This thread is devoted to amateur (HAM) radios. Since GMRS/FRS and CB are pretty dang simple and common, please leave them out of here.
I will update this thread with good radio resources. I don't need to regurgitate the information you can find there, as many people have spent countless time putting together excellent resources for us to enjoy! Feel free to put links up to helpful sites to help others out.
Sent from my safe space
HAM Radios
-
DamageWagon
- Vendor
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- Model Year: 2011
- Location: Portland, OR
- Contact:
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DamageWagon
- Vendor
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:21 am
- Model Year: 2011
- Location: Portland, OR
- Contact:
Re: HAM Radios
This is my Yaesu FT-2900R. 75-watts, 2m band, mil-spec construction and an affordable price. There was no question for me which one to get. It is pored to a Larsen NMO-150BK that will be mounted through the roof of my truck.
Sent from my safe space
Sent from my safe space
Re: HAM Radios
Sweet setup damagewagon!!! aearles clued me in on repeaterbook app, do you have it for your phone? There are 7 repeaters within 6 miles of my house!
I am just going to be modifying my Rugged Radio (RH-5R) for now and see how I like it, then I may sink more $$$ into HAM goodies later. I've had the Rugged Radio for quite a while now but have never gotten a chance to use it. (bought it to use when helping out at local 4x4 events but then they changed radio types right after I got it, DOH!) But, now I ordered:
Cord to plug between radio and computer to do Chirp
Magnetic UHF/VHF antenna
Handheld speaker/mic (to make it more convenient than having to grab the radio every time)
Clip mount (give me an excuse to drill more holes in my dash, lol!)
I am just going to be modifying my Rugged Radio (RH-5R) for now and see how I like it, then I may sink more $$$ into HAM goodies later. I've had the Rugged Radio for quite a while now but have never gotten a chance to use it. (bought it to use when helping out at local 4x4 events but then they changed radio types right after I got it, DOH!) But, now I ordered:
Cord to plug between radio and computer to do Chirp
Magnetic UHF/VHF antenna
Handheld speaker/mic (to make it more convenient than having to grab the radio every time)
Clip mount (give me an excuse to drill more holes in my dash, lol!)
Re: HAM Radios
That yaesu looks cool as heck! Will the antenna fit the whole that's already in your roof?
-
nts007
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2284
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Sask, Canada, Earth
Re: HAM Radios
Alright next question. What does the repeater allow me to do. I searched them and the closest is about 30-35 miles away. But what does that mean. Can I use repeaters to chat with the U.S.? I'm seriously looking at a setup like your DWag
Edit
Never mind I looked into the repeater systems and I'll pass for now. Think I will just use the radios like a normal person when needed. Need to brush up on my morse code of i want to get a license. Doable.
Edit
Never mind I looked into the repeater systems and I'll pass for now. Think I will just use the radios like a normal person when needed. Need to brush up on my morse code of i want to get a license. Doable.
Last edited by nts007 on Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more
Re: HAM Radios
VHF/UHF frequencies are basically line of sight, you're limited in how far you can transmit by obstructions and the curvature of the earth. Repeaters are radios with antennas generally mounted high in the air to increase range. They listen on one frequency and retransmit what's heard on another over a far greater distance because of their power and height advantages.
This explains it better than I can:
http://www.hamradioschool.com/how-far-c ... -my-radio/
This explains it better than I can:
http://www.hamradioschool.com/how-far-c ... -my-radio/
Last edited by aearles on Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:09 pm, edited 3 times in total.
2015 Laramie | 35" KO2's, WKOR Sliders, AEV Diff Covers, ARE Z Series Cap, Viair 450 OBA, Kenwood D710G.
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
Re: HAM Radios
I put together a quick licensing guide for getting your tech since I had a few questions from the Moab group.
It's basically a cut up version of HRS's intro here: http://www.hamradioschool.com/getting-s ... ham-radio/
FCC Licensing:
To become a ham radio operator you must obtain a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is the federal governing body overseeing the Amateur Radio Service, known colloquially as ham radio.
