Looking for some insight

[cerberus]

Hey all, I will be going to try and get my tech ticket here within the next month, and I was just a wondering what would be a good mobile ham radio for someone just getting started with it? Also a good hand held model also. I know I maybe putting my horse before the cart here, but there seems to be quite a lot of radios on the market. Also a good mobile antenna to, or would say a Wilson 5000 work?

[MDYoungblood]

I best thing I can tell you is to look for something that you can afford. I kept my eyes in the local and online classifieds and ran across an Icom IC 735, power supply and antenna tuner for an excellent price. The ham was getting out of the hobby as it was not what he thought it was going to be like. After buying the radio I asked what he was doing with the antenna and picked it up at the same time. I know good deals come few and far between but I had to jump on this one.

3's

Greg

[1 ADAM 12]

If you are looking for vhf type ham radios...a Yaesu 1900 is a good starter radio for 2 meters. There are several different types of antennas to choose from. Depends on what type of mount you are looking for. A Wilson 5000 cb antenna will not work on ham bands (2 meters).

[North Texas Mudduck]

why cant you talk on 10 meters with the wilson 5000

[1 ADAM 12]

ham bands (2 meters).

['Doc]

Usually, there's no reason at all that you can't use a Wilson 5000 on 10 meters. You'd probably have to retune it, but since it's for a 'higher' band that shouldn't be a problem.
As far as using that antenna on bands not close to 10/11 meters, it isn't worth the trouble. It would require quite a bit of 'retuning', mainly shorting the coil and cutting the whip to a 1/4 wave length. Too easy to make a 2 meter antenna, so why ruin a 10/11 meter antenna?
- 'Doc

[Circuit Breaker]

why cant you talk on 10 meters with the wilson 5000

You're assuming he's talking about 10 Meters. He mentioned wanting to know about a good handheld so I think it's implied he's talking about VHF/UHF as there aren't a lot of 10M handhelds on the market. And, most new amateurs today start with VHF/UHF since it's fairly inexpensive. But he didn't state what band(s) he was talking about so for all we know he could be referring to 10M. That said, a Wilson 5000 will work on 10M after cutting it a bit.

[cerberus]

Thanks all for the replies, I was'nt trying to start any type of argument of any sort. But I did go and take the ham test and I passed the tech test, so there is my beginning now to wait for call sign and find a decent radio.

[222DBFL]

What about an alinco sr8t. I have been told they are not bad starter radios.

['Doc]

Good for you about the 'Tech'! Now, while things are still 'fresh', go to work on the General. That one will get you everything, not just a few of the bands. Since you've already got a taste of what the tests are like and since you've got at least 'part' of what's going to be asked, DO IT! You will be glad you did.
- 'Doc

[cerberus]

Yep Doc you are right, next testing time is in April here, so I will be study some for it and take that test then.