HAM Radios

[97kurt]

Ok.... I thought I would bring this up.

It looks like a few members on this board are already setup and a few others are thinking about it. I'm kinda trying to gauge interest in how many people on here might be interested in getting licensed and using the radios on our trips.

I recently became interested again when I found out the morse code test has been dropped by the FCC and you can get a good handheld 2 meter radio for $150.

Anyways lets discuss.

[Vegas Runner]

I have an interest, however I must admit it is not high on my list of priorities.

[Mikestang]

What are the advantages/disadvantages? What does becoming licensed entail?

[97kurt]

I have an interest, however I must admit it is not high on my list of priorities.

Agreed.

I need to find out more about HAM radios. What worries me is that you have to use your call sign everytime you speak which might get old. Maybe someone with some expierence can enlighten us.

As for licensing, I belive you get a book from radioshack/amazon or online and do some studying. There are a ton of sites that have practice tests with the same questions as the FCC test. Then its just a matter of taking the Technician test, paying the testing fee and then waiting a few weeks for your license and call sign from the FCC.

[bulldog]

It is definitely on my todo list, but there is a long list of things before it.

CHeck out ih8mud for ham radio info. Sites where you study and test your knowledge.

Mike, the big advantage of ham is that is has a far superior range to CBs. It can pump up to 65W vs 5W for a CB. The reciever is also much better. Also the sound quality is said to be much beter if you have a good radio. On top of that there are many places that have ham repeaters to further extend your range. In some cases you can use a service to connect your HAM to the telephone circuits and make a call.

This will come in pretty handy in longer expeditions and remote areas. This way you can call for a campsite a long ways away or at lest make contact with the group.

You can also use your ham as a repeater if you get the right radio to link to parties that ae out of range of each other.

It seems you can go cheap and get a single band HAM or get the dual band one that cover the high frequency band as well.

I can see that it will come in very handy in bigger groups and longer expeditions. Anyway ih8mud had a few very good threads on it in the outfittign section.

[damaged110]

:iamwithst i preffer the ham over cb anyday. and no you dont have to use your callsign every time. it has to be broadcast atleast every 10minuts thats all if you have any more ham questions let me know.. my callsigne is KE7FII and i will awnser as best as possible.
as for benifets. i was outside searchlight nevada and was talking to my freind in north las vegas that was over 90miles away. and there is not a lot of com chatter like with cb's. the test is easy about 35 question to get you started and you dont even have to buy a book i just used the practice tests on QRZ.com and i passed:D

[Chalk Outline]

:iagree The technician class test is not too tough and there is no morse code requirement. A good "2 meter" radio is far superior to CB. I have been on several road trips with friends and used these. They work great and can at times have remarkable range. Also, there are always good radios for reasonable prices available on Ebay.

The ARRL is good source for more info: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/classes.html

KE6AGF

[K6UK]

Well this is a subject I know something about!
So I'll chime in:

First of all the good news is that the test for technician is really quite easy, and morse code has now been done away with for ALL license classes! Very good news.

Don't worry about having to ID yourself...it's only every ten minutes that you have to ID. It's not an issue.

The best part of 2Meter or 440 radios is the extensive number of repeaters we are free to use. Here in LA, I can hit the same repeater from Hollywood all the way to deep into Orange County and beyond! Try that on a CB. It's an amazing capability.

Using linked repeaters I can talk from my car to a repeater in AZ, or Tokyo... or Australia! All for free!

Using APRS, I can broadcast my location automatically using my GPS, and my coordinates will be automatically plotted on another APRS stations GPS screen!

So many cool uses for HAM radio with our hobby.

With HF radios, communications around the globe without the use of a repeater is possible.

Oh... and you can even chat with the International Space Station if you're lucky!

I'd be glad to help out getting some people started.
Maybe on one of the trips coming up I can do a little basic training.

I've been considering starting a website for this purpose, I registered www.trailcom.net - maybe I'll get around to it this year.

73,

-Mike

[bulldog]

Cool stuff Mike, it will be great if you can start an education for us. Maybe a good tech write up on HAM radios, antennas, uses, etc. I find that it alwasy good to have such a specific resource available for the future.

