Baofeng Two Way Radios Are Best Sellers

 This the Baofeng Two Way Handheld Ham Radio Transceivers are really going strong at Amazon. I was browsing again and I found that the various models are priced very good. They seem to have very good reviews as well. I think that maybe this may be a good purchase in my future. I would love to add some of these to my Ham Shack. You can check out the reviews on Amazon and I would also go to eham.net at http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/49 .

• Baofeng Tech is the only authorized USA Baofeng Distributor to honor the Manufacturer Warranty. Only Baofeng Tech offers warranty claims without shipping anything to China. You must insure that Baofeng Tech is your selected buying option when buying to be able to have the full USA warranty.
• High / Med / Low Power Settings (8W/4W/1W); Frequency Range: 65-108 MHz(Only commercial FM radio reception) VHF: 136-174 MHz(Rx/Tx). UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx); Broad (Wide) / Narrowband (Narrow) Selectable
• A PC03 FTDI Programming Cable is Recommended for Easier PC Programming
• Helpful BaoFeng Guides and Programming Tips at Miklor.com
• Whats different from the BF-F9v2+: The BF-F9 v2+ has firmware that is older than our current BF-F8HP firmware. In many cases we have rejected batches of firmware - which will get put into different radios "clones" at lower prices. The BF-F9 v2+ is always imported by sea and not air - so by the time it even hits the market for re-sell it is already MONTHS outdated. --- The BF-F9 v2+ does not include the high gain antenna, but comes with the UV-5R antenna. --- The BF-F9 v2+ has a small 1500mAh battery (our battery is 30% larger) --- It does not always include the earpiece for quick communication. --- The BF-F9 v2+ includes the old original manual - and does not include our full manual (which is 3 times larger) for operating your new radio.

Here is an excellent example of a review from Amazon:

"The first Baofeng BF-F8HP I received had a problem with the sound on it. I could only hear if I had the microphone plugged in. I returned it and ordered another one. The replacement is very nice. I have 4 other Baofengs to compare this one too. The uv5r plus has the best sound with the least amount of back ground hiss when listening to people talk. The BF-F8HP has the best signal going out of the radio. I live out in the desert and its relatively flat out here. We took all of our radios out and I drove down this long straight road. All the radios with the stock antennas became scratchy at about two miles but could still understand what was being said. At 3 miles I could hear only one UV5R plus and the BF-F8HP. We switched antennas to aftermarket antennas and at 4 miles I could only receive and transmit on the BF-F8HP to another UV5r Plus. At 5 miles I could not hear them but they could hear me on the BF-F8HP but I was scratchy and not every word was readable. At this point we pulled out our roll up slim jim jpoles and connected them to a tree about 6 feet up and we were both receiving strong signals. I drove up the road and stopped at 8 miles and we could still hear each other. The could hear me better than I could hear them. Drove up another mile and same thing. Drove up the road till I hit 10 miles and we both could still hear each other. They could hear me better than I could hear them. Drove to the 12 mile mark and tried again. We could both still hear each other but they were very hard to understand but I came across mostly clear with a little hiss. So the extra watts on this radio does help getting your signal out. My buddies were impressed with the BF-F8HP. We were in simplex mode. Haven't used it on a repeater yet but the extra watts couldn't hurt having."

 

My Two Favorite Ham Radios For Christmas Presents

 I have been looking around think what two ham radios would make excellent Christmas Presents this year. Well my two favorite picks for Ham Radios are the Yaesu FT-450D Base Transceiver and the Yaesu FT-857D HF Transceiver. Both of these radios are HF or High Frequency Transceivers. They both do an excellent job and are rated very well at Amazon. They are not the cheapest of Ham Radio Transceivers and they are also not the most expensive.
 I love the fact that they have some unbelievable features and are not big in size. They could easily be used in a mobile type environment. I would however have to say that the Yaesu FT-450D is much more suited for mobile use mainly due to it's size. Just at amazon it has 4 out of 5 stars and 24 reviews presently at 79%, which is not bad at all. The 450D has a solid 5 star rating and with 15 customer reviews. So you can see they are doing pretty good. I would also check out eham.net at http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/14 and read what Ham Radio Operators are saying about these transceivers as well as many other Ham Radio Transceivers.

The Holiday Season Is Upon Us

 Well it's November and the Holiday Season is upon us. So the weather will soon be too cold for antenna work so it's time to spend more time in your nice warm Ham Shack. Maybe you can be getting your Christmas List together for Santa to bring you some nice Ham Radio Equipment. You can browse below for your special Ham Radios and Equipment.

