- Location
- Sandy, Ut
I am working on getting my HAM licencse (tech), just wondering who is, what equipment you run, etc...
Any HAM radio nerds here?
- Thread starter cruiseroutfit
- Start date
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
way2nosty said:
Don't bring your drama to my thread...
Is this where I check in? I have a Yaesu FT-7100 for the vehicles, and Yaesu FT-51R for the handheld. Never been real happy with my handheld, but it is ok. The mobile I have liked and used the most.
If you have questions let me know. The test is a typical government test where you study like mad, take the test, pass it easily, then forget everything 15 minutes later. What they test on is good info to know, but since you don't work with it every day it is quickly forgotten. I like to plug the local ham radio store just because it is local, and I would like to see local support stay around. The store is on state street and approx 80th south, on the west side. Look for a store called "some dudes hobby store" Bob is the owner, and can give you some good ideas too.
If you have questions let me know. The test is a typical government test where you study like mad, take the test, pass it easily, then forget everything 15 minutes later. What they test on is good info to know, but since you don't work with it every day it is quickly forgotten. I like to plug the local ham radio store just because it is local, and I would like to see local support stay around. The store is on state street and approx 80th south, on the west side. Look for a store called "some dudes hobby store" Bob is the owner, and can give you some good ideas too.
shrubeck
Mmm Commulicious
- Location
- Grand Junction
I have had my license for about 11 years now. I don't currently have a radio though.
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
Thanks for the reply, I have had a couple guys pimp the local shop, I am all about supporting the local business, thus I need to stop by and check out his place. Seems the 3 decent units to buy are Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood... though I know a satisfied Tandy owner too.
dungbeetle
Registered User
- Location
- Provo
My callsign is KC7KK.... my HF radios are Icom, I have some Yaesus for VHF.
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
dungbeetle said:
OK, give me the quick run down on when/why you would use the HF versus VHF?
Is a dual band sufficient?
Take it easy on the tech jargon, I am a rook!
My dual bands do both 2 meter and 70 cm. Your license will cover both of those bands. I use 2 Meter 95% of the time, it gets more distance, and is more common with the other geeks. The 70cm opens up more options. There was one I listened to alot that was a local repeater that linked into the internet. You could use it to talk to people from all over the world just while driving home.
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
Seems like 2M is a given but what other options are there besides 70cm? 6M?
cruiseroutfit said:
2m and 70 cm are good for talking around town, or hit a repeater and get outside the valley. Link a few repeaters up and you can get around the state. That is what you will use in your rig to talk to others or find some in town when you are broke down in the sticks somewhere. The sound is usually very clear, but the distance is limited more. Pretty much you can always find someone to talk to.
6m and 10m will get outside the valley more, but not as clear, but you can get out of state often, or find other is the western US if you are patient, or know where to look
20m and 40m are common for long distance, around the US and even over seas. Depending of clouds, sun spots, northern lights, etc one will sometimes work better than others. You can often find a clear conversation; sometimes you can hear them better than they hear you of visa versa. Now you will be getting into more specialized antennas, and not so much of the portable radios
80m and 160m are used for world wide stuff. I have never used them much, but they are another option.
There are a ton of exceptions to all of this. I just say that as a description as I understand it, and to keep it as geek free as possible. I am a technician, and have not upgraded to general yet. So for me the 2m and 70cm is where I kind of stay anyways because I can participate more.
Look out for the UARC (Utah Amateur Radio Club) that is based out of SLC. I always participate in their field day contest. Go to that this summer and you will learn tons, and get to use the big radios because you can operate under their club call sign.
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
rusted said:
I have been watching their website for upcoming testing dates, I also want to check out their swapmeet... the field day sounds cool too.
I just ordered a HAM training book yesterday, hopefully it will bring me up to speed on all the different topics. I have taken the online tests and damn near passed without any formal studying.
I'm excited to get into these... a fellow U4BOD member (Larry) gave me the whole scoop at our Summer Convention this year... I was intrigued yet shocked I wasn't into this sooner. Reliable trail communication, a must!
Don't sweat the test, if you are passing that well I bet you breeze through the test. How I passed was I bought a book called "look who's talking" I think that radio shack sells it. In the back of the book there is a list of every possible question, and the correct answer. There is a limited question pool. I read the question / correct answers, studied the parts did not make sense, or parts where you would have to know a formula to get the right answer. I never even looked at the wrong answers. When I took the test I only chose answers that looked familiar. I only missed 2 or 3 questions on the whole test, so I took the general test (never even looked at it before) and only missed the general exam by a few points. If I would have known I would have studied for it a little too.
kirk86CJ
Registered User
- Location
- Riverton, Ut
I bought the same book, and decided it was too much info. I think I found a more efficient way to pass the test.
I printed this document. Seem like its about 12 pages. Every sentence is a possible question - if I remember right.
Study Manual
Then, I used these two online practice tests - probably took about 30-40 tests.
eham tests
QRZ Tests
Again, I liked this method for just passing the test. Not the best way to actually learn about ham radios. I passed it the first time - I think I missed 2 questions.
Kirk
I printed this document. Seem like its about 12 pages. Every sentence is a possible question - if I remember right.
Study Manual
Then, I used these two online practice tests - probably took about 30-40 tests.
eham tests
QRZ Tests
Again, I liked this method for just passing the test. Not the best way to actually learn about ham radios. I passed it the first time - I think I missed 2 questions.
Kirk
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
kirk86CJ said:
Thanks for the test links, I've been playing ont he QRZ one, but I want to try the eham one too...
PS, my book just showed up, so time to study (after work & finals
)
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
Nerds....
KE7FYQ going 73
Wait, I am one...
I need to spend some time with my manual and figure out what that thing can do...
KE7FYQ going 73
Wait, I am one...
I need to spend some time with my manual and figure out what that thing can do...
It might be fun to take it a step further, instead of just holding a net, do a once a year (or more) field day practice. Setup up a contrived emergency (get someone to roll over on purpose) and then set up a recovery operation with a base command, hasty team, recovery team, clean up, etc. For that matter we could set up a 4x4 arm of the ARES groups, but I don't have the energy or time to take it to that stage right now.
EZ
EZ