Amateur radio (HAM)
- Thread starter QuantumLogic
- Start date
I just took and passed the technician level HAM radio exam, I had purchased a Baofeng BF-F8HP Mobile hand radio set a few weeks ago - the 8 watt transmit model. I guess I can now take it out of the box, and start listening at least :D. I should get my call sign in a week or so. What LQB said was correct, it only took a couple times reading the study guide and taking a few practice exams to prepare for the test. I took the general test while on site today, did not pass that one - but almost!
So, a good first step in being able to operate the radio, next I will attend some local ham radio club meetings and learn by doing.
So, a good first step in being able to operate the radio, next I will attend some local ham radio club meetings and learn by doing.
Mark said:
Congrats Mark!! Good job. You can begin transmitting as soon as your call sign appears on the FCC website. You can use the ARRL website to find all the VHF/UHF repeaters in your area and program your radio for them. Find the HAM Nets and check in with them. :)
QuantumLogic
Jedi
Mark said:
Congratulations, Mark! Once you get to know the other operators in your area, you may also want to find out if any of the groups are involved in emergency comms (ARES, etc.). Some of those guys can teach you how to build antennas out of things just lying around in a pinch in case things go south very quickly. The main thing with all of this though is to be safe, and if you do know- ask. It could save your life... :D
Thanks luc and everyone for the encouraging words, I know I've just scratched the surface. There are a lot of restrictions and rules involved, but it seems like a good way to extend one's reach and knowledge vis-a-vis a shtf or emergency situation.
Yup, That's my next immediate goal. After that I intend to look into getting some more transmit power, maybe 50 watts or so and an antenna that doesn't need to be grounded with four 8 ft grounding rods, not yet anyway, lol. You are in Lewisburg so we could just about communicate correct?
I will look into ARES - ARRL. I have some experience working with high voltage, (AC and DC), I know from that stuff can bite! I haven't had to deal with RF radiation so much so I will be careful. I had to wear a walkie-talkie when I worked in industry - there was a lot of "cutting-up" going on - on the radio which we would get called on the carpet for occasionally
I will also be careful as to transmission rules and regs. Looking forward to just getting some repeater channels programmed in and just listening in the next few days.
LQB said:
Yup, That's my next immediate goal. After that I intend to look into getting some more transmit power, maybe 50 watts or so and an antenna that doesn't need to be grounded with four 8 ft grounding rods, not yet anyway, lol. You are in Lewisburg so we could just about communicate correct?
QuantumLogic said:
I will look into ARES - ARRL. I have some experience working with high voltage, (AC and DC), I know from that stuff can bite! I haven't had to deal with RF radiation so much so I will be careful. I had to wear a walkie-talkie when I worked in industry - there was a lot of "cutting-up" going on - on the radio which we would get called on the carpet for occasionally
I will also be careful as to transmission rules and regs. Looking forward to just getting some repeater channels programmed in and just listening in the next few days.Mark said:
Your typical dual band/dual channel (2M/70cm) base/mobile radios TX at 50W VHF and 40W UHF. This one can also be setup as a cross-band repeater for lots of range to surrounding radios:
http://www.amazon.com/AnyTone-Transceiver-AT-5888UV-Amateur-Radio/dp/B00B1F7IEE/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1431716423&sr=1-2&keywords=anytone
I'm not far from Columbia, but we can probably close via the MTEARS UHF repeaters when they are linked up. See mtears.org. If you can hit the Short Mountain VHF repeater, that's also a possibility.
Hesper and I passed the Technician test today. 
Next thing is for the call signs to appear on the FCC website. We picked up a couple of handheld transceivers (Baofeng UV-82) so will have something to start with. I programmed in the local repeater for our area, and soon will figure out how to get weather information in there.
Next thing is for the call signs to appear on the FCC website. We picked up a couple of handheld transceivers (Baofeng UV-82) so will have something to start with. I programmed in the local repeater for our area, and soon will figure out how to get weather information in there.
l_autre_d said:Hesper and I passed the Technician test today.
Congratulations you two. :)
l_autre_d said:Hesper and I passed the Technician test today.
