HAM Radio 1/HamRadio.cdr/news/haminfo/ham5.txt

Text File | 1991-06-29 | 10KB | 189 lines

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       NEWCOMER'S GUIDE TO AMATEUR RADIO EQUIPMENT
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  I recently overheard two fairly new-to-the-hobby Amateurs
discussing (bemoaning) the high cost of Amateur Radio gear,
specifically HF transceivers.  They were discussing top
brands, and top-of the line models.  (Sorta like two
teenagers with newly-earned learner's permits, bemoaning the
prohibitive costs surrounding Porsche 924's...)  "You really
sez I.

  Many new Amateurs mistakenly assume that they have no choice
but to begin with a tired old used QRP CW transceiver, a wire
dipole antenna, and perhaps a used handheld rig for VHF/UHF.
This may be the case if you're simply flat broke and have no
way to raise cash for a decent station, but there are many
possibilities if you allow you creativity, determination, and
logic to prevail.  And you won't have to "homebrew" your entire
station (unless you want to)!

  Over the past 10 years, there has been a virtual explosion in
 electronic technology.  The technology of "yesterday" (tubes,
and linear VFO's) have been replaced with ultra-sophisticated,
computerized, marvels of engineering and packaging technology
(for which, we pay most dearly).  But let's look seriously at
some of those "antiques" of the late 70's and early 80's (which
are now in the $400 - $800 range).  Did they work?  Most
assuredly.  How well did they work?  Many a DXCC and 5 band WAS
earned, with untold millions of hours of enjoyment, to boot!

  Unfortunately, newcomers won't find ads for the "antiques"
in today's Amateur Radio mags.  All they see are the ads for the
new, (multi) kilo-buck transceivers from Japan Inc.

  After reading some of the spec sheets on the new rigs, a
newcomer to the hobby will probably think I'm off my rocker
when I say most of the "features" found on the new HF rigs
in the kilo-buck range are USELESS!

  Just for an example, lets talk about "digital VFO's" and
"memories".  A "digital VFO" is in actuality, a frequency
synthesizer.  Synthesizers are characterized by extreme
frequency stability (a very desirable trait), on the order
of 20 Hz or less per hour (based on thermal changes in the
crystal time base).  But let's look at some of those
"antiques".  They, too, can boast of frequency stability.
Like 100 Hz or so per hour.  "But," you say, "that's FIVE
TIMES WORSE than what a new rig can do!"  And you're
absolutely correct.  But the key question is: "Will you
notice 100 Hz per hour drift?"  Using a tight CW filter,
yes, you would--after perhaps a FULL HOUR QSO.  On SSB,
you'd probably want to touch the frequency knob after about
2 HOURS of rag-chewing!   Yes, those older rigs sure made
Amateur Radio operating rough...

  "But the new rig offers 100 "memories", while some of the
"antiques" don't even offer a digital display!"  Yup, you're
right again!  But remember, unlike the VHF/UHF FM spectrum,
HF is not "channelized".  HF stations will be scattered
randomly on the band--NEVER will you find them exactly
where you programmed your memory for yesterday!.  Net
operation??  "Plus or Minus QRM" is often heard on many an HF
net preamble.  Your HF "memory" will NEVER get you exactly
on the frequency of your favorite net.  You'll always be
tuning up and down the band anyway.  Unless you plan to make
heavy use of autostart RTTY, HF packet, or AMTOR, I doubt
you'll ever need a memory on HF.

  Keyboard entry of frequency?  Perhaps good to get you in the
desired band segment, but not much more.

  Digital display?  Impressive to look at, and perhaps nice to
have.  But crystal calibrators (about $20 to build, if your
"antique" doesn't already have one built in) and mechanical
displays have been the frequency reference for years--and
yes, the new rigs' high-tech synthesizers have to be
calibrated against WWV, just like the $20 calibrator...

  Solid state finals versus tubes.  No doubt about it, tubes
are getting more difficult to find.  But they CAN be found.
"Tubes are expensive!"  Yes they are--but YOU can replace
them.  Ever try to get 4 matched RF type transistors?  Ever
changed a set mounted in a heat-sink buried within the bowels
of a tightly packed maze where even Japanese-sized fingers fear
to go?  More likely than not, the average Amateur wouldn't even
ATTEMPT to replace the finals in a solid state rig (IF he could
find a matched replacement set!), while changing a tube presents
little, if any, problem.  Tubes have other advantages, too.
They're infinitely more forgiving when it comes to that "ideal"
50 ohm resistive match we Amateurs are always seeking, but
seldom attain.  At 2:1 SWR, a tube will work just fine--a newer
rig will probably go into a limited "foldback" to protect the
transistors.  Three to one??  Tubes are still perkin'
along...Transistor?  Forget it!

