/diy/ - Do It Yourself

SDR fag from last thread. I've been having a blast with my wire dipole I have in the attic. Below 10 Mhz everything comes in great, but everything else is so-so. Would this antenna design allow me to better receive VHF if the wire lengths were tuned accordingly?

Finally got round to fixing my Yaesus, got autistic af, and made this repair/soldering guide.

Maybe it'll help somebody I dunno.

2/2

>>1640622
Structures and vegetation are more opaque to VHF and UHF, but not entirely. You're also not going to get ionospheric reflections from those bands.

But if your antenna is like half or full wave and has low resistance (i.e. a lot of copper), you should probably get something. Try it and see.

You'll want to orient the antenna vertically though.

>>1640622
Are you changing to quadrature sampling when not tuning HF? If you are using direct sampling (as you should for HV) all the time, even FM broadcast will come in crappy.

>>1640683
HF not HV.

>>1640635
I have a large yard, would my HF reception be significantly better if I ran my antenna out the attic window and tied it off on a tree? The one end would be closer to the ground.
>>1640683
Yes direct sampling only below 25 mhz, above that quad.

>>1640627
>>1640628
Good job. How are the repairs working out? I might get some broken ones at the swap and do this.

Anyone else been getting slow CAPTCHA all day and have to go through `12
+ "Incorrect try again" messages to actually get to post?

>>1640741
Ideally you want a low-resistance antenna cut as closely to 1/4, 1/2, or 1 wavelength of the band you intend to use it on.

If you're just trying to catch signals on all HF bands maxing the length is better.

>>1640755
They're hunky dory. No problems at all. Those generic filters have good tuning on all FM bands the radio allows.

CAPTCHA has been fine for me. No problems. I'm in a major US metro on a big name provider though. I think the throttling has to do with recent traffic from your location/ISP.

I'm growing out of my beofeng and looking for a handheld that doesn't need a fucking set in charging station, and can stand all the backpacking I do.
Any recommendations?

>>1640915
KX3 with the 2 meter expansion

Just got my technician and the customary baofeng. Looking to do simple radio astronomy. Is it realistic to simply hook a functioning but unused satellite receiver dish up and use that to look at stars using a nesdr? Or would there be too much interference?

>>1640622
How long is your coax? Find the dB loss/foot of coax. I wouldn't be surprised if you're looking at least 50% of the signal in coax.

>>1640627
Excellent job on the repair guide anon. Saving this even though I don't have a VX-7R.

>The flux problem is a symptom of the decline of Western Civilization. In time you will understand.
Unfortunately, I do.

>>1641053
I have what came with the rtl sdr. I think it's a 3 metre extension and whatever the stock dipole had on it? I removed the stock telescoping antennas and just soldered a strip of copper wire to each side. I have the whole thing tacked up to the inside peak of my roof, about 35 feet AGL. The SDR is plugged into a 5 foot USB extension and with all that I have just enough length to make it all work.

>>1640627
>>1640628
Thanks, saved.
t. one of the faggots who keeps asking what HT to buy, and probably will still avoid this series for the time being since I can't yet de-solder for shit
>

>>1641168
If you haven't already, place the antenna vertically instead of horizontally like the other Anon suggested. Also, on the coax is there any writing? Rg-xxx?

>>1641168
If you haven't already, for VHF/UHF reception place the antenna vertically instead of horizontally like the other Anon suggested. Also, on the coax is there any writing? Rg-xxx?

>>1641110
Thanks.

>>1641196
If you can find a failed unit for $100, and you buy everything in the tools & consumables section, it will still be cheaper than a working used one, which will eventually have the same problem anyway.

And you'll have a soldering kit. Everything seems easy with the right tools.

Is there a desktop ham/SW that doesn't cost a gorillion dollars?

>>1641305
Consider used equipment sales. Many big clubs with a repeater will have a weekly gear-swap-sale net.

>>1641305
The Pixie, mentioned in the FAQ, can be bought for a fistful of dollars (about 3 dollars). Though you should really spend a few dollars more on better filtering.

>>1641305
Sadly, not so much. hams are notorious for thinking their used gear is worth near what they paid for it. Plus, with used gear you never know of problems - blown finals, etc. You can get into 2m - 70cm pretty cheap, but HF units are a pricey endeavor. It's not a cheap hobby.

>>1641358
The worst thing is the tens of thousands of boomer hams with stacks of radios they don't use.

Why does this niche hobby have an enormous market? Why do Yaseu and Icom have hundreds of units in their active product lines? Why is wire at Ham Outlet two dollars a foot?

Boomers blowing their grandchildren's future. That's why.

>>1641383
>Look mom, I posted that pic again!

I just got a Baofeng how do i find a frequency to listen too i am bored. Do i look for repeaters or what?

>>1641383
You sure are mad. What, you can't pass the multiple choice test to get your ticket? The summer crowd is back I guess.

>>1641400
https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php?state_id=none

https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/

>>1641400
You don't do anything. Activate scan on the radio and hunt Taco Bell drive-through frequencies. Or program in the NOAA freqs and use it as a weather radio.

>>1641383
This isn't a hobby for poors.

>>1640615
Anyone making 13 Colonies Special Event contacts? Quite the backlog.

>>1641383
I bet they overvalue their baseball cards and wife's angel tchotchkes too. The day SDR can do HF, tx, and have the nostalgic feel, it will give them all a heart attack and their children will shovel all their radios in the trash along with their corpse.

>>1641383
>File: boomer ham number 129835.jpg

You can find something redeeming about everyone if you look hard enough.

>>1641419
The typical grug boomer, everyone. Thinks passing the joke exams is an elite activity. Sailed through life taking pride in participation trophies.

>>1641439
Naw. They'll just bitch about how SDR should be illegal on their local ragchew repeaters. Then move on to bitching about their hip replacements.

>>1641400
You can google FRS and program those frequencies into it. Then it'll be compatible with your cousin's walkie talkie.

Technically illegal to use but no one gives a fuck.

You will get shit for chiming in on repeaters though.

Read the fan manual to get acquainted with how it works. Might even feel like getting a license. Like many thousands of other people who get into the hobby this way.

https://radiodoc.github.io

>>1641427
>hobby started by people building radios in their garages
>now filled with proud consumers
You dipshits fucked up everything.

>>1641400
Don't listen to anyone else that responded to you.
See the anons in this thread and the previous ones hunting signals with an SDR?
Spend $20 on one and use it as a spectrum analyzer to scan which bands are active local to you, and program them in to your radio.
Scanning on the Baomeme itself is slow and worst of all there is no way to lock out frequencies that are just noise.
Get an SDR. It made my baofeng enjoyable again. Plus now I can listen to Alex Jones if I'm home from 11am-2pm CST

>>1641497
What's a good SDR?