The FCC currently issues three different amateur radio license levels, or classes: (1) Technician License Class, (2) General License Class, and (3) Extra License Class. The Technician License Class is the introductory level license and it must be earned first. The General License Class is an intermediate license level that may be earned after Technician Class. The Extra Class license may be earned following General Class.
What’s the difference among these license classes? Transmit frequency privileges. The FCC license grants you the privilege of transmitting on a range of frequencies that have been allocated specifically for use by the Amateur Radio Service. As you move up in license class from Technician to General to Extra Class the range of frequencies on which you may transmit is expanded, with the Extra Class license granting full utilization of all Amateur Radio Service frequencies. But the introductory Technician Class license offers a fantastic set of frequency capabilities right from the git-go!
If your goal is mobile-to-mobile, handheld, or repeater communications with a VHF/UHF radio, the Technician Class License is all that is required. So let’s consider the practical matter of getting that Technician Class license.
License Examination:
Each license class is earned by passing an examination that tests your knowledge of amateur radio rules, regulations, operating procedures, and technical topics. A pool of exam questions has been established for each license class, and your examination will be comprised of questions drawn from the question pool. Each question pool is revised on a four-year cycle. As of this writing, the last Technician Class question pool revision was affected July 1, 2014 and it will be valid until June 30, 2018. The question pools are released to the public for the development of study materials and for individual examinee study and practice.
The current Technician Class question pool contains 426 questions, each a 4-response multiple-choice format. That is, after reading the question you select the correct answer as A, B, C, or D response. The Technician Class exam is comprised of 35 questions selected from the question pool. You must obtain a minimum score of 26 correct responses, or 74%, to pass the exam.
There is no longer a requirement to demonstrate competency in Morse Code for any license class exam. Very simply, you must pass the multiple-choice test to get your ham radio license.
The question pools are formulated by the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC). The exams are administered across the US by Volunteer Examiners (VEs) who have become certified and are sanctioned by the FCC to maintain the question pools and to conduct examinations. The VEs are licensed hams who volunteer their time and service to administer the examinations and help others become licensed.
SOURCE (Edited): http://www.hamradioschool.com/getting-s ... ham-radio/
Study Resources:
Technician Question Pool (Only Correct Answers): http://www.w6nbc.com/documents/techrightanswers.pdf
Technician Question Pool (All Answers): http://www.w6nbc.com/documents/2014%20Tech%20Pool.pdf
Testing Tips:
From many dozens of successful sessions, we've isolated the KEYS to success. We explain these before each session, but if you'll master them in advance, you'll achieve maximum efficiency in your session. They maximize your short-term memory.
1. Do not think, or try to undestand.
Your ONLY objective is to match questions to answers in a session. Feeling that you MUST understand the question is a serious hinderance. You will answer fewer questions by insisting that you understand. Trust your short-term memory, it is very good. Our success rate proves that it works.
2. Read ONLY the question, then ONLY the RIGHT answer.
If you read the wrong answers it will confuse your short-term memory. You'll have more chance of recognizing the correct anwser if it is the only one you have read.
3. "Hook" the answer.
Use memory hooks, even if they're unusual, to remember the answers. Use whatever comes to your mind -- to connect the answers to questions. It does not matter if your hooks have nothing whatsoever to do with the meaning of the questions. For example, if you can recognize a correct answer only because it's your aunt's birthday, it makes no difference.
4. Don't use a highlighter pen.
Highlighting answers is an inefficient use of time. A small mark, if you feel you still need one, is okay, but you'll do better if you don't slow down to highlight.
5. Go over each section several times if possible.
Read rapidly enough to be able to go back over each section more than once. Rapid repetition improves short-term memory. Remember, don't think or try to understand. Federal law expects you to learn what the questios mean by the active experience of being a ham, not before you get your license. All the law requires is that you thoroughly read the rules.
6. Do not study with someone else.
It is slower to orally quiz another person than to read silently to yourself. Most who have tried this have failed.
