How Much Does It Cost to Setup an HF Ham Radio Station by Jim Heath W6LG with Advice from Rod K5FRH
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- Опубліковано 11 кві 2024
- The spreadsheet tells the story. But a few chapters maybe missing. If you see an error or want to change a number, post a comment below so Jim can make a change to the spreadsheet.
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How much does it cost to set up a HF station? LOL, depends on your friends. I have donated a couple complete setups to kids that just got their license and could only afford a cheap 2/70 HT. I usually give them a late 90's HF rig, a power supply made using a $15 used HP 750W server power supply, 50 to 100 feet of LMR400, (I have a few thousand feet of lightly used cable I got for free) the supplies needed to make their own non resonant end fed antenna and enough Dacron line to hang their freshly made antenna. I usually recap the radio and do a transceiver alignment so I know I'm not giving them a lemon that's going to break two days after they get on the air. The only thing I ask is that if they ever upgrade to a new rig and no longer need the radio I gave them that they please pass it on to the next new ham in need of a free radio.
You sir are a good man!
I have only been able to afford one NEW hf radio in my 32 yrs. I have always purchased used, built my own antennas and have worked the world. The numbers can be scary, but it took me many yrs to get where I am now after raising my family, start with the bare minimum and work your self up, if you can’t afford it.73
Hello Jim, Hope you are feeling better.
Jim, Thank You and Best wishes. Praying for all your needs.
I look forward so much to these Jim. You’ve done so much good.
This is awesome. Thanks, Jim. God Bless.
I'm new to this hobby, just started to buy the equipment. Your numbers look very reasonable to me.
Hi Jim, Thanks 😊, best wishes
for your health. 😊73 de Ray W2CH, NH, 1962- ?
Jim thank you for the great videos as always Stay well ✌🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🇺🇸
If I had all my radio equipment from being licensed since 1962,
it would fill a basement, but it
was all worth it. 😊Ray W2CH.
I suggest the beginner station could come down a little. Yaesu FT710 is $850 right now, and I would drop the external tuner and recommend using resonant antennas. And these radios have touch-up tuners. So, save $250. But, that's just me.
I think your about spot on Jim. I went in at around 3K at the beginning. Grown somewhat since. An old ham once said to me … “You ham to your point of broke” ! 😂
It can get pricey. My first serious transceiver was an FTDX3000 for about 1000.00 used and it’s been great. The EFHW antenna and power supply were 200.00 more. I was on the air. My actual first hf was an Icom 706mkii for 700 with a switching power supply and ldg tuner. With the same EFHW.
Now the fever continues with this recommendation. I bought a Yaesu FT-710 for around 850 new. Great radio. Another 600 for a Hustler 6BTV with ground radials, ground plate, and wire. Great set up. And the radio tuner will easily handle the SWR which is non-existent overall on this antenna.
So yes…2k is a good range to aim at.
Stay well Jim. Keep on keepin’ on!
Jim, this is W5BNW in Bangs,Texas. I agree with most of what you said about the cost to get on HF but I am wondering what is your thinking on buying used equipment? I know it might not be as nice as having new equipment but I started out with a Heath kit DX100 transmitter and an HQ129X receiver that I bought from a ham that was upgrading his station. He told me that the radios worked as they were supposed to and I trusted him and his word. It turned out just like he said and they worked great for me for many years. I went from those radios to a used Swan 250 about five years later and had good luck with it. In fact I’ve still got that Swan and two other Swans that still work. As far as having to do a little maintenance on them once in a while, that is good training for any ham to learn how his or her equipment works and know how to do some fixing things that go wrong. I don’t mean like aligning a receiver or such but changing capacitors, tubes, transistors and such should be accomplished by any ham on his own equipment even if he or she needs a little help from another ham. Just my way of thinking and I may be wrong but that is the way I started out. Good luck Jim, you look like you feel good, I hope you don’t suffer too much with your illness. I know it’s no fun being sick, I know because I have some health problems of my own but I thank God every day that I am as lealthy as I am. We’ve all got so much to be thankful for and we sometimes take our health for granted.