>>1641491
Ooooh, someone is AE... as of this year. Code-free, multiple choice test. It's ironic you call the exam a joke, it's how YOU got your ticket. You wouldn't know Ohm's law if it bit you on the ass.

I'm one of the 3 guys who graded your Element 4 exam - I know how stupidly simple it is.

>>1641505
Isn't radio kind of a risky hobby for someone with a pacemaker?

>>1641503
The Nesdr smartee is good. Cheap too.

yeah so it's time for the breakfast roundtable here's my breakfast, check em if you got em

>>1641537
>>1629731
"YES, THAT'S THE FUTURE."

>>1641537
Accept no substitutes, and check these dubs.

So I spent all last night trying to play the 13 Colonies.
Nobody even partially acknowledged me. I could hear them fine on 20M and 40M, so I'm starting to ponder how to troubleshoot my lack of tx.
Could it be just that I was using an Omni directional (dipole and whip) while they had rotators and directional antennas?
My power supply only reads 5A on HF (+/-70W) and that's on the high setting. It'll hit 10A on UHF.
I wonder if it's the impedance of 100' of rg-58 coax.
Also, I don't have an antenna analyser or SWR meter since this hobby seems to be one expense after another.

>>1641537
>>1641589
I've been on a gig out of town doing a house referb so I haven't heard omelette bro review his bottles of water or pants repairs as of late.

Haven't even had a chance to check into my local traffic nets lately.

>>1641654
I've gotten 5 of the 13 on a simple endfed using a matchbox at 100w. Of the 5, I only got 1 yesterday, the bands were horrible, for me anyway. What kind of power are you running? Also how are you tuning the antenna?

>>1641680
Therein lies the problems. I'm a newb w/o anything dialed in. I bought a 40m dipole and a MFJ 20M whip which are both 20-30ft up in the backyard.
I'm using an icom-706 (100W max) with a 35A power supply.
All the volunteers I heard last night came in great - Mass., DEL., SC, NY, etc. I just couldn't get to them, even without others calling.
I'm waiting for more permanent supplies to arrive (lightning arrestor, 20M dipole, connections) to cut my 100ft coax run, and am evaluating if I should upgrade to rg-8u.
Guess I need to pony up and get a SWR meter to dial in the dipoles - I just don't want to drop another $100, but if that's what needs to be done, that's what I have to do.
I guess I don't know what I don't know. Figured if my antenna was receiving amazingly, it should transmit equally as well.

>>1641691
Does the icom have a built in antenna tuner, or are you using an external tuner? I have the opposite problem. Was talking 10m groundwave with a buddy in same county as me, and a Miami station broke in - a pretty long haul for me at 10m under current conditions. He could hear me fine - he sounded like a ghost to me.

>>1641703
Guess I'm even further fubar-ed. I have neither an internal or external tuner!

>>1641717
Thank me later. I know it's more $$ to shell out, but a tuner could save your radio , or your finals anyway, one day - I learned this the hard way.

Plus a tuner will get you the best match for your antennas, even though they are pre-cut/pre-measured. Many factors will change SWR and efficiency even on a "tuned" antenna. I use an MFJ-929.

I would suspect your coax isn't your main issue, I use 50' of RG8x to my endfed.

>>1641654
You need a SWR meter. At this point you could have been frying your finals the whole time.

>>1641691
You've fucked your radio. This shit is all covered in the tech exam material and again in the general. Do you even have a license?

>>1641724
>>1641732
Thanks, guys. I was aware these were needed to dial things in, but not that I could be doing actual harm. I'll shelf things until I get both.
>>1641739
You seem a little high strung or autistic. I'm a general. I learn hands on, not regergitating answers.

>>1641797
Might find this useful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWYSeNUdlo8

>>1641797
I'm not so sure you have harmed your radio like some are claiming, it will drop power if it detects SWR out of range. This might have been your problem - you may have been operating QRP and didn't know it. From your radio's manual -

"ANTENNA SWR Each antenna is tuned for a specified frequency range and SWR may be increased out-of-range.When the SWR is higher than approx. 2.0 : 1, the transceiver’s power drops to protect the final transistors. In this case, an optional antenna tuner is useful to match the transceiver and antenna. Low SWR allows full power for transmitting even when using the antenna tuner. The IC-706MKIIG has an SWR meter to monitor the antenna SWR continuously"

>>1641797
>"I learn hands on, not regergitating answers."
>regurgitates answers to pass the general

>>1641807
I'm not seeing it draws current while off, but what is done is done. If trying to tx a dozen or two times with an unbalanced antenna right out of the box, so be it. Expensive lesson learned!
The manual does describe several safety devices, so fingers crossed. Definitely appreciate the education.

>>1641813
Hang in there hambro. Don't let the wise-asses get to you. I've seen Extras goof up nearly as often as technicians. I was at a buddies house while he was trying a new radio. When he transmitted, his wifi went down. He said hmm I wonder if that was the cause?" (it obviously was) He reset the router and tried again. Permanently cooked his router. We still laugh about that.

>>1641655
>Haven't even had a chance to check
eau contraire mon fraire

who else /comfy/?

>>1641797
The tests cover the most basic principles of operating. Did you also get your driver's license by passing the written portion, then learn by crashing into things, "hands on" style?
>>1641654
>I didn't know I needed functioning brakes to drive, this hobby seems to be one expense after another.
>>1641691
>Figured if my car was driving amazingly, it should stop equally as well

I want a SDR receiver to play with. Can anyone recommend a cheap beginner set? I'm running linux and I see there is supported software like GQRX-SDR and Quisk.

>>1641839
Not I, because I do I have a radio and can not hear anything at that frequency.

I also cant hear anything using an SDR in USA and Germany.

Please provide location for listening reports.

Am I comfy listening to radio? Sure... Listening to https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/14747/web as a prime example of what not to do as amateur radio operator.

How do I stop this fat bitch from bleeding all over other frequencies? A higher bit SDR?
I have mirror images of this frequency down to the long wave band.

>>1640615
our leader!

>>1642011
does it still exist with the antenna disconnected?

>>1642022
No, everything is clear with the antenna disconnected. Pic related.

It's a powerful shortwave tower broadcasting fairly close to me. I've been doing some reading and I think it may be overloading my lil 8 bit SDR.

>>1642026
Good chance. I live a mile from a 100,000 watt AM tower and I pick it up at 1000 Hz increments across the entire HF spectrum on my RTL-SDR.

Try to find a bandpass filter.

>>1642026
If your SDR software has attenuate feature you might try that.

13 Colonies - why are the bonus stations digital only? This FT8 shit is ruining the hobby. We might as well get credit for text-messaging one of the colony stations.

>>1642103
I try to think of contesting as practice for when the skill and art become useful or necessary. If a digital mode can improve range it's a good thing.

