Ham Radio

[Lester_7]

Anyone here do or into ham radio? How long have you been doing it for?

[babj615]

I do not do HAM radio yet, but am currently looking into a crash course in HAM radio...

I think this will be the only real choice for communication outside of your immediate surroundings in a SHTF TEOTWAWKI situation...

[fachento]

I've been a Ham Radio operator for a number of years - and yeah they are reliable communicators. You must be licensed by the FCC to operate them, and if you upgrade your license class, you are allowed more frequency privileges (more elbow room), which increases the range at which you can conduct reliable communications.

I have a handi-talkie, and a longer-range base station. Power output in the 5-10 watt range is more than sufficient for short range communication. My base station has a factory output of 100 Watts, which is more than enough to get your signal around the world with a good enough antenna.

Lots more of the communications on Ham Radio is being done by voice, as opposed to Morse code (which is no longer a requirement for higher license classes). It makes for a great hobby, and keeps you in practice for when the real thing happens. I loved operating in the North Texas area, where I got to do a little storm-watching for the Weather Service, and serve as part of a large early-warning system for tornadoes! It's a great way to provide a valuable service and capability in your local community.

There are many ways to prepare to get your license, but everyone still has to find a place to take the FCC exam to get your license.

You can find a few guides to get your license at http://www.arrl.org (American Radio Relay League) - and perhaps even a local radio club where tests are administered.

Regards,

Fachento

[kc5fm]

Originally Posted by Lester_7

Anyone here do or into ham radio? How long have you been doing it for?

I have been in amateur radio over 30 years. I have been a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association.

If you will go to the American Radio Relay League, you can find test sessions close to you as well as a club close by with members who can help you, not only with the tests but also with the questions about how much radio to buy.

[ktm]

Originally Posted by Lester_7

Anyone here do or into ham radio? How long have you been doing it for?

I've been a ham for years. The tech. class lic. is eaiser than ever to get & would give you 2 & 440 meter priviledges as well as limited 10 meter. Which are all good bands for emergency comms. like the other guys suggested check out arrl.org.

[Old Sarge]

By all means check it out. Now you can obtain a Technician's license with very little studying/cost. I think it's a 35 question multiple guess test, and you have to get 26 of them correct. The license is good for 10 years, and the cost is very reasonable. No code involved ever again.
I have had my Tech license since 2003, which allows me to talk on VHF, (line of sight) type radios, and 10 meters on HF.
Cost of equipment is minimal, and a great sport. Oftentimes, there will be a local group who get together regularly to chew the fat, and keep tabs on others. In my area, we have a group of old timers, who get together every morning at the same time, just to make sure everyone is up and kicking. A great hobby. Check out all the particulars on ARRL. www.arrl.net

[slurp]

You could start out by getting a scanner then you can pick up some ham channels...

[Dean]

I've been wanting to for the longest time now. How hard is the test?

[fachento]

Originally Posted by Dean

I've been wanting to for the longest time now. How hard is the test?

The technician test isn't bad at all -- it took me a couple of days (at a leisurely pace) to master the material. You can take practice tests (with the same question pool) at http://www.aa9pw.com -- and it will tell you which area of the question pool you need to work on.

Fachento

KD5VEZ

[Anarchist]

Hi,
Does anyone have any information on straping an ICOM 751 or 751A to operate on 11 meters?
Thank you,
Ron