SOURCE: http://www.w6nbc.com/headstart.html
Find an Exam Session:
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-rad ... am-session
https://www.laurelvec.com/?pg=exams
http://www.w5yi.org/exam_locations_ama.php
Laurel exam sessions are free and they submit the paperwork to the FCC electronically, this usually results in a callsign being issued next business day. You may also want to lookup ham radio clubs in your immediate area, many offer testing sessions and list their exam schedule on their websites.
You will need to bring the following items to your exam:
1. A photo ID such as a state-issued driver’s license.
2. Your social security number (SSN) or an FCC-issued Federal Registration Number (FRN). You can obtain a FRN by registering with the FCC in advance of your VE session. FCC registration info here: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?j ... ng_started
3. A number 2 pencil, and a spare, just in case!
4. A conventional calculator with all memories cleared. Cell phone calculators are not allowable, and phones should be silenced or turned off during the exam.
5. A check, cash, or money order for the VE exam fees, usually about $15.00.
It's basically a cut up version of HRS's intro here: http://www.hamradioschool.com/getting-s ... ham-radio/
FCC Licensing:
To become a ham radio operator you must obtain a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC is the federal governing body overseeing the Amateur Radio Service, known colloquially as ham radio.
The FCC currently issues three different amateur radio license levels, or classes: (1) Technician License Class, (2) General License Class, and (3) Extra License Class. The Technician License Class is the introductory level license and it must be earned first. The General License Class is an intermediate license level that may be earned after Technician Class. The Extra Class license may be earned following General Class.
What’s the difference among these license classes? Transmit frequency privileges. The FCC license grants you the privilege of transmitting on a range of frequencies that have been allocated specifically for use by the Amateur Radio Service. As you move up in license class from Technician to General to Extra Class the range of frequencies on which you may transmit is expanded, with the Extra Class license granting full utilization of all Amateur Radio Service frequencies. But the introductory Technician Class license offers a fantastic set of frequency capabilities right from the git-go!
If your goal is mobile-to-mobile, handheld, or repeater communications with a VHF/UHF radio, the Technician Class License is all that is required. So let’s consider the practical matter of getting that Technician Class license.
License Examination:
Each license class is earned by passing an examination that tests your knowledge of amateur radio rules, regulations, operating procedures, and technical topics. A pool of exam questions has been established for each license class, and your examination will be comprised of questions drawn from the question pool. Each question pool is revised on a four-year cycle. As of this writing, the last Technician Class question pool revision was affected July 1, 2014 and it will be valid until June 30, 2018. The question pools are released to the public for the development of study materials and for individual examinee study and practice.
The current Technician Class question pool contains 426 questions, each a 4-response multiple-choice format. That is, after reading the question you select the correct answer as A, B, C, or D response. The Technician Class exam is comprised of 35 questions selected from the question pool. You must obtain a minimum score of 26 correct responses, or 74%, to pass the exam.
There is no longer a requirement to demonstrate competency in Morse Code for any license class exam. Very simply, you must pass the multiple-choice test to get your ham radio license.
The question pools are formulated by the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC). The exams are administered across the US by Volunteer Examiners (VEs) who have become certified and are sanctioned by the FCC to maintain the question pools and to conduct examinations. The VEs are licensed hams who volunteer their time and service to administer the examinations and help others become licensed.
SOURCE (Edited): http://www.hamradioschool.com/getting-s ... ham-radio/
Study Resources:
Technician Question Pool (Only Correct Answers): http://www.w6nbc.com/documents/techrightanswers.pdf
Technician Question Pool (All Answers): http://www.w6nbc.com/documents/2014%20Tech%20Pool.pdf
Testing Tips:
From many dozens of successful sessions, we've isolated the KEYS to success. We explain these before each session, but if you'll master them in advance, you'll achieve maximum efficiency in your session. They maximize your short-term memory.
1. Do not think, or try to undestand.
Your ONLY objective is to match questions to answers in a session. Feeling that you MUST understand the question is a serious hinderance. You will answer fewer questions by insisting that you understand. Trust your short-term memory, it is very good. Our success rate proves that it works.
2. Read ONLY the question, then ONLY the RIGHT answer.
If you read the wrong answers it will confuse your short-term memory. You'll have more chance of recognizing the correct anwser if it is the only one you have read.
