Radio Newbie

[palmerd1603]

I searched over the forum and I didn't find an answer to my questions so I figured I would ask it straight.

As the title implies I am very new at the idea of radio. So new, in fact, that I do not even have my ticket yet, but I am slated for the test on the fifth of next month. I have been an avid shortwave listener for the whole of my life and have always wanted to broadcast and communicate. Life caught up with me and things got in the way until now and I am itching to get my feet wet. I love listening to cw and I can "read" and type it at nearly 23 wpm and I want that to be my first medium of communication.

That having been said this post is to ask two questions. First, what band would be a good starting back to work with in cw mode? Second, I like the idea of having a separate radio and antenna for each band as I would be a backpacking qrp person, what brand would you recommend for a single band qrp rig?

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to reading the responses and communicating more over this thread and board.

Regards,
David

[5B4AJB]

I would say 20 or 40m, it really depends how much room you have for antennas

[AB3NK]

I wouldn't have a right answer for you because most modern radios are multiband and not single band.

The antenna would determine which band you could work, along with the real estate.
The easiest antenna to back pack would probably be a G5RV and some parachute cord.

Climb two trees and string it up tight, connect it to the radio and talk as long as you can. Solar panels would add weight to the pack, but would allow you extra battery time.
A small Honda Generator and some gasoline would probably allow you to work for a day or two depending on how far you or your friends are willing to carry it.

7000, 849 etc would be a good starter radio.