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Ok, I'm rather new to HAM radio, just got back from a rather long stint at sea, I've really considering buy the Kennwood TH-F6A, Is this a good first radio? What kind of conversations can I expect on the radio? I'm living in Lynnwood, and commute from there to Whidbey Island, Will I get decent coverage from an HT? And lastly, where and when would be the best place and time to take the exam? I've been studying and I'm pretty confident I can pass it. Oh, one more thing, where's the best place to buy the radio I'm considering?

Thanks for the help
J

You can look up exam sessions here
http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml

cool, thanks, so what kind of experiance can I expect? I used to be into CB, but it got rather old, and disorderly rather quick. How's the range compared to a decent CB rig without repeater use?

:D Headhunter, HAM RADIO IS NOTHING CLOSE TO CB, ham radio is like this web site a bunch of GOOD ole boys like a bunch of friends :wink: try going to the pierce county fair grounds this weekend for the hamfest you will meet a bunch of great guys!

GOOD LUCK 73s

STEVE F.

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GOD BLESS 73s

Any chance I'd be able to pick up a Kennwood TH-F6A? What are the odds of being able to take my test this weekend?

Hi Headhunter...welcome to Ham radio.

I do own a Kenwood TH-F6A. It's a great radio, in my opinion. Very capabile, lots of features, and a battery that just keeps going. The small size allows you to take it with you. I highly recommend it.

The current offerings from Icom and Yaesu are also pretty good choices. Friends of mine that have the Yaesu VX-7R are very happy with it. My problem with that radio, however, is that it's 3rd band is 6m...which, because of the antenna inefficiencies, really kind of sucks on 6m.

However, the F6A is the only multi-band portable going that will get you on the 220 mhz band with 5 watts. That's a big deal to me, since 220 is my favorite band. The stock antenna doesn't do very well on 220, but it's better than nothing....almost.

For your commute from Lynnwood to Whidbey Island, you should find a variety of 2m, 220, and 440 repeaters that work well. Specifically, the 145.190 and 224.780 repeaters are both on Lyman Mtn, just east of Mt. Vernon. They cover down into Seattle and up into Canada very well. They also look over Whidbey Island quite nicely. There are several other repeaters in the Lynnwood, Everett, and Whidbey Island that would probably work well for you.

The only limitation may be on the "rubber duck" antenna. Especially in the car, it will probably not work real well. If you can get an external antenna onto your vehicle, it would greatly extend the capability of that radio. Just about every duck antenna is an inefficient compromise of some kind.

There may be a vendor offering new radios for sale at Puyallup. It's unlikely you'll find a used one on a table...but, you might.

Hope that helps.....

Brad N7JGX
Whidbey Island, WA.

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Whatever.....

Ok, got my license KE7DHE, got my radio, listening is cool, but not sure about the talking part. So, I got the Kenwood triband HT it's pretty cool, just not sure about about the TX part. How does the radio decide if it's gonna TX on freq and RX on another? I know it's supposed to have an auto offset, but what makes it offset? Maybe I'm missing something, any help would be appreciated.


KE7DHE
J

HeadHunter: (KE7DHE)

I have the Kenwood HT the offset is a great feature. I have found that programing the radio via the computer is very easy and help full on assigning text tags on the radio. Have Fun and good luck.

PS You can find me on WA7HTJ 444.650 CT Tone of 131.8 Nights Thursday thur Sunday after 7pm. Give Me a shout. Call Sign is KD7ZOY

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Michael R.
AD7TH