Anyone know anything about Ham radios?

[chrisaka]

Not even sure if Ham is what I want...

I have 2 houses that are about 4 miles apart line of sight. What's the cheapest, easiest way to open radio communication between them? Both are 2 story and could get antennas ~30 feet high.

Chris

[Exbiker]

Nextel push to talk

[chrisaka]

I want something that will work if cell phones don't

[Exbiker]

4 miles with a line of sight would allow a decent CB base station with a directional antenna to work great and unlike a ham setup you don`t need to be licensed.

[chrisaka]

Hmm, I've already got some CB radios floating around. I'll have to look into antennas and give it a test.

Thanks!

Chris

[Brillfan]

Not even sure if Ham is what I want...

I have 2 houses that are about 4 miles apart line of sight. What's the cheapest, easiest way to open radio communication between them? Both are 2 story and could get antennas ~30 feet high.

Chris

Chris, I've been a ham radio operator for just over 40 years. From what you are describing as far as your requirements, a set of CB radios would work fine. Using CB base stations (or regular mobiles with AC power supplies) along with not-too-large outdoor antennas (no need to be directional) will give you good point-to-point contact at 4 miles. Plus you could pick up one or two decent CB walkie-talkies to add flexibility to your system. With 40 available channels, it will be easy to change frequency if someone else is on your channel. Added bonus...some of these radios have weather band channels included. PM me if you need more help.

[1861]

yep , regular old time CB radios .

[Exbiker]

Do they still make the old fiberglass base antenna by Shakespeare called a Big Stick?

[bloomautomatic]

How about this with 4 miles of string?

[1861]

Do they still make the old fiberglass base antenna by Shakespeare called a Big Stick?

no , but real similar ones are antron 99 & i max 2000 both fiberglass