HAM radios UK  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / rf-microwave

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 10:16:16 pm
content: Thinking of getting one of these new fangled thingies, anyone want to give me an idea of a decent cheap one just for listening too within the UK.

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 10:26:00 pm
content: What frequencies are you interested in?HF 3.5 - 30 MHz - hear the world - needs a long wire aerialVHF 144 MHZ - UK and near europe - needs a yagi or maybe a verticalUHF 432 MHz, 1296 Mhzand beyond...If you think you might get a transmitting license, you could start with a cheap Baofeng 144/432 MHz handheld transceiver

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 10:31:28 pm
content: 144Mhz I guess, well actually the cheapest I can get I suppose as I may not have a real interest after a while so I dont want to waste money if that occurs. I also do not want to listen to that Tautech over the airwaves all day too you know.....

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 10:37:26 pm
content: Search for UV-5R in Amazon or Ebay and you can pick up a cheap 2m/70cm rig

author: gm0otb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 10:48:03 pm
content: Try the RTL SDR dongle "Cosycave" sell them cheap, coverage is from 24Mhz to just under 2Ghz (no gaps) and 0 -60Mhz using a upconverter or direct sampling method.Suggested free software SDR# or HDSDR covers all modes etc

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 11:09:18 pm
content: Quote from: deephaven on December 01, 2015, 10:37:26 pmwill this do me ?http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-Sale-BaoFeng-UV-5R-Plus-Qualette-Dual-Band-V-U-136-174-400-520MHz-Ham-Radio-/400918114545?hash=item5d5894f0f1:g:vfEAAOSwBLlVUdC4

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 11:24:37 pm
content: What do you want to listen to? That will define the frequency (but be aware hams tend to think in terms of wavelength) of interest. As I'm sure you are aware, higher frequencies tend to mean shorter range - but I've receiver radio4 FM in the south of France (for 10mins! ) , and the range record for 10GHz is far far longer than I would have guessed.The antenna will be critical.Consider getting an ARRL or RSGB handbook, old ones should be sufficient to orient yourself, and can be cheap.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 11:41:23 pm
content: If i am honest I dont care what I listen to, I just want to listen , I do however have a couple of friends on the south coast who I would like to catch as I can then ring them or ask them later wtf they were going on about just to wind them up some. It's one of those I am bored so lets try something new and see if I like it or not. Clive is usually on the 20 or 40m bands and mick is usually with him.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2015, 11:52:37 pm
content: If I was going to listen on those bands, I'd use my 30yo Sony icf-7600d "spy radio", with a long external antenna. That will also get all commercial and ham SW bands below 30MHz, IIRC.Don't forget that you will also need to be able to demodulate ham transmissions,e.g. SSB etc.

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 02:51:41 am
content: UV-5R is fine if you have a 2m or 70cm repeater nearby, if you don't then don't expect to hear muchas on the "rubber duck" antenna the receive range will be limited to a few miles.There are web based SDR radios you can listen to that you might be able to hear your friends on which depends on where they areand what Band/frequency they are using.http://hackgreensdr.org:8901/http://hackgreensdr.org:8902/Have you considered doing the Foundation Exam ? it is very very easyI am doing the Advanced Exam on 9th of Dec.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 05:30:37 am
content: Exam ?. You mean they test you on this stuff !, Never going to happen because I suffer with Agoraphobia and never go out, on top of that they only give you a measly 10W of power , how mean is that, if I did this I would want Radio Caroline type power or even BBC masts. Pfft, 10W , honestly , that is so tight wad of them.Seriously, I'm thinking on just listening, not as exciting as most of you would think and clipped wings and all that but still something.

author: Augustus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 08:23:38 am
content: If you just want to listen you don't actually need to buy a receiver, check out some of the online web sdr services:http://websdr.org/This one's greathttp://weert.websdr.nl/

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 09:00:16 am
content: Quote from: Deathwish on December 02, 2015, 05:30:37 amYou can talk to Australia with 10WYou might not hear an awful lot just listening on 2m. If you're within range of a repeater, you might hear a bit more. Mobiles often use repeaters to have a chat on their way to/from work.You can have a much more interesting time if you have a short wave receiver (1.8 - 30 MHz). Bands like 14 MHz (20 Meter band) will have a lot of foreign stations to listen to - don't worry it is almost exclusively in English.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 09:48:32 am
content: ok. thank you