Good morning Jim, good to see you making ham radio videos. I know it probably won’t work today as it did when I got a license in 1977. I started out with used tube rigs, and the most fun I had is there was an operator here that loves to horse trade. I would go over his shack or he would come over my home and we would trade Old radios for newer old radios and I had a blast back then after 47 years of been in amateur radio I finally have got my dream station. Hope you have a fantastic day and I really enjoy your videos. Take care Jim. hello from the Texas Hill country.
WD5ENH
Steve
Great video as usual!! Robert K5TPC
I would go with this setup: Icom 7300 ($1100), DX Commander Rapide ($300), generic Amazon power supply ($100), and RG8X ($70). That's really all you need.
Nice one Jim!
Yes, Jim, these are reasonable .😊
Thanks Jim
Jim….Hope you are feeling better. I set up my shack for around $2200 with Yaesu 991a transceiver, Switching PS, and Multiband dipole, plus miscellanies. I have made contacts in Europe, S. America, Canada, and multiple US STATES. IM VERY PLEASED! Love ur channel. Stay well, Ted Bohlman, MD. KK7KHK
Good to see you Jim.. de Ei2P
I am glad that I started in 1965 where there was so much military surplus around that you could build a transmitter and receiver. For the amount that a high schooler had. I remember making many two meter antennas out of coat hanger wires. At my cabin built my own dipole total cost ten bucks.
Thanks Jim. I’ve had one hell of a lot of fun working up to the ‘beginner’ level of spending 😂
Well done Jim. I'd have to say add 40$ for a coffee maker and coffee! '73 and good dx
Hi Jim. I’ve been enjoying your videos and expertise for three or four years now. Good common sense and excellent technical info. I agree with your assessment of costs and the way to go about acquiring good equipment. I guess the hobby is expensive to some degree. However, you can do a lot for less if you work at it. But, Ham Radio is a hobby and if you compare its costs to that of other hobbies, it’s not outrageous. You can easily spend $1000 for a descent set of golf clubs, then add to that green fees, rental of a cart etc, etc! How about photography, fishing , turkey hunting, the list goes on. Hobbies are expensive. If one is truthful, we will be spending a lot more than $2000 over a period of time. I’m getting too verbose. I’m glad to see you back on UA-cam and you look and sound wonderful. Keep up the good work. Frank (W8FXM)
Buy the best equipment you can afford and learn to get the most from it. Enjoy the experience, don’t let cost keep you from getting on the air.
50 years ago, we CB kids went to the local hamfests and learned about the difference between the two services was. We could always find someone to answer our questions, and if you behaved they'd help you get started. Everyone knew someone who had an extra rig for sale, and someone who knows how to build dipoles, and before long you were listening to W1AW every night and hitting the books.
Hi Jim, your looking good and showing good energy. Hope everything goes good for you. I can't contribute much info. I never had the money to buy new great radios so Heathkit and me were and still are together. I built everything I could and still build. I came from the 1970s when ham radio was different. I buy used project radios at almost every ham fest. HOWEVER, every radio I bought the seller said it works great.......untill....... I got it home. I must be doing something wrong on the drive home????? HI HI. Ab1ZI Carl 73
Great video Jim!
On the one hand a QRP POTA rig could be done on the cheap (though I spent more on my KX2 and Begali key, than on my home rig). On the other hand I also think it makes sense to do QRP/POTA as a secondary activity anyway (unless your HOA forces your hand).
I think your assessment is spot-on.
I have a friend who bought two lemons from eBay and combined they were more than a 7300.
Been piecemeal since I was a kid and somethings never change. I find treasure in other peoples junk and have lived happily for years being a few years behind and willing to drive the scratch and dents. Still an expensive hobby. Third time around so each time its a bit cheaper but still a long term investment. It's gonna cost you money and I was aware of that from day one. Don't be in a hurry to become the million dollar operator. Have fun. Here to play radio and if your gonna play you need to pay. Just try not to toss good money after bad and have fun. I found that the older hams are genuinely good people and if you spark an interest there usually someone willing to loan a piece or let go way below market just to get you on the air.
