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 HAM RADIO ANTENNA SPLITTER FM LW MW CB INLINE EURO $39.95 |
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Heathkit DX-60B Function Sw Tube Transmitter Ham Radio $10.99 |
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ICOM IC-706 MKIIG AMATEUR HAM RADIO DATACHART 8 1/2×11 $9.80 |
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NEW FOR 20010 YSHON LS-E320 VHF 136-174MHZ HAM RADIO!! $88.95 |
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99 Channel UHF Ham Radio 5W 400-480MHz Transceiver N358 $24.98 |
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Sticker for hf Ham Radio Transceiver Receiver NEW! $1.95 |
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Scom 5K Repeater Controller Ham Radio S-Com Rack Mount $75.00 |
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New 12 ft Black CB Ham Radio Coax Jumper cable w PL-259 $8.99 |
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Uniden Cobra Stock 4-pin Microphone CB Ham Radio Mic $9.99 |
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100 ft RG8X Coaxial CB Ham Radio Coax cable w PL-259 $34.99 |
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Astatic 9 ft Co-Phase Coax cable CB Ham Radio CoPhase $14.99 |
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New 6 ft Black CB Ham Radio Coax Jumper cable w PL-259 $7.49 |
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50 ft RG8X Coaxial CB Ham Radio Coax cable w PL-259 $20.99 |
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New 18 ft Black CB Ham Radio Coax Jumper cable w PL-259 $9.99 |
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NEW 4 MAGNET SUPER MAG ANTENNA QUAD MOUNT CB HAM RADIO $55.95 |
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NEW 3 MAGNET SUPER MAG ANTENNA TRI MOUNT CB HAM RADIO $45.95 |
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NEW LOW PASS TVI FILTER PDC 1089 CB HAM RADIO PDC1089 $33.99 |
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SBE MODEL 34 HAM RADIO TRANSCEIVER 15 20 40 80 METER $0.73 |
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NEW UNIDEN ESP 20 EXTERNAL SPEAKER CB HAM RADIO ESP20 $21.99 |
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CB HAM RADIO PA SPEAKER HORN BLACK ABS WEATHER PROOF $19.99 |
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FIRESTIK 2 METER HAM RADIO BASE STATION ANTENNA NEW $39.99 |
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Overhead Dual Speaker PTT Headset for Kenwood Ham Radio $14.99 |
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Lafayette HA-350 Ham Radio Receiver 3.5 through 29.7 $19.00 |
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UHF 400MHz~470MHz FM Transceiver Professional/Ham Radio $24.98 |
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RADIO SHACK PRO-2018 200 CH POLICE FIRE AIR HAM SCANNER $45.99 |
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Puxing PX-777 UH 465-520Mhz UHF Ham radio +FREE cable. $60.80 |
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Puxing PX-777 UHF Ham radio 400-470Mhz PX777 +Earpiece $46.90 |
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Puxing PX-328 136-174Mhz VHF Ham radio Earpiece PX328+ $43.44 |
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YAESU FT-950 AMATEUR HAM RADIO DATACHART GRAPHIC MANUAL $9.80 |
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RADIO SHACK 5-1000watts (1974), CB Course to Ham Radio $3.98 |
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Puxing PX-777 400-470Mhz UHF Ham radio &Earpiece $44.90 |
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Solarcon Imax-2000 ground plane antenna CB Ham radio $94.00 |
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Puxing PX-777 UHF 400-470Mhz Ham radio PX777+ Earpiece- $46.90 |
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Amphenol High Voltage 18-420P ,S Plug Socket Ham Radio $9.99 |
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Puxing PX-328 136-174Mhz VHF Ham radio PX328&Earpiece $43.44 |
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Puxing PX-777 UH 465-520Mhz UHF Ham radio +FREE cable- $60.80 |
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SLEEVE OF 5 NEW 6AG5 / EF96 HAM RADIO RF AMP TUBES $8.95 |
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CB RADIO NEW MINI EXTERNAL SPEAKER HAM Police Scanner $4.99 |
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NEW 6 Pin Echo CB Ham Radio Mic for RCI 2950 2970 DX $34.95 |
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Hood Trunk ANTENNA MOUNT Mobile Ham Scanner CB Radio $12.44 |
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Yaesu VX-8R TriBand Handheld Ham Radio VX8R Transceiver $410.00 |
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10-160 meter BRASS Slinky HF Ham Radio Dipole Antenna $79.95 |
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Selection of Ham Radio Books and 2004 Call Book CD NR $1.00 |
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CB RADIO NEW MINI EXTERNAL SPEAKER HAM Police Scanner $4.99 |
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Nice ARRL Ham Radio Basics 1978 1st Edition NR Start $1 $1.00 |
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HAM RADIO CB RADIO ANTENNA MAST MOUNTING KIT ARCHER $19.67 |
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Harvey Wells TBS-50A Transmitter Ham Radio Bandmaster $124.99 |
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FDC VHF 136MHz~174MHz FM Transceiver Ham Radio channel $24.99 |
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New SHURE Hand held microphone Mic Ham Radio CB 414B $23.85 |
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SHURE 550T Base station Microphone mic HAM radio CB $23.85 |
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?