Re: boat / camper radio combination
It always surprises me how many of us are out there in hiding:lol: and how we come out of the woodwork in droves.
If you decide to pursue a license there's a few ways you can communicate. You can communicate "simplex" which is radio to radio. Both radios have to be somewhat close, so the signal can reach each other. Antenna quality, and height come into play here.
You can use repeaters. This is the most common mode of operation. Assuming there is a repeater in your area you can "hit". This mode you select the frequency of the repeater and when you key up the radio your talking to the repeater(basically just another radio mounted high up somewhere to provide coverage.) this repeater simultaneously broadcasts your signal back out at higher power, and higher elevation providing your little HT radio, with the same power or greater as a mobile rig.
Some repeaters also have Echolink and IRLP coverage. This would allow your wife(if properly licensed) to use a smart phone, or dial in from another Echolink enabled repeater and broadcast same as on a radio, from her cell phone. It's a good way to replace a cell phone in areas where no coverage exists.
There are plenty of places online where you can take practice exams. These are the Exact same questions and answers on the real test. You
could use the onlice tests to study, however that's not the right way to do it.... But it can be done. Just memorize the right answers and wallah your ready to go.
AA9PW FCC Exam Practice ? Amateur Radio Exam Practice
Theres a good example of a online site.
Radio selection is endless..... Theres full featured radios that will run aprs such as the Yeasu Vx-8
Yaesu VX8GR, Yaesu VX-8GR Amateur HT
This radio can use APRS(a way to transmit you location so anyone can track your movements) but also comes with a higher price tag of around $379
Theres plenty of low end radios that do a remarkable job. They dont have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive brothers, but plenty of guys (including myself) use them and are extremely happy with them
Wouxun KG-UV3D Dual Band 128 Channel Handheld Amateur Radio
$119 with desktop charger. I would recommend the optional programming cable, as programming can be a bit cumbersome without it.
Also there's
Amazon.com: BaoFeng UV-5R 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM Ham Two Way Radio: Electronics
$41 I've never used this radio, but people report them to be good quality, and for under $50 how wrong could you really go...
For mobile rigs the choices are almost as endless
Kenwood TM-V71A TMV71A Mobile Radio
or if you only want 2 meters you can get much cheaper...
Yaesu FT-1900R, Yaesu FT1900R Mobile Transceiver
$139
or there's a Chinese dual band, dual receive for $285
Chinese Dual Band Mobile Radio
I know your head is probally spinning right now. Look for a local club in your area. Ham radio guys are always happy to see new people, and welcome them to the hobby. The persona of the old fat guy in a stained t-shirt and a truckers cap with their call sign, sitting around talking about their latest geriatric doctors appointment is quickly becoming a thing of the past. We're good guys out there having fun.
