But before I begin, do check this link out. After almost 2 months, the FCC has finally granted me my Extra class privileges and I could not be any happier!
Here are my answers to my own questions:
For my personal favorite bands, on VHF it would have to be 2m because of the vast majority of repeaters that are around my area (by that I mean 4, 3 in my locale and 1 in Canada.) For HF, I like 20m and 40m a lot because they are versatile bands, and can usually be used in tandem with each other during parts of the day, such as 20m in the daytime, and 40m at night.
VHF/UHF does have a purpose: 1) it is used by repeaters. 2) In larger metropolitan areas, UHF is the only mode that can permeate though the buildings to get reception. 3) the antennas needed for such operations are smaller, and can be created a lot easier via homebrew, especially 1.2Ghz and up. Lastly 4) it is nice to chat up with the local hams in the area around you.
Lastly, as for trying to advocate amateur radio, being a young operator, I try to reach out to those around me and educate them in that matter. I am planning on becoming a Volunteer Examiner, or VE (Not to be confused with the prefix for Canadian operators) and proctor exams for all license classes.
And now It is time for equipment reviews!!!!
Starting off is the W8AMZ G5RV Jr. Dipole antenna
 |
| (Simple setup and easy to use) |
This particular model of the G5RV, made by Tom (W8AMZ) is seen to be an improvement of the original multiband dipole made by R.L. Varney (G5RV.) It is a shortened version to 52' (or approx. 17 meters) and is useable for the amateur bands on 10m up to 60m, handling up to 2kW PEP power. For my setup here, I am using it at 24' (7.8 meters) above ground attached to 2x4's (which needs to be fixed due to flaws in the design, one of the supports fell over during the winter) For what it is, the signal reports are very decent, as I am able to hear most domestic stations running 100W at around Signal level 7 to 9, and occasionally 10 to 20 Decibels over 9. The only major drawback I have with this antenna is the need of height to gain more reception, and no access to 80m(3.5Mhz) or 160m(1.8Mhz) due to its shortened length. (There are other models that are 104' and 222' so 80m and 160m can be used.) Overall, for the price I paid at around $48, it is a decent basic antenna you can use with your HF radio to get on the air with, and does especially well in digital modes. It is nice to use if you live in an antenna restrictive environment.
Lastly, I am going to do a somewhat journalistic review of the Yaesu FT-1900R 2m mobile radio, because I am personally doing some research and planning on purchasing one in the near future, so a more detailed review of that, or whatever radio I buy will be up.
It looks like very promising and a welcoming to the Yaesu mobile radio line. (Image Courtesy of Universal-Radio)
For its price at about $170 here in the United States, it is a very decent and well usable 2m mobile rig that provides 55W PEP out. It has standard features, such as CTCSS/PL Tone and DCS access for repeaters, along with 200 memory channels, so your favorite repeater is there on tap. It also has other unique features, such as NOAA weather alert, which automatically tunes the radio to the nearest NOAA weather radio station broadcasting a weather alert, as well as access to Yaesu's proprietary WIRES II internet node link. The radio also boasts the ARTS, or Automatic Range Transponder System, to locate other amateur operators in your area. This radio would make a good addition to anyone's operations, or even as a first radio outside a handheld.
That is all I have for now. Until then, this is N2ASD clear.
