Free State Wyoming Forum
Discussions Not Related To Free State Wyoming (FSW) => Everything Else => Radio and Communications => Topic started by: redtailhawk on December 22, 2008, 06:38:13 PM
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I'm going to jump into Vonu's initial post but with a twist:
Simple works. Period.
In the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan, each village communicates through sheperds who're carrying VHF handheld radios and each sheperd becomes a human repeater or relay throughout some of the most rugged terrain in the world. There is absolutely NO electricity in the mountains and the people dont really care for it because it consumes and requires parts, which no one wants to deal with. Nothing moves in the Kunar, Konigal, and Gowerdesh Valleys without everyone knowing because these sheperds and the local villages talk to each other like we'd use a phone, in Pashtun, on the open waves. The radios cost $110 USD and local tribal elders buy them by the hundreds to pass out to the sheperds and villagers.
With all our gadgetry and techno-wizardry, we haven't beat 'em yet, haven't jammed 'em yet, and they always know when the Army's coming, so they ambush at all the "good places" and vanish into the hills without worrying about being chased.
If there are "hams" here, lets get our long and short radios up and running. I'm AA4VB in Yelm, WA so give me a freq and time. All we need's a 10min net with check ins to make sure they're working and talking.
For non-hams, get your license. Its incredibly easy and cheap, not to mention, dependable. Dont want to learn Morse? Fine, its not a requirement anymore and the test bank is available to all to study.
And, if you're worried about batteries, radios, especially handhelds, will charge on mini-solar panels. I do it all the time to practice emergency communications.
Its not CB, though that system works too, otherwise truckers wouldn't use it.
Any takers?
Merry Christmas all!
redtailhawk
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Its incredibly easy and cheap, not to mention, dependable.
You're in Washington. What cheap equipment suggestions can you make that will get us communicating from WY to WA?
I've heard that repeaters are few and far between out here.
Thanks for posting this topic. I'm very interested.
SafetyFactor
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Fantastic!
Hamfests, which are really gun shows for radio geeks, have a world of used equipment as do local radio clubs, usually listed as "County X Amateur Radio Club" etc.
I'll do some research and find out who the Volunteer Examiners are in WY and also the local area radio clubs.
As far as talking WY to WA, HF is really the only way to go, and WY to anywhere for that matter, but still not as expensive as you'd think. You'll need a General License to get on to HF, but it really opens up the world. There are hundreds of digital modes that've come about over the years, but simple analog voice or CW is as reliable as anything can be.
Local communities on VHF or UHF literally become a reliable weather-warning net, locally coordinated disaster response and alert net, information net, gossip net, etc. They're line-of-sight (LOS) which means 10-20 miles without a repeater, but small, stick in your pocket, stay in the truck instant communications without relying on cell towers, utility companies, or internet.
I'll post what I find later today.
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Thanks redtailhawk for starting this topic. My wife and I are hams, but haven't been active for over a decade (other than keeping licenses renewed). I have an old Icom IC-735 that is still in storage since we moved to Idaho. You've inspired me to try harder to get an HF antenna up in the spring.
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Since you told the story of the Afgan sheperds, I have been wondering if there is some sort of small, relatively inexpensive radio that could pick up ham broadcasts , at least in a local area? I am thinking of a time when our modern communications grid is down and a small group of folks are out there in survival mode. It would be real handy to have some sort of small unit that could at least receive brodcasts about what is going on. At least these folks could get an idea where the hot spots are. I think there will be many who are mobile and a mobile ham would be great to have.
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Redtailhawk,
Welcome to the forum and thanks for the post.
My suggestion:
I will give you a call tonight at 8:00 PM Mountain Time (0100Z) on 3987
plus/minus 5khz, wherever we can find a clear freq around there. If 75 meters won't work I will go to 40m, say, 7180 plus/minus. One of those freqs should work. If you have an alternate time or freq post it; I'm adaptable here.
Any other hams on the forum please, please join us at that time and we'll have a net discussion.
Thanks again and 73's
John AB5SW
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Since you told the story of the Afgan sheperds, I have been wondering if there is some sort of small, relatively inexpensive radio that could pick up ham broadcasts , at least in a local area? I am thinking of a time when our modern communications grid is down and a small group of folks are out there in survival mode. It would be real handy to have some sort of small unit that could at least receive brodcasts about what is going on. At least these folks could get an idea where the hot spots are. I think there will be many who are mobile and a mobile ham would be great to have.