I wish the LORA protocols were open standards. It would be cool af to dx at 500mW

>>1641865
This is why the Brits demand you build a circuit from parts and a schematic before passing you.

Wouldn't surprise me if FCC and ARRL guys own stock in Icom. Ham here seems geared towards generating more consumers.

>>1642121
Wow I was unaware of this. Most Brit's I've had qso's with seem to be dandies who are thrilled to reach across the pond, especially back when 10m was working.

>>1642113
I agree, to an extent, but if/when the skills become usefull and necessary, CW and Phone will suffice. Not everyone will have a PC, USB interface, and a Skype type client ready to run.

>>1642145
Good point. With a cheap old netbook in a kit bag though...

But if it requires the internet to work it's something I avoid. Those echolinked repeaters sure are convenient, but I never forget they're not going to be there in certain natural disasters.

>>1642147
Truth my man. I do run WSPR when bored, and digital amazes me and is fun. But that shit won't be what you do if the grids go down. So I'm not slamming digital - just saying I wish 13 colonies (particularly GB13COL) - would work phone or CW on ANY band. I watched the DX cluster all day today, well, on and off, and they were only digital.

>>1642011
Place a notch filter between antenna and SDR.

>>1642011
Are you sure it's not an intermodulation product generated by your own machinery? If that is the case you will not be able to notch it away. A good test would be to attenuate the input signal and see what changes.
>down to the long wave band
That's highly suspicious. Which shortwave tower is it? What is the real frequency of the strong signal (not 9255) ?

How much for cheapest radio to pick up, department store frequencies...

>>1642256
You need to know what type of system they're running i.e. digital or analog, trunked or conventional, encrypted or unencrypted.

>>1642247
Its WBCQ. It's a 50,0000 watt shortwave channel within 50 miles of me. Pic related is its transmitter.
I have mirror images of it up to 25 mhz too. Basically anytime I'm in direct sampling mode mirror images can be found.

>>1642332
How do I figure that out...they are just head sets

>>1642361
Figure out who holds the FCC license and look it up. It may be the company or they may lease equipment/spectrum from a company. You could always hang out nearby with a scanner and find it that way, too. You'll have to put forth some effort either way, unless someone actually tells you directly.

>>1642256
>>1642361
Option 1: Baofeng UV5R, program in the GMRS and MURS channels, then put the radio in scan mode. That's $24 for the radio and $15 for the (not) optional Nagoya extension.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H4VT7A/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBZLOHC/

Option 2: Buy the last scanner you'll ever need: pic related. They're cheap used on ebay. The antenna is surprisingly good too. You'll get clear signal in the parking lot.

Option 3: Also get this antenna, and ask the seller to cut in the connector for whatever radio you bought (read his description).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/190898779511?hash=item2c72743577

With this and the scanner I've been able to pick up store chatter from 3/4ths of a mile away through about ten concrete walls.

Store chatter is boring. In all the time I've been scanning I've never heard sales associates discussing shoplifters. I think if they suspect someone they go talk to security in person, or use the in-store paging system.


>>1642332
It's a department store, genius.

Trunk tracking. Get the fuck outta here.

>>1642397
I should add that the baofeng will let you transmit on those channels too. The scanner isn't TX of course, but you WILL find the frequencies. It has a handy feature called "close call" which will pick up any strong nearby signal on any band it supports, and that runs in the background as you scan. If you're in the store with close-call on, finding the frequency is guaranteed.

Because of this thread I bought a Baofeng UV-5R.
It's neat, I've programmed in the local repeaters, and my county still has most of it's emergency services in the 150 Mhz region. All comes in clear and I've been happily using it as a scanner pretty much (even made a counterpoise for it). But when in scan mode it will continue to scan after a few seconds even if the channel is still transmitting. Is there a way to stop this?

>>1641865

Best manual antenna tuner under $200?

>>1642418
No. That's often how scanning works on HTs. I've got a costly Yaesu that does the same.

Dedicated scanners will have a mode that waits on the freq for several seconds after the transmission is over.

>>1642397
>It's a department store, genius.
>Trunk tracking. Get the fuck outta here.
You realize you need to lease business bands from an external company or outright own the spectrum. A lot of outside radio contractors will own a section of spectrum and have a trunked system set up. A company (needing radio comms.) will then lease the radios, equipment, and bandwidth from them. This way they don't have to deal with the license or maintaining equipment. I live near a company that does this and has 6 different companies on an LTR system. Also, places like hospitals and large commercial operations will own their own spectrum allocation.

>>1642539
Yeah and Sears uses shortwave for communications to the national office.

Get lost.

>>1642418
I'd recommend finding a cheap analog scanner. It'll scan faster and hold the channels during transmissions. You would be able to find a used one for less than $50. Any of the following would be more enjoyable to use than scanning with the bao.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Shack-Pro-2018-Scanner/283534304412
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Shack-1000-Channel-Dual-Trunking-Handheld-Scanner-Pro-95-Tested/233274954413
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Shack-PRO-79-Hand-Held-Scanner-Triple-Trunking-Clean-Tested-Good/283538810157

>>1642460
What type? Balanced? Unbalanced? How much power do you want it to handle? Do you want an integrated swr meter?

>>1642469
It depends on your radio, I have a Kenwood you can set to wait until the transmission is over or only stop for 10 seconds, regardless.

>>1642544
No one said anything about shortwave. Clearly you're someone who knows everything. Pic related, one example out too many to list.

>>1642566
Pic related

>>1641923
Gnuradio + nesdr

>>1642566
Sarcasm, autismo.

Yes. Businesses need a license to use GMRS, MURS and the business band channels which overlap with both. Duh. They do not need to lease spectrum, use trunk tracking, or any other horseshit. Sure, maybe your hospital uses some contractor that does this. But if you think they aren't using simplex GMRS or MURS at Sears you're fucking retarded.

>>1642549
>Integrated SWR meter
>At least 200 watts - would like to leave room for growth
>Balanced or unbalanced
You're starting to get over my head. I'd like too use it as a way to tune the antenna and ensure the transceiver is safely transmitting.

>>1642342
>WBCQ
That's a direct hit at 9330, The Overcomer Ministry 24/7. Expect other hits at 7490, 5130 and possibly WXME on 780 kHz. Haunted place I'd say, lots of filtering required and maybe an airspy+.

>>1642342
They run 130,000 watts and will soon be running 500,000.

>>1642643
>500,000 watts
I'm curious what that sort of output would do to somebody standing with a few meters of the antenna.

>>1642657
1. nothing
2. discomfort
3. conjunctivitis and skin irritation
4. cataracts and 1st degree burns

This is something only a tech with experience can tell you for sure.

>>1642609
https://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-929

or

https://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-941E

>>1642719
MFJ-949E?

