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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Radio Shack PRO-163 1000 Ch Trunking Radio Scanner ham $79.00 |
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50 Ft. RG-8X Coax Antenna Cable PL-259 Ham Radio Male $14.50 |
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HAM RADIO CALL LETTER HATS SHIPPED FREE $10.00 $10.00 |
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HAM RADIO CALL LETTER HATS SHIPPED FREE $10.00 $10.00 |
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(Qty 6) 20-Meter Amateur HAM Radio QRP TRANSMITTERS $8.50 |
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Workman 12 FT RG8X COAX w/ PL259s CB Ham Radio Antenna $5.50 |
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Watkins Johnson WJ-8618B HF Receiver Ham Radio UHF VHF $0.99 |
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UNIDEN BEARCAT BC-140 HAM EMT POLICE SCANNER RADIO BUY! $18.00 |
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YAESU FT-1000MP AMATEUR HAM RADIO DATACHART $9.80 |
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20 Meter Ham Radio Dipole Antenna W Balun – FREE SHIP $44.95 |
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3 Ft Heavy Duty COAX CABLE for CB / Ham Radio $5.90 |
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20 Meter Ham Radio Dipole HF Antenna-FREE SHIPPING !!! $27.95 |
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FLOOR HUMP MOUNT for CB HAM RADIO with BUILT IN SPEAKER $18.99 |
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ASTATIC DX-1 ROAD DEVIL Noise Cancel Mic CB HAM Radio $29.99 |
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SWIVEL BALL MOUNT w/spring FOR CB HAM RADIO ANTENNA $24.99 |
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FARNELL150 AMP 800VOLT RECTIFIER DIODE HAM RADIO CONST $1.48 |
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Cloning cable for Icom OPC-478 / Alinco Ham Radio OPC47 $11.13 |
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MOTOROLA Radio Repeater Voting Receiver VHF Ham Police $79.95 |
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NEW HAM RADIO SWL 24 HR WORLD CLOCK 14″ BRASS UTC ZULU $38.99 |
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HOT! 10-80 SUPER SLINKY HF HAM RADIO DX Dipole Antenna $24.95 |
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8 ohm 5 watt External Speaker, Ham CB Radio $14.99 |
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BALUN COIL 46672-80 FOR HAM RADIO $7.50 |
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BALUN COIL 46672-20 FOR HAM RADIO $7.50 |
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ASTASTIC POWERED HANDHELD CB HAM RADIO MICROPHONE $4.99 |
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MOTOROLA SPECTRA VHF 45W HAM RADIO CABLE/SPEAKER/MIC $249.99 |
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MOTOROLA SPECTRA UHF 45W HAM RADIO A9 HEAD/SPEAKER/MIC $299.99 |
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150′ DOUBLE-SLINKY Shortwave Radio Antenna + AM CB HAM $19.95 |
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10-80 SOLID BRASS SLINKY HAM RADIO DIPOLE ANTENNA HF DX $49.95 |
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Ham Radio CW Trainer $4.95 |
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215′ Triple Slinky Shortwave Radio Antenna + AM CB HAM $29.95 |
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HAM RADIO TOWER GIN POLE CLAMP & PULLY SET ROHN Tower $135.00 |
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Solarcon Antron 99 CB/Ham Radio Antenna 2000 Watts A-99 $72.99 |
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Covert Acoustic Tube Earphone for Motorola Ham Radio $2.90 |
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Heatkit Speaker SB-600 – Ham Radio Speaker $0.99 |
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Heatkit SB-401 SSB Transmitter – Ham Radio $0.99 |
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2 METER HAM RADIO WITH SOUTH DAKOTA FREQUENCIES $25.00 |
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Heathkit SB-301 SSB Receiver /SB301 Ham Radio $26.00 |
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HAM RADIO RAYTHEON TRANSISTOR APPLICATIONS PAMPHLET $4.95 |
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Kenwood TS-570DG 160-10-meter Transceiver/Ham Radio $675.00 |
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150+ Vintage Ham Radio Crystals – Set $9.95 |
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motorola communication speaker ham cb two way radio $9.99 |
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HAM RADIO SAMS PHOTOFACT CB RADIO BOOK # 62 FEB. 1975 $4.95 |
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YAESU FT-50 50RD AMATEUR HAM RADIO DATACHART 8 1/2×11 $9.80 |
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PA Horn SPEAKER w/ Plug & Wire 12W 5 in CB / Ham Radio $18.95 |
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COAX Antenna 3 Position SWITCH 1000 W – CB / Ham Radio $9.50 |
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HAM RADIO 1932 HOW TO BECOME AN AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR $9.95 |
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(11) Vintage ARRL 1969 QST Magazine Amateur Ham Radio $1.50 |
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UNIDEN ESP20 EXTERNAL SPEAKER CB HAM RADIO ESP-20 NEW $9.49 |
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85′ SILVER Slinky Shortwave Radio Antenna HF AM HAM ++ $12.95 |
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CRYSTAL RADIO BY SLINKY short wave tube ham educational $7.99 |
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?