Operating instructions

Choosing a Ham Radio 3

QuickStart:CommonProles

You may ﬁnd it useful to start with one of our four common ham “proﬁles”. Your

operating needs could be similar to one of them. Once you choose a proﬁle, ﬁll in

the details by reading the VHF/UHF or HF sections that follow for details on the

various features and functions. Download the comparison form at www.arrl.org/

choosingaradio/compare to organize your shopping list.

Consult local hams to ﬁnd out what bands are used most commonly. For example,

in more sparsely populated areas, the 70 cm band may not be in widespread use. In

other areas, another VHF or UHF band – such as 222 MHz – may be in regular use.

Emergency Communication (Emcomm) Team Member or Personal

Emergency Communications

For operation through easily accessible repeaters or over very short ranges, you’ll

need a VHF/UHF (dual-band) handheld radio with at least 50 memories and 3 to 5

watts of output power. A spare rechargeable battery pack, a pack that holds AA or

AAA batteries, an automotive adapter, and a desktop quick-charger are must-have

accessories. For operation without repeaters or through distant repeaters while mobile

or in remote areas, add a VHF/UHF mobile radio with an output of 25 watts or more

and a dual-band quarter-wave mobile whip antenna. Many hams have one of each

type of radio.

Beginning Home HF Operation

HF transceivers with 100 watts of output and a built-in antenna tuner make an

excellent entry-level radio. HF radios with VHF and even UHF coverage are available

at higher cost. If the radio can’t operate directly from ac power you’ll need an external

dc power supply. A multi-band dipole is an excellent and inexpensive antenna,

connected to the radio through coaxial cable or open-wire feed line—the latter will

require an external antenna tuner. With some compromise in performance, a multi-

band, ground-independent vertical antenna is easy to set up and requires coaxial

cable to connect to the radio. To try Morse code, add a straight key or paddle (most

radios have a built-in keyer). To operate using digital modes, add a sound card data

interface with cables made to connect to your radio.

Casual Local or Regional Operating

Start with a VHF/UHF mobile radio with an output of 25 watts or more. For mobile

operation, add a dual-band quarter-wave mobile whip antenna. At home, a mobile

antenna can be used indoors or a dual-band base antenna can be mounted outside,

using coaxial cable to connect the radio and antenna. For operation from ac power,

a power supply capable of supplying the radio’s speciﬁed current consumption is

required. If you need more portability, add a VHF/UHF handheld as a second radio—it

is common (and practical) to have both types of radio.

Portable or Mobile Operating – All Bands

This type of operation is best supported with an “all-band, all-mode” mobile-

sized transceiver that covers the HF and VHF bands, plus the 70 cm band in some

models. You’ll need two types of antenna; a dual-band quarter-wave mobile whip

antenna for 2 meters and 70 cm (there are also tri-band antennas that include 6

meters), and a mobile HF antenna. A permanent or magnetic mount with one or more

interchangeable single-band HF whip antenna is a good way to try operating from

your vehicle.