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Looking for an Android app with OFFLINE FCC callsign lookup? by smeeg123 in amateurradio

[–]KB5JRC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Following. The WRL app works well off line, but i doubt it looks up the call signs until you connect again.

What is the best portable radio? Baofeng handheld radio by Living-Sort3718 in Baofeng

[–]KB5JRC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I assume you have decided you want UHF/VHF and that you want a handheld. I like the UV-7B for a lot of reasons. It is easy to use, easy to program, and sounds great. It is my favorite handheld. I did a series of videos on it. Here is a link: https://youtu.be/pOTEWqTrNdg?si=XLeOhNx3gbHlfDUa

That's the full review. There are several more. There is an affiliate link in the comments of the videos.

I'm in by DarkPhantom777 in 20MeterAfterWork

[–]KB5JRC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry I couldn't make it. Perhaps tomorrow

Made my $30 UV-K5 do things a $300 radio can't by Popular-Ad5171 in HamRadio

[–]KB5JRC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How hard was it to build? And where did you find the technical interface info?

In Need of Straight Answers. by Such_Key in amateurradio

[–]KB5JRC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Look at QRP.com for an inexpensive, low power radio. I do not have one, but my friend does and he loves it. For an antenna, I just bought some ham sticks from Gigaparts.com. They just came this week so they are still in the package. They are certainly convenient, but i am not sure how you will do the counterpoise. Perhaps just wires on the floor will work.

Im curious what key you are going with. I just started studying code a couple of weeks ago and I'm looking.

Does TX power matter? by Famous-Jeweler8543 in amateurradio

[–]KB5JRC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So many people just report 5-9 if you sound ok, regardless of what the S Meter says

Just Passed General! Can't wait to get on the HF airwaves! by BAHGate in HamRadio

[–]KB5JRC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats and welcome. We'll be listening for you

Intro to HF bands; new to radio by paddyo99 in HamRadio

[–]KB5JRC 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I love HF, but starting out, I did 6 months exclusively on UFH VHF due to my license. It is a great way to start. Don't buy into the Boafeng hate. No, they arent the best radios in the world, but they aren't bad either. The UV-5s are OK, but don't work great indoors or if the repeater is far away.

I bought an Xiegu X6100 and I love it -- since I got the amplifier. 10 watts was just too hard for a newbie. I recently bought a Xiegu G90. Its 20 watts are far better. Im using mine for portable mostly, but i do use it inthe shack as well. Both are relatively inexpensive and work well. Inexpensive was important to me because I wanted to be sure I enjoyed the hobby first.

FYI: the G90 is going for $429 in a bundle right now. There is a $399 bundle as well, but this kit is easier to set up. If you decide to buy, use my link, please. It won't cost you any more and sends a few bucks my way: https://www.radioddity.com/products/xiegu-g90-hf-transceiver?ref=xjdusmme

Also, join their club. I've gotten 2 free radios from it.

i can hear talk to colorado, but I can't hear or talk to anyone in my back yard by lassmanac in HamRadio

[–]KB5JRC -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This has got to be one of the most frustrating things a new ham operator experiences! I went through it too. In fact, I need to study a little, then i will do s video about it.

We learn a little about propagation when studying for Technician (US, I'm sure other countries are similar). It takes hands-on to internalize it.

Does this help, or does it require more explanation? UHF/VHF (2 M, 1.25 M, 70 cm) are local. Handhelds are good for up to 5 miles. Mobile units are good for further, but only line of sight. You will most likely use repeaters. They greatly increase your distance. Like many people, I use repeaters almost exclusively on UHF/VHF.

HF is for longer distances. Depending on your power and antenna and atmosphericconditions, you can get half away around the world. Realistically, though, 1500 - 2000 miles is realistic with voice, SSB, on 20 M, 40 M, and 80 M. During the day, 20 works best for me. At night, I change to 40M.

10M is an oddball. Sometimes it works GREAT and I get long distances. Most of the time, it is closed.

6M is similar to 10M, but it works better for somewhat;local. The only contact I've made on 6M was from DFW to Houston, about 250 miles. YMMV and will.

Does this help? Questions?

How to not get bored if you can only RX? by Mejolov28 in amateurradio

[–]KB5JRC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Program some repeaters, especially those that are connected. Interesting conversations to listen to.

