Posted: 8/6/2008 3:32:45 PM EDT
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First I wanted to say thanks for the information all of you are placing on this site. I am new to ham radio and have just started studying for my technicians licenes and I am going to get my general. I have been reading ameture radio for dummies and low profile ameture radio but neither have specifically answered my question. I was wondering if I am in New orleans LA would I be able to talk to someone in the western part of Texas using a mobile station from my car(lest's say 800 miles)? Also just to get an upfront cost what equipment would I need? Thanks so much for the help J. |
You absolutely CAN reach Texas from N.O. mobile, but be prepared to spend some money to do it right. If you want it in a mobile configurqation, HF Mobile at least, requires lots of compromise....mainly in efficiency of antenna. Antennas small enough to be vehicle mounted are usually very 'lossy' and without a large capital outlay for an antenna like a 5/80 Hi-Q....it's really hit and miss. I've hit Germany from Arkansas driving down the interstate running 100 watts on 20 meters....but I have several grand in equipment. But...yes it can be done. If you are desireous of being 'portable', and not entirely vehicle-mounted 'mobile' the equasion is much simpler. You can also use a mutch bigger stationary portable wire antenna. You can make the same NVIS antenna that the military is using for under 50 bucks. It takes a few minutes to stop, set up, commiunicate, tear down, and go, but it's more efficent and very much less expensive. Knowing the intent of the comms you seek to be able to carry out would help narrow down the advice given. Have fun with it! 73' |
| My base rig is our for repair for the last 3 weeks and I've been getting on our hf net regularly with my mobile set-up. Stations I'm talking to are in KY, TN, GA, MA, MI, NC among others and my set-up is fairly modest; an 857D married to a FC-40 and a homebrew antenna, but before recently I was just using a 102" whip. |
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One piece of advice I'll offer for anyone really wanting to DEPEND on using HF for true preps (e.g. get in touch with family / close friends) is to MAXIMIZE your capabilities. Two excellent (and low / no cost) ways are to ensure you can operate with these modes: 1) CW (Morse Code) 2) PSK31 or comparable digital modes If mobiling, CW is pretty simple -- just put a key or paddle in the vehicle. Digi modes are easy if you're stationary -- pull out the laptop and plug it in. Many of us Arfcommers meet on the air on 40m (HF) every night and when conditions can't support phone (that means voice) communication via single sideband, many of us just switch the rigs to CW mode, reach for the key, and continue via Morse. Old technology, but extremely efficient and no special equipment needed. PSK-type digi modes are often just as efficient, with the main disadvantage that you must have a computer at both ends. <One possible exception is they're starting to develop standalone PSK modems with an LCD display.> But generally a laptop is preferred b/c it shows you the "waterfall" display, which allows you to see where the signals are on the band and you just point and click to sync up with them. Anyway, I know you have a long way to go in terms of gearing up for mobile HF, but you should at least have these concepts in mind now. (Plus you can start learning Morse now and be ahead of the game). And when you get your HF rig -- learn your way around HF inside the house. String up a temporary dipole if you have to, but at least acquire some operating skill in a controlled environment so you don't have additional kinks to work out from the beginning (stray noise, compromised antenna, etc.). |
post at the end of this thread, www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=3&t=479183 and/or send an IM to Striker. ask nicely. tell him you made a typo at registration. do not ask to change your username completely or you will lose your arm. and do it right now, before the cleanup in aisle 6 becomes a bigger job. ar-jedi |
On the contrary, I found Ham Radio for Dummies a very well-written book. It's authored by Ward Silver, N0AX, who was named Amateur of the Year this year. I used this book plus Now You're Talking as my foundation for the Technician level. |
I did not learn a thing from that book. You would be better of getting a Elmer