[Fourlanders] OK, The questions Begin....

[Jim Worsham]

I agree with your little bit at a time approach.  That is similar to how I
started.  Be warned though, when I started I said to myself that I would not
let this get out of hand.  I now have more radios, amplifiers, etc. than I
know what to do with and there are guys on here with even more.  My only
other comment is I would start on 6 meters instead of 2.  You can use a low
loss RG8 type coax like LMR400 for 100 feet runs on that band.  No need for
preamps on that band since the ambient noise is so high in most locations
the preamp would do you no good.  Antenna can be almost anything.  I have
worked guys using a dipole when the band is open but a small 3 or 4 element
beam should be plenty to get you started and you can turn that with even a
TV rotator (I wouldn't recommend that though).  I have no experience with
roof mounted towers.  I don't like the idea of something like that bolted to
the roof of my house.  Sections of Rohn 25 are fairly easy to find if you
know who to ask (we do) so I would go that route myself.

73
Jim, W4KXY

-----Original Message-----
From: fourlanders-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:fourlanders-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Kos
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2007 5:21 PM
To: fourlanders at contesting.com
Subject: [Fourlanders] OK, The questions Begin....

Guys,

Thanks for inviting me onboard with the reflector. Jim said to go ahead with
the questions, so here is the opening salvo:

I'd like to get started on 2m SSB and then progress to 430 & 50 MHz. I think
one band at a time will be easier on the wallet. I have a new Icom 706 with
which to get started. I'd like to do the following:

1. Setup a home station with a suitable directional antenna. Any rotator,
mast and antenna will be roof mounted unless I can find a deal on a
modest-sized tower. Need some direction on the best coax, antenna, and
amp/preamp for this purpose. I don't mind spending a bit extra for better
equipment, but it will just take a bit longer to accumulate. My only
experience in 2m SSB was with an F9FT antenna I had when I lived in Miami,
and was quite pleased with it. Maybe there's something better now.
I could get started without the amp/preamp for example, to get on the air,
then add later. I'd also consider phasing some antennas together as well.
Cable runs will be less than 100'. I will probably box-mount the transceiver
for portability so I can take it in the field when possible. Amp/preamp
mounted with the radio in the box for portability? Follow-up question: Is
the IC-706 a suitable rig for now, or should I look for something else at
some point?

2. Field station for mountain topping. I'd like to operate from a tent or
from my pop up camper when I can trailer it to an appropriate location. The
best coax, antenna & other hardware for this purpose? 

Any other comments or advice would be appreciated. I've been looking for a
group with a body of knowledge to help me with these questions, and I've
been delaying doing this for several years now as a result. I'm rather
excited about the prospects of this project.


Kos, N4NIA

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