I'm studying for my technician and general licenses to operate a HAM radio and plan to take the test in 10 days, after which I'd like to make my first equipment investment.
I'm sure someone here has experience with HAM, either for team communications and/or emergency/SHTF communications or just for fun... Given I do not have a circle that includes operators, perhaps someone here can point out recommendations / pitfalls / thoughts / etc when it comes to general equipment for starters.
I would like to use this technology for many purposes and want my first piece of equipment to handle these, if possible:
1. Pure fun of learning something new - therefore something I can grow and learn with would be nice. I'm also a techie so bells and whistles and shiny things also do it for me.
2. Just in case a SHTF event ever occurs. I would like to handle emergency communications, for myself, friends and family. In fact, a friend of mine is also going to take the test and when all is said and done we would like to be able to communicate with each other in addition to the rest of the world to test and prepare for emergencies in a more local setting (within 30-40 miles).
3. I think it would be great to learn how to communicate through Satellites to avoid line-of-sight issues or ionosphere issues too, and it may be more challenging, so something that can handle this might be nice too.
4. I do not need a car specific unit, as I hardly ever drive, but something with the option to be somewhat portable would be nice however if something that sits at a desk is the best starter, so be it.
Does anyone out there have any recommendations based upon their experience, or even other things I should consider when purchasing this type of equipment?
Thanks in advance for any responses!
I'm sure someone here has experience with HAM, either for team communications and/or emergency/SHTF communications or just for fun... Given I do not have a circle that includes operators, perhaps someone here can point out recommendations / pitfalls / thoughts / etc when it comes to general equipment for starters.
I would like to use this technology for many purposes and want my first piece of equipment to handle these, if possible:
1. Pure fun of learning something new - therefore something I can grow and learn with would be nice. I'm also a techie so bells and whistles and shiny things also do it for me.
2. Just in case a SHTF event ever occurs. I would like to handle emergency communications, for myself, friends and family. In fact, a friend of mine is also going to take the test and when all is said and done we would like to be able to communicate with each other in addition to the rest of the world to test and prepare for emergencies in a more local setting (within 30-40 miles).
3. I think it would be great to learn how to communicate through Satellites to avoid line-of-sight issues or ionosphere issues too, and it may be more challenging, so something that can handle this might be nice too.
4. I do not need a car specific unit, as I hardly ever drive, but something with the option to be somewhat portable would be nice however if something that sits at a desk is the best starter, so be it.
Does anyone out there have any recommendations based upon their experience, or even other things I should consider when purchasing this type of equipment?
Thanks in advance for any responses!