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howto:newhams [2020/09/20 18:14] – [What to Buy] va7fi | howto:newhams [2024/07/29 15:39] (current) – [Where to Buy] va7fi |
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====== Welcome to the Amateur Radio ====== | ====== Welcome to the Amateur Radio ====== |
This page lists basic information that new hams are probably wondering about. For information specific to our club, see [[/howto/newmembers |this page]]. | This page lists basic information to help new hams get started with the hobby. For information specific to our club, see [[/howto/newmembers |this page]]. |
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===== What to Buy ===== | ===== What to Buy ===== |
A very good basic antenna is the [[https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=1863 |Comet GP-3]]. If the coax line is not too long, RG-8x works, but if you're able to mount the antenna higher (and height makes a huge difference!), then it's worth buying good coax like LMR-400. | A very good basic antenna is the [[https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=1863 |Comet GP-3]]. If the coax line is not too long, RG-8x works, but if you're able to mount the antenna higher (and height makes a huge difference!), then it's worth buying good coax like LMR-400. |
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Finally, ham radios usually run on 12V (13.8V to be more precise), so you'll also need a power supply. Power supply are usually rated by Amperage. With only one (basic VHF/UHF) radio, you'll need at least 5A. The club has a bunch of these low output power supply so ask us to borrow one instead of buying one. Eventually, though, you'll want a power supply that can provide at least 20A so that you can power more equipment. | Finally, ham radios usually run on 12V (13.8V to be more precise), so you'll also need a power supply, which are rated in Amperage. With only one (basic VHF/UHF) radio, you'll need at least 5A. The club has a bunch of these low output power supply so ask us to borrow one. Eventually, though, you'll want a power supply that can provide at least 20A so that you can power more equipment. |
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Now that you're ready to buy some equipment, check out these pages: | Now that you're ready to buy some equipment, check out these pages: |
* [[/links#amateur_radio_equipment_retailers |Retailers]] | * [[/links#amateur_radio_equipment_retailers |Retailers]] |
* Our club's [[memberscorner/inventory |Inventory]] page. | * Our club's [[memberscorner/buyandsell |Buy and Sell]] page. |
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And ask around for opinions. Also, if you google a radio and add "eham" to the search term, you'll get some very good reviews. | And ask around for opinions. Also, if you google a radio and add "eham" to the search term, you'll get some very good reviews. |