  One disadvantage though:  You will have to learn to peak the
grid, and dip the plate.  Hand-eye coordination.  Watch the
meter--twist the knob.  Yup, those "Amateurs of olden days" sure
had it rough...

  Speech compressor?  Some DXers swear by 'em.  Most  rag-chewers
swear AT 'em!   If  you need one, they exist as after-market
devices for the older rigs, not to mention the "build your own"
method.

  Suffice to say, a lot of the features on the newer rigs
amount to high priced, useless frills.

  What newcomers in quest of a good HF rig REALLY need to do is
seek out an EXPERIENCED Amateur who has knowledge about the older
rigs.  Ask what kind of rig they use.  Ask what they like or
dislike about it.  Most Amateurs are delighted to show off their
shack, and give you hands-on exposure to their setups.

  I'd recommend any of the following, as they were the "standard
of performance" in that "classic" age of 10 or more years ago.
Most can be found in ham-fests or in trader publications for
around $200 - $600.  Collins KWM-2A, Drake TR4-C, & TR-7
transceivers; Collins S Line, Drake T4C, R4C (separate Receiver &
transmitter).  Again, these were the "Cadillacs" of 10 or so
years ago.  Solid, proven performers, and parts still readily
available.

  Be cautious though--not all the rigs in this era were gems.
Although some of their rigs were winners, manufacturers such as
SWAN, National, EICO, et al., have had models that left a sour
taste in the Amateur community.  Until you're more knowledgeable
about the ins and outs of specific models, stick to the
"Cadillacs" like Collins & Drake.

  Got a little more to spend?  Icom 745 (my current HF rig),
Kenwood TS-830, TS-430.  $600 - $800 range.  SOLID performers
(even if they ARE transistorized!).

  Just for fun, let me play devil's advocate.  Lets assume that
you, Joe New Ham, just HAS to have that kilo-buck+ special.  It's
a steep price to pay, no argument.  But the thing you have to
keep in mind is that the cost of this hobby is mostly "up-front
money."  In the long run, Amateur Radio is NOT that expensive
when you look at dollar cost versus hours of enjoyment.

  Let's compare it to some other hobbies:  Bowling--pretty
inexpensive, eh?  After you buy your equipment (about $75 or so),
you can look forward to dropping an additional $10 or so every
time you visit the lanes for a couple hours of fun.  A couple
times a week, over the course of a SINGLE YEAR, you've already
paid MORE than that new transceiver costs!  Do you enjoy going to
the movies?  Add this up:  $5-$6 admission, $2-$5 for refreshments,
that's $7-$11 per film, and if you go just once a week it works out
to $350-$550 per year...add a date and double it...about an hour and
a half of entertainment each week for perhaps $1,000!  And don't
forget the hassles of parking, waiting in line, etc.  What abou
golf?  You pay greens fees, and you're limited to daylight and (for
all but the fanatics) fair weather.  Not so with HF Amateur Radio.
Twenty-four hours a day, rain or shine, you can sit down and
enjoy your INVESTMENT, making new friends, learning about
faraway places, and perhaps helping others in life-threatening
situations.

  Compare your Amateur Radio hobby.  Say you spend even $5,000 on a
transceiver, antenna, tower, tuner, power supply, coaxial cables,
rotator, and miscellaneous accessories for the shack.  Let's say the
setup lasts five years (conservatively) before you want to make any
major changes.  Five grand works out to $1,000 a year, or $20 a week
for unlimited hours of operating and providing a valued public service.
Even if you add more extras, like a good keyer, handheld VHF radios,
club dues, magazine subscriptions, reference books, tools, license
upgrade preparation tapes, packet TNCs, backup power generators,
mobile gear, and a cheap computer, it's still a fairly inexpensive
hobby over the long haul.  No to mention the fact that you'll probably
recoup 30-50% (or more) of your investment if you decide to sell your
equipment used at a later date.  So, for a net outlay equivalent to
maybe $10-$25 a week, you can be a "compleat Amateur."

  If you're still doubtful about the hobby, seek out an
experienced Amateur to consult and/or go shopping with, and go
for one of the "classics" of recent time.  Get on the air.  It
won't take you long to become hooked on HF operating.  It's day
and night compared to VHF repeater operation.  Besides, you'll
always be able to sell it at a hamfest if you ever lose interest.
But if you're convinced that Amateur Radio is for YOU, then go
ahead and look at those kilo-buck+ specials, visit your friendly
Credit Union if necessary, and GO FOR IT!



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