Forward ... phase one
Amateur Radio in V4 is definitely moving with operators willing to invest in new equipment. Some people may suffer temporary hardships due to the global situation but that does not seem to unduly affect amateur radio operators who may already have nearly all that they need. This is the time for those operators to specialize on their operating mode[s], and focus on what additional equipment they need to perfect their art. If an operator is into the digital modes, focus on what is needed, if anything, to carry your digital mode operating to the next level.
https://www.kenwood.com/usa/com/amateur/
At the other end of the scale, new operators or persons interested in the hobby need to acquire good background knowledge and information and to determine early what mode[s] they may ultimately operate. There is no hard and fast rule, you are free to do your own thing. After over 50 years of amateur radio I am still to try the digital modes. CW, Morse code is not needed for licensing, but some operators are still pursuing Morse code operating with a vengeance. All the basics you need to know about amateur radio are on Google and YouTube, and there are many organisations world wide which publish information, like the IARU, ARRL, RSGB, SKNAARS, the St.Kitts Nevis Anguilla Amateur Radio Society, and more. Google search and find them all on Facebook.
https://www.yaesu.com/?cmd=DisplayProducts&DivisionID=65&ProdCatID=102
Amateur radio is divided into two sets of operators. You are either [a] a Disaster and Emergency type of person or you are [b] for the fun and action of DX, contests, expeditions, etc, or maybe you have a touch of both. In V4 all amateur radio operators have a touch of both. V4 only gets into the D/E if we are threatened by a storm or hurricane. We are also prepared for a tsunami, earthquake and volcano threat. Amateur radio may prove useful and interesting for persons who like to be on the cutting edge of all potential National threats, as we all wish to do the best for our family, friends and country. Amateur Radio operators are usually trained to know what to do when it is needed. It is just part of our National Service to our Country/Federation, with no politics involved.
https://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/
Getting back to my post for today, the first thing that everyone interested in Amateur Radio does is to check out the hardware, to wit, radios, whether HF or VHF, and there were many brands and models to choose from.[Some folks even order the amateur radio gear before they even sit the exam, and pass the license requirements.No law says you can't have the equipment, but if you are caught operating the transmitter without an amateur radio licence, you can go to JAIL.] I said were, because the radio suppliers have changed with this pandemic, as many well known supply stores have closed. I suspect that there will be many good buys on Ebay.com but I am wary of these. If you have a guaranteed fix-it solution for any Ebay item, no problem, get it. If you can't buy brand new ham radio gear, make sure that who made it is still around, and will be here for a some time, otherwise, you are on your own.
When setting up your amateur radio station, factor in the best affordable antenna[s]. The antenna is the most important item in the station's operation, but many of us do not make that real investment. We are now emerging from the sunspot cycle minimum, and antennas are most critical for DX. Five [5] years from now a wire dipole may get you contacts around the world, but for now, the best investment made in a high gain antenna is like gold. An antenna analyser is also part of this kit, to tune the antenna expertly There are many brands available, but they all work after a fashion. Read the customer reports, and invest in a REAL antenna analyser.
Recently I had to invest in another analyser and after years of consideration I ordered the Rig Expert AA-35 Zoom model which works for me and my HF antennas. There are antenna analyser models that cover the VHF frequencies, but I am not up that high as yet.
This brand of analyser is the most important tool you can invest in, if you are serious about maximizing antenna performance. Data can be downloaded from the analyser to a computer. I am not a Rig Expert agent or salesperson, but if you need more info and a demo send me an email at v44kf.dx@gmail.com
Every amateur radio station should have an antenna analyser, even more so in these times of the pandemic and the protocols. I believe that the one thing an amateur radio operator should be able to do is to diagnose and make adjustments to their antenna systems. There are many amateur radio operators who think that they are sounding and looking good on the air but they are not. One of these days the amateur radio society [SKNAARS] will advance to the point of having a UNIT established to monitor the quality of on-the-air transmissions from its members.
[To be continued]
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