Introduction to Ham Radio

Download the full presentation here.

Buyer’s Guide

Handheld Radios and Accessories

El Cheapo

Baofeng UV-5R+ 5 Pack (link)

Spare Battery (link)
Extended Battery (link)
12V Adapter / Battery Eliminator (link)
AA Adapter (link)
Lapel Mic (link)
Programming cable (link)

Economy

Yaesu FT-4XR (link)

Better

Yaesu FT-60R (link)
Yaesu FT-70DR (link)
Anytone D878UV (link)

Water Resistant

Yaesu VX-6R (link)

Mobile Radios

Yaesu FTM-400XDR (link)
Anytone AT-D578UV III (link)
Kenwood TM-V71A (link)
TYT TH-9800 (link)

Antennas

Handheld

Super Elastic Signal Stick BNC (link)

Bugout/Adventure

Roll Up Slim Jim with 16ft wire (link)

Only one: UHF-M / PL259 + Patch Cable SO-239 to BNC-M (see link under Wires below) >>> Compatible with HTs and Mobile
Secondary: BNC-M >>> Dedicated version for HTs

Vehicle

Nagoya UT-72 Magnetic Mount https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Genuine-Nagoya-UT-72-Magnetic/dp/B016SIJX28/

Base Station

Signal Stuff Collapsible Open Stub J Pole https://signalstuff.com/product/signal-staff-osj/

Adapters

SMA-F to BNC-F (Baofeng) (link)
SMA-M to BNC-F (Yaesu) (link)
SO-239 to BNC-F (link)
SO-239 to SO-239 (link)

Wires

100ft Low Loss Coax with PL-259 on both ends

https://thewireman.com/product/rg8-coax-jumper-with-pl259-100/
Call for custom lengths, keep as short as possible

Patch Cable SO-239 to BNC Male https://n9taxlabs.com/shop/ols/products/rg-58-patch-cable-3