Ham radios . . . learn me.

[Dukes69]

I know nothing . . . Discuss.

Equipment
licensing
pros/cons

?

:dunno:

[Roger]

Chris,

I've been a ham since 1987. The licensing requirements have changed since then! You no longer need to learn Morse code to get the license. There is a simple written test you have to pass. with a little study out of a study guide it's easy to pass.

Pros:
More reliabe than CB's

No (or very little) riff-raff hang out on the ham bands.

There are repeaters located all over southern California and there is usually someone monitoring. For example in areas of JV where cell phone don't work, there are a few repeaters that can be easily accessed. Can't beat Ham radio in an emergency.

There are quite a few MJR members tht are hams. I have a 2m/440 MHz dual band radio in my Jeep. I would have given you a demonstration today if I had known!

That's it for now, I gotta get to bed!

[FishPOET]

The SBNFA offers a 2 day course. $25 and you get a study book.

I didn't want to give up 2 days so I just spent a few hours studying online. There is a pool of 300 possible questions.

http://radioteacher.googlepages.com/...anssubelements

There are multiple sites that have sample tests.

http://aa9pw.com/radio/
http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl

After a few hours I was consistently getting more than 30 out of 35 questions right. I took the test the next morning and passed.

It will take some time working with other hams to actually figure out how the radios work.

So far I bought a Yaseu VX-170 handheld. It is 2m only. It is the radio recommended by the SBNFA. Eventually I want to get a good mobile unit in the Jeep. 50 watts dual band 2m/440 with a good antenna.

[Roger]

Here's the radio I have in my Jeep:

http://www.universal-radio.com/CATAL...xvrs/3780.html

I need a better antenna than the glass mount I have

I also use it as a scanner. I have quite a few public service frequencies plugged in like Calfire, USFS, SBCO fire, BLM, CHP Mobile hand held.

Also, since the JV tour has so many signed up, if there is another ham going, I'm going to ask them to be tail gunner for better communications.

Roger - n6ujm

[TDS SD]

HAM Test

In the san Diego area the is testing every Sat. some where in the area.
George KF6PPR
INFO www.sandarc.net/VE.html

[SAR Jeeper]

The SBNFA offers a 2 day course. $25 and you get a study book.

I didn't want to give up 2 days so I just spent a few hours studying online. There is a pool of 300 possible questions.

http://radioteacher.googlepages.com/...anssubelements

There are multiple sites that have sample tests.

http://aa9pw.com/radio/
http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl

After a few hours I was consistently getting more than 30 out of 35 questions right. I took the test the next morning and passed.

It will take some time working with other hams to actually figure out how the radios work.

So far I bought a Yaseu VX-170 handheld. It is 2m only. It is the radio recommended by the SBNFA. Eventually I want to get a good mobile unit in the Jeep. 50 watts dual band 2m/440 with a good antenna.

X2

I got my tech license same way...practiced online over and over. Actually had to read the book and learn for my general and extra (and learned morse code).

X2 on the VX-170. I bought mine when I was volunteering with LAFD ACS and it is a GREAT 2m handheld. Waterproof and solid.

I HIGHLY recommend you look for a local "field day" event at the last full weekend of June (don't have my calendar.) Ham operators go into the field (campgrounds, parks, parking lots, etc.) and "contest" to see how many contacts they can make in a 24 hour period using auxiliary power supply (you can also operate from home, but the spirit of the event, you need to get outdoors!) Last year, I carried my equipment and battery to the summit of White Mountain (14,242 feet) and operated from there. About 16 miles round trip. It kicked my ass. I was feeling so crappy, I made 2 contacts, broke everything down, and headed back. 9 hours for 2 contacts...but I'd do it again!

[Old Fart]

I always try to encourage new hams to buy a mobile radio first, handheld (if they feel they need it) second. Mobile radios are a lot less confusing to operate, and generally have more features (nice pick BTW Roger). Good radio, good antenna/coax (you're right Roger - lose the through glass antenna!).

Something I've been doing lately - I look at the software for programming - MUCH easier to program off a PC then playing "Game Boy" - especially with a handheld.

Currently I have a Kenwood TM-D700 in the YJ (will be set up for APRS once the GPS gets permanently connected), plus a VX-5R and the VX-170 (Steph's radio)

[Roger]

Maybe all us MJR Hams should get together for field day! We could invite MJR members like Chris who want to learn about Amateur Radio.

Jeff - I am so glad I bought the programming software for my radio. It is just about impossible to program it directly.

[Old Fart]

Yeah - it took me about 5 minutes to program Steph's VX-170, it would have taken me hours to do it by hand.

Last Field Day I ran I just pissed a lot of people off - I made the "emergency" real - everyone got (1) hours notice as to where we'd be. Field day has turned into "just another contest" all too frequently - don't see too much realism any more.

[Roger]

Yeah - it took me about 5 minutes to program Steph's VX-170, it would have taken me hours to do it by hand.

Last Field Day I ran I just pissed a lot of people off - I made the "emergency" real - everyone got (1) hours notice as to where we'd be. Field day has turned into "just another contest" all too frequently - don't see too much realism any more.

Now see, that's how it ought to be done! Great idea.

[jkcrazyjim2]

I've been to one field day, probably about 10-12 years ago. I use the Yaesu FT-8800 in my Jeep which I really like.

Roger, I use a Larson dual band antenna on my tire carrier and it works great. Theoretically it's too close to my cb antenna, but it seems to be just fine.

[NAILER341]

some of you old school hams can issue the test for us wanna-be's cant you?
i could use a license as well.

[SAR Jeeper]

some of you old school hams can issue the test for us wanna-be's cant you?
i could use a license as well.

I could, I have my VE card (Volunteer Examiner.) You need 3 at a testing session. My club alternates from beach to mountains each year, and after field day on Sunday, we host a testing session.

Club link:
http://www.ircradio.org/

[Old Fart]

I let my VE (and my OO) status expire quite a while back. Be happy to help you with equipment or installation though Erik, I think if I pack a lunch I can make it all the way to your house without starvation

[NAILER341]

I let my VE (and my OO) status expire quite a while back. Be happy to help you with equipment or installation though Erik, I think if I pack a lunch I can make it all the way to your house without starvation

why thank you, Sir.
i have a radio already though. i picked one up last year for the KOH race, and have just had it for emergency use.
i would like to get my license so i don't have to be afraid to talk on it on a regular basis.
this is the radio i have:

it seems to work very nicely for what i need it for.

from what i understand with the licensing, provided one person has their license, others can use the radio under the guise of their license at the same area, is this correct?