Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David A Jones on October 21, 2009 at 1:19pm

Not quite sure what you are asking.

Are you wanting a shortwave to listen to?

Or are you going to get a license and be able to transmit on the ham bands?

I can probably give you couple suggestions and steer you to good web sites, but I need to know what you are after.

jonesey65244

Permalink Reply by youhavetoforgiveme on October 24, 2009 at 10:52am

David A Jones said:

Or are you going to get a license and be able to transmit on the ham bands?

I can probably give you couple suggestions and steer you to good web sites, but I need to know what you are after.

jonesey65244

Sorry for the delay...partly because there is so MUCH wonderful information to read here....

Seems kind of pointless if I can't receive AND transmit ;) In other words...."the works" :) Ideally...some info on how to mount an antenna to a rooftop would be great :)

Thanks :)

Permalink Reply by Minuteman on November 8, 2009 at 7:13am

Nothing will beat a horizontal dipole for cheap and efficient rx. An antenna like the old 2 wire tee type antennas you could nail onto the wall for fm reception. The problem becomes the sheer length of the wires strung out to achieve resonance at the low frequencies. Some require 200 feet of wire (or some 1/2...1/4 multiple) of it...nice and short for 108 mhz....long for 5 mhz. Horizontal dipoles work great for xmit too but need to be placed high up in the air (like 60 or 80 feet) to be as good as can be.

Many guys go with a compromise antenna. A shortened version of the above type with coils to adjust it's length effectively. Many more go with a compromise Vertical dipole sameas above but placed in the upright postion. These can be 33 feet tall and cover several bands tx/rx...

I go with a horizontal dipole at the house and a shortened center loaded vertical dipole in the portable mode. Here is the one I use. Not in the cheap category though...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIRQeaPqVj4

Permalink Reply by WTRH-AM-AE on November 30, 2009 at 1:38pm

I don't do Ham Radio. I am not licensed yet. Soon I will be, the licensing process takes a long time and I need support to get my license. You can get a shortwave car radio off of ebay if you know where to look. I have yet to post links up here about shortwave radio and electronics as soon it becomes available.

Permalink Reply by Joe Green on January 5, 2010 at 2:04pm

If you looking to get your Ham Technicians License, Check with AARL and find a Ham Club in your Area. You can start out the a 2 M handheld unit for around $100.00.