Sunday, 19 January 121 16:34:50, David Perrussel wrote to All Subject:   
   New Ham Operator   
      
    DP> Well, after many years of putting it off, I finally got my   
    DP> tech license about a week ago. (Call sign KK4GBC - I'll probably   
    DP> get a vanity call since that's so hard to remember and say on the   
    DP> air)   
      
    DP> I bought a really cheap (but surprisingly good) HT called a   
    DP> Wouxun KG-UV3D that does 2 meters & 440, and has dual VFOs so I can   
    DP> monitor the local repater while it scans other nearby repeaters.   
    DP> (It's a Chinese knockoff of a Yaesu FT-60)   
      
    DP> I'm not really "new" to ham radio per se, as I've been a   
    DP> listener to both 2 meters and HF for a number of years (I own a   
    DP> shortwave radio and a "police band" radio from the 70s), plus my   
    DP> older brother is an Extra class ham (WB7TVS) and influenced me to   
    DP> become an electrical engineer 20 years ago.   
      
    DP> So I'm looking forward to getting my General license real soon   
    DP> and this spring (after I get a new roof on the house) putting up   
    DP> some HF antennas and getting a good HF rig. Any pointers as to what   
    DP> kind of moderately priced and moderatel sized HF antenna (10   
    DP> meters, possibly 20 & 40 meters as well) that you'd recommend?   
    DP> Also, what kinds of HF rigs should I be on the lookout for? Both   
    DP> new and used.   
      
    DP> To paraphrase a common quote: "Long time listener, first time   
    DP> ham"   
      
      
   Well congratulations and good luck.  Hope you are able to get your General   
   soon and go beyond that if you wish.  You do want to wait to change your call   
   until after at least you get your General.   
      
   On antennas I would suggest a small beam for at least 10 meters.  And if you   
   have the room a three or four element mulit band beam.  At least a tribander   
   but don't ignore a beam that is good for 10 through 20 meters including the   
   WARC bands.  You are looking at wires or verticals for a 30 meters and below.   
   Right now I think you would have the most fun on 10 meters.  It should be   
   popping for the next two or three years.  There is a lot to learn and explore   
   that can not be covered in one email.   
      
   As far as radios, just keep an eye on the local flea markets.  You can pick   
   up older used radios fairly cheap but just make sure that you get them from   
   someone that you either know or that someone knows that will back them up if   
   they are DOA when you get it.  There are some nice new radios out there if you   
   can wait and save up for them and everyone has their own opinion on which is   
   the best.   
      
   Again good luck and WELCOME!   
      
      
      
      
   Al  N1API   
      
   Cheers!   
      
   Al Kaiser - Meriden, CT, 26-Jan-2012 at 13:41.   
   Fido : 1:142/926 - Internet : n1api@cox.net   
      
   .!. "I hits Krako, Krako hits Tepo, Tepo hits me.."  Bella Oxmyx   
   --- Terminate 5.00/Pro    
    * Origin: I'll POINT at you with TERMINATE. (1:142/926)