Ham Radio

[slappysquirrel]

just my 2 cents worth. ham radio is the last line of defense as far as communications is concerned. when nothing else will get out...ham radio can. My only concern is that morse code requirement has been done away with and that could have some serious consequences because the signal to carry a morse code signal can be detected much easier than voice. This is an important detail as far as long distance communications such as cross country and overseas communications. I had to get my license the hard way ...morse code requirement and I'm glad I did. But the code is no longer require to get a license and i think that is unfortunate.

It would be a good idea for those new to ham radio to go ahead and learn code as in a disaster situation it would come in very very handy.

[stovepipe]

In a residential setting are there still issues with ham radio transmissions bleeding over into neighbors TV and Radio sets? - I know as a kid in the 60's and 70's, this was a common problem.

[dtompsett]

Originally Posted by stovepipe

In a residential setting are there still issues with ham radio transmissions bleeding over into neighbors TV and Radio sets? - I know as a kid in the 60's and 70's, this was a common problem.

In the grand scheme of things... no. Most people are on cable or satellite now, which receives almost no interference from HAM radio equipment. I'm not sure how the shift to digital signal is going to affect it.

My understanding of it is, generally the problems that occurred were because of poor equipment/installation on the effected equipment. It wasn't the amateur radio, it was the tv or radio that wasn't sensitive enough, or had a poor antenna connection.

[ke4sky]

Bottom line is that under FCC regulations unlicensed devices must accept whatever interference they get from licensed operations. Ham operators operate under licenses granted by the FCC and as long as their equipment meets the engineering requirements for its type acceptance, it is up to the manufacturers of unlicensed devises such as TV sets and garage door openers to design their equipment to function in that environment. My understanding of the Industry Canada Regulations is that your requirements are similar to ours.
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf01226.html

Almost every instance of TVI I have investigated could be be traced to poor workmanship in cheap imported electronics and shoddy installation practices by cable TV installers, etc. In some cases TVI is caused by problems at the ham transmitter, usually an antennna which is not resonant at the operating frequency, having a high standing wave ratio, or poor earth ground which results in the antenna feedline radiating RF energy. "RF in the shack" can be fixed by using an antenna transmatch, improving the station ground or using an "artificial" ground, installing ferrite chokes on the coax, or installing a bandpass or notch filter at the transmitter set, or a combination of these as reflected by good engineering practice.

Here are more useful references:
http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/8502034.pdf
Noise Article
http://www.radioworks.com/nbgnd.html

[kc5fm]

Originally Posted by dtompsett

In the grand scheme of things... no. Most people are on cable or satellite now, which receives almost no interference from HAM radio equipment. I'm not sure how the shift to digital signal is going to affect it.

Digital Television is not interference "proof" but it is very close.

As always, amateur radio operators work very hard to be good radio neighbors. If there's a Television Interference complaint, the local club, oftain, has a TVI committee to help with the complaint.

Contact your local club for more information. The service is free, except for any parts that may be needed, and is provided regardless of who is causing the interference.

[Fn/Form]

Originally Posted by slappysquirrel

just my 2 cents worth. ham radio is the last line of defense as far as communications is concerned. when nothing else will get out...ham radio can. My only concern is that morse code requirement has been done away with and that could have some serious consequences because the signal to carry a morse code signal can be detected much easier than voice. This is an important detail as far as long distance communications such as cross country and overseas communications. I had to get my license the hard way ...morse code requirement and I'm glad I did. But the code is no longer require to get a license and i think that is unfortunate.

It would be a good idea for those new to ham radio to go ahead and learn code as in a disaster situation it would come in very very handy.

Look into digital modes. With a computer the radio can be used to pull out excellent copy of completely "unreadable by human ear" digital signals lost in the noise and way below the audible threshold of morse code.

[kc5fm]

Originally Posted by Lester_7

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

If you are not familiar with Ham Radio, this would be a good weekend to go see a local amateur radio operation. This is Field Day weekend all around the fruited plain. The link will get you to a locator page. Enter your zip code to get the list closest to you.

There's a video clip available for those who may want more information before going.

This is NOT your Grandpa's Radio.

[vk4akp]

Hi, To answer the original post I have been a ham some 10+ years now.

It's a fantastic hobby with lots of scope!

Dangers to the Hobby, loss of morse code, reliance on the internet for forwarding, & the new low class cornflake packet licenses letting the CB'r types into the hobby.

But don't be fooled. In a disaster Ham radio could be a very important thing on a world wide basis.

We are.

- De-centralised!
- Offer unique simple but highly reliable modes such as CW and Packet.
- Use Solar and portable power in many cases.
- Have great diversity in communications frequencies and modes.
- are a separate self sustained network (Except for the LLLIDS)
- Often work with cheap readily available discarded equipment to produce results.

Having a Ham license and maintaining a station is a big plus in my books!.

It's cheap, easy and very educational.

Most importantly as a Ham, one day you could save a life!

Go 4 it!

~Ken - vk4akp~
QRV 1.8Mhz-2.4Ghz CW, VX, Packet, ATV, APRS & more.
http://shazam.zapto.org
.-.-.

[DragoSapien]

This is my first post on this site. Iv been a Tech. for 7 months now and part of our local club to.

[kc5fm]

Originally Posted by Anarchist

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

Of course, you know that is illegal. However, all radio modifications can be found at Mods.dk.

Have a blessed week.