This week we are going to talk about the basic elements needed by a new ham.
We will talk about Transceivers, bands, modes and antennas. We will get more into antennas in another week.
Transceivers come in many models for vhf/uhf radios and also HF. Your major Brands are Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood, but you also have anytone and alinco along with even the cheaper brands like Wouxun and Baofeng that many new operators choose to buy because they are cheap and can at least get them on the air. I personally like Yaesu as its been my brand of choice to use. I also have a Kenwood mobile I have used for 15 plus years.
Transceivers can be purchased as a handheld Transceiver or also known as a “HT” These can be easily carried, have detachable antennas, but have limitations on transmit power, distance, and sometimes on the go programming. HT’s can be typically purchased from range of $50 to $400. HT’s have a limited battery supply on what it can hold based on 1 charge. Its always good practice to carry an extra battery.
Mobile transceivers are more widely used. Mobile transceivers are more expensive usually ranging in the $200-500 range depending on the brand and features. Mobile Transcievers have a higher transmit power and have many more features. Mobiles which they are typically referred to required a 12v DC power supply typically ran off of your car battery. Mobiles can be mounted inside a vehicle,used as a base station used in a portable operation on a fixed site temporarily.
Both HT’s and Mobile transcievers can be considered dual band which brings us to our next topic.
Radio Band Plan
a link to the ARRL band plan can be found here.