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 10:00:47 am
content: The exam/s isn't that hard, gee I passed! If the agoraphobia is bad, you don't have to take classes, I didn't, have a look for your local ham club, they are usually good guys and will try hard. If your theory is OK you can go for the standard licence which gives you 100W (I think, it does in Aus.)There are lots of areas to muck about with even if you really don't want to talk that much. My current big project (taken about 2 years so far) is to bounce a signal off the moon, I am in no rush 'cause once I have done that , what do I do next, well………maybe…...I have had a confirmed radio contact Australia to New York using 100mW on 14MHz, a crack hot antenna, some sun spots and a lot of computing grunt.More reason to buy gear, some quite cheaply

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 26, 2015, 05:42:12 pm
content: As it is xmas, I got myself one of these. See, I do listen you knowhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191626388241?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2015, 08:57:04 pm
content: Excellent, they're amazing value.Now all you have to do is decode this: 73 de G8AYC

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 26, 2015, 09:43:20 pm
content: You too. and if your G8AYC then your not far from where I used to live. Woolton-hill ,Newbury

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2015, 10:18:08 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on December 26, 2015, 09:43:20 pmWhat a small world. Yes I am G8AYC in Wash Common!

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 26, 2015, 11:10:57 pm
content: I used to live right next to a big empty field , opposite the Dr's Surgery, used to potter about my garden doing my veg and such and my electronics / photography in the loft etc. I miss the place badly, sadly she got it all and I ended up with not a thing, then she literally destroyed the place. Turned it into a dump with every nutter about coming and going. Damned Horse flies used to get to me every year from the stud farm up the road though.I don't know who it is that lives in Washwater just up from the local pub but I do know there used to be a few plod on the main road at times with Machine Guns as if doing guard duty.Oh well. Nice to meet you anyway. Onwards and upwards

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2015, 12:23:10 pm
content: Sorry to hear about your bad experience while living here. I haven't seen any machine guns but have noticed some rather professional CCTV cameras outside a certain residence.Getting back to radio, you might like to look athttp://www.ukrepeater.net/wales.htmand see if any of those are within range of you. You should be able to tune your new transceiver to their output channel.If you want some radio mags, I could send you some RadComs which is the RSGB official mag. PM me your address if you're interested.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2015, 09:54:40 am
content: Quote from: Deathwish on December 26, 2015, 05:42:12 pmThey can be variable on quality, I had one and sent it back as it was a bit deaf. Got another and it was worse but put out 50% more RF than it was rated at.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 12:54:00 pm
content: It came today, put it into scan mode ...nothing, oh sausages !. So it looks like the welsh are not into Ham radio.Maybe they are more into Lamb radio than Ham radio

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 01:00:24 pm
content: No, just the supplied antenna sux. Put on a simple counterpoise and try again, you will get something, even if you get a WACS award.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 01:11:07 pm
content: Find out what repeaters are active in your region and try to tune to that and be patienthttp://www.ukrepeater.net/wales.htm

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 03:44:43 pm
content: ok

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 04:41:57 pm
content: Quote from: Flump on December 02, 2015, 02:51:41 amAfter 5 months of hard studying I passed the Exam so now have my full callsign.Thanks for all the well wishersDeathwish have a look on these maps and tune the handset to the output of the repeater nearest to you(click the pin then details tab)http://www.ukrepeater.net/2m.htmhttp://www.ukrepeater.net/70cm.htmAnd if you feel adventuroushttp://www.essexham.co.uk/foundation-onlineIf you have a recognised disability you can take the exam at home.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 05:03:05 pm
content: thanks flump. i already have, however i swear this radio is trying to make me it's bitch, but it aint gonna work. now and then it lights up blue, I get excited thinking ooh im going to hear something and nothing comes out of it.It hasn't seen the large hammer under the table yet, we will see who is who's bitch on this one.

author: moya034
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 05:10:28 pm
content: If your buddies are on 20 and 40m bands, and you only want to listen, find yourself a shortwave radio that does SSB in addition to AM.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 05:21:03 pm
content: Too late moya034, since the guys on here got involved it has got much larger than that now, I want it all, the full monty, I want to hear the world. Well, actually, I want to prove there is at least one other fool like me about.

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 06:40:05 pm
content: I lot of guys in Wales would chat through the Dublin 2 meter repeater. That was 20 years ago, still maybe worth a try if you are near the coast.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 06:55:32 pm
content: GB3CR / GB7HM and GB3MP are the nearest too me. Still not getting anything though. I know the set works as I was picking up sporadic 2-3 second convos earlier.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 07:22:42 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on December 31, 2015, 06:55:32 pmHow far are you away? Could be that they are not allowed by SWMBO to go to the shack at this special evening

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 07:26:39 pm
content: within 12-14 miles of all of them

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 07:52:54 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on December 31, 2015, 07:26:39 pmThat should work as long as you are not in the cellar. They all have a coverage map when you click on the pin, so you can see if you should be able to hear anything.Of course the rubber duck antenna is not optimal.

