
Originally Posted by
aequitas1916
Hi everyone,
I just started researching amateur radio in the course of another hobby of mine - overlanding/truck camping. I'm not a HAM, yet. At this point, I'm still trying to learn what it is exactly I need to learn about. I'm hoping some of you would be willing to advise me if what I'm hoping to do makes sense or not.
I'd like to add a mobile rig to my truck, the primary purpose of which is for emergency contact, as a supplement to cell coverage.
If you spend the money to buy the radio and spend the time to get all of the licenses you need, and after you get it all you discover that there is no one listening, are you going to be disappointed?
The secondary purpose would be to do what many other hams seem to enjoy - talking to people.
I know a lot of people get started on a HT, but I figure I may as well get the equipment I intend to use which I'm not sure of yet) and learn on that.
A HT is not a cell phone. HT's are a limited mode type of communications - line of sight. Doesn't talk very well or very far, is a poor substitute for an actual ham radio!
At any rate, I could use some people's opinions (as I imagine they will vary) on a few things. These are general questions and I understand that, due to the nature of radio, there is probably no one size fits all situations type answer to some of them:
1. I'm looking for a radio (of any frequency) that can transmit, say, 50 miles or so independent of repeaters.
You need an HF radio, range is determined by line of sight. On Pikes Peak you could effectively transmit up to 120 miles simplex on VHf, but in the bottom of the Grand Canyon you probably couldn't talk up to the rim!
a bit based on a myriad of factors. Is that a reasonable distance to expect from a mobile unit?
Half way around the earth - with the right radio, antenna, band conditions!
2. If that is reasonable, how much would, say, being in a mountain valley affect that distance?
It would kill all of your range..
3. I've read that HF can transmit quite a distance. Would that be overkill for my application?
NO
4. I'm thinking that, if I were to go for a general license in order to utilize HF phone, I would probably want to use the 40m band, as it seems to be available most. Is there an appropriate antenna that could be vehicle mounted?
Lot's of different mobile antennas that would work, but it also requires a vehicle to attach it to, and the proper bonding - since 40 meters is a lot longer of a wavelength then 11 meters - cb radio..
5. How reliable is NVIS, and would it be a good choice for trying to transmit in a valley? Or is it overkill?
Near Vertical Incidence Skywave - is how most people transmits - since very few people has towers 100 - 200 feet tall to hang dipoles for each band, and most frequencies needs at least 80' off the ground just to be more than one wavelength above ground..
I know these probably seem like very basic, ignorant questions. And I'll admit it, I *am* ignorant on most of this. But the breadth of information out there on amateur radio is pretty daunting. So, I'm trying to just figure out the specific application I have in mind and that will get me started in learning about the rest.
Thanks!
Bookmarks