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Looking for portable SW receiver

Oct 13th 2016, 00:49

W0SJF

Joined: May 25th 2016, 22:40
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
Many have told me one of the best ways to learn the ins and outs of HAM, and to help learn Morse Code, is to just listen. I remember when I was a kid my dad bought me a receiver that brought me hours and days of enjoyment just listening. I'm not ready to drop a bundle on a decent transceiver yet, so are there any portable receivers out there that are worth it? When I go to Amazon and look at them my eyes glaze over and I can't make up my mind.

Thanks.
Oct 18th 2016, 14:54

W1VT

Super Moderator

Joined: Apr 4th 1998, 00:00
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
http://www.arrl.org/code-practice-files
If you are on the Internet you may want to start out with MP3 files on your computer.

Zack Lau
ARRL Senior Lab Engineer
Oct 24th 2016, 16:24

K1HMS

Joined: Oct 21st 2015, 19:36
Total Topics: 0
Total Posts: 0
There are apps for iPads, smart phones, and computers to learn code. G4FON is popular. You set the speed, it will send 5 letter groups, common words, simulated QSOs (contacts) and even letters and words you type in using the keyboard. Learn about the Farnsworth and Koch methods. On radios I also wanted to get a SW receiver "to get my feet wet" before buying a transceveier. I found there are few just receivers offered. Ham gear holds it price well so even a 10YO rig is 100s of dollars. I got a nearly new FT-450D for 500 bucks and after I got my license have worked the world with it. What ever you get your antenna (especially height) will be key to hearing anything, more so than the radio.

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