I haven't kept up on the equipment technology in recent years, but I know the general answer to your question is "yes". I have a Radio Shack handheld scanner that receives the 2m and 70cm ham bands. There are probably models that can receive additional ham bands as well.
For a little (or a lot) more money, depending on your budget, you can also pick up an HF ham rig with a general coverage receiver. My IC-735 that I mentioned in an earlier post runs on 12 VDC and is not too large, so it can be mounted in a car/truck/etc. I'm not sure what is available in mobile multiband HF antennas, but it wouldn't be hard to find out.
One other possibility for HF ham reception would be a small multiband shortwave radio. I'd have to check and see what's available though. I have one from Radio Shack but must confess I've never tried to receive ham bands on it. My wife gave it to me as a gift many years ago, and at the time I mainly used it for receiving NIST time standard broadcasts.
I think your idea is great. Even if a person didn't want to get involved in ham radio, it would be worthwhile to be able to listen in and receive information over the amateur airwaves.
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Blakejoh: They work better if you put them up in the snow!! Antennas I mean. >:D
Bigduane KF4ELJ I will listen on the frequencies noted wed and thur and post a signal report. I am only a tech right now put am studying for my upgrade. I have a IC-R75 for hf. I also have a 10meter from Radio Shack.
Bigduane
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Seniortech, Sounds like a plan! I'll be on 80m at 8C/7P and if no luck by 8:05min, will go to 40m. If no luck on 40m after 5min, let's go for 20m around 14.260 (I've got to get over the mountain!)
Bigduane, get your 10m radio up and running and we'll try it in the near future. 10m may be a good choice since Techs can use it and its a good place to start learning HF. The General exam's a piece of cake now that the Morse requirement's been lifted and the test bank is public, so you're studying the actual questions for the exam!
Blakejoh, glad you've kept your license current and this does give everyone a good option for communications should the main grids go down, locally and nationally. It wont take much to get a dipole up and even if you dont transmit, listen in, and heat up those resistors!
wyomiles, any good shortwave receiver that will pick up AM, FM, and Upper and Lower Sidebands will receive amateur radio, as well as the world shortwave stations. I listen to a lot of BBC World and the "pirate" radio stations on shortwave.
As far as radios, we can find radios.
For those interested but not licensed, I'm sure each of the hams here will tell you that we all got started with help from other hams, so dont be afraid to ask!
I'm really glad to see the response to this thread! Thanks!
73,
redtailhawk
Grant
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rgr on the 20m
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Well I'd have to say our trial run tonight was a success though the noise level was high. We'll try it again tomorrow at 3:00pm Mountain time on 14.260 for any who'd like to join in or listen in!
For those not familiar with radio, Seniortech and I talked tonight Newcastle, Wyoming to Yelm, Washington on a short-range HF frequency and were able to break through the noise and still get across the Rockies at night when the propagation is weak and failing!
We'd love to get a regular "net" going, nationwide and local for all those in WY.
Thanks, Seniortech, and we'll do it again tomorrow!
73,
redtailhawk
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Actually, I'm interested in this too, but not to the extent of licensing. I'd like a portable transceiver I can throw in a box and forget until the revolution, when licenses won't matter. :) Or maybe just use it as a receiver. Do you have any recommendations? I don't have the time or energy to dive into this to figure out what's best. Otherwise I will just go to Fry's or Radio Shack, but I don't even know what bands to look for. Even that bit of information will be helpful.
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Hi Paul,
Recieving's easy and a blast to do. In order to get the "ham" bands, though, you'll need a higher end receiver that'll cover AM, FM, CW, and Upper and Lower Sideband (LSB USB). This way you can receive regular or emergency shortwave programming, local radio channels, as well as the ham bands. Some of the Grundigs and Sonys are great radios. A couple of good sites to look are Ham Radio Outlet, QRZ, and Texas Towers as well as others. I cant keep up with the technology, so I just stick with my ancient boat anchors! If you're interested in the "old school" stuff, Hallicrafters, Hammarlund, and Zenith were phenomenal radios. EMP wont touch 'em, either! For a radio to stick in storage for a rainy day, the Grundig's are probably the easiest.
Transmitting's a different beast. You'll need a well tuned antenna and a 12v power supply. With receiving, pretty much any wire strung out will work, but to transmit, the antenna's got to radiate to a specific frequency range, otherwise, you'll damage the radio. 12v dry cells work also for power and can be charged from solar panels.
