Dog Folks
Naples, Fl. USA
Senior Member
Joined: 11/09/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
Many years ago, I won't tell you how many, (over 40) my next door neighbor was a ham radio operator. He got me interested in ham radio. With his help, I built a Heath Kit shortwave receiver. My father put up a 100 foot long wire antenna. I spent many hours listening to the radio. As I became an adult, I left the hobby behind.
Today ,I wonder if it is a viable and inexpensive hobby for a retired full timer? What equipment to start with?
I certainly would need smaller equipment and some type of portable antenna system that can be stored and set up easily for travel.
Your thoughts Ham Operators?
Camping Rig:
2005 Dodge 3500 - Dually- Cummins
2006 Outback 27 RSDS
2 Harley Davidisons- His and her matching 2007 Sportsters
Two Retired Racing Greyhounds & One Basset Hound
Fulltimer since June 2006
Our travel Log: http://www.mytripjournal.com/ourtime
|
mdock2
RV-MOBILE
Senior Member
Joined: 06/25/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Check out AES (just type as is), they have all different kinds of equipment to pic from. FMCA has a ham chapter (FMCAARC.com)
good luck
KI4NAI
Marty and Shirley
with our DutchStar
following our Dream
Since 1/15/09
Click here for Great RV Related Travel Photos
The map shows our travels since January, 2009
|
btd35
Spokane, WA
Senior Member
Joined: 03/24/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
My daughter uses the internet. She's got friends all over the world. We were driving along the Columbia River out in the middle of nowhere, and she's still got a cell signal to her phone. She's messaging her friend in Scotland, and another in Spain while we were going along, as well as three others in the US. Beep beep, her phone goes with another message. The wonders of modern tech.
Tom & Beth
05,Grand Junction 35TMS
99, Dodge 3500 Dually.
|
FXSTOHIO
Ohio
Senior Member
Joined: 01/27/2009
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
|
I have been in Ham radio since 86 and its alive and well and no more expensive than any other hobby it depends on how you want to start out. Most of us have a lot or different rigs but when we started we bought them one at a time as we could afford them. I have a rig for HF, VHF, and UHF and they were purchased over time not all at once, so get what you need to get you started and enjoy the hobby. One thing when and if something was to happen and the cell phones are down, your the only one that can send messages around the block and around the world.
2008 Pilgrim Lite 21LRB
2004 Chevy Silverado Extended Cab 4x4 5.3 Tow Pkg 3.73
Yamaha EF2400IS
|
Rob357
Florida/Alaska
New Member
Joined: 11/21/2009
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
Offline
|
I just installed a Yaesu FT 7900R in the dash of my Class C. Have it interfaced with the Input of the Kenwood Stereo AUX Input for audio output. Using a Larsen 1/4, 3/4 wavelength magnet mount antenna that is attached to a steel plate i mounted to the roof. SWRs are low and unit performs very well. Also have a Yaesu FT 857D for HF installed in the Dining area, using an ATAS 120 Self tuning antenna mounted on a 20ft metal telescoping pole i made that is attached to a home made mount on the bumper. ( Need a good ground). Only use the 857D when parked for obvious reasons. Also use a homemade 40-10 meter Dipole i throw up between trees. I have had excellent results on both radios.
Both radios have separate power cables that run off of the House Battery.
Good DXing and safe travels
Bob
W4RAA
Bob&Linda
Bob(LTC,USA,Ret)HAM Private Pilot
Linda(Retired 34 years Newspaper Industry)
1998 Coachmen Catalina
2 Cats TC/Jazzy
"We've worked hard all of our lives and retired young,now it is time to enjoy life and what the world has to offer via RVing)
|
|
|
Art D
Louisiana
Senior Member
Joined: 03/06/2004
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club
|
Ham radio is like fishing. If you like to fish, do it. If you just want fish to eat, buy them.
In other words, it's fun to get on the radio and listen around the world to communicate with someone you have never met. Try that with a cell phone and you could be arrested for harassment. Then again, Facebook and YouTube are like ham radio in some respects.
KB5YHN
Geaux LSU
|
mr. ed
Madison, SD (but usually elsewhere)
Senior Member
Joined: 02/06/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
I'm not presently a ham operator but I have very fond memories as a ham during my teen years (around 1960) in NY. My transmitter (60 watts)and receiver consisted of Knight kits (remember them?) and all my test equipment was either Knight or Heath kits. I built all my own stuff. Also built TV's, stereos and an organ, all from kits. It got me started on a long career in electronics.
I saved all my QSL cards from around the country. Those were some of the best years of my life.
Mr. Ed (fulltiming since 1987)
2007 Hitchhiker II LS Model 29.5 LKTG
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/QC/4X4/SB/SRW/6-speed man/Big Horn edition
|
w6pea
Lost in the Smog of Mexifornia
Senior Member
Joined: 09/08/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
I would venture to say that what ever you spent on Ham Radio as a hobby was well worth every penny.
73de w6pea & w6ome
Remember "Without Trucker's America Stops"
It's too late to save your shoes..so roll up your pant legs
"When all else fails..Amateur Radio"
I need a lot more Coffee & Old Bushmills
Semper Fi
|
camping man
Central Fla.
Senior Member
Joined: 09/01/2001
View Profile
|
Too bad you didn't post this a month ago, my mother just gave my Dad's whole room away for $300. He had amps,antenna's,3 radios,1 mobile , you name it. She's been waiting to clean out his room after he past last year. I'd search for estate sales if I were looking. kv4ib
05 Dodge 2500 2WD Quadcab,6cyl. Diesel
|
RicJones
So. Cal.
Senior Member
Joined: 10/29/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
If you like talking to strangers, go for it. I would start off with used equipment and go from there.
I have a 2m/440 radio in my MH with the antenna attached to the ladder. Works well. About the only time I use it is to talk to a traveling buddy, much better range than a CB.
KF6VMP
|
|
|