 Thanks For Stopping By And Happy Holidays From Dan KC2YTI  73s Keep DXing !!!

Handheld Transceiver Makes An Excellent Gift For The Ham Radio Operator

Since Christmas is getting closer we all start thinking about all those wonderful Ham Radio pieces of equipment we would like. One of those favorite items I can think of is a nice Handheld Transceiver. There are quite a few different ones to choose from and they all do an excellent job. In fact I remember watching a video where a ham radio operator used a hand held transceiver with a homebrew quad 2 meter antenna. He was getting some excellent results with it on the 2 meter band.

Used Ham Radio Amplifiers Still Work

 If you can afford a new Ameritron Amplifier then I say go for it. On the other hand if you can't afford the new amplifier, then look into a used Ham Radio Amplifier. As I have said before there are some very good buys on Ebay for used Ham Radio Equipment. The only thing I always advise is to check out the sellers reviews before you buy anything. Always remember to protect yourself as you are the buyer and it is a buyer beware world. I remember that old saying " Them That Don't Look Usually Get Took".
 There is a wide variety of Ham Radio Amplifiers for sale on Ebay. Some of them are older than others, but are in excellent condition. I have also found that some of them may only put out 250 watts to 500 watts. Then there is the other group putting out over 800 watts to 3000 watts. It all comes down to what you prefer and what you can spend. I have heard some fellow ham radio operators running 250 watts into a nice 3 element 20 meter beam antenna and they sound awesome. If you have your ham radio shack running properly you will be amazed at what you can actually do.
 If you are looking into a used amplifier make sure to click on this link USED HAM RADIO AMPLIFIERS

  Remember that some Ham Radio Amplifiers such as RM Italy are not approved by the FCC to be used in the United States.

Before The Internet There Was Amateur Radio

WERE ALL HAMS OF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER

 Yes it's true before the internet was around we had Amateur Radio. We also had the 11 Meter CB Radio Band. The nice thing about Ham Radio is that you never had a virus and you could not get a virus over the radio from a friend. Now I am not saying there is anything wrong with communicating with your friends on Facebook, Twitter or whatever social network you prefer. There are even Ham Radio Operators using the internet with their Ham Radios. It sure is an awesome world we live in when everyone works together.
 Now there are occasions when Ham Radio does have it's bad points. Really the only one I can think of is the occasional nasty angry Ham Radio causing what we used to call Hate and Discontent on the old cb radio frequencies. In fact I remember hitting a frequency in the 20 meter band one night and I thought I was back on the cb radio with a late night argument. It was typical where someone could not hear someone else due to some interference. Rather than take your conversation to a frequency further away they chose to make noises and say some very rude comments. Fortunately it was taken care of by the FCC and I have not heard that again.
 Oh yes the only other problems that can occur with ham radio is with your better half. Two things come to mind. How much is that going to cost and you can't put that ugly antenna there, Hi Hi . I do have to say there are some excellent things that do come from Ham Radio. First we have the helping out in Emergency Situations, which is extremely important. Second we have the bringing of people together from all around the world. Now I am not against computers for any communication, in fact I repair computers all day long. So either way whether it's communicating on the Ham Radio or the Internet it's all good.
 Thank You for stopping by from Dan KC2YTI  73s !!!

Collecting Old Ham Radio Transceivers

Shortwave Radio

 Do you like those older Ham Radio Transceivers ? Well if you do then I would suggest that you start scanning through the HAM RADIOS FOR SALE ON EBAY. The only thing I would suggest is check out the reviews on the seller. That way you can determine if the seller has a good or bad track record. I have heard of some horror stories where someone lost a lot of money and ended up with a piece of junk. Always remember to protect yourself as you are the buyer. I will say that there are some good deals out there and if you are collecting ham radios it's the place to be.
 Now there are some other places where you may find some deals on Ham Radios and Ham Radio Equipment. One of them is to check your local ads in the newspaper for estate sales. You never know who is or was a ham radio operator. Yes you can check craigs list, but be careful I have heard of some bad deals through there as well. I remember a long time ago when I was looking for a used car I used to check out what was called the swap sheet. I know it still exists here in Rochester new York and there may be one in your city. The other possible source is looking on the internet where there is a wealth of information. Here is a link for some DRAKE HAM RADIOS.
 The other possible method is just by word of mouth. I can't tell you how many times I have heard a conversation on the Ham Radio where someone is selling some kind of ham radio equipment. I remember once where my wife works at the senior citizens home a women's husband was a ham radio operator and he wanted to give me his old equipment. The problem is that my wife is an employee and she could not accept anything from a person in the senior home. That was just my luck. I did have some friends that said give it to them and they would give it to me. Sorry but that is just not my style and I had to pass on that opportunity. I am sure God found another Ham Radio Operator that would be happy with it.
 Thank You for reading from Dan KC2YTI  73 !!!