3. "Hook" the answer.
Use memory hooks, even if they're unusual, to remember the answers. Use whatever comes to your mind -- to connect the answers to questions. It does not matter if your hooks have nothing whatsoever to do with the meaning of the questions. For example, if you can recognize a correct answer only because it's your aunt's birthday, it makes no difference.
4. Don't use a highlighter pen.
Highlighting answers is an inefficient use of time. A small mark, if you feel you still need one, is okay, but you'll do better if you don't slow down to highlight.
5. Go over each section several times if possible.
Read rapidly enough to be able to go back over each section more than once. Rapid repetition improves short-term memory. Remember, don't think or try to understand. Federal law expects you to learn what the questios mean by the active experience of being a ham, not before you get your license. All the law requires is that you thoroughly read the rules.
6. Do not study with someone else.
It is slower to orally quiz another person than to read silently to yourself. Most who have tried this have failed.
SOURCE: http://www.w6nbc.com/headstart.html
Find an Exam Session:
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-rad ... am-session
https://www.laurelvec.com/?pg=exams
http://www.w5yi.org/exam_locations_ama.php
Laurel exam sessions are free and they submit the paperwork to the FCC electronically, this usually results in a callsign being issued next business day. You may also want to lookup ham radio clubs in your immediate area, many offer testing sessions and list their exam schedule on their websites.
You will need to bring the following items to your exam:
1. A photo ID such as a state-issued driver’s license.
2. Your social security number (SSN) or an FCC-issued Federal Registration Number (FRN). You can obtain a FRN by registering with the FCC in advance of your VE session. FCC registration info here: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?j ... ng_started
3. A number 2 pencil, and a spare, just in case!
4. A conventional calculator with all memories cleared. Cell phone calculators are not allowable, and phones should be silenced or turned off during the exam.
5. A check, cash, or money order for the VE exam fees, usually about $15.00.
2015 Laramie | 35" KO2's, WKOR Sliders, AEV Diff Covers, ARE Z Series Cap, Viair 450 OBA, Kenwood D710G.
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
-
nts007
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2284
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Sask, Canada, Earth
Re: HAM Radios
I have been looking to the requirements where I am (Canada)
This is where I'm finding source information
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.ns ... 01008.html
"A series of 100 questions"
70% qualifies as a pass for basic license
80% qualifies for a basic 'plus' license allowing for more frequency allowance.
So my question is this. For any use with this or other ham radio is it a total requirement to have a license? Or is an amature un licensed user allowed to use the radio setup for short range communication point to point with no repeaters and low power ect.
Now I'm going to answer my question with -yes- you have to be licenced to use the ham frequencies for -transmit- only. You can listen all you want.
So my final questions are this. Should I get the radio? Is it beneficial without having a license? I have the ability to listen only right now. Should I get my basic license?
Don't get me wrong I love a challenge and I enjoy technical details like the rest of some of us.
Just trying to measure viability and value right now.
Thanks aearles
You too DWag!
This is where I'm finding source information
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.ns ... 01008.html
"A series of 100 questions"
70% qualifies as a pass for basic license
80% qualifies for a basic 'plus' license allowing for more frequency allowance.
So my question is this. For any use with this or other ham radio is it a total requirement to have a license? Or is an amature un licensed user allowed to use the radio setup for short range communication point to point with no repeaters and low power ect.
Now I'm going to answer my question with -yes- you have to be licenced to use the ham frequencies for -transmit- only. You can listen all you want.
So my final questions are this. Should I get the radio? Is it beneficial without having a license? I have the ability to listen only right now. Should I get my basic license?
Don't get me wrong I love a challenge and I enjoy technical details like the rest of some of us.
Just trying to measure viability and value right now.
Thanks aearles
You too DWag!
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more
Re: HAM Radios
How long does a technician test usually take? There is one right near where my inlaws live the weekend we'll be there visiting but, if it takes a loooong time, my wife will be pissed at me! The convenience of its location is tough to pass up, it's way closer than any around our house are!
