"How to buy shortwave radios" and "How to buy shortwave equipment cheaply" are common topics discussed in the forum, and many hams have provided answers when searching for "low-cost."
Don't start with QRP!
Buy 7300 or 891!
First, purchase a high-power terminal and get your ID card issued!
I can't get a license with 15W power, so I need to buy a G106 or a used IC-718 to use it.
DIY uSDX
Buy a G90
……
The above statements can be broadly categorized into three main scenarios: the first involves a complete setup, starting with at least an FT-891/IC-7300, ideally an FT-710 or higher-level radio; the second focuses on extreme cost savings, starting with homemade equipment; and the third begins with domestically produced radios, used radios, or radios specifically designed for amateur use.
Are these opinions problematic? No, they aren't. Since they are all based on everyone's experience, they must be valuable practical experiences.
Before purchasing my shortwave radio, I was also influenced by recommendations from WeChat groups and forum users, starting with the "one-stop" 891 model. I firmly believe that "QRP is not suitable for beginners," and this view aligns with what I had previously discussed (for examplehttps://forum.hamcq.cn/d/4866/24). However, based on my recent experience, I believe that starting with a low budget is also feasible for beginners. If beginners encounter various difficulties, it's important to develop practical solutions tailored to their specific needs. There's no need to force them to increase their budget or start with an unreasonably high entry barrier simply to save money.
My own experiences
After obtaining my B license, I immediately purchased an 891. Unfortunately, at that time, it was not possible to obtain a license (even though they promised not to issue licenses for transmitters with power below 15W), so I bought a G90N to use for displaying the license. After a period of intermittent research,I purchased both the MA-01 and MA-12 antennas, as well as an MA-56 adapter.Using two machines and various combinations of antennas, over 200 QSOs were completed.
I tried SSB a few times, but even at 100W, I couldn't get through very well. So I decided to give up on that and try FT8 instead. Later, I also installed a full-size antenna in a park near my home, and it was amazing! It definitely made a big difference, although it wasn't directly related to using the G90 or 891 antennas.
Due to various reasons, recently, operating primarily from home has been preferred. The "home environment" is considered a "beginner's nightmare," specifically using QRP equipment.（G90N）+ Add antenna（MA-01）+Poor electromagnetic environment (inside buildings), but even in this case, it is possible to connect to domestic or Japanese channels, and in extremely lucky situations, it is also possible to connect through North America.
Of course, using a QRP+ antenna with added gain is definitely achieving the expected results: reliable communication, "as-you-go" connectivity, and successful communication when possible. Furthermore, by only using the 15–20 meter band, other bands are abandoned because either there's no signal or the antenna can't be tuned (40 meters).
Based on my own experience, I believe that it is feasible to introduce beginners to FT8. By allocating a larger portion of the budget towards equipment, using full-size antennas, and even experimenting with different antenna types, followed by practical field work, beginners can more effectively achieve successful communication, build confidence, and improve their skills.
Budget-friendly entry-level
After a period of reflection and practice, I have realized that we often overlook this type of new person:
- The budget is extremely tight: for example, students with no income, young workers with low incomes, middle-aged men who are closely watched by their wives regarding their finances... saving 3000 yuan is already very difficult, let alone buying a 891 that costs around 4 or 5 thousand yuan, and then saving up more money to buy accessories.
- He has absolutely no knowledge of electronics; he doesn't even know how to use a soldering iron, and I had to buy parts for him to build his own radio. Furthermore, I had to ensure that the finished product not only worked but also met all the standards for testing.
- I like using a radio, but I don't need to be obsessed with it. Just having one that works is enough; I'm not looking for the ultimate communication experience.
For them, "doing everything at once" felt too ambitious, while "building their own uSDX" seemed too complex. Therefore, it was necessary to shift their focus and guide them to make choices, rather than simply pursuing the idea of "getting everything."
The appeal of shortwave radio lies in "experimenting," and there are many different directions to experiment in. For beginners with limited budgets, the most crucial step is to choose what to temporarily forgo within that budget.
Temporarily disable SSB voice mode!
That's right, for now, we are temporarily disabling SSB voice mode!
In SSB mode, especially on the frequency of 14270 (commonly used for market activities), it can sometimes resemble an arms race: powerful transmitters, high-efficiency antennas, and even amplifiers are used. Furthermore, a persistent individual often uses a long-term strategy of operating a powerful jammer with an amplifier.
As a player on a tight budget, competing with these equipment experts is unrealistic. Therefore, there's no need to start by engaging in internal conflict; instead, it's best to wait until you have experience with simplex communication, master the techniques for simplex communication, and gradually improve your equipment before attempting SSB communication.
