Any HAM Operators out there?
Sethbanks711
Posts: 398 ✭✭✭✭✭
Hey guys, after Helene absolutely devastated this area, I have decided to get my HAM license. Just curious if there are any other operators on here. If so, what kind of equipment do you use? I'm currently studying for the test, so I guess it's time to start looking at radios!
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Hell, we could have a hamherf.
That's what I'm sayin!!
Geeze how old are you...
@Brokegunner
I'm young, but saw how many lives it saved here after Helene. There is no phone service, no NOAA radio, or anything like that out here during disasters, power outages, stuff like that. Just felt like a good thing to have to protect my family. Especially living in a flood zone.
I enjoy operating my ham, but I think we're talking about two different things.
Some info here, Seth, though you probably already know about it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Amateur_Civil_Emergency_Service
Operating ≠ Slamming.
Are you that bored?
My favorite cigar list here
He knows his stuff !!
A good cigar and whiskey solve most problems.
His garage qualifies as a Ham Fest.
I prefer the ham wallet
Hi Seth,
I've been a licensed amateur radio operator for 35 years and pretty much use it everyday. 90% of what i do is on the HF bands, which is mostly long distance stuff from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz. I assume you're wanting more local communications which is usually VHF and UHF and most often uses a local repeater that rebroadcasts your signal out to a larger area, but still local (maybe 75 miles?).
If I was in your shoes, I'd try to find a local club to see if they have any programs setup for new hams to get licensed. A club out here local to me does these classes a few times a year called a "hamcram". You start at like 7am and they go over all of the theory and test questions and then give you the test around 4pm and they pretty much guarantee you'll pass.
If can't find a local club (or they don't respond) you could download an app called Ham Study on your phone and start going thru the technician course. As you progress, take some practice tests and once you get around 80% scores you can either find a local testing event or there are places that will allow you to take the test over a zoom session.
PM me if you have any questions and I'll do my best to help.
Brian K6IJ
And to answer your question about equipment, I am into the vintage tube gear. I do have some modern radios but the old glow in the dark rigs are what I'm normally on. Here's a pic of what I'm using right now- it's a Collins S-Line from the early 1960's; 32S-3 transmitter and 75S-3B receiver. I just got these working and will be putting them up for sale soon, but not a good choice for a first radio.
"Not all heroes eat crepes"
Not a ham but enjoy listening. An old Kenwood R-300 receiver.
@Sethbanks711 searching for the HamHerf.
Yes. Yes I am.
I was gifted a scholarship to Ham Radio Prep for technician and general. I am working through it now. I tried finding a local club without much luck. The one operator around here who runs the repeater sites would not respond to me.
The only other friend I have that does HAM doesn't really talk much about it. I picked up one of those non FCC compliant UV-5R Baofeng radios just so I could physically hold something and tinker with it while I am doing this course. I do not plan on using it to transmit once licensed.
I am not sure if starting with a ICOM ID-52A or similar would be best for me, or setting up a full HF station. It's a pretty complex world to step into for the first time.
What you have going on looks pretty sweet. That's where I would like to get eventually. Definitely not right off the bat though.
I'm pretty sure that once licensed, you and your address are put on a publicly accessible online list. I know some who have the radios, but not the license.
-- Winston Churchill
"LET'S GO FRANCIS" Peter