I would like to know the major features available and which one sare important for our uses, and also how to use them. In a short to the point reference. This will save countless hours of research.

[K6UK]

Yeah, I'll put something together!

[97kurt]

I did a little research when I got home today and one of the guys that works here is an uber ham radio user so I got a lot of questions answered.

I also took the practice test twice without studing, I just went to google to check a few things and I ended up passing the second time through. So testing for the technician should not be that hard.

I also found some nice hand held radios online in the 100 to 130 price range. I just need to figure out if it would be better to have a 5watt 2meter radio or a 1.5watt 2M/440 dual band. There are some advantages to the dual bands but its to early to make any choice.

[bulldog]

I did a little research when I got home today and one of the guys that works here is an uber ham radio user so I got a lot of questions answered.

I also took the practice test twice without studing, I just went to google to check a few things and I ended up passing the second time through. So testing for the technician should not be that hard.

I also found some nice hand held radios online in the 100 to 130 price range. I just need to figure out if it would be better to have a 5watt 2meter radio or a 1.5watt 2M/440 dual band. There are some advantages to the dual bands but its to early to make any choice.

I would probably shoot for a vehicle mounted radio, to be able to get up to 60W or so. Handheld might be nice if everyone else has a vehicle radio. I like my hadnheld CB as it comes in handy on close range to other vehcile mounted, and the occasional backup on the trail.

[K6UK]

For a handheld, you can't beat the Yaesu VX-170 for price/performance
Its built on a commercial radio chassis, gives you 5 watts, and is very weather resistant (dunkable).
http://www.yaesu.com/ProductImages/VX-170_thumb.jpg

Lots of choices on the mobile radio side - lots of great radios out there.
Other than the Icom 2720H which has a lot of detractors.

[Joel]

Mike, does your FT7800 do APRS out of the box?

[Cruiserhead]

I would not get handheld- I don't think there is much range diff between it and a good cb.
Out in Death Valley, a couple of us needed to contact the group and with the handheld, it was useless. The in-truck units can pump up the power and you can get good antennas. Some guys are getting great range with even a rubber ducky antenna and using only 10-15W power.

I like the 2M for safety/communications.

The Yaesu 1802 is around $150 I think... plus antenna is another $xx depends on what you get.
I like the Icom 208 (small faceplate, change from green to red backlight) but buttons feel noticably cheaper than the Yaesu 7800. Still, I wouldn't mind the Icom. eham.com has alot of ratings and stuff.

Gotta take my test soon!

[expat]

Yaesu FT7800 http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/3780.html

[K6UK]

Mike, does your FT7800 do APRS out of the box?

No, it doesn't - the only radios with buit in APRS TNCs are the Kenwood TM-D700A
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/grafika/products/comm/velike/TM-D700A.jpg

And the Alinco DR-135T/MKIII (which is available with or without the TNC - or you can add it later)
http://www.alinco.com/Products/DR-135/dr135mk3.jpg

I am using a (cheap) dedicated 2 meter radio for APRS, and will be using the OpenTracker2. This new TNC is in beta testing now, but is the most functional and cost effective TNC I have found for APRS use.
https://www.argentdata.com/catalog/images/ot1m-keys.jpg

[tcummings]

I like the HAM radio idea and I have been doing a little research as well. Alot of the guys that come through our area in desert research vehicles use HAM because the cell service is terrible and CB doesn't cover a broad enough range.

This thread comes at a perfect time, because I'd like to find a HAM radio in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the info.

[97kurt]

The more research I do the more sold on the idea I get. One thing to look out for is the reviews on the mobile HAM units. From what I have read the Yaesu models tend to run a little hot so if you plan on mounting in dash that might be a concern. I am leaning towards a mobile model dual band ICOM right now.

Ideally I would like to find a way to not have to carry the CB anymore but there is no "legal" way to have one unit do both.

One more note... If you get a dual band radio (2m/440) you can program it to receive the FRS radio signals. If you want to transmit on FRS with the HAM then that is a question of legality.

