Newbie HAM Radio question

[mightymike]

I've been reading a lot of the posts here and know that I need to read a lot more before making a decision, but I want to hear from some ham operators who can answer a few questions.

From a safety standpoint, can a simple (relatively inexpensive) mobile unit help me communicate in "the boonies"? By "the boonies" I am thinking of past trips (Alpine Loop in Colorado, Kaibib Nat'l Forest in Arizona) and future trips (hunting in the Wyoming mountains, Alaska Highway). I would also like to participate in any local Skywarn or emergency services network.

I do not anticipate traveling in groups of other like-minded folk, so the ability of being able to talk to others in a group will be rarely needed. I am mainly concerned about emergency communications. It looks like the Morse code requirement is being dropped for some of the higher rated classes. What is the most current source of study materials (AARL?) and what type license is recommended?

 

[Pskhaat]

Generally, yes, Ham radios can communicate in the boonies you listed. The simplest test from the FCC gives you access to VHF and up frequencies when paired with repeaters can get you in contact while out there.

Most of the remote places I've been in AZ/CO/UT have had at least some distant repeater coverage, even if that meant hiking or driving to a little higher terrain.

The place to start is learning enough for the FCC technician class license (the first one) which will give you access to learning more on the air. There are a lot of people listening out there who are eager and happy to help.

For really long distance (DX) communication you'll want to move into HF communication, which does require further FCC testing here in the States.

 

[RoundOut]

I've been reading a lot of the posts here and know that I need to read a lot more before making a decision, but I want to hear from some ham operators who can answer a few questions.

From a safety standpoint, can a simple (relatively inexpensive) mobile unit help me communicate in "the boonies"? By "the boonies" I am thinking of past trips (Alpine Loop in Colorado, Kaibib Nat'l Forest in Arizona) and future trips (hunting in the Wyoming mountains, Alaska Highway). I would also like to participate in any local Skywarn or emergency services network.

I do not anticipate traveling in groups of other like-minded folk, so the ability of being able to talk to others in a group will be rarely needed. I am mainly concerned about emergency communications. It looks like the Morse code requirement is being dropped for some of the higher rated classes. What is the most current source of study materials (AARL?) and what type license is recommended?

Some of the mobile 2-meter units with a well-tuned antenna should provide you good range. I would only consider units with 50+ watts if you intend to get way off the beaten path.

I put together a spreadsheet, attached as a .pdf, that may help you decide on some features. The spreadsheet mainly focussed on dual+ band radios, though. You may only require a 2-meter band radio, which will be much cheaper than a dual band radio. The Icom IC-V8000 may be a good choice for under $200. Get an awesome antenna, mount it on the roof-top where your vehicle will provide a good ground plane, and with 75 watts outpout, you should be able to transmit a long way; line of sight, 75+ miles.

I was searching for a dual band radio with cross band repeat capability so we could use the vehicle radio as a temporary repeater for our handheld. We still have not purchased one, yet.

 

[asteffes]

I wouldn't make a fuss over power output with modern radios. 75 watts is not necessarily 50% better than a 50 watt radio. I know the Icom radio is popular and it is a good value, but just don't over-emphasize the power output difference while making your comparisons.

 

[big sky trapper]

I base my mobile boonie com on two sets 2M for local / short distance (50-250 miles depending montana mountain tops) plus all the stand alone and linked repeters we have (many above 7,000 feet with unreal coverage! helena montana to lethbridge alberta is a hual but a very reliable system we have built on the 146.640- machine)

and 10m for that depending on conditions almost unlimited world wide coverage durring daylight hours.
pluse the usual cb frs ect.

yes the morse requirment will be dropped on feb 23. So as a new tech testing after that date you will automatically gain the same privalages as my tech plus ticket (one of these days i need to go take my general) that will give you all vhf and the voice side of 10m from 28,300 to 28,500. Theres a huge chunk of spectrum you can comunicate with and between the two you should have no problems getting in touch with someone somewhere.

The other parts of your ??? yes the arrl website does have the most current study materials as well as eham, qrz and a few others. Qrz does offer free online testing to check your learning process as you go. And I think a few other sites as well.

http://www.arrl.org/fcc/morse/ this link will give you good info on the code and testing changes to occur next week ish....

hope this helped

 

[DaveInDenver]

I wouldn't make a fuss over power output with modern radios. 75 watts is not necessarily 50% better than a 50 watt radio. I know the Icom radio is popular and it is a good value, but just don't over-emphasize the power output difference while making your comparisons.