Getting a radio license is really pretty easy and quick...30 question, multiple choice exam from a test bank that's published to the public, and $15...the Volunteer Examiner does all the paperwork for you, as well and submits to the FCC. It opens up a whole new realm of preparedness!
Let me know if this answered your questions.
redtailhawk
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Thanks for some good info! :)
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Paul,
I understand your hesitance to get a license. That has been hashed over in the forum before.
What & where to buy? What a problem! you can get a copy of QST magazine at most news stands. It's all about ham radio and lot of sources to buy stuff. Also, go to QRZ.com a really fine ham radio site. Most hams are anxious to give help and advice. You can find them on the qrz site by typing in your city in the search box. Cody, WY will give you a list of all hams in Cody. If you had a license your name and location would be there too. I don't care as I'm already on the lists.
What you would need to have squirreled away for you know what:
1. A decent transceiver, such as a Yaesu FT450AT (google it), approx $750 new. A good rig covering all HF ham bands plus 50 MHZ. The automatic tuner (AT)will help tune the antenna, eliminating the need for a separate tuner (another $150).
2. Power supply, at least 30 amps continuous ($150) to plug in line voltage. Most ham rigs are for 12VDC.
3. Antenna. A simple home made wire dipole will do (free instructions on the net). Simple to make with 14 ga copper wire, some insulators and connector. Call it $25.
4. Coax cable to connect the rig to the antenna. About $80 for a 100' piece with connectors. Most hams have some of this lying around and they will sell it cheap or give it to you to help you get started.
5. ARRL Operating Manual. Needed to tell you all kinds of stuff, what frequencies to use, etc.
6. Ham radio friends to offer advice and help. FREE!
Round it off at $1000. You can get it cheaper, get a ham to help you. Lots of ham stuff on ebay. What did I leave out, Redtailhawk??
This is bare bones. Ideally you need a couple of VHF Handi-Talkies, mobile VHF rigs in your vehicles, don't forget the ATV.
All this is just simple preparation for future needs. Communication is as necessary as bullets and beans. This is why we need a regular (weekly at least) FSW ham net, to exchange ideas, technical advice, whatever. We should get it started now and keep it going. Anyone who is a ham please join Redtailhawk and me on the air at 14.260 MHZ, 4:00 PM MST today. If you only have a receiver just listen and post your comments on the forum.
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Recieving's easy and a blast to do. In order to get the "ham" bands, though, you'll need a higher end receiver that'll cover AM, FM, CW, and Upper and Lower Sideband (LSB USB). This way you can receive regular or emergency shortwave programming, local radio channels, as well as the ham bands. Some of the Grundigs and Sonys are great radios. A couple of good sites to look are Ham Radio Outlet, QRZ, and Texas Towers as well as others. I cant keep up with the technology, so I just stick with my ancient boat anchors! If you're interested in the "old school" stuff, Hallicrafters, Hammarlund, and Zenith were phenomenal radios. EMP wont touch 'em, either! For a radio to stick in storage for a rainy day, the Grundig's are probably the easiest.
Transmitting's a different beast. You'll need a well tuned antenna and a 12v power supply. With receiving, pretty much any wire strung out will work, but to transmit, the antenna's got to radiate to a specific frequency range, otherwise, you'll damage the radio. 12v dry cells work also for power and can be charged from solar panels.
Another thing to note is that some transceivers have what's called a general coverage receiver, meaning they are continuously tunable across their spectrum and can therefore receive signals outside the ham bands. Furthermore, some of these can be easily modified to have a general coverage transmitter as well. Note that I'm not advocating that modification, just saying it can be done. Of course this brings up technical issues with antenna matching, etc., but I'll leave that for another day.
-JB
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The only thing I'd add, Seniortech, to your list is 12v dry cell batteries and a .5w solar panel, otherwise, that's a good emergency stash. And, take it out occasionally, dust it off, and send out a signal to keep the spiders evicted!
Blakejoh, for the life of me, and probably more a "brain flatulence", I couldn't remember "general coverage receiver" so I just listed 'em! Thanks!
Local radio organizations usually have equipment on hand that they're selling for a deceased ham's (silent key) family. Considering the age of a lot of hams, its common and encouraged to contact a club or organization because it goes to help out the widow/widower.
We'll be on at 4pm MST on 14.260mhz. upper side band...the more the merrier!
redtailhawk
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Blakejoh:
BigDuane:
All you guys out there:
We will try to have a net Saturday morning at 10 AM MST on 14.260 MHZ. If the band won't work we'll go to 3.980 MHZ and try that. Y'all join in if possible. Or, as BigDuane said, listen in and post a signal report.