>>1642731
>MFJ-949E
Would work fine also. The two I posted will be simpler to operate for someone new, with the 929 being super easy. I've used the 929 for a few years now and have no complaints. SWR meter, Power meter and two antenna's can be connected. Only one used at a time of course.

What does /ham/ think of this crazy Jap antenna analyzer?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264356600069

Too cheap to be true? The display seems to be in engrish.

>>1642397
>sits in a department store parking lot scanning for chatter from shelf-stockers
is there a name for this hobby?

>>1642827
Prank calling
>https://youtu.be/KyOHgNK0v6E

>>1642643
The new 500kW antenna, fully rotatable, gain up to 23dB (says Ampegon).

>>1642865
I can see a huge market for notch comb filters coming up.

>>1642865
>500kw antenna
>on a frequency that skips off the ionosphere
What the fuck are they trying to accomplish, other than interference and possible unknown health effects?

>>1642731
You may be better off looking for a used tuner. Try looking here:
https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?forums/ham-radio-gear-for-sale.7/

>>1642865
The new 500kW transmitter
https://www.transmitter.be/con-420c.html

>>1642621
WBCQ has a nice web stream
http://www.splatterbox.us:5110/

>>1643026
Shoutcast? Srsly? Doesn't matter though you can hear them on your toaster once they go 500kw

>>1643114
>Shoutcast?
Have you no VLC? Try http://74.55.244.98:5110
Area+51 is not the normal WBCQ program.
A.W. is a former pirate radio broadcasters.
What is 500kW +23dB?

>>1643165
But who cares? If you want religious nut programming there is always EWTN. Why would I INTENTIONALLY stream WBCQ? I'd just as soon stream Home Shopping Network, or the Ernest Angley Hour.

SDRfag with the RTL SDR back for another question. I'm the guy that extended his stock dipole antenna and stuck it in the attic to receive hf ham and shortwave bands.
Would I get better reception redoing my antenna with a 9 to 1 Balun or is that essentially what I have now with my stock dipole + alligator clip extension wires? Sorry if this is a stupid question, been a long week and am somehow even more confused after doing some reading .

What chinese base station (smoll) do I want for ~200 with all the gear?

What chinese handheld do I want? The Baeofeng 5R I bought doesn't keep the battery in.

>>1643288
The uBITX is extremely cheap. 12v power supply (I used a golf cart battery, and a trickle charger), With a bit of coax, BNC connector(male), some wire, string and elbow grease. You can be on the air.

Probably 300$ or less if you scrounge around a bit.

I built a bitx40 in to a tin can.

Skip the cheap chinese handhelds. Buy once, cry once. A good handheld will last many years.

>>1643325
Also, it has a good /diy/ aspect. The radio has a schematic to help you modify or repair it.

Many people have modified it to have an AGC or display.

Polite sage.

>>1643325
>uBITX
That looks pretty damn sweet. I wish I could pay half price to get all the components loose in a box so I have to solder it all together.

>>1643325
>Buy once, cry once. A good handheld will last many years.
That was true in ~2004, the last time the jap companies released an interesting, affordable new amateur handheld. Right now entry-level is chinkshit, like it or not.

>>1643357
I get it, it's a bit pricey. 250$ new, 100$ used for a recent handheld.

What do you mean by the Japs companies? I'm not aware of anyone doing anything really ground breaking.. unless you are talking about digital modes/ methods of construction/ weight?

I'm talking about radios made by Kenwood, icom, yaesu, vertez standard, Motorola.

I'm still of the opinion of buy once, cry once. I understand the appeal of paying so little for it...

If the difference between 15$ and 100$ is what is going to keep someone out of the hobby, then by all means, get the 15$ one and enjoy the radio.
I'd just like to people to enjoy making radio comms and maybe starting with a better one would keep them interested in doing do it yourself radio comms.

I myself started out on some Chinese quenshang with an amplifier. In the long run I would have spent less if I bought a 50watt mobile radio and treated it as a handheld. (That's what I do for my portable station)

>>1643280
I might be wrong, but I don't think the balun will help one lick with recieve. I think your best bet is to extend the wire (center conductor from the SDR) as long as you can, outdoors - maybe through your attic vent, as a sloper. Even store-bought shortwave antennas are pretty much a spool of wire on a winder.

>>1643388
He ( >>1643288 ) is an idiot and you are a retard.

You're the retard for acting like Baofengs don't work. With a Nagoya antenna they work perfectly well and you know it.


He's the idiot for breaking the battery clip on his radio.

>>1643288
>What chinese handheld do I want? The Baeofeng 5R I bought doesn't keep the battery in.
Honestly no matter what the problem is, I'd just get a second UV-5R without accessories. They're like $20 and in the best case, voila, you now have a spare battery.

Second handheld AFTER you have a working UV-5R is a harder question.

Contemplating what coax to use for 2x runs (HF and VHF) with a distance of 115'.
Any recommendations outside of LMR-400? Best I can find is $0.75/ft. $165 seems steep.

>>1643755
Are you going to xmit? If so what band? Do you have a clue what swr is?

>>1643765
I am planning on transmitting - I've made a slew of dipoles (mainly 20 and 40), but am open to more.
The other would be 2M and scanning higher frequencies (discone).

>>1643765
Sorry I confused you with receive guy. Get the best coax you can afford.

>>1643772
>Get the best coax you can afford.
I can find the most expensive, but what's the best lets say at $0.75/ft or under?

I have a baofang and a tram discone antenna. Is it realistically possible to use the antenna on my baofang? I'd have to find an UHF to what looks like RG6 on the baofang.

no bully, i don't know anything about radios other than that all i can pick up on this thing are local ER channels.

>>1643773
LMR-400 is what I swear by, but DX Engineering has their variant for around $0.80 a foot.

>>1643794
Davis RF DRF-400 alright?

>>1643788
woops looks like the antenna on the baofeng is an SMA.

I guess i just want to know if the radio can recieve using the antenna, and would i get better reception over upgrading the stock dildo antenna.

>>1643799
Probably? If they claim it's an equivalent to LMR-400, I assume it's close. I must stress. I've never run 250 feet of LMR for an antenna, so I don't know what your loss is going to be.

>>1643808
It's 2X 110 feet +/-. One for an HF antenna, another for a VHF antenna.
Antenna to house is 85', another 25' to the transceiver. The only connection I'll have is from the 30' antenna to a lightning arrestor.

>>1641797

Don't shelve it. Check your local club or put a request on your local 2m repeater and see if anyone would let you borrow a manual tuner with an SWR meter for a few weeks. Might even find an elmer with an old one in the attic he'd let you have for a couple bucks.

