Any Amatuer Radio Operators Here?

[ChadAmberg]

I've got my general, but don't talk that much. My callsign is K0ZZZ, doesn't matter because I usually use my real name online anymore, so people I piss off find me anyway.

[gnihcraes]

looks like a lot of people haven't updated their callsigns in a while either... addresses are for other states/locations.

[mrfish83]

General class here (moved from Ca), but I don't use it very often. 73's.

[jerrymrc]

I have added to the original title to expand the thread. Hope ya don't mind.

[Hoosier]

This is on my list of things to do. I have a friend who's an Extra Class. I want to stay cheap, probably just get a handheld 2m unit and a magnet antenna -- that sound about right? I should be able to talk to most everyone who's an active ham on that band in a 30+ mile radius right.

I also need to move my CB antenna mount, it's mounted on a bar that's drilled into the underside of the bumper cover. There's a lot of wobble, and I'm wondering if I shouldn't have that metal bar to ground.

[gnihcraes]

Jerrymrc - no problem... edit as you see fit.

Yep, basic license and 2meter rig for about $200 with antenna. Simplex (radio to radio) you can talk about 1 mile per watt depending on terrain. Even if local power is out, many of the repeaters here along the front range are on mountain tops, which usually have power when the metro area might not. So using a repeater you can talk from cheyenne to colorado springs usually. (depending on factors)

^^ as for that metal bar and grounding the cb antenna, yep, need to get it attached better to the body/frame for good ground. (or grounding strap from the mount to something better)

[jerrymrc]

So lets talk about staying in touch with the outside world. Everyone needs at least a half way decent SW radio to hear what is going on in the world. Even if ya can't talk ya can listen. I have three portables. If you have nothing then I would look at a Kaito KA1103 or if your short on $$ even a Grundig s350 would be better than nothing. Used I am still fond of the old Radio shack DX-440. You should be able to get a good one for under $60. Every now and then some good deals will pop up but you have to know what your looking at.

Also, get the antenna outside. All the above have an external connection and ya need to use it.