I really don't agree with starting with a handheld, unless it is at a disposable price (such as a Beofang or a TYT). They are really far too limiting. I recently got my first handheld, a QRZ Explorer (a modified TYT) for $34, and am underwhelmed. I can trip a few repeaters with it from my driveway, and no one answers, which is also not uncommon with my 20-watt mobile 2m rig. The handhelds simply don't have the power or antennas to get very far, unless you're in an area with no obstacles and many repeaters. Personally, I think the fun is in HF, which is where I spend most of my operating time, but if I could do VHF/UHF only, I would opt for a mobile unit that could double as a base unit. With limited funds, I'd get a basic mobile unit, fudge an antenna and/or buy a basic mobile one, and use a car/marine battery. Too many hams start with a Beofang and get discouraged because they can only reach a few local repeaters, if they're lucky. The same can happen with a $500 handheld. Then they get frustrated and quit. Handhelds simply don't do too much. Activity on repeaters in a lot of areas can be almost nothing, especially if you can reach only one or two.
@tedmead4652 ай бұрын
Use brass or bronze brazing rod, it solders fine and does not oxidize as bad as copper.
@victoryfirst28785 ай бұрын
Can you tell me if this would work for TV VHF UHF ????? Thanks
@ascott7015 ай бұрын
It’s certainly capable. Antennas can usually receive signals outside of their intended frequency range. The frequencies of some TV channels are close to the ham band so I’m sure it can receive them.
@victoryfirst28785 ай бұрын
Thank you for letting me know it is possible. Could you tell what way would you proceed with building the antenna for TV Sir ?? Good day too fella. vf@@ascott701
@VNV675 ай бұрын
Back 3 years ago it was but now it is $114.37. I just ordered one from Home Depot.
@ambhouse5 ай бұрын
New Tech here. Found this radio at a ham fest (friend of silent key) for $60. Glad that an Elmer programmed our local area repeaters in for me! Now, to learn it for myself so that I can program for any travels, as well as maybe figure out simplex on it. Great overview. One note: It will monitor dual bands (?channels?) (as shown in another video, but I'm too new to be able to explain what I previously watched). KJ5EMZ
@thewildbunch27827 ай бұрын
Will this antenna work on the 150 frequencies?
@hound6968 ай бұрын
You need a higher watt soldering iron. It makes such a big difference.
@frankcullen-jc7on10 ай бұрын
Keep your solder tip clean at all times for a smoother flow.
@quaildogusa Жыл бұрын
KJ5CHE Just this morning. All I have is a 10 meter radio right now. When the sun gets high maybe here will be some traffic. I will CQ and try. :D
@mikehagan4320 Жыл бұрын
I like the way you present your discussion. This was helpful. Best Wishes from Montana! M.H. KG7LOK.
@ernestocuitinoarce6884 Жыл бұрын
La punta del soldador está sucia , por eso no suelda bien. Y , los planos de tierra mejor soldarlos, así no se aislan.Con tornillos producen electrolisis.TKS. OM 73 . CX2VA URUGUAY
@leonaparota3269 Жыл бұрын
Is the YAESU FR-4XR dual received?
@izan3315 Жыл бұрын
Good Channel !!! Thanks for your work !!
@bruceforster3709 Жыл бұрын
HERE'S a question for you. Will the cloning Cable work to transfer the Memories from an FT-4 to an FT-65?????
@bruceforster3709 Жыл бұрын
I'm an Extra. My Wife is a Tech, and she wants to go no further. 3 Years ago, I bought an FT-4 as a Backup rig /something to trudge through the Bush with. When I'm out camping, or at a work site, I don't want to risk my VX-8. My wife's rig is a 13 Year Old FT-60, that is finally getting tired. I just listed the 60 on Craigslist at a bargain price, and for Christmas, the wife is getting an FT-65. I like the FT-65 SO MUCH, I'm going to buy TWO MORE OF THEM in the coming Months. I'll be building a Search & Rescue / CERT Go Bag around the two new radios.
@claireschloenvogt59592 жыл бұрын
Great job thank you
@mitstax2 жыл бұрын
Thank you... excellent
@dvscotlandphoenixnetwork2 жыл бұрын
DV Scotland Multi-Mode Net Tonight From 20:00 - 21:30 BST. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6WcaWWOn6mNiMk
@KM4ALT2 жыл бұрын
I don't agree with the CQ being "hf stuff." But maybe you are specifically talking about repeater? I think CQ is proper for any simplex operation including vhf/uhf. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the video.
@Anthracite312 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@Lowered_Gadh2 жыл бұрын
Big problem for duplex mode...