>>1643803
Sure, a discone antenna mounted in a good location would be better than the stock antenna provided:
>the antenna is built for the frequencies you want
>the coaxial cable is the right length to give a good SWR on the frequencies you want
>the coaxial cable you use has the right connectors (you're already aware of this, but also mind the difference between male SMA and female SMA)
although you get a million bonus points if you mount a discone directly on top of your handset lol

>spend hours modifying receiver and insulating/isolating case and components to lower noise floor
>just so I can listen to fuck all and intermodulation artifacts with more clarity

>>1643985
But you can hear that one Italian guy on 40 Meters much better who only treats the band like he's contesting every day and has a huge pileup of Yankee hams on AM modulation and kills 20 kHz of bandwidth in either direction, so that's nice.

>>1643803
It gets the job done for pennies on the dollar.

did any of you guys see where I put my balun connector

>>1644026
>sma male-male adapters fit my balun connector's sma plug ostensibly
>in actuality they machined the adapters just a few micrometers too large and it slides out
fuck my life

>>1644036
If female is too big wrap a bit of foil around the male end - should snug it up.

>>1644044
Great idea, didn't even think of it. Thanks!

So what actually determines the frequency an antenna is sensitive to, the length of wire, or the area it encloses?
Will a straight 4 meter length of wire be sensitive to the same frequencies as the same wire made into a square with side lengths of 2?

>>1644283
https://www.hamradiosecrets.com/shortwave-antenna.html

how to triangulate radio signals?

>>1644294
Search fox hunting ham radio. You'll get plenty of info, even videos.

>>1644283
The length, but how you run it is equally important. If you are receive-only anon, go as long as you can as high as you can for HF. Some TX antennas cheat by using coils to shorten antenna length. At any rate, a 30' cable in the air is better than a wadded up 150' cable thrown out on the porch.

>>1644338
To clarify, I should have said use coils to cram more antenna length into a shorter space, not to shorten wire length.

>>1644342

>>1644372
Fantastic example!

>>1644342
This is not really true. A coil is inductive and that -electrically- lengthens the antenna. So it can be resonant at a much shorter wire length than a straight wire. A coiled antenna would be shorter than its straight-wire equivalent even if you uncoiled it.

This comes at the expense of some sensitivity: the induction will introduce reactance. The counter to this is usually to make the coil out of thicker conductor.

>>1644403
You really want to get into q here? This dude wants to hear HF on his cheap SDR dongle. Long wire, outside, high as you can go.

Trench radio - can be made with a razor blade and a pencil - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxhole_radio

>>1644403
Nice collection of CB antennas you have there. Are you part of the Superbowl?

>>1644428
It's just a photo from google. Principle's the same on any band.

>>1644428
It doesn't hurt him to know something. I knew that long before I got into ham radio and it never confused me.

Probably a series of dumb questions, sorry in advance. I live in Colorado and want to be able to talk to my family in Idaho, can I do that with a handheld radio using repeaters? What direction of research/learning should I go towards achieving that goal? Can a setup be had for $2-300 on each side? I've heard the Ailunce HD1 is a solid radio, is that totally overkill for what I'd need?

>>1644496
>Colorado to Idaho, can I do that with a handheld radio using repeaters?
No, such long distances are not possible on a regular handheld using regular repeaters. The reason basically comes down to antenna length and frequency. The classic "ham radio" has a HUGE antenna that lets it work on a relatively low frequency (a bit ironically called the "high frequency" or HF band). At these frequencies the signal can shoot into the air, bounce off the upper atmosphere and come back down hundreds of miles away -- similar to how AM broadcast radio propagates.

Handheld radios have a much shorter antenna that typically only operates in the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF) bands, which don't go much farther than the horizon, let's say 50 miles if the location is great -- similar to FM broadcast radio. A repeater would double the distance to 100 miles, and a big network of repeaters could bring you to 150, 200, etc. However I doubt you have access to such a network (other than "cheater" networks that go through the internet, but at that point why not use skype).

>>1644496
You can do it on a rand held radio on the HF band on that budget. Both users will need a license though. As mentioned in the FAQ, with HF you can reach intercontinental distances.

Using VHF/UHF and satellites, you can also reach Idaho, again a license is needed.

>>1644525
>hitting satellites on a handheld
difficult
>hitting HF skip on a handheld
bullshit

>>1644372
You can get the antenna resonant that way but a quarter-wave whip would be more efficient at the expense of being larger and less robust than the helix. Since every antenna is a two-pole, the second part is the radio itself which radiates too. The effect of a counterpoise demonstrates that.

>>1644525
>Using VHF/UHF and satellites
Good luck.

>>1644529
>>hitting HF skip on a handheld
>bullshit
Oh?

>>1644565
The transmitter is handheld but the antenna might be on a tripod. He never said he had to do this while moving.

>>1644571
>antenna might be on a tripod
You seem to assume that a satellite has a fixed position but you have to follow it during its short pass from horizon to horizon with both azimuth and elevation always changing. Much faster done by hand.

>>1644584
Geostationary satellites tend to stay in a fixed position. If you have a tripod you can motorize the pointing mechanism, based on time, position and the satellite you want to contact. If the satellite is in a quasi zenith position you can use it for hours before it goes out of position.

>>1644607
You can do a lot that doesn't apply in this context. All usable amsats are in LEO. QO100 doesn' cover region 2.

>>1644629
>All usable amsats are in LEO.
Too bad. Might want this one:
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/building-a-diy-azel-antenna-rotator-for-satellite-tracking/

>>1644511
>>1644525
>>1644553
>>1644584
Thanks for the info. if I'm following, the issue with the handheld radios the antenna size, or is it the output rating too? If it helps to clarify, I don't think I absolutely need a handheld radio, anything portable enough to take camping would be just fine. Any recommendations on what gear would be needed to communicate would be a massive help. I just want to make sure I'm not going to totally blow my budget halfway in and realize i'm not even close to what I want to do. Getting licensed will definitely happen, too.

>>1644783
Antenna type and size is probably the most important part. A big amp will help you transmit but does nothing for reception. A good antenna will help you in both regards.

>>1644814
Not really, the issue with handheld radios is that most of them are 2m and 70cm band FM, and 5-8 watts, I have 50w and a good antenna and on a good night can reach across the county / into next county simplex (without using repeater). The only way you are going to make the Idaho to Colorado jump is with HF - and with current band conditions that wouldn't be so reliable.

You guys would be proud of me. I'm the Rx only SDRfag.

I ran a full wave 80 meter dipole, coming out of my roof at 30 feet above ground and tied off to trees (ends are probably 22ish feet agl). This completely killed my VHF reception as you'd expect so I stripped off a little bit of insulation at the feed point on either end of my dipole and soldered a 13.8 inch piece of wire on each side, oriented vertically. I'm now receiving HF and the few frequencies at ~450 MHz I like to monitor from the same antenna!

>>1644496
>How do I tx 800 miles away?
Anon, the only reasonable answer is to go with a HF setup and a General license. HT? No. Mobile? Sure.
I was going to throw out a 6M HT and try to hit a few repeaters if you were 100-300 miles away.

