Newbie
 

abr wrote:

If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries.

The only band that will allow you to do this with a tech license is the
6m (50 MHz) band, but since this solar cycle is quickly going to the
dumps, you may have to wait a while for plentiful dx on that band.

If you are serious about working dx, you will have to bite the bullet
and pass at least the general license test. Abundant dx can only be
found on HF.

Here's the band plan:

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/reg...ands_color.pdf

And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point.......

That depends entirely on which bands you intend to use.

and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code.

You don't have too many alternatives: either learn some code (it's
really not that difficult - it's been dumbed down to the point of
absurdity) or sit tight and wait for the FCC to eventually abolish the
code requirement for HF, like the increasing number of countries have
done lately.


73 .... WA7AA




--

Anti-spam measu look me up on qrz.com if you need to reply directly

abr wrote:

If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries.

The only band that will allow you to do this with a tech license is the
6m (50 MHz) band, but since this solar cycle is quickly going to the
dumps, you may have to wait a while for plentiful dx on that band.

If you are serious about working dx, you will have to bite the bullet
and pass at least the general license test. Abundant dx can only be
found on HF.

Here's the band plan:

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/reg...ands_color.pdf

And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point.......

That depends entirely on which bands you intend to use.

and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code.

You don't have too many alternatives: either learn some code (it's
really not that difficult - it's been dumbed down to the point of
absurdity) or sit tight and wait for the FCC to eventually abolish the
code requirement for HF, like the increasing number of countries have
done lately.


73 .... WA7AA




--

Anti-spam measu look me up on qrz.com if you need to reply directly

"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I
am
now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same
question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked
how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too
friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band
I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question
in
the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a
nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for
your time in reading this, Gary Cooper



Welcome back.

50 MHz (6 meters) has occasional "openings" which allow you to work long
distance. However, these openings do not occur every day. Using SSB or
better yet (gasp) Morse Code will be MUCH better for DX than FM. With a good
antenna system and lots of patience, 144 MHz (2 meters) will occasionally
allow relatively long distance contacts. This is mostly via Morse Code,
however.

As far as a rig goes, well, that depends upon what you want to use it for.
I'd suggest a used Icom 746.

I'd also suggest biting the bullet and passing the 5 WPM Morse Code test. If
you really insist on not learned code, you can wait a bit until the FCC
kills the code requirement -- which appears to be more than likely to happen
within the next several years. (Note: That comment refers only to what is
likely to happen and speaks neither for nor against code testing).

73

Paul AB0SI

"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I
am
now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same
question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked
how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too
friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band
I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question
in
the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a
nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for
your time in reading this, Gary Cooper



Welcome back.

50 MHz (6 meters) has occasional "openings" which allow you to work long
distance. However, these openings do not occur every day. Using SSB or
better yet (gasp) Morse Code will be MUCH better for DX than FM. With a good
antenna system and lots of patience, 144 MHz (2 meters) will occasionally
allow relatively long distance contacts. This is mostly via Morse Code,
however.

As far as a rig goes, well, that depends upon what you want to use it for.
I'd suggest a used Icom 746.

I'd also suggest biting the bullet and passing the 5 WPM Morse Code test. If
you really insist on not learned code, you can wait a bit until the FCC
kills the code requirement -- which appears to be more than likely to happen
within the next several years. (Note: That comment refers only to what is
likely to happen and speaks neither for nor against code testing).

73

Paul AB0SI

Gary,

Answers below...

"abr" wrote in message
If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries.

As other have stated, 6 meters (50mHz) is the best bet here/

I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this.

Read it again. There is a wealth of information there. Might I also suggest
that
you invest in some additional reading, such as the ARRL's
"Now You're Talking" manual, which can be ordered on the ARRL site.


I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point.......

We all have that problem...

and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code.
Gary Cooper



Gary, here's a problem: This question or a variant is asked almost
daily on the Amateur radio groups and sites. We are all running out
of enthusiasm.

There is a constant parade of "newbies" who want all the advantages that
come with an Amateur ticket, but they don't want to work for it.
This attitude is very evident in the text quoted above from your post.

Please do us and yourself a favor and research the service before you
ask us: "How can I get a ticket that would allow me to get on the best
ham bands without working/paying for it?"

The best things in life are worth working for. This will require some work
on your part, and not all the answers can be found on the internet.

Look for a local club that can assist with your efforts to become licensed.
This at least, has been made easier because of the internet. Then, attend
their classes, buy a book, and work for that ticket!

Believe me, it can be done, and you will appreciate the ticket more than
if it was just given to you.

Sorry if my answer sounds unfriendly or harsh in any way, but it is
at least realistic. After all, you would not show up at the local bowling
alley wanting/expecting to bowl a 300 game without some practice
would you? Would you show up at the softball field with no equipment
or experience and expect to be allowed to hit one out of the park?

Of course not. Amateur radio is the same. You have to learn and
build some skills before you can get the DX.

Hope to see you one the bands some day.

73, Gary WG7X

Gary,

Answers below...

"abr" wrote in message
If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries.

