What to expect as a 'newbie'?

gw8asd · Sat Aug 20, 2022 11:21 am

MM7PGV wrote:

I'm restricted with my foundation licence to transmitting at 10w anyway and the UV5RT will transmit at 1, 4 and 8 watts but with the antenna gain (4.5db at 2m, 7.5db at 70cm) I'd need to stick to the 1w setting or it'd be over the limit. (and I have to admit I haven't even transmitted once yet lol)

I think,
First step is to try it up the ladder,
Second, replace the cable,
Third, buy a cheap used transceiver and related gubbins

Foundation licence permits, with a couple of exceptions, 10W at the feed point of the antenna.
The antenna gain isn't included.
EIRP is only used for a couple of bands.

Cheers

Tony

MM7PGV · Sun Aug 21, 2022 10:25 am

Thanks for clarifying that. I had misunderstood it.

M0LAR · Mon Apr 29, 2024 10:45 am

Also fairly new to this hobby. Passed the exams on my electronics knowledge but didn't know what else to do so bought a cheap handheld and kept listening in the evenings and found a couple of local clubs hosting nets. Yes, most of the talk was about equipment but there seemed a good cameraderie so I joined one of the clubs and found people very helpful and more than willing to assist my first steps including selling me a much better rig at a great price. I now join in quite a few nets including one from Alaska which is available on Echolink from your computer. Hence I am taking small steps on 2m and 70cm and once I have negotiated with the station manager, I'll get an HF antenna up and try there. It takes time and don't be afraid to ask if you feel as if you don't know something. It is a hobby not a career.

gw8asd · Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:47 pm

M0LAR wrote:

Also fairly new to this hobby. Passed the exams on my electronics knowledge but didn't know what else to do so bought a cheap handheld and kept listening in the evenings and found a couple of local clubs hosting nets. Yes, most of the talk was about equipment but there seemed a good cameraderie so I joined one of the clubs and found people very helpful and more than willing to assist my first steps including selling me a much better rig at a great price. I now join in quite a few nets including one from Alaska which is available on Echolink from your computer. Hence I am taking small steps on 2m and 70cm and once I have negotiated with the station manager, I'll get an HF antenna up and try there. It takes time and don't be afraid to ask if you feel as if you don't know something. It is a hobby not a career.

Don't forget the much better VHF/UHF results you can get with good (Yagi) antennas and modes other than FM/digital speech.

Cheers

Tony

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