Since I was a kid I was blessed to be around knowledgeable people who cared a little bit more about you then the radio they were trying to sell you.. 73 - Jim I love the videos and I hope your finding peace and comfort in all your fans and friends.. We're all in this together and support you 110% thank you for everything you do and God bless ✌
Pretty good estimates. I look at Amateur Radio as a Journey. Starting point is a good estimate and one can build to the more expensive levels during the journey! It was nice of you guys to work on it and present the results!
Looking good OM. Glad to see you making videos. For the beginner category I agree 100% on a new rig. I wouldn't bother with an external SWR wattmeter or external tuner to start. I have high end Bird and Palstar meters and they just sit. Both the 7300 or FTDX10 have very good built in metering capability. Both also have serviceable tuners. There are literally dozens of Astron 20 and 25 Amp supplies on the used market even in mid-sized towns. They work great. That might save a few bucks and make getting on the air a bit easier. Hang in there, 73 Rick KB3NG
Nice. I just started HT > now Quad band FM, will add HF but apt and limited. I do volunteer at a station with 2 HF setups. A great way to get experience. Start Eas 50$, then to FM Quad feed line PS > $577$ - Well worth the learning and fun.
I agree that if you can do new, do new. My start in ham was with used, though. I had a friend who was a ham who gave me a scanner for free and another friend gave me an NC-98. After listening I caught the bug and learned morse code mainly by copying what I could hear on the NC-98. After I got my license I built a CW tube transmitter from a magazine design and made a few contacts.
My first transceiver was a Swan 350 I bought at a hamfest. It worked pretty well, but was a bit temperamental and took a bit of work to fix. I sold it to a ham who was a Swan nut and bought a Galaxy V. I used that for years. When the Yaesu FT767GX came out I drove to HRO and bought the first one that came in. I added the linear that Yaesu sold to go with it and put the plugin in it for 2m. I used that rig up to about 2020 when it was stolen from the back seat of my truck during a move to a new QTH. I used a Yaesu mobile HF rig and a couple QRP rigs I bought for a while but jumped on the FT-710 when it came out. I love this rig and I completely endorse it.
So yes, I agree - my Swan experience was not good, even though Swan made great rigs. Getting it used would have been a bummer if I did not like fixing them, too. However, that NC-98 was wonderful and as a free gift an infinite value/price. If you get free used gear from a friend or relative, it might possibly be worth it.
I only suggest to add to your video that the below the beginner level there can be a “cheapskate” level. If you like a challenge, QRP might be fun. If you like to build, there are kits to build that not only get you on HF and save a lot of money, but are fun in their own right. The $2000 beginner setup is great and it will not disappoint you, but if you can get in cheaper if you already have an idea about what kind of HF operating you want to do and can cut some corners for those things you don’t need right away. An FT-891 runs $680. The ATAS antenna is $390, but an EFHW EF-80 will be less than $100 complete. The 891 has an SWR indication, and you can invite a ham to help set up the antenna system and test it for half a pizza. Put in the coax, connectors, grounding, and power supply and have fun. You can be OTA for $1000+/- with new gear, 100W, and a rig that you will keep even after you upgrade it. I ran like this for a couple years after I lost the 767 and couldn’t help but think how lucky hams are today to be able to set up a station so easily.
You probably might want to add some budget for a networked computer system. All the very best to you Jim.
Reading the comments was just as enjoyable as the video. Mike - K2CDM
I bought my first HF radio for $400. A Kenwood TS850. I bought it from another ham in my club. I had to buy a power supply and an antenna tuner. I think I’m into my station about a $1,000. I was able to test the radio before I bought it. I highly recommend doing this for used equipment. However, the lists you have made for new equipment to me sounds reasonable.
Hi Jim,
You're looking good in the video. Don't know if it was recorded before your recent health issues. The information is spot on. If someone wanted to buy used, some of the retailers carry used gear. Main Trading Co. is one that comes to mind. I believe it would be safer than either Ebay or Amazon. I did buy my FT-450 used and was a great purchase. 73 WJ3U
Great video Jim, I would add that I got lucky with a silent keys radio years ago for a great price at a local Hamfest.
