HAM Costs...

[cruiserlarry]

holy crap-ola! i thought i'd just get a hand-held someday..guess it doesnt work like that. i'll hae to do soem research and someday join the ranks of HAM.

Wrong order to do things - First get your ham license. Then pick up an inexpensive handheld radio so you can participate and get familiar with ham. Later, when you have time to save up some more dough, go pick up a mobile set-up.

The first step is to have your license - you can always even borrow a radio, but w/o the license, it doesn't matter....

[FlyingWil]

The list I compiled was my list of equipment to not out grow the items purchased. Granted it is a bit overkill for a first set up, but it is also a set up I do not think I will need to replace a few years down the road....

Am I way off on my thinking here?

You guys seem to think that my price list is rather high for an initial set up, yet the only other suggestion was from Brian and his set up totals $553 (not including his exam fee).

I originally asked, "What is the average cost of a typical set up?" and I guess I wasn't too clear. So for someone wanting to get into amateur radio, what is the typical price of equipment needed to not out grow the equipment initially purchased, and what equipment is recommended?

[taugust]

Yeah... Who's crazy enough to do that?

Not me. Huh-uh. Nope.

[Willman]

An simple 2M HT (handheld) and mag base antenna can do very well for starters. If you shop right you can fine both of these for under $200 to include the 12V aux blug for your lighter.

Might have to look into that setup instead of going overboard on the first swim!

Plus....with a handheld.....you can take it everywhere!!!.....

Like the idea!


Icom idea sounds cool too!.....lol