[my034runner]

Brett is big in the Ham radio world. He must have four or five radios, handhelds, mounted ones, etc.....
He keeps bugging me to take the test(s), but I Hate Tests!!! Don't have the hours of study time required to learn more.:sleep: :doh:

[Cruiserhead]

Fellas,
I just passed the test and waiting for my call sign. The test is really easy, I just studied last night and today.
hamtestonline and qrz.com practice test for technician license is what you want to look at. I just kept taking practice tests until I got the questions right.

[05sport4x4]

Fellas,
I just passed the test and waiting for my call sign. The test is really easy, I just studied last night and today.
hamtestonline and qrz.com practice test for technician license is what you want to look at. I just kept taking practice tests until I got the questions right.

That's great James. I have taken a few of the online test and did not miss that many. I guess if I practice enough with them there is a chance I could pass.

Do you know if you have renew the license after a period of time or is it good for life? :cow:

[expat]

I have taken a few of the online test and did not miss that many. I guess if I practice enough with them there is a chance I could pass.


I guess I must be the dummmy of the group. I kept getting a few wrong each time and gave up in frustration. Oh well, try again later. Havn't got the radio yet anyhows!

Congrats James.

[Cruiserhead]

When I first took a practice test, I only got 45% right! I didn't know anything!
I aced the test tho.

Test is good for 10 or 12 years, I forget exactly... even tho it was on the test! haha Not bad for $14 ;)

[bulldog]

Nicely done, once you get a handle let us know.

Maybe somebody need to start a thread where folks can list their handles :D

[my034runner]

Nicely done, once you get a handle let us know.

Maybe somebody need to start a thread where folks can list their handles :D



Call signs.

[Duc Hunter]

My grandfather was an old hammy, and I am going to try and get his cal sign, since he has passed away. I know there is a process to do that, just not sure what it is. One of the cool things hammy’s use to do is send each other your “card”. It was like a business card that each one had an you collected them. They have your call number on them and were often dropped into a scrap book of people you talked too. My grandfather had cards from Prime Ministers of AU, government people in Israel, Russia (this was during the cold war even!),……all over. It was a very cool hobby.

I have always found Kenwood’s to be excellent radio's. From their GPRS/FRS to their ham stuff. I will probably get a Kenwood, hands down. I know a ham will be great to have, even though down here in the south east I have not found too many people to wheel and camp with. Ah, I miss living in Northern CA sometimes

[97kurt]

Just found this tutorial site (hope it was not mentioned earlier).

http://www.hamquick.com/tutorial_main.php

Its kinda long but can be done in an hour and you don't have to buy a book. My test date is in two weeks, should be a breeze now.

[expat]

You can do practice tests online but not the actual test, correct?

Is paying the $50 for the Hamtestonline better than the free study notes from hamquick.com?

Thanks
Mark

[97kurt]

I did the trial run with Hamtestonline and it seemed like a good site. But I think reading the info at hamquick and then doing the 12 practice tests at QRZ you should be fine for the Technician exam.

Save the $50 for an antenna.

[expat]

Can you do the final test online?

[Cruiserhead]

no, you have to go to take the test. Usually they have it once a month

check for one close by here
http://www.arrl.org//index.php3

[expat]

God I must be a real dummy. Just trying to memorize all the bandwidths is killing me!

I downloaded then printed 50 pages (25 back to back) of information for the tech class licence. A lot is fairly basic but there's a lot of stuff about capacitors, resistors etc that I haven't had to use since 9th grade physics class.

I am in awe of your guys who can study for a night and get this...urgggggggg...brain hurting....

[zorran]

a tertiary glance made me feel the same way, expat.... this stuff is fairly complicated.....

[expat]

I'm going to post some questions to the gurus. Please help.

I don't get the idea of "packets"...please explain?

How does one actually send "cards" of information (name, date, time, location) to prove a successful long distance comm (say via use of repeaters)?

I still don't get how you would make a phone call having gained permission from someone (club) with a repeater.

Keep it simple for the dummy please.


Thx

Mark

[Cruiserhead]

I think you might be over-analyzing it Mark. Seriously, I am no brain surgeon. I don't know the difference between an amp and flux capacitor.