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 08:03:03 pm
content: GB3MP etc...Just to check you are listening on the O/P Frequency of the repeater.... In the case of MP :- 145.750Just a thought73 de Andy (G7IIF)

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 08:30:31 pm
content: Quote from: andybarrett1 on December 31, 2015, 08:03:03 pmHi Andy. yes im on the O/P not the Input freq.

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 09:27:54 pm
content: Supplied antenna with HT's tend to be more of a dummy load (screened) indoors.Have you tried it out doors...Or can you plug an external antenna into it ?To be honest any thing that is high and outdoors will bring in more than the supplied dummy load :-).... Just don't tx though it; your final PA wont like it !Best 73 de Andy

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 09:35:42 pm
content: No not yet, I dont go out Andy. as for tx'ing through it, erm , no I have no licence and I dont wish to make plod happy

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2015, 09:50:58 pm
content: When you get a chance do try it on an external antenna of some description.You will be surprised :-)Best 73

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2016, 12:06:56 pm
content: They are as deaf as a post with the internal antenna, and the best you can do is take some copper wire, unscrew the antenna and wrap a turnaround the outer shell, then put the antenna back on and drop the wire down, so it is around 20 inches long, to make a rough counterpoise.http://www.linuxwolfpack.com/2-meter-quarter-wave.phpDoes work with my one, though i generally just do it the easy way, as I bought some SMA to BNC connectors that fit there, and use a slightly cut down FM broadcast antenna as external antenna. I use either 0.5W or the whole 5W, and the original balun transformer in the antenna ( will handle the power) and it works to get into the local repeaters 30km away. Omni directional as I removed all but the shorter folded dipole active element and mounting arm. Has 30m of sat coax to get to the roof as well, but it works well.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 08:49:47 pm
content: I ordered these as they were cheap if no good.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281888168158?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIThttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262173433213?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITSure I can shove the latter on a tin box somewhere.

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 09:05:36 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on January 02, 2016, 08:49:47 pmYou need a bit bigger than a tin box, like 1M2(like the roof of a car).

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 09:11:54 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on December 01, 2015, 11:41:23 pmI know things have moved on however , I built my own receiver, on passing my exams and CW test I built my own Transmitter, like I said things have moved on these unfortunately, isn't there a dongle you can use with your computer.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 09:44:18 pm
content: Ok so let me push this boat out further. if I was to go get a proper radio , which one would you direct me too, a Yaesu , kenwood or icomm. I can get a yaesu 2m for £50 but i think i would like an all band .....

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 02, 2016, 10:31:27 pm
content: they dont make an all band radio but you can get HF + 6m + 2m + 70cmthey call them shack in the boxes, mate of mine went to Lynchs today and bought ayaesu ft-991 which covers the above bands.If you want something cheaper then a used icom 706 mk2G or yaesu ft-857 / 897DThere really are so many to chose from.I prefer to have seperate HF radio then I can be on 2M talking to local freinds andscanning around on HF at the same time.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 01:32:20 am
content: +1 for what flump says. I have a separate 2M radio next to my HF transceivers. I monitor our club primary repeater as I am the trustee and spin the big dial on the HF rigs to see if there is anything going on.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 01:57:56 am
content: Ok. Well I just got the yeasu ft-8900r .

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 07:24:23 am
content: 8900 is a very good quad bander, i have a 8800 dual banderwith the 8800 you can use it as a cross band repeater which meansit will relay messages it hears on the set 2m freq to your baofeng on 70cmand if you transmit on the baofeng on 70cm the 8900 will retransmit it on 2m.so its like having a home based repeater, i take my dual band handheld out with me to my localshops at end of the road ot out in the garden with me, and my hand held has the full RX & TXof my main 2M station.I Think the 8900 can do the same.

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 09:22:32 am
content: Hi29 is good when propagation right … Excluding the Russian Taxis and the Italians (Are they still there) ?50 is dead quiet mainly link repeaters.2 / 70 Local BabbleBut don't forget …. Any radio is only as good as what you put in to the ant socket on the back…..You really do NEED a decent outdoor high antennae as well !!!Best 73 de Andy

