A major problem, need advice.

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Portage Lakes
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A major problem, need advice.

Post by Portage Lakes » 05-29-2004 07:35 PM

I started to study for my General license but I am really worried about BPL. I don't want to spend $2000 on all the equipment and then find out BPL has destroyed HAM Radio. There are probably many people like me that are debating if it is worth the risk to get into the hobby at this point. Anyone have any advice?

PL...............

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Glitch
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Post by Glitch » 05-29-2004 08:27 PM

First off, why would you spend 2 grand to build your station? Most noobs to ham radio start out small, purchasing good, used gear. That way, if it turns out amateur radio isnt your "cup of tea", then the investment is minimal. (You can sell the gear and recoup most of your sheckles...). 500 bucks will get you on the air with a decent station. All you have to do is shop around to find the deals. Your local amateur radio club is the best way to find info on used equipment, flea marts, and ham fests.
As far as waiting to see if the BPL fiasco will pan out, who knows?
You could grow old and die before that is finally sorted out.
Good luck.:confused:

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golpemortal
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Post by golpemortal » 01-03-2005 09:52 PM

agree..

frosbite
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Post by frosbite » 01-09-2005 01:07 PM

Don't worry too much about BPL es it will not last long. Remember if it can interfer with you then think what happens when someone drops 1500 watts rf on the line. It won't last long.

Go for general and enjoy ham, it aint going anywhere.


frosbite


P.S.

Learn the code....when everything else fails.....

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Post by Linnea » 01-10-2005 10:55 AM

Welcome, frosbite. Your observation is correct. ;) BPL did not last long in EU.

Burt Gummer
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Post by Burt Gummer » 01-25-2005 10:05 AM

I've been a Ham radio operator for years. Recently BPL was experimented with in Cape Gerardo, Missouri and promptly discontinued due to poor performance.

What's not widely known is the effect HF radio's have on a BPL receivers! If one were close enough (while transmitting) it *could* render the BPL receiver deaf! BPL will not be able to *share* an existing band without having interference issues of their own to deal with!

Personally - I see BPL becoming obsolete long before it has any impact on Ham radio!

My 2 cents,
73's

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Post by mudwoman » 02-08-2005 06:14 PM

frosbite wrote: Don't worry too much about BPL es it will not last long. Remember if it can interfer with you then think what happens when someone drops 1500 watts rf on the line. It won't last long.

Go for general and enjoy ham, it aint going anywhere.

Learn the code....when everything else fails.....
Another welcome frostbite -- and all new pirates! :)

I agree about BPL.

As for the rig, my idea has always been to keep it simple.

Anything you can build yourself is always good too. You will learn more doing that than you will ever learn any other way.


:D

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Fred_Vobbe
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Post by Fred_Vobbe » 03-23-2005 07:52 AM

In all the locations where they have tried BPL in my region it has failed miserably. Carrier current data transmissions of fast data is not a good idea. Ok for 110/300 baud meter data, but it's pure smoke and mirrors to equal cable modem or DSL speeds.

Frosbite is correct that any transmission you make nearby a line providing BPL will impact their service as well.

Fred

PS: My kids recently got me a Yaesu FT-857D, and a I use a variety of wire antennas. You should be able to get into ham radio for less than $750 new, and probably less than $500 used.
Last edited by Fred_Vobbe on 03-23-2005 07:54 AM, edited 1 time in total.
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mudwoman
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Post by mudwoman » 03-23-2005 01:51 PM

Fred_Vobbe wrote: You should be able to get into ham radio for less than 0 new, and probably less than 0 used.
So true. There is no need to throw a lot of money into your rig. :D

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Post by Fred_Vobbe » 03-24-2005 02:22 PM

BTW, the FT-857D can also be used for listening to AM radio. I find that it's more sensitive than the Sony ICF-2010, CC Radio, or others.

Most of the time when I'm listening, or recording CTCAM for listening the next day, it produces fairly decent audio.

The only negative I can think of is that like all small HF rigs, it can be a bit difficult to navigate all the menus and commands. But once you know where everything is, and set up the radio, it’s a good performer.

Battery wise, I can get about a month worth of listening off the FT-857D via D-cells.
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biggmixx
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Contacts in Central Texas

Post by biggmixx » 03-24-2005 03:02 PM

Fred, Dou you know any HAM orginizations that I can contact to get started in this hobby?

Thanx!
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Fred_Vobbe
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Re: Contacts in Central Texas

Post by Fred_Vobbe » 03-24-2005 08:02 PM

Where are you in Texas? I know some guys in ham radio down in Houston and Dallas. I can ask around and see where they have some clubs and groups.

If you are just getting into the hobby I would suggest you look at some of the materials from W5YI. I think the web site is http://www.w5yi.org.

W5YI has practice and testing software that goes on a Windows computer. It allows you practice the test like it will be given to you.

If you spend at least 10-15 minute a night, for one month, I think you will find that you'll will be able to pass the no-code test. Then after getting your no-code license, start working up to the General and Extra privs.

Let me know where you're at and I'll try to find some local clubs or organizations to help you.

Fred W8HDU

Fred, Dou you know any HAM orginizations that I can contact to get started in this hobby?
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biggmixx
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Post by biggmixx » 03-24-2005 09:12 PM

Thanks for the info! I'm near Ft. Hood Texas, about an hour north of Austin. The link you posted is great! I have already ordered study material.

Thanks again,
Bill
"Changes aren't permanent, but change is." ~ Rush

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Post by Fred_Vobbe » 03-25-2005 02:24 PM

Fantastic, Bill!

After you get your license, look for a repeater that has I.R.L.P. on it and link up with my repeater here in Lima OH. It would be nice chatting with you and putting a voice to someone in the forum.
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