Just b/c you pass the test doesn't mean you know anything... I sure don't! haha

Besides, you have plenty of time to be frustrated. After the test, you still have to figure out how to operate the radio! damn, it never ends! haha

[expat]

Besides, you have plenty of time to be frustrated. After the test, you still have to figure out how to operate the radio! damn, it never ends! haha

:rotflmao:


Yeah, but the questions I'm asking are from the test booklet so I gather I could be asked to explain...err....make a multiple choice answer. Oh well. :sleep:

[97kurt]

I'm going to post some questions to the gurus. Please help.

I don't get the idea of "packets"...please explain?

How does one actually send "cards" of information (name, date, time, location) to prove a successful long distance comm (say via use of repeaters)?

I still don't get how you would make a phone call having gained permission from someone (club) with a repeater.

Keep it simple for the dummy please.


Thx

Mark

I am no expert but this is how I would answer your questions.

Packets.. I believe this is for digital communication. Like RTTY or APRS, not something you should loose any sleep over.

Cards?? From what I have heard you actually mail a contact card to someone that you made contact with over the air.

If a repeater has a patch line, there is someway you can connect to it with your radio and send DTMF signals (touch tones) to make a call. I've yet to see a test question that had any specifics for it.

Anyways, those are my best guesses to answer your questions. Hopefully Hollywood will come on here and school us :P

Oh yeah, I decided to get the Icom 208H, just gathering the cash for it now. Cant wait.

[expat]

Thanks for the reply Kurt.

I too was looking at the 208

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0208.html $254 with $20 rebate

http://www.hamradio.com/ $274 with $20 rebate

Have you found any better pricing?

Any ideas on antenna?

[97kurt]

The 208 is actually 274 at both stores, then the $20 mail in rebate. I got to hold one today, its tiny.

As for antennas, the comet SBB-1 is small and flexible and would work great for truck to truck and short distances. I think James is running that one and so far from what I read it works fine. The comet SBB-2 is a small step up in size and power and will probably be what I get. I have a roof top tent on order so I will need to get creative as to where I mount it. A larsen glass mount might be a good fit.

Best advice is to find a ham/radio show and just go browse the antennas for a dual band one that will work for you. Single band if you go with just a 2M radio of course.

[expat]

The 208 is actually 274 at both stores, then the $20 mail in rebate.

Got it! Didn't see the last line of HRO


UNIVERSAL RADIO

Icom IC-208H
144/440 MHz Mobile

Order #0208
List Price: $396.00
Your Price: $309.99
Sale Price: $294.95

Less $20 Icom Coupon: $274.95 Valid to 06/30/07

Icom is offering a $20 rebateon the 208HNet price $254.95 The customer must apply to Icom for rebate. Valid to 06/30/07.


.................................................. ...............................................

HAM RADIO OUTLET

1) Manufacturer: ICOM
Item : IC-208H
Description : 2M/440 MOBILE 55W VHF/50 UHF W WIDE RX + 500 MEMS
$294.95 Coupon: $20.00
YOUR HRO PRICE $274.95


Additional information :
Icom Mail-In-Rebate through March 31 2007 - save an extra $20 (therefore your price $254.95)

[Duc Hunter]

Cards are just that, a post card if you will. Each Hammy has their own, with their call letters etc on them. It is a bit of an honor system so in essence you would not send one to anyone unless you talked to them, and over the air got their contact info so you could mail them one. My grandfather had hundreds!

[expat]

Those of you whjo did the practice tests online, did you actually subscribe and pay a fee (eg Hamonline $49) or just do their free trial questions?

Thx.
Mark

[97kurt]

The test was easy!!! I missed 3 out of 35.

I would go pick up a radio but the shop closes early on saturdays. Anyways, the practice questions on QRZ are identical to the actual test.

[Vegas Runner]

The test was easy!!! I missed 3 out of 35.

I would go pick up a radio but the shop closes early on saturdays. Anyways, the practice questions on QRZ are identical to the actual test.

QRZ is a great place to practice. I only missed one. Kurt and I took the test together. I may not be on the air for awhile. I want to see the new Kenwood TM-D701A before I make a purchase decision. I am think about running with a laptop on a Ram mount. But who knows what I will actually do. The AVMAP G4T looks cool but the price is high and the laptop gives some added functionality. I am going to ask my favorite topo software developer Topofusion to consider adding APRS functionality to the software.