@TheNewHam2 жыл бұрын
I'm not really sure what you're asking or stating but the radio does work in duplex mode. I actually talk about how to program in a repeater during the video. If your question was related to something else please let me know. Thanks for watching!
@Lowered_Gadh2 жыл бұрын
@@TheNewHam Thank you sooo much for your concern..... My problem is I can't to seem to program the output FREQ w/c is 154110 Mhz, and it always landing on the wrong frequency w/c is 154105 Mhz. Already went to Menu #38 Step to no avail!
@danielpenney90772 жыл бұрын
A very thorough review, quick and to the point. You hit all the important stuff. Thanks. I'm in! 73 W1RXA
@bink9232 жыл бұрын
Great video. Just make sure when you give suggestions that are different from what's in the manual, you also let people know what the book answer is. Could be confusing for a new HAM especially if this is a 101. Thanks again. 73.
@BigScreamingChicken2 жыл бұрын
Hands down the best guide I've seen so far. I just got my license and will be making my first contact soon. Thanks!
@jkpisces2 жыл бұрын
can a anytone dmr radio transmit clearer to a analogue baofeng uv5r?
@mmichaeldonavon2 жыл бұрын
Need to clean your iron tip with a wet sponge.
@prepr87252 жыл бұрын
great tips. thank you 73
@binonwheels2 жыл бұрын
I’ve been looking for this for ages, I already have two of three of the UK licences and this is new information- well done on filling this gap !
@agoraphobicadam11712 жыл бұрын
Did you need a ground for this antenna? I have thought about this antenna after I save my pennies.
@TheNewHam2 жыл бұрын
You do not need any additional grounding for this antenna.
@agoraphobicadam11712 жыл бұрын
Surprisingly I can hit a repeater 42 road miles from my house with a Baofeng UV-5R and use an adapter to a Tram 1185 mag mount on a pie pan for a ground. I have received good reports using that low budget set up. I'm sure there are better radios But for a guy like me that's disabled and retired on a small budget I'm having a blast. KO4HPC 73 :)
@TheNewHam2 жыл бұрын
That's awesome!
@brichard94852 жыл бұрын
What a difference a year makes! 50+% price increase, if you can find it anywhere... great review
@billwaggener61762 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. I had bought the radio and was trying to figure out how to set the tone for repeater access using Yaesu's terrible manual. Your instructions were great. 73's, Bill
@TheNewHam2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching, glad I could help! 73
@ronaldvaughn1683 жыл бұрын
just got mine today from Amazon.
@focusedmessagemarketing9583 жыл бұрын
I have a Fang same model. Passed my Tech license. Now I need to get on the air. My background is USAF aircraft communications, HF, UHF, VHF. Nice info for beginners. Too many people in the hobby talk over the head of new people, not you. Good job.
@jeffmccray88833 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the instructions! I just made a smaller one 1/4 wave for GMRS that ended up working for 2m and 70cm as well, all though not the best.
@jeffmccray88833 жыл бұрын
Need a larger iron?
@ascott7013 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I definitely need a better one. Please let me know if you have any recommendations. Thanks for watching my video!
@jfrphoto012 жыл бұрын
@@ascott701 Weller 40 watt.
@DJ_Megahertz3 жыл бұрын
I Mine is tuned for 433. I wish to target 449 MHz. Anyone ever tried to trim to raise the UHF Freq sweet spot? I don’t use it for VHF at all. I assume trimming at the center?
@janiceemery20083 жыл бұрын
Scott, thank you so very much for this review. I am new to ham radio and in the process of getting my license. I have also been watching Josh Nass and he placed this same ham on a beginners list. I have had my eye on this one and I think I may go ahead and buy it. I love the review you did on this it just confirmed what I was questioning. Thank you Scott. Jan
@ascott7013 жыл бұрын
Hello Janice and thanks for watching. Good luck with getting your license!
@gblan3 жыл бұрын
6/5/21 No longer available at CountryComm but you can just buy a DBJ2 from Ed Fong. That's really all this antenna is.
@gblan3 жыл бұрын
Don't the vast majority of radios come with a charging cradle?
@jrasche3 жыл бұрын
Hi there-new ham. I built one for 2m/7cm and I would like to put it on a pvc mast but would like to leave it outside permanently and run coax to my house for winter use. My question is does this type antenna need to be grounded, or just the coax? Trying to figure out the best way to do that if it's necessary. Thanks
@TheNewHam3 жыл бұрын
The antenna does not need any additional grounding but I do recommend some type of lightening arrestor in line with our coax. It will protect your equipment in the event of a lightening strike. I do recommend grounding your radio(s) if you will have permanent outdoor antennas attached.
