Radios Ham
Radios Ham
What do you need to get started in ham radio?
I’ve been interested in getting into ham radio for a while, I mean I’ve heard some pretty cool stuff about it, from listening to astronauts to talking to people in Australia. How much money should I expect to spend on equipment and permits? I mean will something inexpensive such as this: http://www.westcoastmall.net/connex-ham-transceiver/1598/p perform well? Also any age ristrictions on permits (I’m 15)? Any recomended reading material apreshiated as well. Thanks in advance.
First of all, are you in the US? If so, the license is free, although it’s $14 to take a test. Your best bet is to pick up a study guide at your local Amateur Radio store. They might still carry them at Radio Shack as well.
Find a local amateur radio operator. (That’s the normal name for a “ham.”) Do you see anyone with big antennas on their houses near you? Or funny lookin antennas on their cars? Chances are, they’re a ham.
Most people like to get started into amateur radio with a 2M FM hand held unit. You can usually get them used for less than $100. It’s basically a very good quality walkie talkie, and you should be able to talk all over the city using a repeater system.
The radio in your link, although it doesn’t say it, is more than likely a CB radio. It’s not the same as a ham radio. Before you buy any equipment, make sure you discuss with a licensed ham if it’s the right thing for you.
If you have any questions after this Question is closed, feel free to email or IM me. I am a licensed amateur Extra class operator, and I would be happy to steer you in the right direction or help you find a local ‘Elmer.’
Oh yeah, and 15? No problem! There are some hams as young as 6 and 7 years old! I hope my son will be licensed next year at the age of 5. 
Check out the links below, and look on their respective pages for new or prospective hams.
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CB or Ham Radio Crystal 469 – 6.2100 MHZ (6210 KC) $4.99 |
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CB or Ham Radio Crystal 1277 – 2.2550 MHZ (2255 KC) $4.99 |
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MIC CORD – 6 wire – 10 Ft Coiled – CB / Ham Radio – New $7.30 |
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6 5933WA 807 tubes Jan Sylvania Ham Radio Audio Amp NR $20.00 |
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CAROLINA WINDOM 40 HAM RADIO ANTENNA $39.95 |
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Universal Fit Pouch For Yaesu Kenwood Icom HT Ham Radio $5.97 |
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Radio Amateur Callbook 1978 DX International HAM RADIO $14.95 |
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Radio Amateur Callbook 1965 fall USA HAM RADIO $29.95 |
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Radio Shack 2000 Watt SWR Power Meter for CB Radio Ham $44.99 |
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WORKMAN 18 FT RG8X CB HAM RADIO ANTENNA COAX W/ PL259s $6.59 |
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HI POWER 1000 WATT 3-WAY SWITCH HAM & CB RADIO w/JUMPER $10.95 |
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HI POWER 1000 WATT 3-WAY ANTENNA SWITCH HAM & CB RADIO $7.95 |
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CB / HAM RADIO MIC EXTENSION CORD 5 PIN MICROPHONE NEW! $4.95 |
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Radio Amateur Callbook 1975 DX International HAM RADIO $14.95 |
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$9.99 HAM AMATEUR RADIO CAP HAT WITH YOUR CALL SIGN $9.99 |
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Radio Amateur Callbook 1977 DX International HAM RADIO $14.95 |
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New! KST V6 UHF 400-470MHz Ham Radio + Free Earpiece $59.99 |
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New! KST V6 VHF 136-174MHz Ham Radio + Free Earpiece $59.99 |
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HAM RADIO CB / SWL ANTENNA LAUNCHER — CROSSBOW $25.00 |
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KNIGHT KIT T-60 VINTAGE HAM RADIO TRANSMITTER $39.95 |
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Clear copper 18-FT CB,Ham Radio Coax Cable w/PL259 NEW $24.99 |
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Sawtooth HUMP MOUNT Brackets for CB / Ham Radios / New $4.75 |
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Tornado ECHO / POWER Mic for CB Ham Radio 4 pin DM1000 $23.50 |
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COAX Antenna SWITCH CB / Ham Radio with 3′ Jumper cable $12.50 |
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Workman SWR-2T CB/Ham Radio Test Meter SWR2T NEW $14.49 |
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Universal CB Ham Radio Mount 4 Cobra Icom Yaesu Galaxy $6.95 |
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YAESU VX-6R AMATEUR HAM RADIO DATACHART 8 1/2″ x 11″ $9.80 |
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ICOM IC-756PROII 756 PRO AMATEUR HAM RADIO DATACHART $9.80 |
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NEW Coax Lightning Protector VHF UHF Ham CB PD FD Radio $13.00 |
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SO239 90 Degree L Connector for Ham Radio Antenna O $7.18 |
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2 Lg CHROMED Bracket KNOBS for CB / Ham Radio – 5mm $1.29 |
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JOHNSON RANGER II TUBE HAM RADIO TRANSMITTER NICE WORKS $333.95 |
