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Post by 2W0HMF on Jul 5, 2012 2:01:48 GMT -7
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Post by karatediver on Jul 5, 2012 7:44:46 GMT -7
That's a great video. I remember the thrill of making my first contact outside of the U.S. It was only Mexico but it was a big deal for me. Then Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Russian and several countries in South America. It is quite a thrill to make those contacts half way around the world.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2012 8:26:23 GMT -7
Thanks! I want to learn how to do this so bad...I had a link once for getting started...but I can't find it now.
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Post by 2W0HMF on Jul 5, 2012 9:34:50 GMT -7
Take a look at this link Dink.......lol that rhymes aswell www.arrl.org
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2012 13:55:09 GMT -7
Take a look at this link Dink.......lol that rhymes aswell www.arrl.orgThank you!!
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Post by karatediver on Jul 5, 2012 14:21:37 GMT -7
For those who are interested here's some basic info on getting started in Ham Radio.
You need a license. There are three levels of license in the U.S. Each one grants a little more pivileges on the ham radio bands or in other words you get more frequencies. Each is earned by passing a written test. The license itself is free and good for 10 years. You can then renew it for free (currently but if the govenment needs money they may charge someday). Taking the test usually runs around $25 and the test is generally administered by an amature radio club. If you want a book to study from that will cost also. Some do not need the book.
The pools of test questions for all three exams are published along with the answers. Some people just memorize the test questions and answers. All questions are multiple choice. You can also take practice exams online from the test pool. The test questions and answers that are published are the exact questions and answers on the actual test. The order the answers appear in may be different.
There is no longer a requirement to learn Morse Code.
The first level or entry level is called "Technician". Testing is pretty basic with information on rules of operation, safety, how radios work, etc. The license grants basic UHF and VHF privileges with a little HF privileges. It is a basic entery ticket into the world of ham radio.
The second level is called "General". The test has many similar elements to the Technician test but more technical questions on things like radio waves, electronics, etc. More science in this test. For passing it you get privileges on all the Ham Radio bands including the big HF bands that allow for talking all over the world.
The highest level is "Extra" class. The test contains elements similar to the previous two tests but a lot more technical/science type questions. The question pool is also larger. By passing this test you gain more frequencies within the Ham bands than you had with the General class license. Same bands but more room or frequencies available.
Some smart folks take all three tests in one sitting. Generally, if you pass the first test they will allow you to take the second test for free. Pass that one and they'll give you a shot at the third one for free. If you have an engineering degree or background then this is probably possible. I took them as separate tests.
The ARRL website is a great place to start. Their study books are very good. I also used the book by Gordon West to study for my General ticket. It goes question by question, gives the answer and then explains it. For me, that worked the best.
That's basically the process in a nut shell to become licensed.
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Post by thywar on Jul 5, 2012 19:45:25 GMT -7
Thanks for sharing that info. That, I'm sure, will help many of us maybe push a little harder to do it. I think it would be great fun and an important resource in a SHTF situation.
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Post by 2W0HMF on Jul 5, 2012 23:52:56 GMT -7
Thanks for sharing that info. That, I'm sure, will help many of us maybe push a little harder to do it. I think it would be great fun and an important resource in a SHTF situation.
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Post by 2W0HMF on Jul 7, 2012 0:25:22 GMT -7
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2012 9:40:58 GMT -7
Makes me want a setup even moree...can you tell me where to get whats needed and a list of whats needed? Can this be set up to operate off of the smaller solar power kits that recharge the batteries so it wouldn't be hooked up on grid?
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Post by 2W0HMF on Jul 7, 2012 20:56:34 GMT -7
Dink, your best asking karatediver! because I'm not sure what restrictions if any when it comes to new Hams & what they can/cannot use, I wouldn't like to give out any duff information.
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Post by karatediver on Jul 9, 2012 9:09:04 GMT -7
The set up that is featured in the video is a little more complicated than what I have set up. I have a basic radio (Yaesu 857d) that covers nearly all the ham bands, basic SWR meter, one button antenna tuner, and an antenna I made from an old extension cord and some coax.
My system runs off a 12 volt deep cycle battery. I charge it up using a standard plug in charger designed for charging deep cycle. Deep cycle batteries can be run down lower than standard car batteries. You find them in boats, RVs, Golf Carts, etc. Anything that needs a continuous charge over a long period or that sits for a long time between usage.
I also have some solar panels that I can use to charge the battery should the grid go down. For all intents and purposes the system is off the grid. I also use a voltage regulator so that as the battery drops in power or I draw more power from the battery I get a nice steady voltage. Basically when the battery gets low I still get 12 volts allowing me to run longer.
It is a simple set up and a lot less money than the one in the video but it is effective. About the only advantage he probably has on me is his antenna is a lot higher up and he may have more watts of output if he has an amplifier.
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Post by 2W0HMF on Jul 9, 2012 10:08:48 GMT -7
You couldn't pop a pic of your set up on here could you?
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Post by karatediver on Jul 9, 2012 15:00:06 GMT -7
If I can remember I'll take a picture this evening.
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Post by orly152 on Jul 9, 2012 15:41:56 GMT -7
Nice video that you shared about ham radio...i wish I had the budget for it
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