Set up

[jeepmedic46]

My wife told me I can use either the attic or the cellar for my set up. The cellar tends to flood in the spring. The attic is the better choice away from the kids and pets. Will the cold affect the radio? Does it need to be in a warm area?

 

[BigJimCruising]

Ehhhh, set up whattttt? I'll guess some sort of HAM radio since you posted here! lol! Got to kid you a little! More info on your equipment would help a bunch.

Off hand I'd shoot for the attic since it will make your antenna lead much shorter. Don't forget proper antenna grounding. And since the lead will this short keep an eye out for angles so water won't run down the lead and into your home and radio.

You don't say how cold but really cold will cause a bit of freq. shift until it warms up but it's rarely enough to worry about. Then again if it's that cold what are doing trying to talk on your radio anyway? First fix the heater, then talk! Seriously if it's that cold try to warm the radio up a bit somehow, then start using it on low power until the boards get a bit warmed up, then gradually raise the power levels as the radio warms up.

Hope this helped. Lets us know what you wind up doing!

 

[gary in ohio]

If you can survive the room the radio can.

 

[jeepmedic46]

Ehhhh, set up whattttt? I'll guess some sort of HAM radio since you posted here! lol! Got to kid you a little! More info on your equipment would help a bunch.

Off hand I'd shoot for the attic since it will make your antenna lead much shorter. Don't forget proper antenna grounding. And since the lead will this short keep an eye out for angles so water won't run down the lead and into your home and radio.

You don't say how cold but really cold will cause a bit of freq. shift until it warms up but it's rarely enough to worry about. Then again if it's that cold what are doing trying to talk on your radio anyway? First fix the heater, then talk! Seriously if it's that cold try to warm the radio up a bit somehow, then start using it on low power until the boards get a bit warmed up, then gradually raise the power levels as the radio warms up.

Hope this helped. Lets us know what you wind up doing!

Thank you, Not sure what equipment I'm getting yet. Trying to clean up a area I can use. Gets Very chilly up there. Going to have to use a portable heater. Hopefully will be getting my license in a couple of weeks.:REOutIceFishing:

 

[BigJimCruising]

That's great! Good luck on your test and enjoy away!

Just some random thoughts.

Get yourself a good dual band (that shows both bands) radio, quad band if you can afford it. Antenna to match the radio and you'll be good to go. Don't forget the power supply, get one bigger then the radio requires since you'll probably add some other toys later on. The coax will be easy to work with since it's mostly plug and play. Do add a ground wire to your antenna, it will help with the static build up with all the cold weather.

You might consider installing it next to your easy chair downstairs, after you get to know the locals you'll want to keep up with the radio traffic. Next to your easy chair you can get an ear piece so you can listen to the radio and the tv/wife/kids/pets and such at the same time and stay nice and toasty warm! If you get a radio with a detachable face you can put the radio in an end table and it will be almost invisible.

Best of luck! Jim.

 

[jeepmedic46]

Thank you, Any recomendations on radios. In the study guide it says I should start off with a handheld.:smiley_drive:

 

[BigJimCruising]

I'd ask around the local hams after you get your license. Often you can get a deal from someone looking to upgrade to a new toy. As for starting off with the handheld, that will greatly depend on your area. Find out about local open repeaters, see if they are close enough to be in range for a handheld. It bites to get that new radio only to not be able to talk to anyone with it. That will tell you if a handheld is a good starting radio.

Don't know about your home situation but many of us mainly use our radios for our commutes to and from work and while out running errands on the weekends. This is because the wife and kids will quickly grow tired or jealous of you talking with other people all the time while locked up in the attic! lol! So that's why many hams get mobile radios so hitting the repeaters is easy.

Plus if you're going to be using the radio a lot while off roading then trying to manage your rig plus a handheld flying around the cabin can get pretty wild at times!

All food for thought before jumping in and spending big bucks on radios.

 

[jeepmedic46]

Thats a very good idea. Now all I have to do is get my license.