[expat]

Congrats guys. Well done. I can only hope to remember all the tech stuff.

[expat]

Passed my Ham test today. I stayed to do the General test seeing as it was included in the cost of the first test. I hadn't studied but they encouraged me to try. I missed passing the General by two questions. The General has a lot of stuff not covered at all by the Tech.

Now I just have to work out where to put all this stuff

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y93/expatozzie/Ham%20radio%20install/hamradiocomponents.jpg

and how to work it :rolleyes:

My purchase list included

1. Yaesu FT7800R transciever
2. Vertex Separation kit YSK-7800
3. Diamond Dual Band High Performance Gain Whip antenna
4. Diamond SPM-NMO Heavy Duty Magnetic Mount
5. Yaesu Advanced Data Management System (computer link)
6. MFJ ClearTone Speaker
7. Yaesu FT7800R laminated Mini Manual
8. 2006 Amateur Radio Repeater Guide for SoCal and Mexico covering 10m, 6m 1.24m, 70cm, 23cm, 33cm

My wife just rolled her eyes! :mad:

[Vegas Runner]

Congratulations. We will soon all be HAMs. That is impressive that you only missed your general by two questions!!!

[Vegas Runner]

Is anyone thinking about APRS? I am leaning stongly towards the Kenwood with the built in APRS. I hope others at least get a radio with a TNC and a tiny tracker.

[97kurt]

Congrats Mark!!!, You missed it by 2 questions!?!?!?!?! Wow, I was to scared to even try that test.

Also good choice on radios

[expat]

Luckily for me, I covered some of the General test items from teaching science to Ninth Graders in Oz, plus I use to be into building basic radio sets when I was into CB back in the early 80's. The dad of my girlfriend of the time was into home based Ham operations and we used to fool around with circuitry. I blew up lots of fuses and amplifiers in those days and was the monkey who had to climb on the roof to put up antennas.

I once was involved in building a base station antenna mast that was 80ft tall that was to be used by friends of mine who lived in the remote area of the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales. My friends dad, who was 76 at the time, climbed the antenna mast to place the antenna on top. Those mountain men were tough old buggers.

I wasn't intending to do the General test (and won't again) but the guy who was sitting in front of me encouraged me to just have a go. Like he said, nothing to loose, as it was included in the original $14. They testing guys also said the same thing when I went up to be notified that I had passed the Tech. test. They almost put the paper in my hand before they even asked if I wanted to do it. The guy in front of me told me the General test wasn't much different from the Tech test, but I later found out, it was! More technical stuff. Much less common sense stuff. There were about 16 people being tested, about 8 Tech., 5 General and 3 Extra Class. Three of use Tech people tried the General - no-one passed. 2 of the General's tried the Extra and one passed. That guy said he had been studying for the Extra for months!

[Dealmaker]

Total noob question...does anyone make a radio unit that would fit in a double-DIN space that would operate as AM/FM and HAM, and also have an input jack to plug an IPod in to?? Or is that too much to ask for?

[Vegas Runner]

Total noob question...does anyone make a radio unit that would fit in a double-DIN space that would operate as AM/FM and HAM, and also have an input jack to plug an IPod in to?? Or is that too much to ask for?

Total noob answer...Too much to ask for.

[K6UK]

Well... actually check out that new Yaesu coming out.
It's not a head unit - but it does have AM/FM Stereo reception... and I believe an audio input. More details will follow I'm sure, but here is some addtional info:

http://www.hamradio.co.uk/news.shtml?nws=34

[Teotwaki]

Jeez, all this ham talk! :oink: I had to go dust off my license to even remember the call sign. On the next outings I'll bring along a handheld to be able to yak with you noobies. Glad to see new folks climbing aboard a cool hobby!! :bigok:

[expat]

Any of you guys who completed the test recently got your call sign yet? The test admin guy said mine should be up by last Friday but so far no joy....:cry:

[Vegas Runner]

Not yet......

[Vegas Runner]

Got mine: KE7MWY

[K6UK]

Congratulations!
Let me know what repeater you inhabit out there... maybe we can use a repeater link to talk through.

-Mike

[97kurt]

Its official!!!

KE7MWX


I will fill out the vanity app tomorrow ;)

[K6UK]

It's pretty cool you guys are sequential!