Hex Beam

 I don't have a big back yard to work with, so I am always looking for a small beam antenna that does a good job. Yes I have thought about a two element yagi antenna or one made by TGM Communications. One of the antennas I have thought about is a Hex Beam Antenna. Everything I have read in reviews at Eham.net as well as other websites has been good. I am thinking about building one my self using crappie fishing poles and a heavy duty cutting board as the center support with some other ideas. Well it's still in the thought process for me. I did come across some videos on you tube so I thought I would share them.

                              



                              


                              

  If you are looking for a visual comparison and a signal comparison check out this link at youtube https://youtu.be/wk6s_16jXGU . There are many other videos out there that you can watch to give information and ideas, so you may change something. Here is a link to some good deals on various beam antennas VHF, UHF and HF Beam Antennas .

 Thank You for stopping by from Dan KC2YTI  73s !!!

Summer Is Almost Over

 Yes Summer is almost over and it's August 12th. It may have been just to hot to be out in the sun working on your antenna projects. I know for myself it's pretty much been that way. Then once the sun starts to go down the mosquitoes and and other nasty bugs come out to play. So right now I am looking forward to September when it may be a little cooler and easier to work on my antenna projects. It just sometimes gets really tough when I am at work all day working on computers, then I come home and I am just tired. I get on the computer and work on my blogs and listen to my Ham Radio. In fact right now I am listening to 14.300mhz on the 20 meter band. It must be what happens when you get older Hi Hi.
 Maybe you can spend the time looking at various types of Ham Radios and Ham Radio Equipment for your Ham Shack. Maybe you can be getting your Christmas ideas for your Ham Shack. Why not get ahead of the game and be like all the stores that have their Halloween Stuff out already. You might also spend some time searching the internet for a new ham radio project. Another idea is looking for any information on new ham radios. Go to Eham.net at http://www.eham.net/reviews/ and see what fellow hams are are saying about various equipment.
 You can also sit in the Ham Shack, enjoy the cooler nights and do some Rag Chewing with friends.
  Thanks For Stopping By From Dan KC2YTI  73!!!  

Looking For Your Electronics Hardware For Your Ham Shack

Fill Up Your Ham Shack Today, There Is Always Room For More.

  I think as Ham Radio Operators were always thinking about what we can add to our Ham Shacks. It may be a nice new Ham Radio, Used Ham Radio, SWR Meter, SWR Analyzer, Antenna Tuner, Amplifier, Various Tools, Microphones or anything that catches our eye. It just seems as though the list goes on and on. I know for me I love looking through catalogs and various internet websites for Ham Radio Equipment. I generally make a list of what I am looking for and then try to fit it into my budget. In fact lately I have been pondering on a few switches for my Ham Antenna and other Radio Equipment. I do have a Ameritron 5 position switch that works really well. I want something so I can easily disconnect my antennas as the bad weather comes through. Right now I open the window and disconnect the coax cable. It's a nice set up, but I want to make it easier.
 If you are into the repairing of electronic equipment, then you may be looking for a Oscilloscope, Signal Generator, Bench Meter, Soldering Station for through hole and for surface mount components as well as other repair types of equipment. You do have a few choices when it comes to buying any type of equipment. What I am talking about is either the new or used path for Ham Radio Equipment or Electronic Repair Equipment. You may find some good deals at your local flea market or through estate sales or garage sales. My advise is to go through Amazon for New Equipment or Ebay for New or Used Ham Radio or Electronic Equipment. Always check out the seller before purchasing.
 It is summer time and now is a good time for going to garage sales or estate sales.

Thank You for stopping by from Dan KC2YTI  73 !!!

Happy 4th Of July

                           HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM DAN KC2YTI

HAPPY FATHERS DAY !!!

  HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL FATHERS AROUND THE WORLD FROM DAN KC2YTI  73s !!!

Ameritron Amplifier

  Looking for a good used Ameritron Amplifier for your Ham Shack. Of course it does not have to be Ameritron there are many different brands of ham radio amplifiers to choose from. Check out the deals at ebay. Just make sure to check out the seller thoroughly before you pay anything. Yes unfortunately there are good and bad sellers on ebay as well as the internet. So if you are interested in a used amplifier check out the link below.
                                      USED HAM RADIO AMPLIFIERS

Now if you are looking for a nice base ham radio to go with your ham radio amplifier you can check out the link below.
                                   Ham Radio Base Station

Thank You For Stopping By From Dan KC2YTI  73s

Happy Memorial Day 2015

                                       I just wanted to say Happy Memorial Day To All Who Served.