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MOTOROLA Radio Repeater Voting Receiver UHF Ham Police $79.95 |
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Workman 12 Watt, 8 ohm CB/Ham Radio PA, P.A. Horn NEW $18.49 |
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Brand New FeDaXin FD-450 UHF 400-470MHz Ham Radio $59.00 |
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AMATEUR HAM RADIO DATACHART YAESU FT-817 $9.80 |
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HAM RADIO SPEAKER TYPE SPO 2381 270G-2 $9.99 |
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50 Ft. RG-8X Coax Antenna Cable PL-259 Ham Radio Male $15.95 |
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10 Lot SO-239 UHF Female TO “N” Male Adapter Ham Radio $22.50 |
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Solarcon Antron A-99 CB/Ham Radio Antenna 2000 W. A99 $72.99 |
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HAM RADIO MEGAPACK COLLECTION NEW $0.90 |
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G5RV Jr. Antenna For Ham Radio or Short Wave $39.99 |
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4-Pin Stock Microphone for Uniden & Cobra CB/Ham Radios $10.99 |
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Cobra HGS100 External CB/Ham Radio Speaker HG-S100 NEW! $17.99 |
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KENWOOD SP-31 HAM RADIO SPEAKER SEALED BOX NEW $125.00 |
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W2ENY USB CIV Computer Interface Icom CT-17 Ham Radio $120.00 |
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Puxing PX-888 PLUS VHF 136-174Mhz Ham radio + Earpiece $52.90 |
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Ham Radio X-Key Open Tool For FD160A 460A KG-669 689 m $7.18 |
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DC Power Cord w/ Fuse For Motorola Yaesu CB/HAM Radio O $6.04 |
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DB9 Serial Micro USB Programming Cable For HAM Radio O $4.86 |
CB radios emerged in the 70s as a popular method for communicating on America’s roadways. While not as mainstream as they once were, CB radios are still widely used by owners of trucks, jeeps, RVs, cars and motorcycles.
There are a number of alternatives to CB radios which include two-way radios, GMRS radios, HAM radios and business band radios. In order to choose a solution that best fits your needs, it’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each available option. CB radios, like all the previously mentioned radio types, have a number of unique advantages and disadvantages that should be evaluated when considering a purchase:
Advantages
No Licensing Fees: Unlike some types of radios, CB radio operators aren’t required to obtain a license from the FCC. This makes CB radios a very convenient choice if you don’t want to hassle with licensing exams and requirements.
Widespread Acceptance: CB radios are the most widely used means of radio vehicle-to-vehicle communication on America’s highways. On virtually all major roadways, you’ll be able to hear activity on Channel 19, the most widely used CB channel. Whether you’d like to obtain traffic information, road condition updates or just strike up a friendly conversation, you’ll be able to on a CB due to the radio’s widespread use.
Cost Effective: It’s possible to purchase a complete CB radio setup (including a radio, antenna and mounting hardware) for well under a $100. On a cost basis, CB radios can match, if not beat, most radio options. Additionally, they are usually permanently installed in a vehicle which provides for additional convenience and professionalism.
Disadvantages
Restricted Range: Due to restrictions by the FCC, all 11 meter CB radios are restricted to 4 watts of transmission power. This usually limits a CB radio’s effective range to eight miles or less, dependent upon terrain and weather conditions. While CB radios are effective for short to intermediate transmission distances, they aren’t well suited for someone with long range communication needs.
Antenna Requirements: As all CB radios transmit with the same 4 watts of power, the antenna is the primary determinant of system performance. Subsequently, CB radios need to make use of large externally mounted antennas to perform well. As these antennas tend to run anywhere from 12 inches to over 5 feet in length, they can be impractical and inconvenient on many vehicles. While short antennas can and are used, they usually produce inadequate radio performance.
Permanent Installation: CB radios generally require a permanent installation due to antenna and performance concerns, and are not a practical choice when a compact and mobile means of communication is required. Handheld CB radios are available, but tend to provide sub-standard performance unless used with a long telescoping or external antenna.
Summary
CB radios are still a widely used means of communication, especially on America’s roadways. While not suited for everyone, they offer an extremely affordable and convenient way to communicate for those who understand the medium’s strengths and limitations.
About the Author:
Right Channel Radios specializes in
CB radios and CB antenna
sales. They carry a wide selection of CB products from manufacturers such as Cobra, Galaxy, Wilson, Firestik and K40. Their website hosts a CB Resources Library that contains a number of educational articles covering CB equipment selection, installation and troubleshooting.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – CB Radios – Your Best Option?