Tell us why we should unexpectedly come to love your hobby.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I just can’t afford the equipment. I thought about it back in the analog days, but back then you had to learn Morse code and I just didn’t think I was up for it.

    • Twitchy1@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      1 year ago

      Money is the biggest issue. I’ve had my general for years… have never been able to afford a radio to use those bands at home. Ive had a magnetic loop antenna all ready to use in my garage for several years but no radio to run it. The local 2m/70cm is just old guys complaining usually. Passing traffic is fun during hurricanes… Only so many times I can enjoy trying to hit satellites that are swamped with people.

    • agent_flounder@lemmy.one
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      1 year ago

      Morse is no longer required-- yay!

      And with the appearance of low cost Chinese brand radios, the equipment can be cheap for 2m, particularly.

      The usual go-to for new hams is the Baofeng UV-5R and similar. The cost is about $20-30. It’s not the greatest radio and is kind of messy but for $20ish who cares if it gets you on the air.

      Also Hamfests are a great place to pick up cheap used gear. For example I got an entry level 2m mobile rig (an old Radio Shack model) for $10 and antenna for similar.

      If you want a new higher quality handheld transceiver (HT) there are options at $100 or less from Alinco and Yaesu. (Maybe Kenwood and Icom have budget options too idk)

    • AwkwardLookMonkeyPuppet@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      You can get a Baofeng UV5R for about $20 and it can broadcast on ham frequencies! Just don’t tell anyone I recommended that radio to you (I have 2 of them though). Morse code isn’t a requirement anymore either. Time to do it!