HAM Radio

[HoosierLawnGnome]

@MarkV I get 60 miles on my Comet GP3 at 20 ft AGL with 50 ft LMR400 on a Kenwood TMV71A on 2m 70cm

On HF I hear stations all over the world and have transmitted to Europe, southern Brazil, and northeastern Africa on an OCF dipole.

All in my attic.

[MarkV]

@RayTL thanks for the info. It's funny how hobbies are so addicting and you just want to buy cooler toys.

@MarkV I get 60 miles on my Comet GP3 at 20 ft AGL with 50 ft LMR400 on a Kenwood TMV71A on 2m 70cm

On HF I hear stations all over the world and have transmitted to Europe, southern Brazil, and northeastern Africa on an OCF dipole.

All in my attic.

Well that's not what I was expecting to hear. I range wouldn't be anything near that with an attic antenna.

So what I'm hearing is, all the cool kids hang out on HF.

[Tjstampa]

I had a friend turn his rain gutter into an antenna to keep it hideous from the Homeowner association. He was able to reach both Canada and South America with his setup .

[kc8qpu092200]

@RayTL thanks for the info. It's funny how hobbies are so addicting and you just want to buy cooler toys.

@MarkV I get 60 miles on my Comet GP3 at 20 ft AGL with 50 ft LMR400 on a Kenwood TMV71A on 2m 70cm

On HF I hear stations all over the world and have transmitted to Europe, southern Brazil, and northeastern Africa on an OCF dipole.

All in my attic.

Well that's not what I was expecting to hear. I range wouldn't be anything near that with an attic antenna.

So what I'm hearing is, all the cool kids hang out on HF.

Not much seems cool about it anymore and there certainly is not youth in this hobby anymore.

[Deltahedge]

I am interested in getting into HAM radio this year. I started watching some videos last week to help me study for the test. What advice would y'all give to a new person to the hobby? (I understand a little bit from building some quad-copters with video transmission, but that's the extent of it)

[RayTL]

Hey @Deltahedge ,

I used the HamStudy app, it’s a great resource for the testing. I recommend coming up with a budget, because antennas, radios, wires, etc. are not cheap. Connect with your local club; mine has been a wealth of knowledge and has used equipment for sale or to borrow. A lot of folks start with a cheap Baofeng radio, just go ahead and spend a few more bucks for a Yaesu or an iCom, because the Baofeng is a waste of money. Do a lot of listening to pick up the lingo and figure out who’s active on the local repeaters. Hope some of this helps.

Ray

[RentalLawn]

AK4AM in the group!

Just joined TLF today and thought I'd see how many other cross-pollinated lawn nut hams were on here.

Would be neat to jump on one of the Atlanta repeaters @RayTL and have a chat!

73 and good DX,
Alex, AK4AM

[RayTL]

AK4AM in the group!

Just joined TLF today and thought I'd see how many other cross-pollinated lawn nut hams were on here.

Would be neat to jump on one of the Atlanta repeaters @RayTL and have a chat!

73 and good DX,
Alex, AK4AM

Hi Alex, good to meet you; I’d be game for that.

Is your contact info good on QRZ?

73,
Ray

[RentalLawn]

Yes, sir!

I can get into just about all repeaters in the Atlanta metro area. Just shoot me an email and we can coordinate from there.

73,
Alex, AK4AM

[Flying V Ranch]

Here's my radio room in my home library...

[RayTL]

Great looking shack @Flying V Ranch !