LittleCalm
NES Member
So I was thinking it might be a good idea to have an ECOMM backup system, even if it's just receiving and not transmitting. The amount of info on the web is overwhelming. Here is my current thinking and am looking for guidance.
-- Am not looking to get into ham right away as a transmitter. I have a lot of hobbies. I might not go hard core here. So I was thinking of starting with just a receiver.
-- I want to get the most bang for my buck by getting something that will receive a wide variety of SW channels. Other stuff, like NOAA, AM, FM would be a bonus.
-- I understand that SSB is pretty critical.
-- It seems like handhelds are not terribly effective. Seems like a small portable base receiver would be preferable. Question is whether to start with the portable stuff like the Grundig 700/750, Sony 7600, Sangean 909, or whether to step up to something like an Alinco DX-R8T. Beyond that, you start getting into expensive ICOM and Yaesu semi-portbale and table top units.
-- I want to be mindful of power consumption - would like to be able to have something with reasonably low current draw that I could run off car or similar large cell 12V batteries in case of power outage.
-- Scalability: Interestingly, the price difference between something like the Alinco R8T receiver and the SR8T transceiver is not much. So perhaps I should think about getting a transceiver in case I decide to get my license. I also am aware of the Yaesu FT-817 and 857, and understand their power differences. But the 857 in particular is real expensive (>$850). Thus, I was thinking of starting with a base receiver first vs. weighing it against the Alincos.
-- Antennas. I do not want to throw wires in trees, lay out wires on my roof or set up a 40 foot tower in my back yard (not yet anyway). Are portable antennas like the Buddipole, MFJ or the MP1 super antenna (SuperAntenna -Official Website - New Super Antennas SuperAntennas Portable) the way to go?
-- Other peripherals, like antenna tuners. No idea whether I need them.
Any help is appreciated.
-- Am not looking to get into ham right away as a transmitter. I have a lot of hobbies. I might not go hard core here. So I was thinking of starting with just a receiver.
-- I want to get the most bang for my buck by getting something that will receive a wide variety of SW channels. Other stuff, like NOAA, AM, FM would be a bonus.
-- I understand that SSB is pretty critical.
-- It seems like handhelds are not terribly effective. Seems like a small portable base receiver would be preferable. Question is whether to start with the portable stuff like the Grundig 700/750, Sony 7600, Sangean 909, or whether to step up to something like an Alinco DX-R8T. Beyond that, you start getting into expensive ICOM and Yaesu semi-portbale and table top units.
-- I want to be mindful of power consumption - would like to be able to have something with reasonably low current draw that I could run off car or similar large cell 12V batteries in case of power outage.
-- Scalability: Interestingly, the price difference between something like the Alinco R8T receiver and the SR8T transceiver is not much. So perhaps I should think about getting a transceiver in case I decide to get my license. I also am aware of the Yaesu FT-817 and 857, and understand their power differences. But the 857 in particular is real expensive (>$850). Thus, I was thinking of starting with a base receiver first vs. weighing it against the Alincos.
-- Antennas. I do not want to throw wires in trees, lay out wires on my roof or set up a 40 foot tower in my back yard (not yet anyway). Are portable antennas like the Buddipole, MFJ or the MP1 super antenna (SuperAntenna -Official Website - New Super Antennas SuperAntennas Portable) the way to go?
-- Other peripherals, like antenna tuners. No idea whether I need them.
Any help is appreciated.
