[LiveToShoot]

What's in your "Go" kit...

GoKits

[neophyte]

LiveToShoot: Sir; as an Outdoorsman:
Down in a valley; no signal. Line of sight issue.
On top of a mountain, dark moon lit night. Yahoo
Cloudy with meteorite showers YAHOO, Skippy do dah.
Clear with meteorite shower Don't git no better.

I have no idea about your outings and here versus there is not the same.
Two compasses, Change of Socks, striking tissue, tooth brush [really] a map, with points of interest and most of all [

A return date with directions where I might have wandered off too.

My nature is too wander off without thought to others trying to find me. Without question I'm wrong. Just been lucky. Nothing else.

Your referance page; offers much needed info. It is a start. Double check that you don't get RFI with your GPS. I haven't any idea but do check it in the yard before you leave home.

[LiveToShoot]

My new rig arrived today...and. I'll need to take a class or two to learn how to use it. Batteries start charging this evening and I will be able to turn it on in the morning...

[neophyte]

LiveToShoot: Sir; been waiting all day. Have you turned your new Kenwood on yet
Need a report with all the happenings that go with the NEW phase.

[LiveToShoot]

Craig,
Yes, I turned it on and have been trying to find some transmissions to listen in to...

I can tell that this Ham radio stuff and I are going to get along just fine...once I figure out how to operate this new rig.

[LiveToShoot]

Well, I finally got my tech ticket last week...and, I participated in a RACES/ARES net.

I'm also holding a GMRS ticket and have been participating in an emergency net with those local area folks too.

It sure feels good to have other options, ones that I can count on in a SHTF situation, for emergency communications.

Good/reliable com in an emergency situation is a critical element to our survival, ranked up there with our stock of food, water, firearms and ammo...

[LiveToShoot]

Got out to a local ham radio club meeting this evening...

The first item on the agenda was to issue RACES cards to members, and I got one.

Then, we were treated to an awesome presentation on sending up balloons and payloads...very interesting presentation.

Gotta tell ya all, this ham radio stuff (emergency communications for my wife and me) is an interesting pursuit...really stretches the brain cell.

[neophyte]

LiveToShoot: Sir; you've only begun. Shoot an azimuth to our Alaskans partners and sit on top of the highest point at night. When you have clear weather with the Oct meteor showers, Maybe just maybe 10m will be too easy unless the mt. get in your way

Follow up with your growing experiences Thanks

[LiveToShoot]

Well, I'm thinking more about getting ready for taking the General test, so I can TX/RX further out...

...and, in the meantime, I'm getting my modest shack set up for GMRS/Ham work with RACES and ARES activity.

This evening after work I'll be assembling the antenna mast, and hopefully get the antenna up and working early next week.

[LiveToShoot]

Craig,

What do you think about the Kenwood TS-50S rig, for an up and coming Ham operator like me...one who is pursuing his General ticket?

Rich,

Maybe you'd share your thoughts on this rig too?

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0868.html

thanks in advance to both of you...

P.S. Craig, I know it's not one of the super high tech rigs we looked at and discussed earlier, but I'm working on many areas in our family preparedness/provident living and don't want to expend more funds in any one area than what's needed, so that I don't hamper progress in other areas...plus, I've got upcoming EMT training to fund.

[Otter]

I'm not up on the newest state of the art gear, I use the Yeasu FT530 dual band handhelds that I've modified to transmit out of band. I can operate on VFH/UFH public service, business, & HAM bands, VHF Marine plus GMRS/FRS UHF. For the mobile I use a Kenwood TS50 HF, Kenwood TS742A Triband in 6, 2, & .7 meter FM and Yeasu FT100D for all mode.

[LiveToShoot]

Otter,

Thanks for tuning in on this...

You mention using a TS-50 as one of your mobiles...and, how do you like it?

I've got an older TM-733A due in tomorrow, to compliment my TH-F6A HT...thanks to the wise advice of a Ham helper friend.

It's a good thing there are willing and able Elmers...

[neophyte]

LiveToShoot: Sir; that has been an old reliable recently discontinued. Doesn't mean it wasn't good. Just means Kenwood changed the name and added something to the newer ones.
6 1/2 pounds.

If you have found one; check back at your recommended site and see what parts are discontinued. Parts can be found, sometime aggravating.
TS 50 there are plenty around.

Up and coming; yes a good rig. Will the newer ones do more? I doubt it. Just newer is newer with NOW parts.


I intend to up-grade my licenses soon. Just need some time to read the book maybe by the end of the month?????

[LiveToShoot]

Craig,

Thanks for your input...you're a very willing and able Elmer.

All the best with your upgrade...

...and, have you been taking the QRZ.com practice exams?

[neophyte]

LiveToShoot: Sir; No I haven't. I read the books and test. I tested a long

time ago for all of the written at once. Passed them all.

Couldn't do code. too many head injures. Pissed me off and I got slack.

The written information ?has? been? easy. The TIME is the XITCH.

[Otter]

The TS 50 is a fine radio, all mode, 30 KHZ to 30 MHZ receive, clip a diode and it becomes a general coverage transmitter, 1.71 to 30 MHZ. I've used mine on 11 meter AM
for years because I can't bear to buy a CB.

[Old Timer2]

Personally, I'd steer clear of the Yaesu HT's. I have one, and regardless of what they say, it's damned hard to figure out the manual. Not nearly as easy as it looks like. Add to that, the radio does not always "obey" the commands, and in addition will switch functions without notice.

[LiveToShoot]

OT2,

I'm buying Kenwood gear: TH-F6A, TM-733A, and possibly in the next 24 hrs a TM-V71A. I was looking into the TM-D710, instead of the TM-V71A, but the extra features are not worth the extra $200 to me.

So far, my appreciation for Kenwood is good...and Kenwood comes highly recommended by Ham friends.

One of those friends has a Kenwood TS-50S he's trying to sell me for HF work too, which may end up in my newly set up shack soon.

[LiveToShoot]

Well, I've plunged a little deeper into the Ham pond...

...and, I've gotten in deeper than I can get footing.

Could any of the G&G hams offer suggestions on mobile and base HF antennas?

I'm trying to get a HF rig set up in the next few days and need to have flexibility to use it at home and in my truck/trailer...

[neophyte]

LiveToShoot: Sir; you are asking for a lot. The multi band ready builts. With your now license; ?and upgrading? license. A tough one.

I saw at the ''Shelby Hamfest'' exactly what I would like to have. Long multi band covered 10-?80m ?160 cannot remember. Cheap and simple.

Radiation creates an electrical field around and on the antenna's Can hurt someone or kill them? hmmmmmmm just thinking out loud. ?baby? hmmmm

What are your ?band? mobile basic ?plan?



The Wire Man I think.

Long rough night and I throw this out for others thoughts. I'll check ?today? :}} brain dead at the moment