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N6ZO

Joined: Wed, Mar 6th 2013, 09:57 Roles: N/A Moderates: N/A

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New: What is the best starter equipment? Neustein on 13/11/20
This is such a great hobby, especially for anyone with a curious mind. So many things to try- SSB voice, CW, satellites, digital, etc but the doors really open when you get your General license and are allowed SSB voice on the bands besides 10M.
At that point it’s time to look at serious equipment, starting with the antenna you can put up. There may or may not be restrictions at your QTH. A $10,000 radio is wasted $ if it’s hooked up to a rain gutter! Hopefully you can start with a good dipole, or a modest multiband vertical or horizontal antenna. Then start with a decent transceiver, maybe an FTDX 3000 or ICOM 7300. AND an antenna tuner if your antenna is multiband.
So, if you just can’t wait, get a basic dualband handheld now, IF you’re near a local 2M repeater. But seriously, I would recommend putting down the sales catalogues and pick up the General license manual first and get access to HF SSB voice on the bands, especially 20M during this part of the sunspot cycle. You will have a blast with this great hobby!
I would also recommend joining one or more local clubs which you can find on the ARRL website. Great way to get help and get involved.
73
Ted
KK6CSO

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