Excellent guys - and congrats. Local HAMs should be able to give you a list of all useful HAM channels, NWS channels, repeaters, regularly scheduled Net frequencies, etc. There should be a local HAM ARES (emergency response HAMs) group as well - not a bad idea to join.
The "rubber duck" antennas that come with the HT radios are not very good. Ed Fong and (his students) make a 5 foot dual band (HAM bands) "roll-up" antenna that greatly improves the radio performance. Its a portable wire antenna that you can hang from a porch, tree, etc. You can also get one of his base antennas, install it high up on the house, then attach your radio in the house and get great performance. See here:
http://edsantennas.weebly.com/about.html
Also there may be a repeater network much like the MTEARS UHF repeater network (in Tenn) that links up the entire state (see mtears.org).
LQB said:l_autre_d said:Hesper and I passed the Technician test today.
Excellent guys - and congrats. Local HAMs should be able to give you a list of all useful HAM channels, NWS channels, repeaters, regularly scheduled Net frequencies, etc. There should be a local HAM ARES (emergency response HAMs) group as well - not a bad idea to join.
The "rubber duck" antennas that come with the HT radios are not very good. Ed Fong and (his students) make a 5 foot dual band (HAM bands) "roll-up" antenna that greatly improves the radio performance. Its a portable wire antenna that you can hang from a porch, tree, etc. You can also get one of his base antennas, install it high up on the house, then attach your radio in the house and get great performance. See here:
http://edsantennas.weebly.com/about.html
Also there may be a repeater network much like the MTEARS UHF repeater network (in Tenn) that links up the entire state (see mtears.org).
Excellent info, thanks LQB. We've made contact with the local HAM group, and plan on attending one of their breakfast meetings.
Any basic reading that you'd recommend? I've been reading the ARRL's basic intro books, and those are really helpful, but wondering if you have anything different you'd recommend for the new guys. I'm sure our local Elmer is going to have a ton of info too. Thanks for the help.
Next stop General Class!
Hesper said:LQB said:l_autre_d said:Hesper and I passed the Technician test today.
Excellent guys - and congrats. Local HAMs should be able to give you a list of all useful HAM channels, NWS channels, repeaters, regularly scheduled Net frequencies, etc. There should be a local HAM ARES (emergency response HAMs) group as well - not a bad idea to join.
The "rubber duck" antennas that come with the HT radios are not very good. Ed Fong and (his students) make a 5 foot dual band (HAM bands) "roll-up" antenna that greatly improves the radio performance. Its a portable wire antenna that you can hang from a porch, tree, etc. You can also get one of his base antennas, install it high up on the house, then attach your radio in the house and get great performance. See here:
http://edsantennas.weebly.com/about.html
Also there may be a repeater network much like the MTEARS UHF repeater network (in Tenn) that links up the entire state (see mtears.org).
Excellent info, thanks LQB. We've made contact with the local HAM group, and plan on attending one of their breakfast meetings.
Any basic reading that you'd recommend? I've been reading the ARRL's basic intro books, and those are really helpful, but wondering if you have anything different you'd recommend for the new guys. I'm sure our local Elmer is going to have a ton of info too. Thanks for the help.
Next stop General Class!
The best way to proceed is to network with the local HAMs, join in on VHF/UHF Nets, start working with antennas (set one up at the house), and get on the air. Another good way to go is to put a dual band mag mount antenna on your car and hook your HT up to it in the car - the HT will work far better, and you will not be radiating everyone in the cab. If you decide to get a base/mobile unit for more power, the antennas will be ready.
Your Gen class will open up most of the HF bands for you for some very long distance comms.
l_autre_d said:Hesper and I passed the Technician test today.
Congratulations are in order. Well done Hesper and l_autre_de, that exam would not be easy.
I used to be a radio tech in the days of valves and transistors, but I never went for the HAM licence. I always seemed to be at the cutting edge of technology though.
Good on you both.
Hesper said:
Attached are:
1) No nonsense Gen class study guide
2) Ed Fong dual band roll-up antenna for your HT
3) Ed Fong home base antenna description
4) Article on HAM band cross-band repeating
I buy the Fong antennas from Ed in bulk and sell them at cost ($25) so if you guys want them, I can send them to you.
