How much does a Ham Radio Cost
and Where Can I buy one.

also what is the average distance for ham radios

Thanks
Ryan

Ryan1

First, welcome the the Ham Radio Forum.

Second. I guess you know that the first requirement is to obtain your Ham Radio Operator's license from the FCC. If you don't have one, I'll be happy to point you in the right direction. The entry level exams aren't too tough, but he penalties for "Bootlegging" (operating without a license) on the Ham radio Bands are pretty severe, and they(FCC) will very likely catch you. The FCC is currently on a campaign to "clean up" the licensed portions of the radio spectrum, including the ham bands, and other hams who have earned their licenses by passing the tests will help the FCC find you!

As for the cost, that's a little like asking what does a car cost. Do you want a Yugo or a Lamborghini? Range (how far will they will transmit and recieve) is also extremely variable, depends on the bands used, the mode (FM, AM, SSB, etc), and for VHF or UHF, FM whether you are working through a mountaintop repeater or going simplex. Ham Radios are sold mostly through Ham Radio specialty Stores. These stores can be found in larger metropolitan areas.. Most of them also do business mailorder or on the web. Radio Shack also has a very limited line, and they aren't known for high quality.

the Ham radios that are mostly used in offroading to communicate between vehicles, and between groups of vehicles in the same general area, are typically VHF or UHF, FM. they have a range of 10-20 miles, or more, depending on terrain, etc. Through repeaters, 50 to 100 miles, or even more, and cost in the $300- $500 range. The 2 Meter Ham Band (VHF) is the most widely used. The FM signals give excellent clarity, compared to CB, and the range is much better. Other Ham bands such as 20 Meters, or 40 Meters can be use to communicate literally around the world with the right conditions.

Sorry for a long winded reply. Hope I adequately addressed your questions. Check Rick's article "Ham Radio and 4X4's" if you haven't already, and feel free to ask for more info if you're interested.

I appriciate you reply ray, As you can tell I know very little on the ham radio subject. I did read ricks ham radio post.

Maybe I should just stick with a CB?
Im just trying to figure out

thanks again

Ryan

Ryan1,

If you think you might be interested in finding out more, and getting your license, I have a good friend in the M-SP area. (actually he lives in Eden Praire), He could probably connect you with classes, test sessions, clubs, etc. in the area. There seems to be quite a bit of Amateur Radio activity in your area. Let me know.

HAM Radios can cost anywhere from $150.00 up, some used equipment might cost a little less. I have found that it always pays off to buy HAM gear new.

Your first lic will allow you to talk in the VHF/UHF range and the only limit to distance is you, your equipment and the propagation(sp) for that day. Your second lic in HAM radio will allow you the right to get on to the HF ranges and there is no limit to the talk power that you can have. There are guys that talk long distances with only 2 or 3 watts.

What are you looking for in communications ?
What distance are you looking for ?
Do you want a system for trail use ?
Or do you want a system to talk to the world ?

Think about what you want to do before you buy something that is not right for you.

By the way, aHAM lic is a great idea, go for it. There are a lot of aspects to HAM Radio, not just talking to the next vehicle.

E-Mail me, I might have some interesting information for you about radios in general.

Good Luck on your discission.