BEFORE START
Have an idea of cost and time. Will you have access to a club or someone helping. You will need it.
What are your needs wants in the beginning basics would be use a repeater with HT (how many miles[Depends on Antenna]) If you want 2 miles to a repeater then stock antenna.
Want a nice 12 miles? a 3dbi gain antenna should work. Double your output power. A mobile mag mount can be used at apt / condo with metal plate.
LOW COST 2 Meter 70 CM Tech license 100$ or less
- HT a Hand Held 4 to 5 watt Dual band Radio 59$ (there are Jumpstart kits at 33$)
- a better antenna in the 695 ring I get very good results with a 3dbi gain 2Meter 146 antenna (10$)
- Adapter if needed 8$
- Next step up a mag mount antenna for car and home with a metal plate 77$
SHACK low Cost Used Power Supply 2 band 20 watt + Antenna $300
BUILD SHACK 70 cm, 2M, 6M 10M FM add a better reach with 6M and Atmosphere propagation test $500
All great but my shack is 50 feet from my balcony and best place to run. I checked into RG 8X, RG U and LL400. 50 to 100 $ Going with LL400 for the 2 M 70 cm bands and 4 watts. cable life 20 years. Over engineer for 50$. YES!
Going to need a power supply. Here I want variable power and noise tuning. 30 amps max 25 Continuous. Plenty $150. (NOW AT 250$ Feed line, power supply)
QUAD Band 10M 6 M 2M 70 cm FM only. For me to use the FM repeaters in 10 M I need my general license. Add 239$ (Up to $490)
Add a dual band antenna mag mount. 35$
The 20 watts vs 5 watts and added 6 Meter band in nice, 6 M could get good distance and propagation training
July 25 added a Comet GP3 Dual Band antenna for the base. $150 Cable and Antenna.
GET GENERAL Adds 10 M FM Band Repeaters $ will be on PORTA, Antennas.
Once General I can use 10 M FM for Repeater work. maybe add a 17 foot telescoping antenna 80$ But more will come as I learn. i have access to loaner gear and can try before buy always good.
HF SSB, AM +1000.00+ Or volunteer at a station (CHEAP)
but add HF and tuners adds more cost. Volunteer at a Station and have access to ELMERS and gain experience an contact
July 30 Start Using a loaner 20 year old system. this system used is $500.
Technicians license will allow 28.300 to 28.500