Well, also, another good question to ask, is how many hours worth of studying do you reckon it would take to pass technician test? The test I speak of above is only 2 weeks away so, with work and spousal obligations, that may not be enough study time.
Well, also, another good question to ask, is how many hours worth of studying do you reckon it would take to pass technician test? The test I speak of above is only 2 weeks away so, with work and spousal obligations, that may not be enough study time.
Re: HAM Radios
You're right @nts007, at least in the US, using the radio to transmit in any capacity does require a license. You can certainly get started on your install, and use the radio to receive only to get familiar with terminology and see if there's any repeater activity in your area. Many radios can be modified to transmit out of the amateur frequencies, to be used on FRS/GMRS/MURS (these are different in Canada), but that is also against the law because those services require type accepted (FCC part95) hardware, and have specific hardware limitations regulated so Amatuer equipment is not approved for use. I'd go for it... you'll be more committed (and excited) to getting the license!
Last edited by aearles on Thu Mar 02, 2017 11:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2015 Laramie | 35" KO2's, WKOR Sliders, AEV Diff Covers, ARE Z Series Cap, Viair 450 OBA, Kenwood D710G.
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
Re: HAM Radios
Honestly @RAM4ROKS, that depends on you, but I'd bet it takes you 30 minutes to complete. It's 35 multi choice questions that you've already memorized, you can probably do it in 5 but the paper work and class structure takes a little time.
As for study, memorize some of the content and take some practice tests until you're passing consistently, I'd say 4-6 hours. I got my general in 2 days of intermittent study.
As for study, memorize some of the content and take some practice tests until you're passing consistently, I'd say 4-6 hours. I got my general in 2 days of intermittent study.
2015 Laramie | 35" KO2's, WKOR Sliders, AEV Diff Covers, ARE Z Series Cap, Viair 450 OBA, Kenwood D710G.
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
-
chromedragon
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 144
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 2:20 pm
- Contact:
Re: HAM Radios
I look forward to seeing your install when its done I am looking for a good way to put one in my rig with out it being obvious. I have had issues with where i have to park my rig so i have stayed with my HT radios for now but it would be nice not to have the thing bouncing all over the cab while i drive and i can just listen and scan the repeater maps of my area.
2006 Power Wagon Quad Cab Manual Moto Rims stock size, Cooper ATP, Dynatrac Ball joints, Dynatrac Free spin kit with Warn hubs, AmSteel blue 7/16 x 100' synthetics rope from Custom splice, Sony BT 602 stereo and backup camera etc. Rancho 9000XL adjustable shocks.
Special Licenses:
FAA Airframe and Power Plant
FCC Technician (Ham) KK6YCI
“An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”
"No statement should be believed because it is made by an authority.
Robert A. Heinlein
Special Licenses:
FAA Airframe and Power Plant
FCC Technician (Ham) KK6YCI
“An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.”
"No statement should be believed because it is made by an authority.
Robert A. Heinlein
Re: HAM Radios
Here's my D710 install. The head unit is detachable if necessary.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/32db4w6cckf8w ... 5%2027.png
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqct23jafo3nf ... 0%2020.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wxvbe8lirzs91 ... 4%2014.jpg
Damn img tags aren't working with Dropbox URLS.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/32db4w6cckf8w ... 5%2027.png
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqct23jafo3nf ... 0%2020.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wxvbe8lirzs91 ... 4%2014.jpg
Damn img tags aren't working with Dropbox URLS.
2015 Laramie | 35" KO2's, WKOR Sliders, AEV Diff Covers, ARE Z Series Cap, Viair 450 OBA, Kenwood D710G.
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
Aaron | Ham: NØMAD
-
nts007
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2284
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 10:01 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Sask, Canada, Earth
Re: HAM Radios
Awesome aearles thanks!!! I'm going to put some effort into this when I have some spare time. I'm not in a huge rush but there is no time like the present. I'm currently trying to find a good scanner antenna and then going to plan my radio setup next. I might just copy someone....
