Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Ryan
We're in close touch with Henry Deacon about Amateur Radio and intend to post much more about this on Avalon in due course. There's already an introductory section about Amateur Radio here.
We're wondering if any other visitors are radio 'hams'. Many people (including us) want to learn. Some may be a little daunted.
What's needed is NOT technical expertise, but patience and an ability to teach and communicate with people who are starting from zero and who may not be technically minded.
What might be very useful is a whole section of this forum devoted to an Amateur Radio Q+A. Henry Deacon would contribute, but is not in a position to lead or organize this.
Anyone out there? |
I've had CB Radios for around 40 years, and they are more for LOCAL Area than Long Distance like Ham Radios, and much Cheaper. If you can find a Base Rig, 40 channels or even the old 23 channels, get it. It is easy to LISTEN to various people by using a piece of wire about 18 feet long hooked over a curtain rod. But DON'T Key (press) The Microphone or you will Blow the Final Transistors. For Listening the piece of any wire, even speaker or lamp wire, cut to length will let you hear people within a few miles.
You could get a BASE "CB Antenna" and put that on a 5 ft piece of pipe in a Tree (above the Branches- the higher the better RANGE for Hearing and Transmitting) and have about 50 -75 feet of Coax Cable with a connector on the end to plug into where the Antenna screws in.. It is important to find a radio Shack, and ask If they Know of any cb'ers who could give them advice, or go to a truckstop and ask the people selling CB's about Base Units and Base Antennas.
You can operate a Mobile CB SET in the house or building using a power supply. Thee can be found doing a Google for "CB Radios". If you have a Mobile CB in the Car, and a CB Antenna (magnet or stationary, you can sit in the car, and listen to traffic on Ch 19 or other channels, but be careful the Battery in your vehicle does not go dead.. Start the vehicle after about 10 minutes or IF your talking , have the vehicle running... But the Radio ...in any case... should be MATCHED to The CB ANTENNA For Safe Receive and Transmit Performance.
You can find a HAM Operator (or CB Operator) usually by the BIG Antenna located near a house or barn. Hope this helps..