>>1644873
a full wave 80 meter dipole is a half wave 160 meter dipole or is it

>>1644892
It is yes.

>>1644873
Congrats ListenerAnon. You've done the legwork and actually have the hard part done for a HF xmit antenna. Go get your General ticket.

>>1644921
>Go get your General ticket.
I plan on it. I've already begun studying.

>>1644950
You won't regret it. I'd post a site for you that will take you to Amateur Extra but that would be seen as SPAM. It's a pay site but it WORKS. Someone with your interest and determination to recieve, needs to be an amateur operator.

>>1644955
I appreciate the encouragement anon.

Anybody know what this might be? I have a bunch of activity just above the 15 meter band, 21.5-21.8 MHz or so. It's all USB. I'm thinking it's an artifact from one of the other bands but searching through them I don't see anything like it. There's a guy very clearly calling CQ in Pennsylvania and another in Indiana.

>>1644972
You are viewing a dead band. Look again tomorrow, or even later tonight. Go look in 14.xxx.xxx

>>1644975
And now 20m fell out. You can go listen to 40 or 80 and hear old men talk about arthritus, gout, and ED.

>>1644975
A what?
Just to be clear this is an artifact? 6m maybe since it's exactly half the wavelength?

>>1644972
I'd give you a shout-out on 20 or 40m but no quicker way to dox myself. Congrats on your antenna and get that ticket.

>>1644978
Overthinking this. You are hearing garbage on a dead band. 6m is wayyy off from 15m...

>>1644980
>>1644981
Thanks guys.

>>1644986
One last word of advice - once you buy that expensive HF radio - put an antenna tuner between it and your antenna. Take this to heart. Burnt finals are no laughing matter.

>>1644989
Thanks, I just read a thread about a novice doing that over the weekend. I'll make sure I be sure to pick one up before I begin transmitting.

On a side note, holy shit this antenna. The sun went down less than 90 minutes ago and I'm seeing more activity in the 160 meter band then I did previously on 80 meters with my antenna random wire dipole. This is a night and day difference.

>>1644989
Thanks, I just read a thread about a novice doing that over the weekend. I'll make sure to pick one up before I begin transmitting.

On a side note, holy shit this antenna. The sun went down less than 90 minutes ago and I'm seeing more activity in the 160 meter band then I did previously on 80 meters with my random wire dipole. This is a night and day difference.

>>1644992
LOL enjoy the geriatric show! Congrats on your recieve - now you see (hear) what we all do. Pretty sad huh?

>>1644996
I love it. Reminds me of being a kid and going with my grandfather down to the VFW.
I look forward to getting my license so I can complain about the weather and my garden.

>>1645000
I'll welcome you aboard, fren. Get that General, Or Extra for that matter. If you put the effort in to run that wire, you got it all licked.

>>1645000
You'll fit in fine. I'm an AE and a VE. You would make a fine addition to our club.

>>1645000
You listening? I'll call on 14.265

>>1645040
ok calling on 40m 7.190

>>1645041
Ok I called enough with the word anon which made me appear to be a fag. No more of that. Good luck dude!

>This is KD7XX, good to hear you there all the way over here, there. Can't say we've talked before, there. I'm running an IC-7300 there. What are you running there, there?

>There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There. There, back to you, there.

>>1645044
Don't be a fag. Post your call since you want to post others.

>>1645045
"XX" is the intentional blank. KD is not a prefix for a 2x2 callsign, you fucking jackass.

I'm just, there, sick of there, those hams there, that there there all the time, there. Do you copy, there?

This is KD7XX, there. Back to you, there and 73s there. Good night there.

>>1645046
Get off the hobby then, pussy. 73 you Cunt.

>>1645048
Well there, friend, there. I gather, there, that you're a there user there. How about there, you stop talking like this, there, and sounding like a retard, there? Maybe there, don't sound like a retard there. And there, you there are probably talking into the microphone, there, instead of across it there, and I have to listen to your breathing there, which is really annoying there.

>>1645046
Wow we have a Superbowl 11m guy here now! Can you get a man to talk?

>>1645051
Homosexuality shows itself in several ways. You are a textbook case.

>>1645051
Look here everyone, we have a textbook CB'er here. I bet he has an extra alternator in his car to run his illegal amp. Bye bye bye... cb jackasses

>>1645052
I'm about as 11 meters as you are licensed, there.

>>1645056
Get back to your CB buds. This is a thread for amateur operators, not CB fags. Go join your kind.

>>1645056
I'm one of the 3 guys who gives drops of shit like yourself a license to begin with.

>>1645058
Heh, okay, Snow. I'm an AE and a VE and the VEC for my club, there.

>>1645060
Post your call faggot.

>>1645060
You are NOT the VEC dipshit. Post your call pussy. NOW.

>>1645060
ok this guy might be a VE with one of the lessor recognized VEC. Good for him.

Are there any recommended books I should pick up and read to help study for getting a license in the US? I don't know anything about HAM but I do have some basic electronics knowledge.

>>1645060
Maybe the liaison VE to the VEC, but not the VEC.

>>1645067
Which makes him a faggot. He can tow the line and learn radio - or he can get a lame-assed cert with knowing nothing at all.

fuc you faggots you wanna talk shit on the ham radio forum?lk
if I saw you in my club I'd kick your fucking ass
I transmit on 160m 80m not your pussy ass shit, I worked for the money, real name brand shit
in fact forget it, fuck you
fuck all you pussy ass keyboard warriors

>>1645068
the ARRL technician-class license manual. you can order a new one but there are a lot of used copies available too. after you finish you can go more in depth to various topics

>>1645068
I bought a bunch of books for my tech, including >>1645101


I thought this one was the best.

>>1644989
>Burnt finals are no laughing matter.
Burnt auto-tuners aren't either.

>>1645101
Make sure the used copy is for the 2018 exam. They changed the question pool last year.

>>1645062
>>1645063
K9RSY

>Closed
Fuck, boys. May as well sell my shit and find a new hobby.

>>1645126
wow!

>>1645151
If that's your call, respect for posting it here. If not, you are baiting some ZZ Topp looking dude. You still aren't VEC though.

>>1645183
You're clearly a Tech if you have no idea who K9RSY is.

>>1645187
Tech? What is that? I run 3kw on the SuperBowl baby!

I still really want my ham license but I don't know if it's worth it just to be reported to the FCC by a bunch of geriatric man child petty tyrants because I took 10.001 minutes instead of 10 minutes to repeat my callsign

>>1645285
same. Just get a bunch of radio equipment in your car and blast all star onto ham frequencies while blowing down the interstate and make them reeee

>>1645285
>>1645287
The CB radio service is for you. Free lunch, no ID and you meet like minds.

