How to Talk to Someone Using Ham Radio 4 Steps with PicturesAlready have the proper equipment Skip this step What equipment do I need Unfortunately, there is no one big machine that will do it all. There are a few items you will need, but, dont let this deter you, it is actually much easier than it seems, especially when it is put in a list for you like this one You will need A Transceiver A Power Supply  An Antenna  An Antenna Tuner  Microphone or Key That is the basic equipment you need to make a QSO. There are many retailers that sell this, and beware of some places like Radio Shack They overprice cheap items that you could otherwise get for a cheap price. Transceiver A transceiver is a combination of a receiver and a transmitter. They are a better option than getting a separate transmitter and receiver, especially if you are inexperienced. Depending on frequency range and power output, they can cost from a range from 1. However, you can get a good quality one for around 2. Fortunately, they are probably the mot expensive item you will get, and pretty much all of the other items are way below 1. Some trusted brands are Icom, Yaesu, and Kenwood. Features a large collection of links covering ham radio and DX topics. Windows Ham Radio Software Software. Morse Code Tools. Translate RSSAtom and Twitter into Morse, send Morse from KeyMouse. MSHV. Although it is no longer required to learn the Morse Code to get a U. S. Amateur Radio License, it is still widely used and will continue to be in use for a long time. However, there are much more. To combine shipping and decrease the cost, you can get just about everything from Ham Radio Outlet hamradio. You could also opt for building a kit. However, the kits usually only produce less than 5 watts, but they are extremely fun as long as you like to solder. However, if you are operating VHF Very High Frequency which is most commonly thought of as talking to people using repeaters, then you may only need a small mobile handheld transceiver that has all of the listed components listed above. A local ham gave me a VHF repeater for free when I first started like I said, older hams really like helping out new hams, but most people can get them for around 7. Power Supply A power supply is what powers the transceiver. Most power supplies cost less than 1. But be careful, you have to make sure they are compatible with your transceiver. Pro Php Mvc Pdf there. If you buy one that puts out too little volts, your transceiver will be greatly under powered and may not turn off, but if you buy one that puts out too many, you could blow your fuse, or seriously damage your radio. Remember If you arent sure, CONSULT AN EXPERIENCED HAM If you sent me a message, I would be more than happy to help. Antenna If you find the right one and use it right, you can get a good quality antenna for 3. However, you can also get a good quality antenna for 3. I, myself have a 3. QSO with countries like Argentina and Germany. Ham Radio Deluxe Logging Software Amateur Radios Best Asset Ham Radio Deluxe is the Amateurs Best Asset for Logbook, Rotor and Rig Control, Digital Modes, Satellite. Ham radio is cool, but it can be very nerve wracking to talk to someone using it. Talking to someone using ham radio is commonly known as a QSO or a contact. When you think of an antenna, you probably think of a metal tower. Those antennas are called vertical antennas, but are not the only option. There are yagis, dipoles, and many more. A good antenna that you could string off the side of your house is a G5. RV http www. mfjenterprises. Product. php productidMFJ 1. They work just as well as a vertical antenna, and can sometimes be a huge money saver. CW-Decoder.jpg' alt='Ham Radio Morse Code Program' title='Ham Radio Morse Code Program' />Ham Radio Morse Code Program FreeAlways remember, Check with your town zoning laws before putting up an antenna. Often times your town may have restrictions on the type of antennas you can put up. Antenna Tuner This one is a bit complicated. Basically, you need this tuner to be able to, in plain words, match your transceiver to your antenna. If you have them mismatched, a lot of the power you transmit on your transceiver could end up severely damaging your transceiver or blow a fuse. Radio Station Wordpress Templates on this page. There are two types of tuners an auto tuner and a manual tuner. A decent manual tuner can be found here http www. Product. php productidMFJ 9. A manual tuner is recommended for inexperienced hams. For the sake of cutting down on a bunch of words, you can learn how to use it by going here http www. Microphone or Key This will be how you communicate. Depending on the mode you use, you need a key to send Morse code, and a microphone to send SSB voice. Many transceivers have different microphone jacks, but fortunately, many transceivers come with a compatible microphone. Morse code keys usually dont however. And there are many different types such as a straight key or bug. Since you are probably a inexperienced ham, you might want a straight key as it is more simplistic. Most Morse code keys have two different jacks. If you have a key you want to buy, email the seller or talk to him in person about which you should get. Extra Cables You will need extra cables usually around 1 5 feet long to connect all of your equipment together. CONSULT WITH A HAM OR YOUR RETAILER FOR INFORMATION ON WHICH ONESUsually, you will only need one type. Remember Never let yourself become frustrated or deterred because there is so much you may not know. Just email the sellerretailer, send ME a message, or talk to your local ham radio club, because they all will be more than happy to help you learn to be a ham. It is quite simple once you understand everything, and surprisingly, there isnt a whole load you will have to know. Just the basic skills. Now, youre ready for your QSO.