[97kurt]

Funny thing is he finished the test before me...

Anyways, congrats Expat, looks like you are KI6JHQ

I get the 447.000 irlp western repeater clear as day out here. We should figure out a time to see if we can all hear each other. I dont think Ed has picked his radio up yet but my 208h is ready to go.

[my034runner]

Stupid question, but hey, you know me!
Are the call signs assigned random, or can you somehow request one, if available?:confused:

[K6UK]

They are released in order, but you can request (and pay for) a "Vanity Call"
See http://www.vanityhq.com/ for all the ins and outs of getting the one you want.

Of course the class of your license still determines the length of the callsign.

-Mike

[97kurt]

They have a pattern...

Typically they begin with a N,K,W etc... Followed by another character, a number and then 3 letters.

Vanity ones can be applied for, for technicians you can do
(N,K,W) number (a-z)(a-z)(a-z)
or
(K,W)(a-z) number (a-z)(a-z)(a-z)

[K6UK]

The number determines what area you are licensed in (for example California is 6) you can request a callsign with a different number than your home... but that would defeat the purpose of the number.

Vanity HQ will help you determine which calls are available, and which ones are about to be available. It is what helped me get K6UK - which was lucky since California long ago ran out of 1X2 call signs.

Unfortunately no calls ending in 4RNR are available at the moment :(

-Mike

[my034runner]

Thanks for the info Kurt & Mike.:cool1:

I was thinking of something like my license plate, something that I'd remember.:o:

But it has three (3) numbers in sequence that I'd like. But, I guess that if there isn't a three number sequence, then that wouldn't work.

I guess I need to not put the cart before the horse, and get around to getting it soon. Then worry about the call sign.:D

[Vegas Runner]

Congratulations!
Let me know what repeater you inhabit out there... maybe we can use a repeater link to talk through.

-Mike

It may be awhile before I get a radio. I want to see what features and price the TM-D710A has. Also I am hoping that even if I dont get the TM-D710A that the price on the TM-D700A will drop.

[expat]

Anyways, congrats Expat, looks like you are KI6JHQ



Ok, where are you getting that from. I've been using the ARRL data base for days with no records found and even when I type in the above call sign I get no records?????????:pissed1:

I want my call sign damn it. I've been so tempted to break into some conversations this week with a bogus number :nono:

[expat]

Nevermind. Found it on the FCC database http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp

I have been trying for days to work out a decent call sign but come up short.

Any suggestions?

Anything pertaining to EXPATOZ or WHITE.

I assume you have to retain A number in the call sign?

[K6UK]

I like W6XPT which is available.

[my034runner]

I like W6XPT which is available.



Mike, that's perfect, AND available!!!!
I guess that's why you work in the movies!:bow: :rockon:

Great creativity! The W-for White, the 6 for Cal., and you got the XPT for Expat!!!:bow: :bow:

[expat]

I like W6XPT which is available.

That's pretty darn good. Thx.

[my034runner]

That's pretty darn good. Thx.



Mark, you better Jump on that one!! You ain't getting anything better than that for sure!!:rockon: :wavey:

[expat]

Mark, you better Jump on that one!! You ain't getting anything better than that for sure!!:rockon: :wavey:

Already have it listed as one of my choices. We shall see...:drink:

[Asolo]

Test is good for 10 or 12 years, I forget exactly... even tho it was on the test! haha Not bad for $14 ;)

Just for clarification for people perusing this thread (as it's listed in the FAQ), ham licenses are good for 10 years. Near the end of the period, you have a window to renew the license for a small cost (memory serves me thinking $10-$15 range last time I renewed mine). This renewal is good for another 10 years...no more tests, unless you want to upgrade your license class to a higher class with more privileges.

Kevin

[my034runner]

I'm doing the Ham Test Online study thing in the little spare time I have. There's a test coming up soon. See if I can maybe pass it. :cool1:

[expat]

You'll be fine Robert. Good luck. Have you come up with a fancy callsign yet?

[my034runner]

You'll be fine Robert. Good luck. Have you come up with a fancy callsign yet?


W666DV :devil: :devil: :devil: :jester:

[expat]

Hahaha