Thank You For Stopping By from Dan KC2YTI  73s.

Keeping An Eye On Emergency Situations and Weather

  One of my favorite things to do is monitor the various local police, fire and other local municipalities. I do have my bearcat scanner for listening on and it does a good job. If you don't have a scanner you can use your computer to do the same thing. There are plenty of websites where you can monitor all kinds of government frequencies. There are also plenty of websites that will provide live radar weather. Here is a list below of some of my favorite websites.

1. http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/
2. http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/?action=new
3. http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Internet_and_Radio/Police_Scanners/
4. http://tunein.com/radio/Scanners-g257/
5. http://www.intellicast.com/Storm/Severe/WatchesWarnings.aspx
6. http://www.livewxradar.com/
7. http://www.weather.com/weather/map/interactive/l/l
8. http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Internet_and_Radio/Online_Receivers/
9. http://sdrspace.com/
10. http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Internet_and_Radio/Live_streaming/

  What I do is have a second computer to do the listening on. It does not have to be a super expensive computer. I would use windows 7 or maybe even a Linux distribution such as Linux Mint. The computer can be a desktop or a laptop. For awhile I was just using an old laptop computer. I also use this second computer to keep an eye on the weather radar. That way I can track any storms coming my way.
  Thank You for reading from Dan KC2YTI  73s.

Get Your Summer Ham Radio Antenna Projects Going

Portable Ham Radio Station On A Bicycle

  Yes summer is almost here and the warm weather means it's time to get back to working on those Ham Radio Antenna Projects going. I know I am thinking about the 6 meter quad, 17 meter moxon and my scanner antenna project. In fact I am waiting for a 38 foot push up mast so I can raise and lower some light weight projects in the making. I can mount some heavier duty antennas on my metal push up mast. Of course now that I have a pick up truck maybe when I have some extra money I could find a good used tower. That is just in the future for now. Remember there are plenty of designs you can do with crappie fishing poles. The other idea is to use the grey pvc electrical conduit pipe and wire in some way. The ideas and designs are all up to you. I would invest in a swr analyzer when performing tests and adjustments so you don't interfere with anyone. Try searching through the amazon store below the posts and have fun. If you come up with any other ideas share them and leave a comment.
  Thank You for stopping by from Dan KC2YTI  73s.

Spring Is Here And Summer Is Around The Corner...It's Time For A Ham Fest

 Check your local areas for any up coming Ham Fests. I know in my area RaRa Rochester Amateur Radio Association Ham Fest is almost here. You just need to check where it is going to be. For example here in Rochester NY it was at the Dome Arena, then it was in Greece NY at the Barnard Fire Exemps and then the following year it was at RIT Rochester Institute Of Technology. In fact here is a link to their webpage http://www.rochesterham.org/Hamfest.htm . It looks like it is at the Barnard Fireman's Field again. So if you are in the Rochester NY area June 6th stop by and check out some good deals. I my self loved it when it was at the Dome Arena and RIT because they were close and there was alot of room. So once again check out your local area for the Ham Fest going on in your area.
  Thanks For Reading from Dan KC2YTI   73s.

Ham Radio Project Books

6 Meter Cubical Quad Project ( not mine)

  There are plenty of books on Ham Radio Projects. We all like to keep busy and learn new things when it comes to Ham Radio. Granted some of us may have a better understanding of Electronics than other Ham Radio Operators do, but that does not mean that they can not learn something new. I remember when I was younger I thought I could not go to college because I was in the basic classes. I did not think I was smart enough. Well once I got interested in CB Radio and Electronics I found that I was capable of much more. I decided to peruse any kind of education I could. I bought books on Ham Radio Projects and other subjects as well. I decided that I was going to go to college and I did. I went and earned my AAS in Electrical Engineering and worked as an Electronic Technician for over 11 years. I have been working as a Computer Technician since 1996. My older brother felt the same

Icom In The Ham Shack

  Icom is making some awesome base transceivers these days. The one thing I like in their transceiver design is the big boxy look. They also have many different buttons and controls to learn and have fun with. As far as ratings and reviews go, they do very well for themselves. If you check out eham.net you will find that they are just awesome ham radios. In fact the Icom 7200 HF, 50mhz transceiver has an awesome 4.8 out 5 rating at about 176 reviews. The price range isn't to bad either below a thousand dollars. Check out the radio below for a link and information below the link picture.