08 ctd--mini max--thuren 3" coils and LT Leaves--4.56 gears and lockers in pw axles--some lights--afe intake system--bd super b turbo--Banks w/m Injection--Dynatrac Balljoints--king 2.5"s--37" Hankook Dynapro MT--DOR Long arms--Custom emf track bar--Manual T-case swap--Full PW Under armor--PSC Hydro Assist and so much more
-
FirerescuePW
- 1000_Posts
- Posts: 1661
- Joined: Sun May 20, 2012 12:51 pm
- Location: North Wales, PA
Re: HAM Radios
It's not copying, it's a "tribute"!
No need to reinvent the wheel. I've seen several nice setups here and on DTX. Most mounting solutions that work have been figured out.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
No need to reinvent the wheel. I've seen several nice setups here and on DTX. Most mounting solutions that work have been figured out.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
'05 Mineral Gray Power Wagon QC #1005
WINCH MOB PROUD!
SuperChips FlashPaq; DT ProFab Steering Brace; 08.5 Steering linkage (twice); Toyo Open Country M/T 35/12.50x17; Carli front diff guard; Rockcrusher rear diff cover; White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails; Carli 3"coils, track bar, and High Clearance Control Arms; Carli King 2.5" Remote Resi Shocks; Reflex spray-in liner; Extang Trifecta tonneau cover; Pop Lock electric tailgate lock (OOS); Tekonsha Prodigy brake control; LEDS & Strobes & Siren; Winch TPS Bypass; Warn Wireless Remote; Dog hair, and a BIG Wish List!
WINCH MOB PROUD!
SuperChips FlashPaq; DT ProFab Steering Brace; 08.5 Steering linkage (twice); Toyo Open Country M/T 35/12.50x17; Carli front diff guard; Rockcrusher rear diff cover; White Knuckle Offroad Rock Rails; Carli 3"coils, track bar, and High Clearance Control Arms; Carli King 2.5" Remote Resi Shocks; Reflex spray-in liner; Extang Trifecta tonneau cover; Pop Lock electric tailgate lock (OOS); Tekonsha Prodigy brake control; LEDS & Strobes & Siren; Winch TPS Bypass; Warn Wireless Remote; Dog hair, and a BIG Wish List!
-
verdesardog
- 500_Posts
- Posts: 989
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2012 11:24 am
- Model Year: 2006
Re: HAM Radios
The exam is a piece of cake, got my license many years ago. I have a modified ICOM VS8000 in my truck for search and rescue:
2006 Big Horn 2500 Ram CTD. IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING LIFE IN PEACE
-
DamageWagon
- Vendor
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:21 am
- Model Year: 2011
- Location: Portland, OR
- Contact:
Re: HAM Radios
Well this thread took off 
Sent from my safe space
Sent from my safe space
Re: HAM Radios
The setups y'all are putting together are making me wish I hadn't committed myself to the hand held route. I sense a dedicated setup for the truck in my future after I get some experience!
Re: HAM Radios
So just some info for you NTS.nts007 wrote:I have been looking to the requirements where I am (Canada)
This is where I'm finding source information
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.ns ... 01008.html
"A series of 100 questions"
70% qualifies as a pass for basic license
80% qualifies for a basic 'plus' license allowing for more frequency allowance.
So my question is this. For any use with this or other ham radio is it a total requirement to have a license? Or is an amature un licensed user allowed to use the radio setup for short range communication point to point with no repeaters and low power ect.
Now I'm going to answer my question with -yes- you have to be licenced to use the ham frequencies for -transmit- only. You can listen all you want.
So my final questions are this. Should I get the radio? Is it beneficial without having a license? I have the ability to listen only right now. Should I get my basic license?
Don't get me wrong I love a challenge and I enjoy technical details like the rest of some of us.
Just trying to measure viability and value right now.
Thanks aearles
You too DWag!
I just did my basic not to long ago passed with a 98/100
There's a local club that offers free classes and the test RARA. They hold it at the Regina firefighters training hall.
No morse code required for basic.
There's quite a few repeaters in SK and here's how you can find them.
https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/ ... te_id=CA11
Most repeaters around here are 2m or 70cm.
I bought a couple baofung radios from ebay for cheap and they work quite good. Took em up to Jan lake between boats and the range was excellent for chinese radios lol.
