Thanks for reading and posting.

A special thanks to fellow Alabamian, Jerry/W4GRY.  In addition, thanks to K7KBN and K7DJM for the advice.  You have been a great help.  Thanks for sharing.

I’ll see you on the radio!

73s!

Joe, KE5CLJ

Hello fellow hams.

I just purchased a Swan SWR-1A via eBay and need advice.

The unit does not come with a manual.  What is the procedure for setting this meter for best results.  My rig (the one I’ll be testing) is a 2-meter IC-V8000 from Icom.  I am operating it as a base station out of my home.  Looks like I’ll also need a short run of coax from the rig to the radio.  By the way, this is my first SWR meter, so I will not have anything to compare it with.

Don’t be afraid to treat me as if I’m an idiot.  I’m new to amateur radio and have a lot to learn.

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

PS:  Anyone who would like to scan and e-mail me a copy of the manual will be greatly appreciated for a lifetime.

73s!

Joe, KE5CLJ
Ke5clj@excite.com

I have an Icom IC-V8000 2M rig and I would like to replace the supplied mic with a standard PTT no-frills mic like the HM-118N.  Any idea where I can find one of these?  I've done some googling and all I find are sites  overseas (outside the U.S.) with these.  Also, no luck at eBay.

Thanks for your comments!

Joe, KE5CLJ
Little Rock, Arkansas
http://home.comcast.net/~ke5clj/index.html

If you are talking about the Icom IC-V8000 U.S. version, it comes with the HM-133V.  It's the one with remote control functions.  Virtually every feature on the front panel can be adjusted with this microphone.

See the picture here: http://www.icomamerica.com/products/amateur/v8000/v8000photo.asp

Joe, KE5CLJ

Gang:

No matter what the opinion, I appreciate a place to turn for advice.

Another thing that makes an Internet forum like this cool is the sharing of knowledge and talent.  Maybe one of these days I'll be as sharp (knowledge and wit) as you guys.

Again, thanks.  I'll be hanging out.

Joe, KE5CLJ

Thanks guys!

You've all done a great job of making your case.  Now it's up to me.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

Joe, KE5CLJ

Thanks for the reply.

You have supported my theory that the 5/8 would be better.  I just wanted the opinion of someone a little more experienced.

Again, thanks for the comments.

Joe, KE5CLJ

Hello Elmers:

I'm getting closer and closer to setting up my rig at home.  It looks like it will be a piece at a time.  Now I need your thoughts on an antenna.

I want to install a small base station antenna.  It will go on the patio deck of an apartment (three floors up.)  There is room for either a 1/4 wave or 5/8 wave vertical with radials.  Which would you choose, and why?

The ones I'm thinking of can be seem here: http://www.centerfireantenna.com/2meter.html

Thanks for your comments,

Joe, KE5CLJ

Clint:

Thanks for the input.

Now, if anyone has an idea of a decent (read that: good and cheap) SWR, let me know.  Which brands to you recommend?

SWR shopping is very confusing.  Prices vary from $20 to $300 or more.  I do know that it needs to be 2M capable and able to handle the watts.

Thanks,

Joe, KE5CLJ
Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Terry:

Thanks for the insight.

And, thanks to everyone else for sharing your knowledge.

I'll keep you posted.

Joe, KE5CLJ

My problems with an all-mode rig are two-fold...

1. Money.
2. Lack of space and location for antennas. Remember I live in an apartment.

I would love to go all-mode now, but I'll have to wait 'til later.

On top of it all, my job situation is changing (to the point of possibly changing careers) and I'm not sure what the next few months hold in store.

Thanks,

Joe, KE5CLJ
Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

Thanks guys. You’ve given me a lot to think about.

The power supply (or supple for people like me who can't type) has been a real issue. Trying to figure which one is best is kinda difficult. I know it will have to be 25-30 amp. How important is a switching PS?

Using an HT was my first thought, and is still a strong second. There is a statewide hamfest coming up in two weeks and I thought I might find a good handheld there. There's always eBay.

As far as SWR, that product really has me confused. I have seen cheap ones for as little as $25 (US) and high-end ones for near $300 (US) or more. Many with SWR and watt meters, some with digital readout, the list goes on. Between the hamfest/swap meet and eBay, I figure I’ll find a decent SWR somewhere.

Again, thanks for your suggestions and comments. I look forward to hanging out at this forum.

Joe, KE5CLJ
Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
http://ke5clj.home.comcast.net/

Fellow Hams:

First, it is great being able to say "fellow hams."  I just scored my Tech ticket a few days ago and I'm really looking forward to getting on the air.

I'm looking for some general opinions on a simple set up.  I'm thinking of purchasing (new) the following components, what do you think?  Could I do better for the price?

* Rig: Kenwood TM-271A - $180
* Power Supple: Kenwood KPS-15 - $120
* Antenna: Hustler G3-144 - $60

You can probably tell from the power supply, I am going to operate this package as a temporary base station.

As far as the antenna is concerned, I live in an apartment and I plan mounting it to a pole on my porch.  That's gonna put it about 15-20 feet above ground.  Apartment management doesn't complain too much, as long as it is somewhat hidden.  In my case it will be.  Also, I'll be running about 25 feet of coax.

Would you recommend "different" pieces of equipment?  If so, why?  Am I leaving out any essential pieces of gear?

Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions.

Joe, KE5CLJ
Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
http://ke5clj.home.comcast.net/