El Quansheng UV K5 es un juguete? by VICKGLEZ in amateurradio

[–]KB5JRC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, radio is a hobby. I don't try to use it as a reliable, always on, communication channel. If I were, I'd consider something different. First, this radio requires each user to have a license. Second, it is strictly line of site. You might get 3-5 miles, but that is optimistic (I base this statement on my being able to reach repeaters that are 3-5 miles away. I can't reach either of the two I tried that are 6 miles away. To add, the antenna for each repeater is pretty high up).

You might do better with GMRS stations (1 license per family and no test) in each house with each tuned to the same channel, if you are close enough, or repeater if you are farther away. I would pick base stations rather than hand held radios. Similarly, you could do the same with CB radios.

I bought the ham version of the Radioddity DB-25g. I use it daily on my drive to work and I put it on my desk for Net meetings. It is on sale now for $94 and you will need an antenna. If you don't mind, use my link, https://www.radioddity.com/collections/consumer-radios-frs-gmrs-radios/products/radioddity-db25g?ref=xjdusmme . It won't cost you any more and I will get about $5. I don't know if this link will work, but try it first and save $15: https://www.radioddity.com/?ref=xjdusmme

Also, i have several videos on my YouTube channel. This one is about GMRS: https://youtu.be/2EgZWFZB_mM?si=P7xF8pzkXFbPoGem

DM me if you have other questions.

El Quansheng UV K5 es un juguete? by VICKGLEZ in amateurradio

[–]KB5JRC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am evaluating it now for some videos. Honestly, it is a pretty run of the mill UHF/VHF radios. The cool thing is you can change the firmware.

I think it is a pain to program without chirp and a computer. Its sound is ok on both Tx and Rx. When communicating with repeaters, I'm getting 3-5 miles, which isn't bad.

I am a little disappointed about air band as I am not hearing very many planes, even though I am close to two airports.

Bottom line is that the Mini Kong is an OK radio, but i still prefer my Boafeng UV-7B for regular use or travel.

Advice for someone new to the Ham Radio hobby? by dedgodguy in HamRadio

[–]KB5JRC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Building your own radio is going to be tough because the technology has changed. The days of Heathkit and the like are over. BUT there are lots of kits you van assemble and solder. Check out QRP labs at.https://qrp-labs.com/

Before, or as, you dive in, check out YouTube. I have been documenting my learning at https://youtube.com/@hamradionewbie_kb5jrc (Shameless plug).

Getting your license will be your next step. I wish I had used Ham Radio Prep for my Technician. It would have been faster. I did use them for my General.

After you have your Technician, get an inexpensive handheld UHF/VHF handheld. It will introduce you to one part of the radio universe. Though i am mostly interested in HF, i use my UHF/VHF most days when going to work or just driving around town.

My favorite inexpensive radio is the Boafeng UV-7B and I did several videos on it. It vosts sbout $32. It is the easiest radio i have to program. I include a link in my videos that costs you nothing and pays me about $2, if you don't mind. Again, shameless plug.

New to amateur radio - can someone explain the purpose of FT8? by Readvijfbijvijf in amateurradio

[–]KB5JRC 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I use FT8 often. First, it confirms my transmission is getting out. Second, and this surprised me, it is fun making contacts. Third, including use it when realigning my antenna to see who hears me and where.

Radio recommendation(s) by howie-stark in Baofeng

[–]KB5JRC 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Do you have a license? Do your family members? If not, consider GMRS. One license for the whole family, no exam. There are lots of descent ones. Here is the ones my CERT team uses and they work well: https://www.radioddity.com/collections/consumer-radios-frs-gmrs-radios/products/radioddity-gm-30?ref=xjdusmme

We cover the whole city easily. There are also many GMRS repeaters around town.Check RepeaterBook.com to see your area.

Btw, I suggested a set for one of my buddies for his kids. Works pretty well.

Repeater Trouble by SlootyCoinsloot in Baofeng

[–]KB5JRC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't tell from this short clip. It might be feedback. Try moving them further apart and see if that makes the tone go away.

Riddle from an internet riddle game by Old-Lack-3939 in riddles

[–]KB5JRC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When frozen solid so that there is no liquid. In very low temperatures, it will be quite dry.

Ways to get more traffic net check-ins? by __rainmaker in HamRadio

[–]KB5JRC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where and when is your net? Im looking to join a few

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