As other have stated, 6 meters (50mHz) is the best bet here/

I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this.

Read it again. There is a wealth of information there. Might I also suggest
that
you invest in some additional reading, such as the ARRL's
"Now You're Talking" manual, which can be ordered on the ARRL site.


I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point.......

We all have that problem...

and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code.
Gary Cooper



Gary, here's a problem: This question or a variant is asked almost
daily on the Amateur radio groups and sites. We are all running out
of enthusiasm.

There is a constant parade of "newbies" who want all the advantages that
come with an Amateur ticket, but they don't want to work for it.
This attitude is very evident in the text quoted above from your post.

Please do us and yourself a favor and research the service before you
ask us: "How can I get a ticket that would allow me to get on the best
ham bands without working/paying for it?"

The best things in life are worth working for. This will require some work
on your part, and not all the answers can be found on the internet.

Look for a local club that can assist with your efforts to become licensed.
This at least, has been made easier because of the internet. Then, attend
their classes, buy a book, and work for that ticket!

Believe me, it can be done, and you will appreciate the ticket more than
if it was just given to you.

Sorry if my answer sounds unfriendly or harsh in any way, but it is
at least realistic. After all, you would not show up at the local bowling
alley wanting/expecting to bowl a 300 game without some practice
would you? Would you show up at the softball field with no equipment
or experience and expect to be allowed to hit one out of the park?

Of course not. Amateur radio is the same. You have to learn and
build some skills before you can get the DX.

Hope to see you one the bands some day.

73, Gary WG7X

Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment)
Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give
skip conditions -- but very very infrequently.
See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm

Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a
way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and
EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of
communicating.
See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR

As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or
mobile unit can be had for $40+
Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+
Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL:
http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm

For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/

For Swap pages and used price guide see URL:
http://ac6v.com/swap.htm

For radio photos -- see URL:
http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo

Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio
--

73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"'
------------------------------------------
"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I
am
now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same
question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked
how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too
friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band
I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question
in
the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a
nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for
your time in reading this, Gary Cooper

Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment)
Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give
skip conditions -- but very very infrequently.
See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm

Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a
way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and
EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of
communicating.
See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR

As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or
mobile unit can be had for $40+
Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+
Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL:
http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm

For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/

For Swap pages and used price guide see URL:
http://ac6v.com/swap.htm

For radio photos -- see URL:
http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo

Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio
--

73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"'
------------------------------------------
"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I
am
now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same
question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked
how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too
friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band
I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question
in
the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a
nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for
your time in reading this, Gary Cooper

Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment)
Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give
skip conditions -- but very very infrequently.
See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm

Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a
way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and
EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of
communicating.
See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR

As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or
mobile unit can be had for $40+
Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+
Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL:
http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm

For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/

For Swap pages and used price guide see URL:
http://ac6v.com/swap.htm

For radio photos -- see URL:
http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo

Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio
--

73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"'
------------------------------------------
"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I
am
now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same
question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked
how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too
friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band
I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question
in
the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a
nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for
your time in reading this, Gary Cooper





--
73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"'

Gary -- getting out beyond line of site usually takes place on the HF bands
(code test needed at the moment)
Techs have privileges from 50 MHz up. Some of these upper bands will give
skip conditions -- but very very infrequently.
See 6m pages URL: http://www.uksmg.org/overview.htm

Until you pass the code test -- With a no-code Tech license -- there is a
way to talk to Hams around the world -- called VoIp -- includes IRLP and
EchoLink and others. However, the internet is the prime means of
communicating.
See URL: http://ac6v.com/repeaters.htm#IR

As for equipment -- lots of used stuff. For VHF/UHF a used handie talkie or
mobile unit can be had for $40+
Used HF gear like a Swan 350, Kenwood TS-520, Yaesu FT-101 will go for $200+
Antennas can be home made (homebrewed) -- URL:
http://ac6v.com/antprojects.htm

For equipment reviews -- see eHam URL:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/

For Swap pages and used price guide see URL:
http://ac6v.com/swap.htm

For radio photos -- see URL:
http://ac6v.com/techref.htm#photo

Good luck on the Exam and Ham Radio
--

73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"'
------------------------------------------
"abr" wrote in message ...
Hi, after almost 42 years I have renewed my interest in amateur radio. I
am
now 57 and am excited about getting into the hobby. I asked the same
question in another (the other) newsgroup and got not much help, one asked
how I found the group and why I asked this question there,,, not too
friendly.... anyway..... If (when) I get my tech license, is there a band
I
can work voice that will cover some distance, not just local (I live in
South Dakota) like other states or countries. When I asked this question
in
the other group, no one answered me. I looked at the arrl site and it
doesn't give me much info on this. And............... what kind of a rig
would anyone suggest I start out with, used is fine with me as I am not
interested in spending a lot at this point....... and shoot me if you want
to, I am not really interested in learning code. Well there it is in a
nutshell, I hope someone can be of help to me,, Thank you all so much for
your time in reading this, Gary Cooper





--
73 From the Spurious Noise ';';;';x":.,";"'