[K3PZN-List] Is this a good first Radio?

[Kilroy, Patrick L. (GSFC-5680)]

Hi Eric,

The advice Curtis gives you is rock solid.  

Your choice of first radio always depends on 
your areas of interest and your choices for 
a second radio.  ;-)  

For satellite operation, using an HT is very 
difficult, but if you do insist, then I would 
recommend to also get an Arrow dualband antenna 
or equivalent so you will have a fighting 
chance.  See http://www.arrowantennas.com and 
http://arrowantennas.com/arrowii/146-437.html

Regarding the UHF band limits, I can't say, 
unless you are interested in listening to 
something outside the ham band limits of 
420-450 MHz.  See also 
http://www.arrl.org/frequency-allocations or 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_frequency_allocations

Hope to see you at a club function soon.  

Good luck and have fun!  Keep us posted.  

Cheers,

Pat Kilroy
N8PK
AMSAT Area Coordinator
MDC area


-----Original Message-----
From: Curt Milton [mailto:wb8yyy at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 1:08 PM
To: Carroll County Amateur Radio Club
Subject: Re: [K3PZN-List] Is this a good first Radio?

Eric
 
An HT is a useful rig to have, but keep in mind the power output will limit your range a bit.  Do evaluate how far you are from the 410 machine and whether you are in a valley or not.  I think Steve N3SB has a similar radio.  I have heard these rigs are a great value but can be tough to program (but generally you only have to do that once).  
 
As for Satellite operation - there are some birds that do FM, and others that require SSB.  I suspect the FM birds may need a bit more power (into a larger antenna) but I don't know this for sure.  
 
If you are going to use a rig mainly at home you may want to consider a 'mobile rig' (ok oxymoron but its a rig that runs off 13.8 volts that can output up to 50 watts).  I realize this does require a power supply and an external antenna, but the latter you probably will want anyway.  
 
If you run across an opportunity to get a used HT, I suggest making sure it has PL tone capability.  
 
A dual-bander is especially useful for public service communication.  Often for general operating a 2m only rig will suffice - which is what I currently have in the car.  The HT I use is one of those very rugged Vertex models (they may use Yaesu as a trade name now).  
 
Curt
 

From: eric blade <eblade at yahoo.com>
To: K3PZN-List at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 12:47 PM
Subject: [K3PZN-List] Is this a good first Radio?

I am thinking about ordering one of these.  This would be my first radio.  

I am thinking of going with the 144/420 since I think eventually doing amsat stuff would be cool, and as I understand it most satellites are 2m/70cm.   I don't understand the significance at the difference between the U: 420-520 MHz and the U: 350-470 MHz models.  Are there advantages/disadvantages to receiving either of those bands?  

Any thoughts or opinions appreciated.

http://www.powerwerx.com/wouxun-radios/kg-uv3d-dual-band.html

Thanks

Eric Blade

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