HAM Noob - Any advice?

[jdlc1406]

So I am taking my exam in July.. I want to get a radio. I think I want an Icom 706 (or mkiig?). I will probably end up with a used one if I can find it, because they are kind of expensive. The 706 just.. well, it looks cool.
I eventually would like to venture into HF and as I understand it, the 706 does HF. My questions are:

1) If I pick up a 706, can I mount it in my LC 200, and pop it out to bring inside? I know they make face separator kits, but I am wondering if I could have one unit for the truck AND the house.
2) I also have no idea where to mount it in an LC 200, or what kind of antennas I need, or the cost in them. Antenna cost seems ALL over the map and I don't really know where to begin for A) truck use and B) home use. (Could one antenna be used for both? Just unscrew it and move it?)

I don't want to spend a small fortune but I also don't want to spend ANOTHER small fortune in a year, either. So I'd rather get everything I could want/need right up front. I feel like between the cables, and antenna, and mounts, etc. that there may be a lot of additional costs I am not realizing.

Any advice would be greatly appreciate! Thanks.

 

[WB8LBZ]

I have had 3 706MK2g radios and liked them. I have since changed to the 7000. My daily driver has the radio mounted between the front seats. I have it mounted on a pine board with the HF screwdriver tuner on the bottom side. The 7000 has a color display and can be programmed by a computer. For in the house, I used an external monitor plugged into the radio to display the screen. 706s are anywhere from 500 to 750 and the 7000 can be as much as 300 more. I also have a screwdriver antenna with auto tuner and a dual band VHF/UHF antenna hooked to it.
I don't know if you will be able to put the radio between the front seats of the 200 but the 7000 also has a front panel remote kit so you can hang it out of the way.
Good luck with the test. I spent 25 years as a Technician but the higher licenses give greater flexibility. It also would be good if you can find a local club to join to help you learn. There is an old tradition of helping a new ham called Elmering. That is an experienced ham that can answer your questions if you get stumped. If you can find one great. You can post it here or me directly. The idea is to have fun. You can never squeze all the electrons off the antenna...

Larry in El Paso

 

[honk]

eHam - Index is a forum where questions are encouraged. There's more to the site than the forum page I linked. Tons of equipment reviews, info, exam practice pages, etc. etc.

It's not the only place for sure, but it's always seemed informal and easygoing. I don't think I've ever seen anyone treated poorly because they were new.

I don't think I'd want to try to buy everything at once because IMO that'd be a sure way to spend a lot more and end up with a ton of unused stuff that seemed like the right answer. Pretty hard to predict where the Ham hobby will take you.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

With no radio experience you don't need that radio. You can't even really use it with just a Tech license. Plus, it's complicated to use and program. Most new hams buy far more radio than they want or need. If you're buying a radio that "looks cool" because it looks cool, you likely should not be buying a radio.

I STRONGLY recommend a simple 2m set up as your first radio. Learn about how it works, how to tune your antennas and how radio etiquette is practiced. Learn to use the repeater system in your area. At most, get a dual band radio (2m/70cm), but even that's more than you need as a new Ham. A dedicated 2m antenna is easier to mount and tune than a dual band antenna, so another reason to start with a dedicated 2m rig.

I would recommend a full size radio hard mounted in your truck. That will give you better power, range and sound than a hand held. It won't be easy to move from truck to house, and if you really get into Ham radio, you'll want a different radio anyway.

All the major companies (Yaesu, Kenwood, Icom) make similar models, and the entry level in each brand is a very good radio. One of these:

Icom 2300
Kenwood 281
Yaesu 2900

I personally have used Yaesu and Kenwood and find the Kenwood a better radio overall for me since the menu system is easier to use.

If you don't want to spend a "small fortune" buy only what you need. Over time, you'll learn what's useful to you and what isn't. Used radio gear generally has a ready market, so don't worry about being stuck with gear you've outgrown.

One last thing-remember the antenna is far more important than the radio generally, so figure that into your plans.

I also recommend you study for and take the "General" test. That will give you access to HF if that's your goal and it's a good exercise anyway.

 

[Helipilot]

Thanks Cruiserdrew for the recommendations on the radios. I was wondering the same thing as the OP. I have my general but haven't set up a shack or installed anything in my vehicles due to time and budget. Have the money but using it for Mrs HP's landscaping projects.

73's