Starting with FT8
Many people have likely already used FT8 mode. As a weak-signal digital mode, FT8 offers several advantages:
- Easy to succeed: Compared to SSB voice and other modes, FT8 is very easy to connect with, making it a good option for beginners who want to achieve quick results and build confidence.
- Environmentally flexible: FT8 has relatively low requirements for both the equipment and the environment. Even a cheap "upper-level radio" like the G106C can be used, even in a densely populated city, as long as the antenna is suitable. With a good antenna and propagation, it's possible to communicate globally with just 5W of power.
- It's popular enough: There are a lot of people playing FT8. If you have a relaxed and casual attitude, it's easy to connect with stations, and you can easily find information and solve problems when needed.
- Observable: Can be observed usingpskreporter.infoThe website allows users to visually see where signals are propagating, which helps in understanding the patterns of propagation across different frequency bands and time periods.
- It only requires one setup: Although getting started with FT8 can be a bit more complex, as it requires using a computer, once set up, you can use it continuously. However, getting started with CW mode still requires "hard work and dedication" to learn.
Of course, FT8 also has many drawbacks, such as its mechanical nature and the "Japanese wall" phenomenon. However, for beginners, the most important thing is to get started with shortwave communication, even if they have no prior knowledge. As their experience grows, they will naturally learn how to address these issues.
So, how can I guide newcomers to get started?
First, understand the situation.
Instead of blindly recommending FT-891/IC-7300/IC-718/uSDX, or simply buying G90/G106C/X6100 without considering the situation, this is actually misleading beginners. It's important to understand the circumstances before making a recommendation:
- What is the total budget I can use (machine plus all accessories)? And can I still save more?
- What is your living environment like? Is it rural, urban, or are you planning to live in a remote area?
- What are you most interested in? Is it technology and computers, or interacting with people?
- Are you willing to invest time and effort in learning a new skill?
If you can save money, aim for a complete solution.
Although it's a low-budget option, if you can stretch your budget to reach the 891 (which costs around $4000-$5000), I would recommend prioritizing saving money. The large power, durability, and 6-meter band capabilities will prevent beginners from regretting their purchase.
If you're having trouble saving money, don't feel like you have to do it all at once.
If saving money is truly difficult, but you already have enough to buy a basic radio and antenna, you could temporarily give up on voice communication and start with digital mode on shortwave using FT8. In this case, the QRP radio wouldn't just be a license holder; it would actually be a training tool.
Both FT8 and CW are quite engaging, allowing you to gradually accumulate funds while using them. Once you have enough, you can consider trying SSB or FM modes, selling your existing equipment and using the money to purchase an FT-891 or a more expensive radio. At this point, you will have gained experience and knowledge, making it easy to get started with the new equipment. If you decide to stop midway, the loss won't be significant.
Can we start with CW?
Of course! Both FT8 and CW are suitable for QRP (low-power) stations. FT8 lowers the entry barrier due to its computer-based operation, while CW offers a more traditional and skill-based communication experience. Newcomers can choose their starting point based on their interests and available time.
3000 Budget Starter Set (for reference only)
- Radio: XieGu G90N/S (approximately RMB 2000-2500, recommended to purchase during events like 618)
- Antenna:
- Wildfire usage: Full-size GP antenna (with pull cable, ground stake, base, and other individual components that can be assembled; no need to buy a complete set)
- For cars: It's not realistic to maintain a connection while on the move; instead, find a place to park and then set up a 5-meter antenna.
- Urban balcony use: The shortened GP antenna (e.g., MA-01) can be used, but with the expectation of very poor connectivity.
- If the budget allows, it's a good idea to allocate funds for experimenting with different antennas.
- Power supply: Used/old radio power supply (for home use), or have a friend make one using batteries (for field use).
- Accessories: Homemade power cable, finished feeder cable, FT8 data cable (approximately 100 yuan)
- Computer（FT8）: If you have a computer, use your computer. If you don't have a computer, you can use an Android device + FT8CN. Otherwise, you will need to add to the budget. I recommend buying a used Windows tablet.
- Switch（CW）Don't compromise on quality; prioritize a good feel.
- Harmony and talent: Not needed, G90 already has it.
Other options
Even with low-cost entry-level shortwave radios, there are multiple options available.
- Radio: Becoming a SWL (shortwave listening enthusiast) or simply a radio enthusiast.
- Using a club station: Entry-level radios are suitable for practice, but if you're serious about competing, you'll need equipment specifically designed for competitions and with higher reliability. Therefore, it's best to rely on experienced operators.
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