author: Flump
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 10:34:59 am
content: Quote from: andybarrett1 on January 03, 2016, 09:22:32 amFixed it for you AndyBut he is dead right, I would go to say the Antenna/s and feeders @ vhf/uhf you use are more important than the radio.My main radios I will never change but I am always looking to upgrade my Antennas.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 11:08:58 am
content: That depends on where you live, I'm in Peterborough and it's quite, other areas are busy. if you can afford a 2m all modes, that could be more useful on usb/lsb,am/ local radio clubs usually have stuff for sale, l'd be careful on ebay before you buy check out the sellers feedback, when it states NO RETURNS walk away, and always remember, there are some very dishonest people in every walk of life. Radio rallies can be good to, but again , be careful ask to see it working, if they have nothing to hide, it won't be a problem for them to hook it up, finally haggle.On Radio's I have all Kenwood, there down fall is capacitors, Icom's down fall is ribbon cables, Yaesu not sure the downsides if any.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 12:18:44 pm
content: I left the all bells and whistles set alone as less can be more in some cases, especially mine, as for ebay , I went to lacom in Barnsley and purchased new, I didn't want any problems from other peoples problem sets on my first real transceiver.Antennas , yeah I learnt that one in the 70's, but I still try and get a bargain that ends in tears at times. I still havent heard a peep out of this baofeng handie yet so its rather disheartening, but the landlord said he would put up a bracket for my antenna, he just has no idea what he agreed to there I dont think....

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 02:04:41 pm
content: Will be watching with interest…How soon for the bracket ?Maybe brackets …… Although my Diamond X2000 does 50/144/433

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 02:11:53 pm
content: No idea Andy, it was easier when i could get out and go look for myself and size things up, now i have to rely on people who have no idea of what I need to make the right choice. Shouldn't be long if I get my way

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 02:40:03 pm
content: Come live here, your UK pension will do you well at the moment. Plus no snow, and cold is when it drops down into the low teens.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 03:25:02 pm
content: I lived in Cyprus at Akrotiri for a number of years when younger, loved the heat then a little too much, ended up all blisters hanging of my back and then the worries afterward. I don't like the cold and it does me no good, but equally to much heat can be just as bad.Apart from that you have too many dangerous creepy crawlies as well as big cats etc etc for my liking over there.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 03:35:07 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on January 03, 2016, 03:25:02 pmNot many poisonous creatures, that is Dave land. Here we just have big cats and the most dangerous animal in the world, the Anopholes mosquito. But the pills do work, and certain common ailments are treated for free from public clinics, when medicines and doctors are in stock.

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 03:39:10 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on January 03, 2016, 03:35:07 pmNoo , I dont like snakes or scorpions and spiders... yuk.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 03:45:23 pm
content: Quote from: Deathwish on January 03, 2016, 03:39:10 pmWhat is wrong with a puffader, black mamba, green mamba or Mozambican cobra. There is antivenom for them all, and they are nice garden snakes, I have had a few in the garden. Spiders do not get that big here, mostly sub fist size. Haven't seen a scorpion for years, must be all getting eaten by the spiders....

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 03, 2016, 04:01:59 pm
content: I'm not brave and dont ride a brough ss100, so let me know when it is safe to come out from under the table

author: Deathwish
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 05, 2016, 05:01:38 pm
content: Ok. So I now have a yeasu 8900R on my table, now I need an antenna as mine hasnt arrived to let me play ...slowly slowly

author: moya034
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2016, 07:18:33 pm
content: While you are waiting for an antenna just stick a piece of wire a few feet long in the antenna connector if you want to listen. (Just don't transmit!)

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2016, 01:32:30 pm
content: Quote+1

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 11, 2016, 02:47:50 pm
content: only just spotted this thread, i picked up a UV-5R recently too, its just tuned to the PMR446 channels to work with my other midland PMR radios... never heard anything on the 2m or 70cm amateur bands around here, i'm 10 miles from the nearest repeater with crappy antennas so not surprisingPMR446 can have some social chatter on it, usually in the evenings, worth a try if your just looking for interesting things to listen too and easily programmed onto the UV-5R

author: voltz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2016, 06:08:00 pm
content: Hello all.Located in the Sunderland area, North East. I remember when the TW repeater on 2m used to be good here but after a long break from radio, it seems like it's gone. Anyone know if its still operational?. Maybe i just need a better aerial. 2m seems dead here. Recommended frequencies to tune to?cheers.

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 08:51:29 pm
content: Seems as if it alive and well… But I can't QSO from herehttp://herc-hastings.org.uk/gb3tw-repeater/

author: voltz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 08:59:49 pm
content: Hi Andy, same, nothing at all here from TW. Mind you, not a great aerial here just a make shift wire dipole. So it seems its there but maybe in a not great location.. Might check the NGR numbers and see where it is. Thanks for the response and the link. Is it still s20 145.500 around here for CQ calling? cheers.

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2016, 09:07:26 pm
content: HiYeah… 145.500 for calling nationwide, 145.550 for Rally talk-in !Best 73 de Andy

author: andybarrett1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2016, 04:15:50 pm
content: Anything head yet DeathWish