The math is that ideally a 4 times (6dB) increase in power will double the range, however in the real world you usually need more power for non-ideal conditions. The jump from 5W to 50W at 10 times the power gains you around 3 times the range. To see truly significant gains beyond that you need more like 200W, which would give you about twice the range.

 

[Pskhaat]

voice side of 10m from 28,300 to 28,500

Only allowed modes are CW and SSB though. My rig is not SSB on 10m unfortunately. Most techs are still out of luck for HF.

 

[xcmountain80]

This is informative so far, I am in the same boat and was wondering if I needed to get a ham, I have a CB but if only goes so far.

Aaron

 

[Pskhaat]

I can't imagine going out without my radio. It's just whole 'nother better world than anything CB/FRS can muster. The world indeed opens up. It's so choice, if you have the means, I highly recommend getting your license and a radio.

 

[xcmountain80]

Now to choose a model, Im not minimalist by any means. more is better as long as reasonable justification is used. There are a few Yaesu units Ive seen though Icom has a few nice units too. I like the Icom with the detachable head that can be mounted but looks a bit more complicated than i need. Simple is good reliable is better. Ive seen the unit BajaTaco, and Expeditionswest are using and seem reasonably priced.

Aaron

 

[asteffes]

Once you go Kenwood you never go back. Everyone has their brand loyalties in the ham world, just like in the 4wd rig world. Try to visit a ham shop and play with a few. Find one you like to work with, with a display you can see clearly in sunlight, and that you generally can get along with. I've seen good and bad examples in each brand (even Kenwood!) so it's worth a try-before-you-buy session if you can manage one.

 

[mightymike]

Thanks for all of this good input. I found a hamfest in my area next month so I think I'll go there and see what else I can find out.

A couple more questions-When you are out and about, how do you know what frequency to monitor? The VHF on my boat has channels for hailing, bridge operators, etc. Is there a list that details what frequencies are used in what areas and for what purposes? Does anyone here participate in Skywarn or any other public service efforts with their radios?

Thanks again.

 

[Pskhaat]

There are both national and regional ``band plans'' that specify simplex phone, digital frequencies, etc. More importantly, there are many repeater directories that by State/City list repeater frequencies and if/to where those repeaters are linked.

 

[big sky trapper]

as far as voice (ssb) on 10m this is from the arrl page

Q. I am a "no-code" Technician. What does WT Docket 05-235 mean to me?

A. Once the changes are in effect, all Technician licensees -- whether or not they have passed a Morse code examination -- will have "Tech Plus" operating privileges. This means you will have all of your current VHF/UHF and above frequencies and also will have access to the Novice/Technician Plus frequencies on HF. These include:

3525-3600 kHz CW only

7025-7125 kHz CW only

21,025-21,200 kHz CW only

28,000-28,300 kHz CW, RTTY and Data

28,300-28,500 kHz CW, SSB

The power limit is 200 W PEP output for Technician operators.

Technicians can upgrade to General by passing the Element 3 written exam and to Amateur Extra by also passing the Element 4 written exam. No Morse code test will be required.

all "No code tech" will be allowed voice on 28.3-28.5

So for a noob operator alomost any of the mobile multimode HF/vhf rigs will be a great investment for both saftey and hobby use. Plus part 47 makes provisions for any one to use any freq and mode durring an actuall emergency to gain neccessary help. hope this clarifies some things from my earlier post....

 

[DaveInDenver]

all "No code tech" will be allowed voice on 28.3-28.5

If your radio does SSB. Voice covers several modes, FM, AM, SSB and Techs are only allowed SSB voice on 10m.

So for a noob operator alomost any of the mobile multimode HF/vhf rigs will be a great investment for both saftey and hobby use. Plus part 47 makes provisions for any one to use any freq and mode durring an actuall emergency to gain neccessary help. hope this clarifies some things from my earlier post....

Part 97.403 and 97.405 (there is no Part 47 in the FCC rules, the amateur service is governed by CFR Title 15, Part 97) do state that nothing prohibits a station in duress from using all means available to get help or attract attention. The lack of prohibition isn't an explicit allowance that you can transmit where ever you wish, it must truly be an emergency situation. Generally, there had better be life or serious injury in the balance and you must exhaust other legal ham modes or options, like a cell phone.