[bars] Suggestions for a radio for new ham?

[Andy Klock]

FYI

I ended up getting the FT-60R. The Ham Radio Outlet in Salem was a candy
shop. It was packed with Friday traffic, but similar to here as soon as
people found out I was a newbie I got lots of different
opinions. So far my experience is that hams are very friendly and
helpful people.

I got to hold and push buttons on a lot of other radios and the FT-60R
just felt more solid (well for the ones in _my_ price range...) and you have to start somewhere.

Based on Paul Pellegrini's suggestions, I also bought a longer antenna and the cable for
programming. I write programs for a living so playing with CHIRP seems
like just another plus.

I learned how to set it up for some repeaters (also, 147.120) and
figured out what a PL TONE (CTCSS?) actuall was.  All these things that I
had a theoretical knowledge of from studying but no clue what they
actually meant in real life. 

Thanks again for all the responses.

Andy K
KC1MOW


Andy Klock <andy at klockmail.com> writes:

> Thanks all for everyone's advice and encouragement.
>
> I ended up going for the General last weekend, but while things are still fresh in my brain I'm
> thinking of taking the Extra on the 13th. I've got a teenager who might
> come with me (and possibly a couple of his buddies) as well if he is ready.
>
> I'm still not sure what my actual plans are but maybe that is a good
> thing. I like to hike in the mountains and carrying an antena sounds
> like a fun thing to do.  The thing that made me interested in the first
> place was reading that story of a ham who found an old NASA satellite:
>
> http://www.arrl.org/news/view/canadian-radio-amateur-finds-resurrected-nasa-satellite
>
> That is just the sort of scientific inquiry that I find interesting. But, since I'm a complete
> novice I'm sure I'll find some other interests too.
>
> My kids got out of school early today so we're going to head up to
> Salem to check out that ham shop. Will keep you posted.
>
> Thanks again. 
>
> Andy K
> KC1MOW
>
> PS. I'll try and make it to the next meeting.