A major problem, need advice.
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- Portage Lakes
- Pirate
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 05-29-2004 11:47 AM
A major problem, need advice.
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...............
PL...............
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.
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.
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.....
Go for general and enjoy ham, it aint going anywhere.
frosbite
P.S.
Learn the code....when everything else fails.....
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- Pirate
- Posts: 971
- Joined: 04-18-2003 08:22 PM
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
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
Another welcome frostbite -- and all new pirates!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.....
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.
- Fred_Vobbe
- Pirate
- Posts: 1564
- Joined: 03-22-2005 03:08 PM
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.
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.
scientia quod ethics super ususfructus
- Fred_Vobbe
- Pirate
- Posts: 1564
- Joined: 03-22-2005 03:08 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.
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.
scientia quod ethics super ususfructus
Contacts in Central Texas
Fred, Dou you know any HAM orginizations that I can contact to get started in this hobby?
Thanx!
Thanx!
"Changes aren't permanent, but change is." ~ Rush
- Fred_Vobbe
- Pirate
- Posts: 1564
- Joined: 03-22-2005 03:08 PM
Re: Contacts in Central Texas
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
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?
scientia quod ethics super ususfructus
- Fred_Vobbe
- Pirate
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- Joined: 03-22-2005 03:08 PM