ICOM IC-7200 Transceiver

Your First Ham Shack

 

  This post is actually from my other blog and it seems that it is well liked so I thought I would share it on this blog of mine. The link to the other blog is off to the right of the posts and is called The Ham Shack Shop.
  Setting up your first Ham Shack may seem a little scary at first, but it does not have to be. I would start out with the basics when deciding on a Ham Shack for all your Ham Radio Equipment . There are some Ham Radio Operators that may have a separate building or maybe a room out in their garage. I would just make sure it's heated for the cold weather and cool in the hot time of the year. Other considerations for locating your Ham Shack is a fairly quite place in your house. In my house that isn't an easy task. Right now it is next to the family room and at times it can be somewhat noisy. I have moved it to quite a few different locations in the house and now I am right back where I started.

Ham Radio Outlet For Some Good Deals

  One of my favorite places to by Ham Radio Equipment to fill my Ham Shack has been Ham Radio Outlet. I would suggest that you check out their website at the following link http://www.hamradio.com/ . I am sure that almost all Ham Radio Operators are already aware of Ham Radio Outlet. My advise is to have a free catalog sent in the mail. I myself always get the catalog sent to me in the mail. I also use their website when I am looking for something or looking for information. I have purchased various items from Ham Radio Outlet and never had any problems with cost or the merchandise. I have read some reviews where someone had a problem, but that is to be expected from time to time. It's the wonderful world of electronics.
  Ham Radio Outlet is not the only Ham Radio Dealers I buy Ham Radio Equipment from. Here is a list below of my favorite places to buy ham radio equipment from. I have included their links.

1. Ham Radio Outlet http://www.hamradio.com/
2. Universal Radio http://www.universal-radio.com/
3. DX Engineering http://www.dxengineering.com/
4. AES Electronics http://www.aesham.com/
5. MFJ http://www.mfjenterprises.com/
6. R&L Electronics http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/
7. Ham City http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/
8. Giga Parts http://www.gigaparts.com/Radio-About-Us/
9. Texas Towers http://www.texastowers.com/
10. LDG Electronics http://www.ldgelectronics.com/

  These are the 10 Ham Radio Dealers that I usually go to when looking for Ham Radio Equipment. Yes there are many other Ham Radio Dealers that I sometimes go to like the wireman or K1CRA Radio Store. I usually check each store and compare prices and go with the best deal. Here is a link to a website with excellent information on the Ham Radio Dealers http://www.artscipub.com/dealers/ .
My advise is also to check out Eham.net at http://www.eham.net/reviews/ for all kinds of information and reviews. They are an excellent source of information and help.
  Thank You For Reading From Dan KC2TYI  73s.
 

Ham Radio License

 

Get That Ham Radio License So You Can Talk Around The World

   Today in Ham Radio you are going to need a Ham Radio License to be able to transmit on a given frequency. There are 3 licenses that anyone can achieve. There isn't any cost to getting the license. Well I should say the only cost is your time. Now you can go to various websites and keep answering the questions until you have them memorized. The only issue with this is that you really have not learned anything. You have only just memorized the answers to the questions. Now if your goal is to just get the license to be able to use a Ham Radio, then that is your choice and I do not judge you for it. I would suggest that you buy a book on Ham Radio and start reading. I would bet you become very interested and want to learn more.
The Three Main Ham Radio Licenses are:

Ham Radio

  

                                                                HAM RADIO
  Ham Radio is one of those hobbies that have so many directions to go in it may be difficult to choose. There are those that are happy just listening to the various bands and frequencies. For me that happens quite a bit, because I am working on the computer most of the time. Yes I am most likely working on one of my many blogs. I just happen to find it enjoyable by trying to find out just how far away I may be able to hear someone. Maybe one of these days when it's quiet in the house I may get in there and do some talking. I am really not interested too much in being a dx contester. I am not saying there is anything wrong with it, it's just not what I do.

Ham Radio Amplifiers

There are  some very good deals at EBAY For Ham Radio Amplifiers.You may find some older Ham Radio Amplifiers that still do an awesome job. Then there are the new Ham Radio Amplifiers that someone may be selling. Usually you will find that most Ham Radio Operators keep their Ham Radio equipment in good shape. You have to realize that if there is an emergency no one wants their equipment to fail. My only advise is to check out the seller for their ratings. That way you can determine if it is a risk due to bad reviews. Yes unfortunately there are a lot of scams going around all over the internet. Also remember to check out all the Ham Radio Equipment At EBAY.