Base Station for Foundation Licence

[VK-SWL2009]

Hi all, 

A very new newbie, I was wondering if anyone could advise on the best Base station for a Foundation Licence that may also encompass the Standard Licence at a latter date.

Thanks in advance

Darryl

[VK5TM]

It would be a help to know how much you have to spend on a rig first.

Also whether you would be looking for new or second hand gear.

That will help narrow down the range of available gear.

[VK-SWL2009]

It would be a help to know how much you have to spend on a rig first.

Also whether you would be looking for new or second hand gear.

That will help narrow down the range of available gear.

Money wise around $1500, not sure what that will bring, also would be looking for new equipment, any point in a direction would help

Cheers

[VK2KRR]

Antenna is probably the most important item for a station, not the radio.
As for a radio, you havent specified if you will be working with VHF UHF & Microwaves only or HF only or both.

[VK4ADC]

As a FL holder, you can operate at 10WPEP on HF (80/40/15/10), 10W carrier of 2M and 70CM FM. Given that you have also indicated an interest in doing the Standard in the future, my best suggestion is to buy a 100W multiband rig, probably a mobile style as it similtaneously gives you future options for use at home, in the car or going portable..  

Have a look at https://www.strictlyham.com.au/browse-by...ers/mobile and https://www.strictlyham.com.au/browse-by...ivers/base to see what the current offerings are in the "new" marketplace.  There are some who prefer Icom, others Yaesu, and yet others Kenwood, but the brand is unimportant if you find the features and "look" that suits you.  For instance a Yaesu FT857D or Icom IC-7100 would typically suit (HF/VHF/UHF multimoders) and both are around your stated price range. You can turn the transmit power back on both so that you are compliant with FL conditions.

You might also need an antenna tuner for HF, maybe an LDG autotuner to suit the model would be appropriate.  Eg Z100plus at https://www.strictlyham.com.au/ldg?c=65

Remember that you need a suitable power supply rated to 23-25 Amps at 13.8V if you wish to be able to run the radio at full power on HF in due course. Buying a lower rated one initially might seem to be a saving but you will need a better one later.

There are all types of antennas that you can start with depending of the frequency to be used. Dipoles, longwires and whips that you can make, VHF and UHF collinears that you might buy.  You will need coax cable but try to avoid the really cheap RG58 which is basically crap cable.

If in doubt, phone Ross at Strictly Ham on 03 9729 7656 and have a chat with him about your radio and accessory options.  He will help and give you straight advice. (Tell him I referred you.)

Doug VK4ADC

[VK4WDM]

Hi all, 

A very new newbie, I was wondering if anyone could advise on the best Base station for a Foundation Licence that may also encompass the Standard Licence at a latter date.

Thanks in advance

Darryl

Hi Darryl 

Welcome to amateur radio. I would strongly advise against rushing out and spending a lot of money on new gear first up. I have helped a couple of new hams get on the air and both spent under $500 on used HF and VHF transceivers (both brought from hams in our local radio club) a wire HF antenna and a J pole for VHF. One of them was able to borrow the rig for a few weeks before buying it.

I strongly suggest you get involved in a local radio club where you can talk to other hams about what they are using. Some clubs have equipment that can be borrowed by newbies.

73

Wayne VK4WDM