WF0H
11-21-2001, 11:20 PM
KC8RFY, you are one of the people I'm concerned about, because I have seen a number of newcomers here in the Upper Midwest get their licenses and drop out of the hobby not long after. For those who do not live near major urban centers, and even in some of those, HF is really the only game in town. Earning the 'Tech+' priveleges (which you can still do by passing just the code test) would make a big difference for any Tech who can afford to get a minimal HF rig on the air.
SSB gear is not necessarily that outrageous. MFJ has a low-power 2 meter SSB rig for $264. Their 6 meter version is slightly cheaper than that. There is also used gear to be had with much better capabilities.
Also, I do not know the frequencies, but there are some folks in the Midwest doing PSK31 and other modes over 2 meter FM. PSK can pull the data signal out of the noise when you can't hear the carrier of a distant FM signal, so this has some possibilities if you have a PC with a sound card.
However, there are lots of reasons that people, including many newcomers, got into this hobby expecting to have lots of fun on 2 meter FM that are rightfully disappointed. For them, we need to get the existing amateurs back on the air, and to find new activities for 2 meters.
Contact: wf0h@home.com
SSB gear is not necessarily that outrageous. MFJ has a low-power 2 meter SSB rig for $264. Their 6 meter version is slightly cheaper than that. There is also used gear to be had with much better capabilities.
Also, I do not know the frequencies, but there are some folks in the Midwest doing PSK31 and other modes over 2 meter FM. PSK can pull the data signal out of the noise when you can't hear the carrier of a distant FM signal, so this has some possibilities if you have a PC with a sound card.
However, there are lots of reasons that people, including many newcomers, got into this hobby expecting to have lots of fun on 2 meter FM that are rightfully disappointed. For them, we need to get the existing amateurs back on the air, and to find new activities for 2 meters.
Contact: wf0h@home.com