any hams interested in a sked?

any hams interested in a sked? - Printable Version

+- AlphaRomeo15 (https://www.alpharomeo15.org)
+-- Forum: Back at the Hooch (https://www.alpharomeo15.org/Forum-Back-at-the-Hooch)
+--- Forum: Off Topic (https://www.alpharomeo15.org/Forum-Off-Topic)
+--- Thread: any hams interested in a sked? (/Thread-any-hams-interested-in-a-sked)

Pages: 1 2

RE: any hams interested in a sked? - tommag - 10-29-2024

It just occurred to me (I'm a little slow😁) that non hams might be wondering what I'm talking about. A sked is scheduling a time and frequency to make a contact. A net is where different operators join into the conversation with a moderator (net control) co-ordinating the radio traffic.

RE: any hams interested in a sked? - pierceg - 10-29-2024

I want to get a setup.
But since I'm a newbie, I have no idea what all's needed. I think I'd like a home based setup. But one that will work and allow me to add items to make it better.
If that makes sense.

RE: any hams interested in a sked? - tommag - 10-29-2024

(10-29-2024, 02:13 PM)pierceg Wrote: I want to get a setup.
But since I'm a newbie, I have no idea what all's needed. I think I'd like a home based setup. But one that will work and allow me to add items to make it better.
If that makes sense.

Just a license, radio that does 10 meters sideband and an antenna. It looks like you're over in western Washington, so our signals would pass over each other but you could certainly talk to the others. I would recommend a radio with 80 watts or more power output.
I assume you're licenced and maybe a technician class for now as you state you're a newbie. I don't know what you can get away with for an antenna but a hexbeam is an amazingly good compromise for an antenna. They're about 21' diameter and weigh about 5 lbs and work well at lower heights.
The na4rr hex is around $700. You could build a simple dipole for just a few bucks but be aware that transmitting puts really high voltage so whatever you do, makes sure that the antenna can't come in contact with trees, etc.
As far as radios go, I have an icom ic-7300 which is regarded as an entry level hf rig. It costs about $1100 after rebate. (Don't count on the rebate) It's a great radio for the money. If you don't plan on advancing to general class it doesn't do 2 meters/70 centimeters so be aware of that.
My first rig was an icom 7100. It did everything from 70cm down to 160 meters it was a good radio but although it was advertised as 100w output it didn't get above 75w without modifications. Also, it would shut off and restart using the internal speaker but an external speaker is cheap. I don't know if icom ever fixed these problems. At 75w output it worked fine.
Your IP address tells me you're over on the West side of Washington. Joining up with a club over there such as the mike (mic?) and key club in Pierce county would really help as most hams are eager to help guys.
I completely forgot about a power supply, basically a doohickey that converts 110v ac into 13v or so dc. Figure on double the radio's output because 100w out takes around 200w into the radio 20 amps would to the job.

RE: any hams interested in a sked? - The Shooters Apprentice - 10-29-2024

(10-27-2024, 07:58 PM)srjdsmith Wrote: Aww, geez. Everyone’s a HAM but me.

Don't feel bad, I'm not either