Getting Started in Amateur (HAM) Radio
(Easily and inexpensively)!

DO IT!

This page is a basic guide to getting started in Amateur Radio for those who are interested in taking and passing the entry level Technician Class FCC Amateur Radio License. You can get up and running on 2 Meter as a licensed ham operator, "EASILY AND INEXPENSIVELY".

As a new ham myself (licensed in Jan, 2001), I'm still amazed at the effectiveness of even the most inexpensive 2 meter radios. When I purchased my used hand held radio ($86.00), I didn't expect to be able to do much in the way of communications. I was thinking I would be lucky to be able to reach one or maybe two of the local repeaters in my area. Much to my surprise, I was able to hit at least 4 local repeaters, which in turn retransmit my 5 Watt signal out to 100+ Watts allowing me to make contacts with people at relatively long distances (50 miles or so).

After tinkering around with some homemade antennas that I can connect to the same handheld transceiver, I can communicate on at least 15 repeaters in Southwestern PA!

Your First 2 Meter Transceiver (2 way Radio)

I recommend an HT (Hand held Transceiver) for your first radio. Repeater operations should be a major consideration with your purchase. The power on an HT is usually limited to 5 Watt output maximum. Some are 2 Watt max or less - I'd recommend an HT with 5 Watt max. Reliable Simplex operation (send and receive on the same frequency) is limited to within 10 miles or so with a decent external antenna and usually considerably less distance using the rubber ducky antenna on the hand held (especially when you are inside a vehicle). Repeater operation takes your transmit signal into the repeater and retransmits it back out on a different frequency (usually + or - .600 Mhz) at a much higher power allowing you to contact other 2 meter operators at a far greater distance than you would be able to reach by relying on the power of your transceiver by itself.

If the hand held is going to be your primary rig (transceiver) for 2 meter communications, you will want to make sure that it has the following features:

Frequency Offset

Repeater operations are critical for effective 2 meter communications with a hand held 2 meter transceiver. You should only purchase a 2 meter HT with the capability off using an offset frequency for transmitting. Any of the newer 2 meter HTs should have this feature, but if you're shopping for a used HT and you have any doubts, ask and make sure the radio has this capability.

Here's some more detailed information on repeater offset operations:
http://www.pa-sitrep.com/ploffset.htm

Antenna Connector

Almost all Hand Held Transceivers have a BNC or an SMA connectors on which the rubber duck antenna is connected. These type of connectors allow you to take off the antenna that is provided with your hand held and connect an external feed line and antenna. Make sure your HT has a BNC or SMA connector so that you can easily connect an external antenna. Most external antenna assemblies use an PL-259 connector. You will need an adapter to connect your HT in the form of either an SMA to SO-239 adapter or a BNC to SO-239 adapter. Make sure you purchase the proper adapter to connect to a PL-259 male antenna connector at the time that you purchase the radio (SO-239 is the female counterpart to the PL-259 connector).

Before hooking up to an external antenna, make sure you know that the external antenna is properly tuned for 2 meter operation! YOU CAN DAMAGE YOUR RADIO IF YOU DON'T!!!

External DC (battery) jack

You want to be SURE to have the ability to connect a cigarette lighter adapter or other external battery adapter to your hand held transceiver. If your batteries fail and you have no back up source for power, your HT turns into an expensive paperweight.

PL Tone Capability

A PL tone is a sub audible tone that allows your radio to transmit through to certain repeaters. Without the ability to set this tone on your transceiver, you will be blocked out of many repeaters. This is another "must have" feature for the 2 meter radio you purchase. Some 2 meter transceivers also have the ablity to ignore signals received to the radio unless the signal received is transmitting a PL tone. This feature is either refered to as CTCSS (Continuous Tone Continuous Squelch System) or just Tone Squelch for short. This is a nice additional feature that lets the operator block out unwanted interference but it is not as critical to have this feature as it is to have the capability of transmitting a PL tone from the HT.

Here is an explanation of PL tones and repeater offsets.

Here's a few links to help prepare for your test.

Okay, now build that antenna!

J-Pole is a great omni-directional antenna (radiates equally in all directions)... cheap and pretty easy to build. They're generally made in two versions:

1) Copper Pipe (mount in your attic or outside)
http://www.tcars.org/elmer/jpole.html

2) Twin lead (tack up in a room or hang out your window)
http://hamgate.sunyerie.edu/races/antenna/pocket.htm

Here's a great 3 element directional beam antenna (you'll need acrobat reader for this one):
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/9304054.pdf

I have made all 3 of these antennas and they all work great.

Please check back. I'll be continually adding material and links to this site! And please drop me a line if you have any questions or need some help getting started:


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