|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
|
1-6 of 6 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
Just licensed General with a new rig. First steps?
|
Reply
|
|
by KC0KEC on August 25, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hello all,
A few weeks ago I passed my general. I've been out of ham radio for YEARS but have decided recently to get back in as I've gotten interested in mobile HF comm. I just ordered a Yeasu FT-817ND and am building a nice 40/20/10m dipole.
So, what are the "first steps" for a newbie on these bands? Of course I will LISTEN FIRST and play around with listening to some beacons, etc. But, when I get up the nerve to start talking what is the best bet for a beginner general? Any recommended frequencies?
Thanks
KC0KEC
|
| |
|
RE: Just licensed General with a new rig. First st
|
Reply
|
|
by WW5AA on August 25, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Learn CW and get a key next....with a QRP rig you may find that you are very limited on SSB. Have fun!
73 de Lindy
|
| |
|
RE: Just licensed General with a new rig. First st
|
Reply
|
|
by K5TEN on August 26, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
We are at the absolute armpit of the sunspot cycle. It dosen't get any worse than this.
Since with your new rig you will be QRP anywhere you go on HF, read up on QRP operating techniques.
On 40M, hang out on CW near 7.045 (+/- 5 KHz), you will find PLENTY of other QRP'ers around there. You will also be able to work some DX there.
On 20M, any of the 14.025 to 14.070 will be good, and you WILL work some DX there if you are patient.
On 10M, there will be openings using E-Skip, meteor scatter, and transequitorial DX, but you have to listen alot and be patient. Late afternoon local time is your best bet.
That rig also has 60, 80, and 160, so unless you are restricted to what sized antenna you can get up you can also get on there---but if you are making do with some sort of comprimise antenna, understand that the 5W may not always accomplish what you would like.
Since you are exclusively QRP with that radio--every contact will count toward every sort of QRP award there is out there, and if you get into contesting, you are automatically in the QRP division.
I'm sure that others will hop in and give the same advice--but the best thing you can humanly do to have fun with that radio is your ANTENNA. What can you get up? Just a dipole? How high can you get one up?
Have room for an inverted vee? Can you put up a 2 element inverted vee for 40M? If you can, that 5 watts will sound like 25W on the other end.
Have room for a 3 element wire inverted vee beam? Your 5 watts on cw will be WAY louder than just a dipole would.
Use your antenna savvy to be your biggest asset!
Those guys out there you see smiling in the ham magazines smiling as they accept their plaque for working 100 countries with 5 watts or less know something the rest of us don't!
Lucky for you that if all the bands are dead you still have 2M FM and 440 FM to chat on with that rig!
Welcome back sir, and have fun!
Hollar/email/post if we can help!
Bruce
K5TEN
|
| |
|
RE: Just licensed General with a new rig. First st
|
Reply
|
|
by KC0KEC on August 26, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Thanks Bruce & Lindy,
CW is out of the question right now... I just don't have the time to devote to learning the code. I had passed 10WPM years ago, but forgot it all. I do hope to re-learn it later.
I think I have enough space to enhance my dipole to 80 meters. I'll give that a shot.
As for the QRP restrictions. I'm QRP mostly because of budget and space. Many people in the HFPACK group had good luck with a portable amp that they used only when necessary. So, I'll start with the cheaper 817ND and if that isn't meeting my power goals, add the amp later to get it up to 50 watts.
Thanks for the advice!!
Dave
KC0KEC
|
| |
|
RE: Just licensed General with a new rig. First st
|
Reply
|
|
by KE7MYL on August 26, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Dave:
With your reluctance to learn CW at this time, I recommend PSK-31 as a DX operating mode with your FT-817ND. This is a weak signal mode, but robust and I have worked quite a few QRP stations running 5 watts or less. One station at about 1,700 Miles away was running 0.5 watts (yes ˝ watt)! So make or buy an interface for your radio (Tigertronics makes a great one) and get on 14.070.150 or 10.142.150 or 7.070.150
and have a blast with your new radio!
And also, welcome back! There are a LOT of new things to experience in amateur radio,
The digital modes are just one of them. I would love to see KC0KEC CQ/QRP in my waterfall soon….
73 de KE7MYL
Rick
|
| |
|
RE: Just licensed General with a new rig. First st
|
Reply
|
|
by K5TEN on August 28, 2008
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You would be SHOCKED how quickly your cw skills would come back.
Bruce
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
Forum, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Forum Manager.
|
|
|