@skippyi69693 жыл бұрын
Now 100% off since they no longer sell it. That sure didnt last long. Ed Fong roll up here i come
@joeddejohn3 жыл бұрын
I'm starting to look at pouches now. Tired of the cheap belt clip.
@miriamsmith71353 жыл бұрын
Great video.. Just got a Yaesu FT 65R for the same price and it's a great radio and would make an excellent radio for the new ham also..
@TBGaels323 жыл бұрын
How well can this work on a mobile rig? I might look at getting this for my Icom 5100.
@holeshot_jt3 жыл бұрын
Looks like the DBJ-2 that Ed Fong makes.
@jc-qc3yu2 жыл бұрын
MR Fong is a fabulous person in this field all-around great guy .
@NRWRanger3 жыл бұрын
Hi, thx for the great video. What is the name of the antenna on the FT70 and FT2 and would you still recommend it? (I know the video is about a year old;-))
@TheNewHam3 жыл бұрын
It's actually a very cheap antenna I found on Amazon. It works well around the house since I live close to a repeater and I'm close to me Wires-X node. Here is the link: www.amazon.com/TWAYRDIO-Antenna-TH-UVF9-TH-UVF9D-IC-F50V/dp/B073DW1ZP3/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/133-3178998-7436403?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B073DW1ZP3&pd_rd_r=4be0bf82-676c-4b7f-86ef-a9d9b8cb28eb&pd_rd_w=W0amp&pd_rd_wg=LWjqh&pf_rd_p=f325d01c-4658-4593-be83-3e12ca663f0e&pf_rd_r=X14A582VTZZK7S13JF5D&psc=1&refRID=X14A582VTZZK7S13JF5D
@geraldscott43023 жыл бұрын
Thank you for not recommending Baojunk, like most amateur radio channels do. I have never owned one, actually never used one, but I was able to tinker with a UV-5R, and I have never before seen such a piece of junk. Compared to my Yaesu FT-60, which I paid around $150 for, it is absolute trash. I can understand a beginner wanting something inexpensive, but it still needs to be at least decent quality, and none of the Chinese brands are. IMO, if you cannot afford to pay $100-$150 for a decent radio, you need to find a new hobby. Plus there are other issues. One, it is made in China by a Chinese company. Do you really want to support the Peoples Republic?? Two, as you mentioned, many of the Chinese brand radios are not FCC legal. They also tend to be somewhat dirty, both on transmit and receive. I am not sure I would recommend a handheld for a beginner. If you don't live VERY close to a repeater, a handheld simply won't work. Even with my FT-60, hooked up in the car, connected to 12V, and a Comet external antenna, I am unable to hit a repeater that I am more than maybe 5-6 miles from. I may be able to trigger it, but my signal is so poor that it is almost unintelligible. It does work better on a couple of repeaters not far from my house, when used with a 13.8V power supply and an outdoor antenna around 30 feet in the air. When I first got my license back in 1987 (when the new novice voice class rules came out) I bought a new Kenwood TH-215. I loved it's simplicity (it only had 10 memories) I wish someone still made such a simple radio. Today's radios have gotten way too complicated. When you need a computer to program it, it's gone too far, IMHO. Anyway, I had the same problem I have with my FT-60. I just couldn't get my signal out there, and lost interest for quite a while. (BTW, that TH-215 was 2 meter only, and cost around $350) I recommend a mobile radio, like the Yaesu FT-2980, which puts out as much as 80 watts (but can still be used on 5 watts) can be used in a car/truck, or can be used at home with a power supply and external antenna. It is amazing the difference there is between 5 watts and 25 watts on VHF. Yes, the FT-2980 is 2 meter only, but that is where most beginners wind up, and can be found new for around $150. There is no need to spend a fortune on radios, unless you want to. I do just fine with the Yaesu FT-60 HT, an FT-2900 mobile, and an Icom IC-718 HF rig. I also have a Yaesu FT-DX 560 tube radio, which I bought on eBay and completely rebuilt. Nothing like HF on a tube radio.
@JohnnyFingers2273 жыл бұрын
Can this be used for CB Radio?
@TheNewHam3 жыл бұрын
No, it's not designed for the CB frequencies. They fall in the HF spectrum around 26.9xx - 27.4xx.
@jasonjon19693 жыл бұрын
You got it less than $100 unlucky us , here in Australia $178 ...
@TheNewHam3 жыл бұрын
Since releasing this video the price here has gone up drastically. They are about $100 plus tax and shipping now.