After spectating Tall Pines for a few years I've decided to volunteer for the next one. I'm going to work on getting my license for HAM. My question is what kind of radios do you guys use? What band? 2m? 10m? What's the best radio for the bucks? Ok that was more than one question. Anyways, I appreciate any help.

I'll second what Ian said... everyone has their opinion on brand.

We tend to use 2m frequencies... the majority of repeaters fall into that range, especially the more remote ones.  As well, some of the events bring out a mobile 2m repeater that one of the clubs has access to.

For radios; I personally have an Icom v8000 for in-car.  Upto 75w output, coupled with a good antenna, I've overpowered stages before, and hit people who couldn't hear the repeater.  No dual-band option, which I might like to get later on.  Also gets weather band, and can receive well outside the 2m range.  For the price, it's a fantastic radio.  

I also have a Yaesu handheld, tri-band.  Too many features to list, and the majority I don't use.  5w max (I believe), and the duckbill antenna it comes with is useless for anything other than short range communication.  I picked up a 15dB dual-band mag-mount antenna and the adaptor to the radio, and it works pretty well for the low power.  I was using it during the friday shakedown to communicate with the organizers (had a question re. timing).

Watch for the RSO HAM radio course.  It's not a true course, in the sense that they expect you have already read the book.  The idea is you have read the book, played around with the Industry Canada exam question generator, and have questions you need answered.  We spent part of our 2-days going through the test generator, answering questions, and discussing our right/wrong answers.  There may also be local clubs that offer the course.

I will echo Doug's comments.

I have an ICOM V-8000 and a 5/8 mag-mount whip (Larsen?) and I can almost always hear and be heard. Great rig for the money. I received it for Christmas and I think the whole set-up cost less than $400 taxes in.

Like Ross said, shop the sales.

Dualband rigs with cross-band repeat are cool and they let you work outside the car, but I really only use my rig for rallies (2-3 times a year) so it just was not worth the extra money.

Do the RSO Course, I found it a great way to learn and had my licence in a weekend, but like Doug said you need to study the RAC book yourself extensively, in advance.

I managed to get a RAC book at Radio Shack, brand new, for $2.99. Some of them still have them in stock, but its been years since they sold them.

Robert Roaldi wrote on 11/30/7 at 13:30:03:


Durham Radio has matched prices for me in the past.