Re: HAM Radios
I'm trying to avoid having a dash full of radios and mics... 
Don't do much analog anymore, but I'm between P25/VHF, and DMR/UHF a lot... no dual-band, dual-(or tri- if you consider analog) CAI radios yet... supposedly Kenwood's got something in the pipeline...
Motorola APX or Harris Unity are full-spectrum (at least for the bands i'm interested in) analog/P25 radios, but don't do DMR...
This is what I don't want my rig to look like.
Don't do much analog anymore, but I'm between P25/VHF, and DMR/UHF a lot... no dual-band, dual-(or tri- if you consider analog) CAI radios yet... supposedly Kenwood's got something in the pipeline...
Motorola APX or Harris Unity are full-spectrum (at least for the bands i'm interested in) analog/P25 radios, but don't do DMR...
This is what I don't want my rig to look like.
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Rodeoflyer
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Re: HAM Radios
Yeah you opened a can of worms no doubt damagewagon. I think 4wd and wireless comm go together like pb&j.
We may even need dedicated subforum other than gadgets gizmos and gear general.
We may even need dedicated subforum other than gadgets gizmos and gear general.
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nts007
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Re: HAM Radios
Phantom!!!! You are awesome!! Thankyou very muchPhantom wrote:So just some info for you NTS.nts007 wrote:I have been looking to the requirements where I am (Canada)
This is where I'm finding source information
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.ns ... 01008.html
"A series of 100 questions"
70% qualifies as a pass for basic license
80% qualifies for a basic 'plus' license allowing for more frequency allowance.
So my question is this. For any use with this or other ham radio is it a total requirement to have a license? Or is an amature un licensed user allowed to use the radio setup for short range communication point to point with no repeaters and low power ect.
Now I'm going to answer my question with -yes- you have to be licenced to use the ham frequencies for -transmit- only. You can listen all you want.
So my final questions are this. Should I get the radio? Is it beneficial without having a license? I have the ability to listen only right now. Should I get my basic license?
Don't get me wrong I love a challenge and I enjoy technical details like the rest of some of us.
Just trying to measure viability and value right now.
Thanks aearles
You too DWag!
I just did my basic not to long ago passed with a 98/100
There's a local club that offers free classes and the test RARA. They hold it at the Regina firefighters training hall.
No morse code required for basic.
There's quite a few repeaters in SK and here's how you can find them.
https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/ ... te_id=CA11
Most repeaters around here are 2m or 70cm.
I bought a couple baofung radios from ebay for cheap and they work quite good. Took em up to Jan lake between boats and the range was excellent for chinese radios lol.
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Re: HAM Radios
You're welcome NTS. Any other questions feel free to txt or hit me up via PM.
I personally am looking at the Icom IC-7100. It's a little pricey but can do CB + 2m/70cm with dual antenna inputs. And I'm willing to spend a little more to get one unit instead of 2.
Plus MARS mod it and it opens the frequency range on these puppies right up course not legal to broadcast but in an emergency situation legalities are the least of my concern.
I personally am looking at the Icom IC-7100. It's a little pricey but can do CB + 2m/70cm with dual antenna inputs. And I'm willing to spend a little more to get one unit instead of 2.
Plus MARS mod it and it opens the frequency range on these puppies right up course not legal to broadcast but in an emergency situation legalities are the least of my concern.
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DamageWagon
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Re: HAM Radios
That's exactly why I created this thread. There has been enough chatter about it in random forums, I figured I would create a dedicated one. Apparently I popped a bigger pimple than I expected.Rodeoflyer wrote:Yeah you opened a can of worms no doubt damagewagon. I think 4wd and wireless comm go together like pb&j.
We may even need dedicated subforum other than gadgets gizmos and gear general.
Sent from my safe space
Re: HAM Radios
Awesome thread. I still think I'm going the HT route because i like to remove it when I'm just in town on cell service. I'm leaning Baofeng 5x3 with external magnetic antenna, hand mic, and the batter cigarette plug adapter. Then an 3800mah battery and an upgraded antenna for walking with it.
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