the other closer ones..then next day got locals fine but no others.

mod can delete, found my answer

thanks gents..I ordered the FT 60R and 15 inch antenna, I can always rig something on my roof for at the house..I take the exam for tech next week.

could one of you ham heads give me a ball park est on hand held ranges, I am looking at the 2 band types including the elcheapo brand on amazon..I did find one review someone said they had a good reliable connection to 30 miles away, but that's all I could find on distance relating to hand held 2/70cm type 4-5 watt handheld...I know conditions dictate, antenna etc...my nearest repeater is about 18 miles away...I didn't want to buy one of these and have it be useless to me.
Also I have a FT2900 in my truck on 5 watt I can easily pickup the repeater.

thanks all, I got the 2900 with 5/8 antenna installed and operating, I figure I will upgrade so for now I got the single band till I figure out for sure which to upgrade to, I know it be HF..I have a guy here helping me, and will hookup with our club soon and take the test in April.

Hello all I been lurking and learning and enjoying the site..Also I have the book and studying for the tech lic. I have a few questions for you all..
so far I gather the largest group on ham is on 2m and probly is the largest most spread out repeater system is for 2m..I am wondering what is the distance you would rely on to communicate with someone else on 2m without a repeater..with your typical 50-75 watt with proper antenna etc, mobile rig..and I am wondering if the extra magnetic mount I have for CB radio would be the same threads as the stick antenna for 2m ham..I know both have the magnetic mounts but not sure if they are interchangeable..right now I am considering the YAESU
FT-2900R for my first radio, mobile and in home.
Thanks
Ron