Main Sites
The following sites are a combination of on-line tools and information
https://www.arrl.org/
https://www.qrz.com/
https://www.eham.net/
Clubs
SEMDXA (Southeast Michigan DX Association)
Activities
Parks on the Air https://parksontheair.com/
Equipment
There are many online vendors for getting radio gear, but the two most popular are DX Engineering https://www.dxengineering.com/ and Ham Radio Outlet https://www.hamradio.com/ . Ham Radio Outlet has multiple store locations and a large inventory, but DX Engineering is famous for their super fast shipping. They are located in Ohio, and often times orders are delivered within 1 to 2 days.
Radios
This is just a quick overview of what you’ll need to get onto HF. There are plenty of videos on YouTube that discuss the capabilities of various pieces of equipment. The primary equipment involves radios.
Some examples include:
- Yaesu FT-891: HF radio (6M to 160M) https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/ysu-ft-891
- ICOM IC-7300: Excellent HF radio (6M to 160M) https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/ico-ic-7300
- Yaesu FTDX-10: HF radio (6M to 160M. This is the third HF radio I bought https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/ysu-ftdx-10
Antennas
A good antenna is very important. A great radio is no good without a great antenna.
Some examples include:
- SOTABeams Bandhopper “Linked Dipole” https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/sbm-hopper4020
- Aerial 51 “Off Center Fed Dipole” http://www.spiderbeam.us/product_info.php?info=p252_Aerial-51%20Model%20404-UL.html
- Wolf River Coils “Portable vertical” https://www.wolfrivercoils.com/
Masts
To get a good position of an antenna, having a good support system may be needed.
Some examples include:
- https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/sbm-tac7000hds
- http://www.spiderbeam.us/product_info.php?info=p3_Spiderbeam%20HD%2012m%20fiberglass%20pole.html
Transmission Line
Good transmission line is needed to get the most signal from the radio to the antenna.
Some examples include:
Videos
There are many “Ham-tubers” on YouTube….. HAM radio enthusiasts that have excellent YouTube channels.
Some examples include:
- https://www.youtube.com/@K8MRD This is Mike, K8MRD. He was a member of our club until he moved to Texas a few years ago. You may see me in a one or two of his videos.
- https://www.youtube.com/@HamRadioConcepts
- https://www.youtube.com/@HamRadio2