Radio Communications Discussions

[Lars]

I'll start a new topic on this front to gauge interest.

Is there interest in a discussion on the various forms of radio communication available to non military and LEO types?

Is there interest in a class on Amateur Radio Licensing to help prep for the test?

Is there interest in a round table discussion on communications with one or more "Experts?"

Thanks in advance.

 

[haldir]

I have always been interested in getting into amateur radio. It just seems like it takes a pretty good investment to start, then what if I don't like it.

 

[Lars]

I have always been interested in getting into amateur radio. It just seems like it takes a pretty good investment to start, then what if I don't like it.

I advocate purchasing used equipment. Keeping all the boxes manuals and such. and if you find you're not hooked, you can most likely sell the gear for almost exactly what you paid for it.

Ham gear doesn't depreciate the same way guns, cars, and computers do. the IC-746pro I purchased used 5 years old, is identical to the brand new one you might purchase tomorrow

 

[2ADMNLOVER]

I've never considered seriously getting into ham radio but I would like to know more about it in general .

 

[techres]

I am very interested. A portable ham set is high on my list of items to get.

 

[haldir]

I advocate purchasing used equipment. Keeping all the boxes manuals and such. and if you find you're not hooked, you can most likely sell the gear for almost exactly what you paid for it.

Ham gear doesn't depreciate the same way guns, cars, and computers do. the IC-746pro I purchased used 5 years old, is identical to the brand new one you might purchase tomorrow

Does one find this used gear on line?

 

[Lars]

Yes, you can find the used gear online. Most hams are going to require you to be licensed before they'll sell you transceivers though. It's not a "legal" requirement, however like guns, hams think it's important to make sure the people getting the goods are "proper persons"

places like qrz.com have a swapmeet forum. As does qth.com. There are also a number of Ham Fests, (think the Indy 1500, for hams) including a fairly large one in Fort Wayne in November, and the worlds largest in Dayton OH each March.

 

[haldir]

How much money at a minimum would I need to spend to get started with a decent rig?

 

[Lars]

Ranges from ~ $200 new for a good handheld. to Thousands for a desktop station.
you should really convince others they want a class, since how you would use it determines what "it" should be.

 

[redneckmedic]

My grandfather is pres of his community Hammy Club, we have talked but I would like to get a cert I am def in.

 

[haldir]

I am all the way up North though.

 

[Farmritch]

I'ts like any other hobby,
Some guys give or lend equipment, there is tons of used equipment out there.
You can start with a small older used piece or start at the gold level
Ebay and Hamfests are a good place to find used , also a place to put a face with a call sign.
I'm using some equipment here from 1939 and my newest equipment is maybe 5 years old. it all works well and it all has it's own purpose in life
You have to have an interest in electronics,antennas,or just general conversation with strangers. but there has to be an intertrest or it's no fun.
It's also something that requires work on your part, to learn some electronics, operating procedure and antenna & propagation therory.
I have friends north of the boarder that I've been chatting with almost every evening ( from November till March) for the last 3 or 4 years and the past 2 springs have taken trips to Toronto & London ON areas just to meet these guys face to face.
The whole family stopped by and we had supper with another family 2 years ago we'd never met face to face before that day in Ontario
I've been a ham going on 31 years now have met and talked with many people over the years some for just a few minutes and others many times. I enjoy it very much.
I was an Army Mars operator for a while, was and still am in St Joe county CD or RACES, have worked a few special events but have never worked any real disasters, but every time I turn on a piece of equipment or work on an antenna, I am making my self ready if I am ever needed.

I'll admit Ham radio is not what it was 20 or more years ago with cell phones every one has a communicator in thier hand , but I remember 25 years ago we carried hand helds and were able to make phone calls ( autopatch ) from out 2 meter rigs it was really cool.
But I can tell you if there are ever any emergencies Hams will be there to help and we will be the ones who will communicate while the ones with cell in hand will be very out of touch

 

[AFA1CY]

Does one find this used gear on line?

AES Used & Demo Lists

http://javascript<b></b>:openWindow('http://www.aesham.com/text/used.txt');

Go to bottom of page and click Display Used List

 

[bblicharski]

i have been a ham since i was 12 or 13, 20 now. I will try to help
73s Kd7sdy

 

[jerico616]

I've ham my technician license for over a year now and i love it! I'm studying for my General license right now.

But with minimal investment, I have a 65 watt mobile rig in my SUV and two hand held radios. I also have a borrowed HF rig, but it isn't hooked up currently as I am not licensed to operate with it, yet.

 

[AFA1CY]

I've ham my technician license for over a year now and i love it! I'm studying for my General license right now.

... snip ...

Do a little more studying and go for the Extra. Not all that much more difficult.

 

[Justus]

I've ham my technician license for over a year now and i love it! I'm studying for my General license right now.

But with minimal investment, I have a 65 watt mobile rig in my SUV and two hand held radios. I also have a borrowed HF rig, but it isn't hooked up currently as I am not licensed to operate with it, yet.

Sure you are!
You have voice freqs on 10m and you can use CW on most of the other bands with your tech license.
10 meter is hit and miss right now but it's still fun trying.

 

[jerico616]

Yes, I am aware that I can operate on CW, but that means I need to know CW, first! I started studying it, but then my wife and I had another baby. SO now I have three children ages, 5, 3 and 6 months. My children really monopolize my time right now, so learning CW is on hold.

As for the Extra class, I am considering that as well.

 

[jerico616]

On another note, I did spend some time in the parking lot this morning with a co-worker who allowed me to make my first satellite contact. Pretty cool!

 

[Sailor]

A tech can psk31 on 10 meters correct?

I just got a software defined radio receiver kit for $10, going to try my hand at building it before I jump to the transceiver kit.