BG4IJK To answer seriously: What are the budget options for 2000?
For an A-level license, a budget of ¥2000 (excluding used items) is actually quite generous and sufficient to choose one or more skill trees to specialize in, for example:
Hitting satellites
The requirements for satellite communication with Starlink are not high; you only need to purchase an additional handheld Yagi antenna, such as the JYR Yagi antenna, which will not cost much.
Then you can buy models like the K6 (expanded version) or DM1701, which are capable of running applications and installing Doppler functionality. This will make satellite communication more comfortable.
Suitable for:I have enough time, so I can focus on communication when the satellite passes overhead.
Assembling equipment
There are many popular amateur radio models available, such as the UV-5R, UV-K5, Senhaix 8800, and the digital FreeTalk 878. These radios are relatively inexpensive, and a budget of 2000 RMB could allow you to purchase two or three units.
However, even high-end brands like Motorola, Hytera, and Kenwood are not sufficient; at least 2000 is required.
Suitable for:Collector's item
Car legs
If you have a vehicle, you can install the base station in the car and connect it to the台友 (Tai You) system. A high-power, high-gain antenna will provide better transmission results. Suitable equipment includes Yaesu FT-1907, ZASTONE D9000, and Wino N7500.A series of chassis componentsEven with everything included, 2000 is more than enough.
Suitable for:I have a car and enjoy talking to people.
Digital display
If you have a digital repeater, you can purchase a compatible digital radio.
If you don't have a digital repeater, or if you want to communicate across the country or globally, consider using a "box".(MMDVM)A Raspberry Pi Zero or Raspberry Pi 3B (the 3B is sufficient and not recommended to buy a higher one), plus a hotspot board, accessories (such as a screen), and a digital radio, such as the Freedomcom 878 Gen 2 or the Easycom MD-UV380, can be obtained for under RMB 2000.
Suitable for:Staying at home, enjoying conversations with others.
Important notes:
- Many amateur radio stations lack official approval, making it impossible to obtain an amateur license. This also applies to amateur radio bulletin boards.Captured - HE-5000。
- When configuring the box, you need to bypass security measures. If this bypass is detected, you will be caught.
-5000。
APRS
APRS stands for "Automatic Position Reporting System," which is a protocol used for both location and communication. If you want to experiment with location tracking, you'll need a radio transceiver that supports APRS, such as the UV-98 from Linkong, the N76 from Winnow, or the 878 from Freecom.
Suitable for:Frequently engage in outdoor activities.
Important notes:If you want toAPRS mapWhen you transmit, a receiving device that can receive and upload APRS signals is needed locally. Otherwise, you can only exchange location information with other stations, but you cannot upload it to the internet.Preventing Arguments: The Wino N76 can be controlled with a phone after connecting via Bluetooth.
SDR
SDR, which stands for "Software-Defined Radio," refers to wireless radio operation performed using computer software, such as:
- RTL-SDR: This is a receiver, commonly referred to as a "TV dongle," that can be used with the SDRSharp software suite to receive almost any frequency and common modulation schemes.
- Direwolf: This is a codec software that, when combined with modules such as a Raspberry Pi and an audio module, can be used to transmit and receive APRS signals.
Suitable for:Possesses a high level of computer operating skills, including programming knowledge.
SWL (Shortwave Listener)
Even if you only have an A license, or even no operating license at all, it doesn't prevent you from legally using a radio to receive shortwave signals.
With a budget of $300, you could consider the DECENT PL-330 radio, which supports AM, SSB, and FM modes, and allows for homemade antenna construction.
If we add an additional budget of $300, we could consider adding an SDR TV stick.(RTL-SDR)I found an SDR and a radio receiver, and together they cost less than 1000.
With a budget of 2000, you could purchase a more advanced radio and an SDR receiver.
Suitable for:Listeners
Other options
The above are the types of activities I know about. In reality, amateur radio activities are not limited to these few options. You can open your mind and continue exploring, such as radio direction finding and SSTV transmission/reception. If you don't like any of these options, you could also consider:
- Free: Posting on the HamCQ forum without spending money.
- First, save up some money: Once you've passed your B license exam, consider using a shortwave radio. Even a low-budget setup that can primarily operate on FT8 will likely cost over $3000.
- Directly add money to shortwave: A goes to shortwave, B follows the turtle, and no one follows behind.