My advise to any new ham, would be to follow Jim's list as the start its meant to be. More equipment will soon follow as you get the bug. Looking good Jim 73 KB3YJU
ft891 is a way to shave 400 or so dollars, was my 1st HF rig, since upgraded but use it for POTA
The ICOM 7300 offers beginners a great setup and I think the waterfall feature is a great help in understanding the bands. Not a cheap hobby but something in it for nearly everyone. Hope you are feeling strong today!
FT-710 blows away the 7300.
Both good radios- great to have this level of options at the price point.
It can definitely be done cheaper for a beginner, but if they're a beginner they may not know that. Lots of things can be omitted with some knowledge. I've helped outfit my friend with well working 90s HF radios and they already had batteries to power the radio from projects etc.... but a beginner wouldn't know that without an elmer. And they're not state of the art items of course with all the bells and whistles.
Hundreds of recently licensed hams are using Xiegu G90 transceivers for POTA hunting and activating, with great success. (I know, because I have had QSOs with them!) It costs around $450, and includes a very effective ATU and microphone. If someone can afford a 7300, great -- go for that, but if they can't, they can still get on the air for a lot less.
- de AI4BJ
Hi Jim, It is always very sad when bad things happen to good people, you are good people!........ we are all pulling for you............I would add a good set of headphones, a multimeter (I still like Simpson 260's) , an ARRL Handbook. Some basic hand tools inc soldering equipment maybe a little later? I think the IC-7300 (or new Xcvr) is the way to go so that one is successful right out of the box. Chances are if you struggle to make contacts it won't be any fun and you will find something else that is.........73 and hang in there Mike, K1FNX near Boston
Jim! Greetings de WW1ZRD. I love your videos, this one is incredibly informative as usual, HOWEVER :) I respectfully disagree on the point of the Transceiver. I agree EBAY is most likely the wrong place to find gear and you are opening a Pandora's box of trouble, but as far as my experience and perception in the HAM community, tradition has always been... get used gear from a local HAM operator or radio club... doing things face to face with a handshake. This is how equipment keeps getting passed down, and keeps the Brotherhood alive. :)
Also... it would have been interesting if you had shown an HF POTA portable set up cost spreadsheet. :)
Jim, you are awesome, you have no idea how many people you inspire and educate. :)
73 de WW1ZRD
Buying a used transceiver from a reputable dealer is a good way to go. They usually offer a short guarantee.
As always, how much it costs depends on what you want to do and what your skill level is.
For the sake of argument, let's go with the basics...
How big is your yard? This determines the kind of antennas you can put up. Mine is 40'x180'. Houses are 20' away on both sides. I use a Cushcraft R5 vertical for 10-20 and an Alpha Delta DX-B for 40-160.
Coax cable is pretty generic. Anything besides RG-58 is fine.
Radios are all 100 watts. Either buy new from a reputable dealer or find an Elmer you can trust to take a chance on a used radio.
There's a good reason why the Icom 7300 is as popular as it is: it gives you a good value for the money, plus it comes with a warranty.
When you've been doing this for decades your savvy will improve, and the cost will decrease. My least expensive setup is a Siltronix 1011D that was given to me because it was broken, paired with a Penetrator that I got from Craigslist for less than $100. It's a hoot when 10 meters is open.
You sound better Jim !! very good video and chart. yes that is the market of 2024. The only way I would buy used is threw a dealer and has warranty that they honor. don't forget the LOG . can be pen and paper. radio like 7300 has a ATU bult in. so you can start with that. DX engineering has better RG 8X and RG 213. M &P has great coax as well as ABR made in Texas. if spending 1000 USD or more on a HF radio get a good power supply. go NEW. old used ones can have bad filter caps. for a new operator ,I agree go NEW. get good PL 259 ends. money well spent. 73's
I have to make one more comment..............the XYL & I went out for a modest dinner Wed night and the tab was just under $100, was the veal parm very good?...........yes it was...... but it lasted a very short time as compared to a new IC-7300.....73, K1FNX
Good video!! I must be strange. I enjoy my HF but I enjoy my local VHF, UHF stuff just as much or more. With HF, I don't know those people. Maybe it would be more interesting if I did. With working the repeaters I know these people. I'm familiar with them. I am more involved with their lives. I'm hanging with the old guys that have and maintain repeaters and learning a lot.