There's very little radio activity around where I live and I don't know if it's because that's actually so, or my garbage rtl-sdr isn't picking it up.

Even on bands where, ostensibly, there should be continuous activity such as UHF OTA television, 470 - 806 MHz, there's nothing but the ever present intermodulation.

Could it be the antenna? I'd expect to at least get something in literally any other band than FM regardless, even if it's garbled and weak.

>>1645329
>Could it be the antenna?
Yes.
>garbage rtl-sdr
Maybe, just don't expect the same results from a $30 chinkshit re-purposed receiver and a $600 radio. Anons here would have you believe there's no difference.

>>1645343
>$30 chinkshit re-purposed receiver and a $600 radio.
A $600 radio is still garbage. Blink-o Alenico.

>>1645285
Grow up, you can't even deal with the responsibility it takes to get to a testing session.
>>1645287
>Manchild
It would take more than 5 minutes of preparation to do this, so it's probably out of your range of abilities. I would also assume the only vehicle available to you is the bus.

>>1645344
K, bro.

>>1645343
Believe me I have anything but high expectations for the rtl-sdr. I've been around the block with cheap hardware from all kinds of fields and know how it is

However I do expect the thing to at least pickup the frequencies it was originally designed for, as a television receiver. Which means either I've fucked up somehow, the antenna is fucked up somehow, or the rtl-sdr is fucked up somehow.

>>1645374
Are you running the stock antenna?
How's it oriented?
Where's it located?
Quad sampling or Q?
Set gain?
How's it tune to known stations like NOAA?

>>1645343
>Anons here would have you believe there's no difference.
No one here has said the RTL SDR will match high end receivers. No one even implied it's even close.

>>1645418
I alternate between the stock antenna and a balun. The stock typically works better because I don't know what the fuck I'm doing. Both antennas are stuck to a window, the Balun on the inside, the stock antenna on the outside. The balun is such that the wires go from one corner to the opposite corner of the window.
The stock antenna is stuck out from the window horizontally such that either pole forms 45 degrees from the wall/window, and 90 degrees between each other.

I can get a bunch of hispanic stations in the low SW bands when in direct sampling mode, but my house/location is so damn noisy they barely come through. Quad sampling I can get FM loud and clear. I do have an FM and AM band stop filter on the antenna

I can listen in on my local NOAA station just fine. In fact it just announced a hurricane to form by friday with 100% probability. Awesome.

>>1645419
It's constantly implied here.

>>1645428
Get your antennas out, away from the house. Stay away from power lines. You'll be surprised what you can hear.

>>1645617
Luckily all our powerlines are burried here. Unluckily, I live in a condo with HOA bullshit red tape to deal with so I'm technically not even allowed to have those antennas stuck to my window. I was actually going to make a separate post asking about discrete ways to put an antenna outside, but figured I could google around first.

I was thinking I could connect the rtl-sdr to a raspberry pi, mount the antenna in a tree or something in a more secluded part of the plot and then somehow maybe access/control the rtl-sdr/pi over my network.

Anyone been following the Russia-Ukraine Radio Wars?

https://rurik.us/radio/

>>1645698
whens the nukes inbound Lel

>>1645428
The stock antenna may be your problem. I like to listen to 800 MHz trunked systems and my stock dipoles did fuck all at that range, no matter what size I set them at. I bought one premade off eBay good for 800/900 MHz and now I can recieve stuff from the other side of the state at those frequencies.

>>1645698
A year ago but no longer.

>>1645614
It's just a neat peace of technology. Imagine 10 years ago telling people you'd have a wideband reciever capable of real time decryption and a 2.4+ MHz wide spectrum analyzer all in the same package for the cost of a baofeng.

>>1645348
At least walking without my grandson holding my arm is within my range of abilities, and at least i dont need diapers and spongebaths like your dumb ass.

What's a good shortwave radio around $100 that can also record audio?

I've got a cheap techsun or something and I want to upgrade

What is the appeal of this hobby now that we have free unlimited world vide video calls?

>>1645751
Emergency communications for one. The military has plans to use Amateur Radio operators in the event of a catastrophe to relay messages.

>>1645753
>catastrophe
how will you find the time to relay messages when you too busy with looting and raping?

>>1645743
You can sometimes find an old Kenwood hybrid for under $100 but they usually aren't working. All you need to figure out is how to bring the audio out of your radio into your computer's soundcard.

>>1645751
It's the party line effect.
Point to multipoint.

>>1645751
>What's the point of sewing with clothes so cheap?
>Why mail someone a letter when you can text?
>Why do hot air balloons still exist?
I likely asked what you did 4 months ago.
For me, it started with nostalgia. Grandpa used to brag about hearing German airwaves from his clothes line.
Then I appreciated the assurance VHF/UHF provided. If my phone is dead, broken, or out of range, I can hop on and get someone to pass a message to my family.
Now it's the science of setting up a station that can send my voice halfway across the world, for free.

>>1645126
How does this even happen?

>>1645782
>for free

>sand away a bit of the enamel coating to my windowsill
>connect/touch/ground antenna <-> rtl-sdr connector to newly exposed metal
>drop noise floor by 15 decibels in direct sample Q mode
neat

>>1645751
>what is the point of hunting or fishing when you can get meat from the grocery store?

>>1645851
Nice trick. Imma do dis.

This is my improvised ground. I've tested it for line noise and it's actually pretty clean, but I should still put a ferrite choke on it.

>>1645920
>I've tested it for line noise and it's actually pretty clean
Why do you lie?

>>1645920
same guy here I did the same thing with one of the poles of my antenna and it reduced the noise floor even further, now it's hanging out at about -65db rather than -55

I managed to pick up some sort of DX competition from ecuador, against all odds

>>1645924
I don't, anon. I'm as surprised as you are.

>>1645927
What SDR are you using?

>>1645937
the rtl-sdr blog rtl-sdr v3 rtl-sdr, with spy#

>>1645653
Check this out. Probably the easiest way, unless you can install a flag pole.
http://vk2zoi.com/flower-pots/

>>1645723
Try again, fag.

>>1646001
tune in to 156 mhz and ill blast some moonman for ya ;^)

>>1645942
Cool. That's what I've got. I'll start cutting an antenna.

What length are you using now?

>>1645782
To me, it's a misunderstanding of technology. Yes, there a currently simpler ways to do things, but that's built on tbr assumption that those infrastructures will always remain. All it takes is a paradigm shift as to what's available, safe, or feasible. First example, analog signals are difficult to replicate, which created an issue of distortion and information loss that digital solved, but that may very well be the reasons digital vs analog signals see a resurgence down the road. Theoretically digital encryption safeguards it, but like nuke silos simplicity offers it's own protection., it only requires astute minds and research.

