HAM Costs...

[FlyingWil]

One of the few things that has held me up in obtaining my operating license is the intimal cost, but like every good mod good things cost money. My other hold up is time, but I need to free some up to get this done.

What is the average cost of a typical set up?

This is my shopping list...(so far still looking into other options) I think it would work:
* LARSEN NMO-K MTG .5IN TO 17FT RG58 PL ($25)
* LARSEN TMB34B TRUNK L-BRACKET BLACK .75 ($25)
* LARSEN NMO-2/70B 144/440 COIL & W270B WHIP ($60)
* YAESU FT-7800R XCVR 2M/440 50/45W FM ($250)
* LICENSE EXAM FEE ($20)

I am looking at roughly $400 sound right?

[FlyingWil]

Oh yeah, MODS, I wasnt sure what folder to post this in so feel free to move it.

[Hardluck]

I'm no expert and in fact am currently setting up my first mobile radio. That said, the item I noticed was missing from your post is an external speaker and separation kit if you plan on mounting the face plate on the dash and the body of unit elsewhere, e.g., under the seat. Oh and a Dummy Load.

Here's my list:
Yaesu 8800D - $354 (separtion kit free)
Diamond Motorized Antenna Mount (K9000LRM) - $110
Diamond Antenna (NR770HB) - $60
Dummy Load - $28
13.5' Coax Cable - $42
External speaker - $45

[BoBoNel]

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.

[OLLIE]

The lists Hardluck and Wil have put together is way over kill for someone just rying to get there foot in the door with trail comms and some descent repeater ability. 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.

[OLLIE]

One of the few things that has held me up in obtaining my operating license is the intimal cost, but like every good mod good things cost money. My other hold up is time, but I need to free some up to get this done.

What is the average cost of a typical set up?

This is my shopping list...(so far still looking into other options) I think it would work:
* LARSEN NMO-K MTG .5IN TO 17FT RG58 PL ($25)
* LARSEN TMB34B TRUNK L-BRACKET BLACK .75 ($25)
* LARSEN NMO-2/70B 144/440 COIL & W270B WHIP ($60)
* YAESU FT-7800R XCVR 2M/440 50/45W FM ($250)
* LICENSE EXAM FEE ($20)

I am looking at roughly $400 sound right?

For that set up yes. The test can be taken for $5 if you find the right VEs.

[SinCityBrian]

It does add up fast and as Ollie said less expensive handheld w/mag mount is plenty capable

I'm just running my Kenwood TH-F6A tri-band handheld $330.00 was a great xmas present


Kenwood SMC-32 mini external mic/speaker $53.00

Kenwood cig lighter adapter/filter $38.00

Diamond CR320A Triband Mobile Antenna $80.00


MFJ 341S 17' ANTENNA CABLE; SO-239 "UHF" connector $20.00

All-Pro Bandi CB Mount for FJ Cruisers that I modified to UHF connector mount 50.00

[Hardluck]

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.

As Ollie said, don't let the list I put together discourage you from getting your ticket. I am going with this setup for specific reasons beyond just trail use, most of which is my need to have something to tinker with as my day job has me sitting at a desk all day.

That said, for a mobile radio as compared to a handheld, what Will and I have put together is in line with what other people have done. It's not like either of us are planning on installing a Yaesu 857 or Icom 706MKII.

[OLLIE]

That said, for a mobile radio as compared to a handheld, what Will and I have put together is in line with what other people have done. It's not like either of us are planning on installing a Yaesu 857 or Icom 706MKII.

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

[Hardluck]

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

Didn't want to mention anybody by name...