A tower is extremely expensive nowadays , just the concrete alone. Then you add up rebar cage, permits, the tower itself , freight delivery, etc. easily $20,000
Spend 85% of your budget on the antenna system. I’ve had to realize this after 30 years
Jim, thanks for this good information - but the cost of buying all new equipment might scare some people off. I think there are a lot of decent used transceivers available for ~$500-$600, and if one could be bought from a local (and honest) ham, then the risk is probably pretty low. it might not have all of the current bells and whistles, but something like an FT-450 or older Kenwood rig will probably work just fine (and it's probably better than what I started with!). A lot of them have built-in tuners, so maybe there's another saving. I talk to a lot of folks using end-fed random wire antennas, and they seem to like them. Those can be bought for ~$150 (or made!). The feed-line is important, and I wouldn't recommend a cheaper one. I'll bet with some work, $1k could be a possibility.
I have a comment. G90 puts out 20 watts. From 20 watts to 100 watts is about 7db. It's barely over an S unit. I mean no disrespect. I love your videos.
I got super lucky and found hams that wanted to see me on the air. Point being... make lots of ham friends. The 7300 got me world wide with a dipole. I'm 50+ and doing OK but my frugal shopping got me a 1500 watt amp for only $500 bucks. My point is make friends. Build relationships. You'd be surprised at what a generous ham will sell to an eager person willing to learn.
Best Advice...get a DX Commander Jim WA4TVN
A new HF mobile 100w < $700 for the first shack radio. Then, later on, get a proper radio for the shack and move the mobile outdoors. My 2¢.
Tnx Jim. Prayers for you and your health. One thing I thought of was a place to setup your station. Here buying used might be good or good enough. That would be a sturdy table or desk and a comfortable chair. My G-90 is going to have to do for me. Personally, I didn't plan well and I doubt I'll ever be able to afford a "new" rig again like the 7300. I'm fortunate enough to have the abilities and most of the knowledge to buy used and repair. Great to see you. de KA9TII
For beginner G90 transceiver. 500 dollar. All set to go.
I would add in an antenna analyzer . And there will be miscellaneous tools .
Xiegu G90 at 20 watts is how many db below 100 watts. Probably good to do an “Economy” station for the younger folks, people earlier in their careers, or this who simply have less income.
$1.2k should get anyone on the air with a new HF+6M mobile rig everything else used. Doing everything yourself and knowing what to get etc. but your entry figures are a retailer's dream.
Oh my. I have not spent enough. I can still buy more ham gear.
Best advice from my 50 plus years of hamming would be to buy a 7300 and instead of an amplifier invest in your antenna.
PC at the intermediate and advanced levels, Maybe a cheap Evolve for beginners
I see getting an entry level HF station as just a matter of prioritizing your life. Do you really need that Starbucks coffee on the way to work every day? If you skip the latest iPone you can buy the iCom 7300 and very close to an FTDX10. I can't tell you how many high school and college students I've seen with the latest iPhone in their hands. The high-end HF station is less then the cost of an average motorcycle and way less then the average boat.
Two thousand dollars is only working one hundred hours flipping burgers at a California McDonalds.
I was studying for my general, all set to run right out and get the ticket, and then I came up with very similar numbers to yours, that is where I lost all interest.
Dummy load ?
A LOT of clubs have equipment that can be loaned. Your entry level station estimate is too high. Build a dipole.
LOL. That's a "Sit on Your Ass" bacon and cheese station. Get off your duff and CW SOTA. You'll be DXing for under $500.
I suppose I can't play radio anymore🥹😌😌
Thank You, Jim Tech To Know TY