Noob questions

[Moderator]

1. Will any of those inexpensive magnamount 2M antennas work better than a Nagoya NA-771 for a walkie? I know I need to realize that my WT can only do so much, but I want to get the most out of it without spending much. I just got whacked with a bunch of bills these last two weeks. Plus I want to control this hobby and not dump thousands of dollars into it overnight like I do everything else.

2. If you file for a vanity sign online, how long will it take for them to review and notify you if you were approved or not?

3. I've been listening a lot and have many repeaters programed. I still haven't let anyone take my Ham Virginity, I'm saving it for the right moment, LOL. Is there a website that can describe what some of the noises are that I hear from time to time?

 

[chaser001]

1. Yes - if you're operating from a car having the antenna outside the vehicle will help. I've had this one for a couple of years https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L0BXIK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Keep in mind that Salt and the New England environment will ruin it fairly quickly.

2. No Idea haven't bothered yet.

3. There are lots of reasons for the things you hear...this site explains some: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-address-interference-with-your-ham-radio-eq.html or this one: http://www.sigidwiki.com/wiki/Category:VHF

 

[Moderator]

1. Yes - if you're operating from a car having the antenna outside the vehicle will help. I've had this one for a couple of years https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L0BXIK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Keep in mind that Salt and the New England environment will ruin it fairly quickly.

2. No Idea haven't bothered yet.

3. There are lots of reasons for the things you hear...this site explains some: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-address-interference-with-your-ham-radio-eq.html or this one: http://www.sigidwiki.com/wiki/Category:VHF

Awesome, thank you.

 

[ToddDubya]

1. Will any of those inexpensive magnamount 2M antennas work better than a Nagoya NA-771 for a walkie? I know I need to realize that my WT can only do so much, but I want to get the most out of it without spending much. I just got whacked with a bunch of bills these last two weeks. Plus I want to control this hobby and not dump thousands of dollars into it overnight like I do everything else.

2. If you file for a vanity sign online, how long will it take for them to review and notify you if you were approved or not?

3. I've been listening a lot and have many repeaters programed. I still haven't let anyone take my Ham Virginity, I'm saving it for the right moment, LOL. Is there a website that can describe what some of the noises are that I hear from time to time?

I've been hanging onto my HF virginity for some odd reason. I almost responded to a contester calling CQ but that's like losing your virginity to some slut who won't even remember your name let alone talk sweet goodness to you. I'm also afraid of doing it wrong, which is the perfect reason to do it with some contester slut the first time because they don't care about you.

I bought a rollup j-pole antenna to use at the house or bring into the woods. It rolls up tiny but works great. I put a bit of cord on it and hang it from a curtain rod, off the back of a door, a tree branch, whatever's handy. Just make sure it's screwed down tight to the radio; sometimes it'll work itself loose and your reception will suck. I don't think you could make one for the price this guy sells them.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201450824383

While you're accessorizing, the first time I chewed the rag with someone my thumb was killing me. I jumped right onto the Amazon and ordered up a separate mic. This thing is surprisingly good for the price. It's a speaker/mic so the radio can be clipped to your belt/pack/plate carrier/Prius visor and you listen/talk through the mic.

http://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG-Speak...F8&qid=1445638877&sr=8-1&keywords=baofeng+mic

 

[CatSnoutSoup]

I've been hanging onto my HF virginity for some odd reason. I almost responded to a contester calling CQ but that's like losing your virginity to some slut who won't even remember your name let alone talk sweet goodness to you. I'm also afraid of doing it wrong, which is the perfect reason to do it with some contester slut the first time because they don't care about you.

On behalf of "contester sluts" everywhere I would like to say -- do not be afraid we will guide you into putting everything in the proper place and then leave you with a 30 WPM kiss on the cheek.

dit dit

 

[drgrant]

The rollup j pole either home made or one you buy will work scads better than most rubber ducks.

 

[atmay]

The rollup j pole either home made or one you buy will work scads better than most rubber ducks.

I recommend the N9TAX/2wayelectronix ones.

 

[lancecolonel]

I bought a jpole from ed fong on eBay. He has his college students make them. I picked up Seabrook nh from Lynn ma the first time I tried it out on the uv5.