How many HAM radio operators here?

[Outlander]

Yes, there are tests for each class. (Tech, General, Extra). Tech is the first and gives you 2m/440. It also gives you CW (morse code) on other bands. General is what most people get, gives you voice on all bands. Extra gives you a little wider frequency range on the lower bands.

I used these study guides to get mine. Having an electronics background, I found the tests amazingly easy.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...x=0&y=0&ih=3_1_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_1.123_120&fsc=-1

Here is a link to find a testing center:

http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session

The AARL site also has lots of good information.

This is a practice test site:

http://www.qrz.com/ham/


An 85' tower would work quite nicely. LMR400? Thats good coax and will work great. Same for the PL259 plugs. I don't know anything about the IMAX 2000, but yes, you would need an antenna that is made for the frequency you wish to transmit on.


That is what a lot of people start out with. One you pass the first test, Tech, you can talk on 2m/440. With all the repeaters around, 2m/440 has quite a range. With an 85' tower, unless you're blocked by a mountain, you would have pretty decent performance without the repeaters, as well as being able to hit repeaters a long way away. (With a decent antenna on your tower of course)

Great info GunNut! Thanks for asking the question SOCOM! Getting my Tech license is on my to do list - to be completed by Dec 2010.

 

[wdawg249]

Okay, I've been hesitant to post on this thread because I feel like a total no nothing goober.

I don't know a dang thing about HAM radio. I'm not a smart man when it comes to electronic machines. However, I feel this would be an excellent skill to obtain.

Here is my question. Is there an idiot's guide to Ham radio or something? Maybe a unit with training wheels or something?

Thanks.

 

[Outlander]

Okay, I've been hesitant to post on this thread because I feel like a total no nothing goober.

I don't know a dang thing about HAM radio. I'm not a smart man when it comes to electronic machines. However, I feel this would be an excellent skill to obtain.

Here is my question. Is there an idiot's guide to Ham radio or something? Maybe a unit with training wheels or something?

Thanks.

I am right there with you wdawg!!!!!

 

[jsa310]

Two-Dogs - clear your inbox!

 

[GunNut]

wdawg & Outlander,

I'm not sure of any books outside of the ARRL ones.

Not sure where you guys are located, but I do know they offer classes from time to time in Cumming. More info here:

http://sawneeradio.com/?page_id=12

If that isn't convenient, there may be a club closer to your location offering some.

 

[wdawg249]

Thank you GunNut.

 

[Outlander]

Thanks GunNut.

 

[83rdrecon]

Yes, Cb had its uses after katrina. Ham also was very useful. I have both.

 

[geardo]

Extra Class operator here. I would be glad to assist anyone in or around Columbus in getting a license. Just drop me a PM if interested.

 

[83rdrecon]

Geardo, good to have you here sir. I will contact you in a few months, I want to get my ticket upgraded. I'll be not to far from you.