>>1646001
>below 5/10
>can't cook
>in sorrority

>>1646114
Naw she's cute. Those eggs are atrocious though.

>>1646114
Aww, come on. She's a solid 7 and looks to be having fun. Would smash.

>>1646114
Nah she's definitely cute, nice smile. Those deviled eggs are suspect though, as is the sorority but bonus points for Wu-Tang and I hear she's certified on HAM radio!

>>1645751
It is Do It Yourself radio communications.

>>1645920
Another anon here, How did you test it for line noise?
Also, if you are providing a "ground" as the other side of the antenna, you will not want a ferrite on the line.
Even if you are using that ground to bring your equipment to a reference voltage, I don't think you need a ferrite either.

>>1645920
A choke will kill its RF ground properties.

Check out muh ADBS reception. From a local park at noon.

>>1646177
y tho

Should I end my rf ground at the incoming water or an isolated grounding rod?

>>1646298
a ground hog always

>>1646298
Maybe you shouldn't end it at either. More information is required to provide a good answer.

Draw us a sketch of your set up. Radiating elements/ Coax/ all parts.

>>1646309
Still putting things together.
Inside I have
>Transceiver
>DC power supply
>Autotuner
This is 25 feet from outside.

Last weekend I ran 1" conduit for some LMR400 which is shipping
>>1643811
+/- 80 feet.
>30' ghetto antenna
>Couple dipoles
>VHF/UHF discone
>Lightning arrestor and grounding rod

Guess I need to address the RF next. All sorts of devil noises go through the PC.
Was thinking of using 1/2" copper pipe as a bus bar, then run that to the incoming water or another ground rod - they're the same distance

>>1646316
As if this would help much

>>1646316
Make sure you're bonding all of your ground busses/rods/etc., or else you'll end up with ground loops.

>>1646319
I would be sure to ground the antenna tuner.
As long as you're sure the water pipe actually has a good connection to ground. Sometimes they don't. Safest bet is a ground rod with the shortest possible connection to your shack.

>>1646316
You are gonna be fine - every installation requires experimenting and tweaking. That autotuner will probably at least match 16:1 and protect your radio. Unless you have a fantastic autotuner, tune at low power. Also it's rude to tune up on people, but a cool trick for SSB - set to 5w and tune on AM. USB/LSB if you are running clean will likely not even notice. Otherwise you'll hear "Awe some asshole is tuning up on us" - don't throw out your call immediately after if this happens.

Grounding is important (very) but might not affect your noise level as much as you think.

>>1646363
Roger that - I think I'll do something like pic related. I'm not sold on tieing together all the grounding rods. We'll see. I'm only running 100 watts max.
>>1646366
Thanks, length is a tie. It's a 1960's house with big old copper pipes. When I did a service upgrade, we additionally grounded the panel to the incoming water.
>>1646377
I appreciate the advice!

>>1646377
BTW that autotuner isn't a magicians box. It will give your radio a 50 ohm load to dump into, but you might radiate as low as 5w even if you are set to 100 - so your antenna(s) is/are still #1.

What baofeng do I get?

>>1646628
The one you don't give back.

>>1646628
I like the LED screen and 8 watts on the uv 82hp

>>1646628
Don't.

>>1646391
>Pic related

>>1646628
I got the UV 5R
It's fun telling boomers about it and watching them sperg out

>>1646810
Is the current breed called busters?

>>1646810
>Proud of owning the Dacia of radios

>>1646929
>unironically spending more money than you have to

>>1646938
>unironically being a skinflint

>>1647001
>being a Boomer

>>1646628
UV5R HP. Don't get any "plus" version.

>>1647300
>Boomer
The "*blocks your path*" of late.

Anyone know how much weight 2 3.5' u channel parking posts will hold? These are thick 3.25" wide babies. PVC is 1.75" for reference.
Gonna support a galvanized plumbing antenna mast. 300lbs of concrete.

>>1647324
*3 1/8" wide, .12" thick (11 gauge)

>>1647324
>>1647328
Basically I'm trying to recreate pic related
>https://www.wv7u.com/mast/mast.html
With 17" buried instead of 6'.
I'm reusing a mast from my grandpa which held a purple Martin house. It was an on the whim project yesterday.
How high can my mast go? Right now it's 22'.

>>1647324
Sheer and lateral forces? No clue.
It's a little ugly, But I would use guy lines and have peace of mind.

>>1647335
That fence is the property line, so at best I'll have 3 points of contact.
FWIW, I want to put up 2 pullies for a series of dipoles, whip, discone for VHF/UHF, and a TV antenna (pic reated). Shouldn't have much wind resistance.

>>1647343
My worries is that your support isn't typically used for supporting a mast.
Your mast material is the best choice. I've heard on this board about EMT splitting at the seam with pressure.
I understand that your antennas will not provide much wind loading, I don't think you understand how much "spring" is in the metal and how much it will move in the wind.

It sounds like a reasonable plan... with some guying.

3 Points of contact is good!, As close to the fence as you can with two, and one towards your side. It can last for months made as simple as wire lines, or rope, and ground stakes.

>>1647343
My worries is that your support isn't typically used for supporting a mast.
Your mast material isn't the best choice either (but it's cheap). I've heard on this board about EMT splitting at the seam with pressure.
I understand that your antennas will not provide much wind loading, I don't think you understand how much "spring" is in the metal and how much it will move in the wind.

It sounds like a reasonable plan... with some guying.

3 Points of contact is good!, As close to the fence as you can with two, and one towards your side. It can last for months made as simple as wire lines, or rope, and ground stakes.

>>1646929
>the Dacia of radios
What the fuck did you just fucking say about me, you little bitch?

>>1647304
because 8 or 7 is 15

>>1647716
>holding a 15w antenna up to your head
Baofeng is a chicom electronic warfare company. They target the West's most military-capable men with shiny prepper gear, and disable/sterilize them with overpowered death rays.

>>1647752
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32841887546.html
want war? scroll down down down

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-1800mAh-Battery-TIDRADIO-Antenna/dp/B0772FYKK8/
Should i pull the trigger bros?

>>1647770
That's a good price for a baofeng + charger + programming cable + spare battery. It's *extremely* good if the Nagoya 771 antenna is genuine, but don't count on it. I vote go for it.

>>1647770
Figuring things out for yourself is the only real freedom anyone really has. Use that freedom.

>>1647770
Don't forget to read the 1 and 2 star customer reviews.

>>1647354
I appreciate your reply and need to spend more time today unwrapping what you've said.
The mast is .14" thick fwiw, though my Achilles heel seems to be the lack of length of the u channel. Perhaps clamps/straps couldn't hurt at the connection
Gramps had 22' of pic related without guy wires for 30+ years with a not unsimilar base. You can see my thinking - less wind resistance so I can add to the height.

NEW

>>1648125


NEW

>>1648125