Hello Mony,

Another very long day for me. First Thank you for your service. Second, the world of amateur radio is vast. Most new hams ten to gravitate to what is referred to as an all band, all mode transceiver. Sometimes called "a shack in a box" these radio's can transmit on several different bands or frequencies, using different modes. An Icom IC7100 for instance can operate VHF (very high frequency) and UHF (ultra high frequency) aka 144 mhz and 440 mhz for use on local FM repeater systems. Similar to the repeaters being used by hams in Western North Carolina who are actively supporting emergency communications right now.

The IC7100 also operates on HF (high frequency) or 1.800 mhz up to 30 mhz. These frequencies are used for communications across the nation or around the world. A shack in the box, as they say, is an excellent choice for newly licensed hams. They offer lots of frequencies and modes to explore before settling into what strikes their interest. A technician class license can operate some of the bands or frequencies, a General class license would be needed to get the most out of this radio.

If you are interested in portable operations, such as the wildly popular POTA (parks on the air). Where amateurs take portable, battery powered radios, and a portable antenna system to their favorite Federal, State or Local park and make contacts with other hams everywhere.
Then the Icom IC705 may be of interest.

These are just a couple of thoughts. There several other manufacturers besides Icom, radios from Kenwood, Yaesu, Alinco and others. All are available in a handy talkie, mobile, portable or base station configurations. You can check out Ham Radio outlet at www.hamradio.com or DX Engineering, both are great online stores for amateur radio gear. HRO has a store in Woodbridge VA and New Castle Delaware, both about equal distance from here in Calvert County. The American Radio Relay League is an excellent source for amateur radio information, from online information to study guides and text books for licensing.

You're invited! I would encourage you to attend the monthly CARA (Calvert Amateur Radio Association) monthly meeting Thursday October 10th at 7:30 PM at the Public Safety Building Emergency Operations Center room. 315 Stafford drive in Prince Frederick. There you will meet several club members who all have a vault of experience from all sorts of different walks of life. Including retired military and former Mars operators. Unfortunately I will not be able to make this month's meeting.

In the mean time, as a member of CARA, you are now on the club's email distribution list, well... just as soon as I add your email to it in the morning. I would like to re-post yur last email to the group. Of course with your permission. Your questions should bring lots of answers and recommendations from hams right here in Calvert County. Their replies will certainly be much faster than mine.

Let me know
Brian
KB3WFV

On Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10:06:48 AM EDT, Mony Brady <mony.brady@icloud.com> wrote:

Good morning Brian, 

Received, inbox was full. I’m researching what radios, power pack and antenna to purchase now. I just retired from the Navy. I was Mission Commander on the E-6B Mercury aka doomsday plane - taught me survivable comms is a must. My goal is to join the Army MARS and the local community in case of emergencies and for fun. I’m also interested in HF mesh. Do you have any recommendations on a good radio set up? Useful websites? Podcasts? 

Very Respectfully, 

Mony Brady

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 4, 2024, at 5:06 AM, KB3WFV <kb3wfv@yahoo.com> wrote:



Hi Mony,

I sent an email to you yesterday and received an error message. "mony.brady@icloud.com>: user is over quota"

Please let me know if you are receiving messages from me.

Brian
KB3WFV
President
Calvert Amateur Radio Association

On Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 12:10:10 PM EDT, <no-reply@weebly.com> wrote:

You've just received a new submission to your Contact Form. Mark as Spam Submitted Information: Name Mony Brady Email Mony.brady@icloud.com Comment Just joined the group and paid the fee, could you provide any good recommendations for a radio set?