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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:11:30 PM EDT
[#1]
Serious question from a total noob who hasn't set up a radio:
Does a Baofeng count? |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:11:40 PM EDT
[#2]
When Ben gives advice, listen
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:11:50 PM EDT
[#3]
Good post.
I have my ARRL book here, but never got the license. I need to Google my local repeaters and set up my Baofengs via CHIRP. I have no excuse for not doing it yet. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:12:10 PM EDT
[#4]
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:12:52 PM EDT
[#5]
Is this the same as a shortwave radio?
What types of useful broadcasts are found in the HF range? |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:13:55 PM EDT
[#6]
Does anyone have a good link for “radio’s for dummies”?
I’m a radio dummy. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:14:10 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What types of useful broadcasts are found in the HF range? Old guys talking about their prostates and gout, mostly. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:14:23 PM EDT
[#8]
Ben, I'm interested.
Is there a radio that is easy to use, user friendly, reliable, weatherproof and under $300 that you'd recommend? |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:14:47 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Does a Baofeng count? No. Walkie Talkies are like Tapco parts. A radio with a rubber duck antenna is about as useful as chrome plated valve covers. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:14:57 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Serious question from a total noob who hasn't set up a radio: Does a Baofeng count? No. Baofeng handhelds are VHF/UHF, and poor choices at that. They are great for a disposable radio. They will die in a real rainstorm. An HF radio can use the same power as a baofeng and reach from Switzerland to England if the atmospheric conditions are right. Of course, you want more power than that ideally. They can be used to pass and recieve messages across entire continents. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:15:46 PM EDT
[#11]
Good advice, as always.
My wife and I hate we didn't get to attend your dinner. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:16:48 PM EDT
[#12]
Since we may have little time for exhaustive research, can you post recommendations at a price point with good value?
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:17:14 PM EDT
[#13]
Solid advice, it's my next purchase.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:17:17 PM EDT
[#14]
Very good and prudent advice.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:17:19 PM EDT
[#15]
Lots of good info here
https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/HAM-BaoFeng-radios-for-dummies/5-2409555/ |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:18:10 PM EDT
[#16]
So somebody show us some examples please.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:18:38 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Old guys talking about their prostates and gout, mostly.  |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:19:11 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted: Since we may have little time for exhaustive research, can you post recommendations at a price point with good value? Quoted: So somebody show us some examples please. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:19:23 PM EDT
[#19]
Would my ancient Halicrafter’s work? Serious question. Haven’t used since I was a kid.
Looks like this : 
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:20:01 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Is this the same as a shortwave radio? What types of useful broadcasts are found in the HF range? There are several nets on HF. Some practice relays and passing emergency traffic. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:20:44 PM EDT
[#21]
For someone who can hardly use a flip phone, what does HF stand for. Asking for a friend.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:21:19 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Good advice, as always. My wife and I hate we didn't get to attend your dinner. We are having a semi formal dining out 13 February in Fredericksburg, VA... @Elcope @LT_Beaker Could you gents provide some recommendations on current offerings? My HF radio is no longer available and I don't have a lot of experience outside the radio I have and military radios. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:21:22 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So somebody show us some examples please. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:22:35 PM EDT
[#24]
Comms are essential. I'd also recommend getting a dedicated receiver to broaden your listening capability outside of HF bands. VHF, UHF, HF, SW, CB, CW, FRS/ GMRS, MARS, Digital, Trunking, etc.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:22:56 PM EDT
[#25]
In for link of what to get.
BtW, got my Kidney Shirt. 
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:23:30 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted: If you do not own an HF radio, buy one and learn how to set it up to listen at least. You don't need a license to listen, nor to transmit in an emergency. I'd really encourage you to do this as soon as possible. There is nothing wrong with owning eighty-seven PSA AR15s. There is something wrong with owning ten of them when you don't own armor or a helmet, or a radio, or night vision, or a proper compass and a paper map of your area. Things are about to get much worse. Exponentially. So take the advice, or don't. I'm just some guy on the internet, after all. This is solid advice and coincidental to me. I'm studying for my Tech ticket right now. I have a little Baofeng that I'm using to listen to the frequencies and to get familiar with the different bands. I'm taking the pre-test on my phone daily and I will be taking my actual Technician test in February. HAM radio used to be for fun as a hobby, but now it is a necessity and as important as Stop the Bleed supplies or NVG's. You do you and YMMV. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:25:01 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: When Ben gives advice, listen |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:25:20 PM EDT
[#28]
Perhaps getting a pair or two of GoTenna Meshes (or alternative) may not be a terrible idea either.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:25:30 PM EDT
[#29]
Any thoughts about SDR (Software Defined Radios) for this?
