Ham Radio

The last time I went cruising I had a marine SSB set up with Sailmail and things worked just fine. But I never really got involved with many of the nets mainly because I was not proficient with the radio.

This time around I want to have access to the HAM bands as well as marine channels. This should give me access to free email (non-business related) and more options as far as nets and the online community. 

So I started the process last month and gained my first level of HAM license (Technician) over the weekend. 

I used this book as my only printed reference. I also liked using this website to take practice exams. Between the two I was more than prepared.

The test was very easy if you have studied the materials and question pool. There is no Morse Code requirement anymore (at any level) so you don't have to fear that. 

I am going to get my General and Extra class licenses here in the coming months so I can have access to more of the HF bands. I think I will just use the standard AARL books and that website mentioned before to prepare. 

Now for the tough part. I want to get a radio to start using my skills and maybe even start to listen into some of the nets that would be useful to me once I get back on the boat. The real problems are:

1. I am in the middle of the country so I wonder about my skill in getting tuned to far reaching signals.
2. I live in a loft in downtown Denver so my antenna options are limited
3. Radios are expensive and I ideally want one I can continue to use once I am on the boat, but will also be useful around land.

My current thought is an ICOM IC-7000. It is a portable form factor that I could use in a car if needed and it has a removable faceplate for more mounting options in a boat. Most of the reviews are very positive on web and the guys at Ham radio Outlet speak pretty well of it also. 

I have also found that there is a very simple mod that will give access to the marine bands on this radio. I know that it is technically illegal to transmit from a non-marine device on marine channels, but that is only under FCC jurisdiction, which I hope to not be under for most of my travels. I also may consider getting another marine radio when the time comes. 

There are similar options is Yaesu, but it seems that ICOM has a slight lead in the marine space...which means that I might be able to get more answers to problems in the community. I also had an ICOM M-710 on my last boat and it performed admirably. Although I will admit that my demands were primarily email oriented.