They're cheap, as in <$150. I have one. You can pickup stuff, obviously antenna dependent. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:25:51 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: In for link of what to get. BtW, got my Kidney Shirt. This. And whats involved in getting a license? |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:26:44 PM EDT
[#31]
Ben, we've met. I appreciate your judgement.
Can you provide some examples of acceptable equipment? Frankly the HAM section guys aren't very helpful. They love to say "get your tech license and it'll all make sense" but we all know that isn't true. I don't need to make HAM another hobby to work a radio. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:26:47 PM EDT
[#32]
...
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:27:16 PM EDT
[#33]
Now is the time to take the test because it's free. The FCC announced that they will start charging a $35/test fee.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:27:45 PM EDT
[#34]
EDIT - Post not really suited for thread. Deleted.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:28:03 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This. And whats involved in getting a license? Think price going up SOON! Been 6 or 7 years since got mine |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:28:14 PM EDT
[#36]
Teg
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:29:33 PM EDT
[#37]
In for a budget HF desktop unit and antenna recommendation.
all I have are vhf uhf handhelds |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:29:37 PM EDT
[#38]
Ham radio guy here. See my icon above....likely my only one....anyway, ask if you have questions. do an @southernguy so I get it.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:29:39 PM EDT
[#39]
...
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:30:48 PM EDT
[#40]
Ironically I was looking at Unidens yesterday, those are expensive.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:32:23 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Good post. I have my ARRL book here, but never got the license. I need to Google my local repeaters and set up my Baofengs via CHIRP. I have no excuse for not doing it yet. It's actually kind of tricky setting them up. People here will be really helpful though. I got my tech over a year ago and bought a couple baofengs. I realized I had to setup tones and offsets to use the repeaters. Without your license you wouldn't really be able to test your setup. Other radio operators can be real sticklers about licensing. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:34:15 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm getting a ham radio just to piss of cunts screaming about a license. Yes, lots of people who won't get their license or bother to learn how to use a radio will ask for an Amazon link to a plug and play HF radio on Amazon for 20 bucks. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:35:11 PM EDT
[#43]
I've heard for years now that comms are an important component of being prepared. Question: who am I supposed to talk to? I'm just a guy that goes to work and comes home every evening and spends the weekends working in the garage or going for a motorcycle ride. If things get so bad that I need a radio I suppose my wife and kids and I will stay home/together, whichever is appropriate. I don't know anyone that would be able to call in an air strike, or get supplies to whatever my location is, and no one is going to send any reinforcements to help prevent my position from being overrun. So tell a noob what these radios are going to be used for please.
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:35:32 PM EDT
[#44]
Sounds great!
Which radio, EXACTLY, do you suggest? What supplier? What accessories should we purchase at that time? What might we expect it to do? |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:35:36 PM EDT
[#45]
Go over here you may find some answers.
https://www.ar15.com/forums/outdoors/Ham-Radios/22/ |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:37:54 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: In for a budget HF desktop unit and antenna recommendation. all I have are vhf uhf handhelds Me too. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:39:47 PM EDT
[#47]
@southernguy Do you have any recommendations? Less than $500?
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:40:34 PM EDT
[#48]
I have VHF and UHF covered pretty well. I have a mobile unit in my home programmed with all the repeaters within 60 miles, and a HT programmed with all the repeaters in the areas I currently go to. With the upgraded antenna it will hit the nearest repeater, and does better with the mag antenna in the car. I have been looking around for HF, but haven't seen much other than a Kenwood TS-600. Im not sure how useful a 6 meter, 10 watt radio would be. (it looks pretty cool though!)
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:40:44 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Ironically I was looking at Unidens yesterday, those are expensive. Then brace up when you go shopping for HF equipment. Excellent advice from Ben and I strongly encourage everyone to take it- but understand HF is neither cheap or easy and “plug and play” does not exist. |
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Posted: 1/8/2021 7:44:07 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Go over here you may find some answers. https://www.ar15.com/forums/outdoors/Ham-Radios/22/ With all due respect, linking people to an entire forum is information overload. |
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