General coverage receivers can be had at reasonable prices at hamfests and on ebay, but if possible try to get a transceiver. Most transceivers have general coverage reception from .5 to 30 MHZ.
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Blakejoh:
BigDuane:
All you guys out there:
We will try to have a net Saturday morning at 10 AM MST on 14.260 MHZ. If the band won't work we'll go to 3.980 MHZ and try that. Y'all join in if possible. Or, as BigDuane said, listen in and post a signal report.
General coverage receivers can be had at reasonable prices at hamfests and on ebay, but if possible try to get a transceiver. Most transceivers have general coverage reception from .5 to 30 MHZ.
If only I could figure out how to put an antenna up before then. I wonder if they make anything like an RC-292 for civilian use. We used to be able to put those up pretty fast, back in the day...
-JB
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I'm glad all you folks can do this stuff. I can't even reliably dial in the weather station on the AM radio here. LOL
Say howdy to everyone for Mama. :)
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Blakejoh, et al
The 292 pole sets are available in military surplus stores for about $5/section and are invaluable. I use them a lot. The antenna was VHF specific so really only good for line of sight or repeater/retrans operations.
Easy and fast? A tuned dipole, calculated for the frequency to be used is made of two lengths of 14ga copper wire (coated works best, hardware store has rolls of it), two terminators on the ends, a center distribution point, and a feed line. A 20m (14mhz) dipole would cost you $10-$15 with a 50ft feedline running $25 or so. Once you've got it made, toss a line up in a tree and hoist it up, tie the terminated ends to other trees and you're in business. Time involved: 1hr or less to build, 15min to put up/take down. All the instructions and calculation formulas are on the ARRL web site, as well as QRZ, and others, or just send any of us a note, and we'll calculate it for you.
For receiving only, like shortwave listening or listening to ham radio, I've got a piece of wire(same as the dipole) about 150ft long just strung up in the trees and I receive about anything being broadcast. Remember, its only receiving, no it doesn't have to accurate like a transmission antenna.
Hope this helps.
MamaLiberty, a Grundig YachtBoy, if you can find one on Ebay or other auction house, covers just about everything, is small, incredibly easy, has NOAA weather, and normally really dependable radios. What it wont do is receive the ham bands, but will receive shortwave.
redtailhawk
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MamaLiberty, a Grundig YachtBoy, if you can find one on Ebay or other auction house, covers just about everything, is small, incredibly easy, has NOAA weather, and normally really dependable radios. What it wont do is receive the ham bands, but will receive shortwave.
I guess I fail to see the point of getting something like this, especially if I can't even get AM on a regular radio. Not too much use being able to listen and not broadcast, really. Or am I missing something? I sure don't have money to put out for something to listen to other folks talk to each other. <G>
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Easy and fast? A tuned dipole, calculated for the frequency to be used is made of two lengths of 14ga copper wire (coated works best, hardware store has rolls of it), two terminators on the ends, a center distribution point, and a feed line. A 20m (14mhz) dipole would cost you $10-$15 with a 50ft feedline running $25 or so. Once you've got it made, toss a line up in a tree and hoist it up, tie the terminated ends to other trees and you're in business. Time involved: 1hr or less to build, 15min to put up/take down. All the instructions and calculation formulas are on the ARRL web site, as well as QRZ, and others, or just send any of us a note, and we'll calculate it for you.
I'm embarrassed to say I have all this stuff; even did the calculations myself (years ago). Unfortunately it's all buried in poorly marked boxes from our last move.
I thought about just running a long wire to listen in. That's actually one way that I practiced copying code years ago, when I was preparing for the 13 WPM test. I lived in a "no antennas" CC&R neighborhood at the time.
Now we are blessed to live in the country where there are no antenna restrictions, so I just need to quit procrastinating.
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The 292 pole sets are available in military surplus stores for about $5/section and are invaluable. I use them a lot. The antenna was VHF specific so really only good for line of sight or repeater/retrans operations.
Thanks, I forgot the 292 was for VHF. Now I'm trying to remember what our RTTY rigs used for HF antennas. I was a 31B (which became 31V), but reclassed to a 13F to finish out my enlistment. My memory of the antennae and other gear is pretty fuzzy now (30+ years later).
:)
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Blakejoh,
Depending on the unit and its mobility, was either the B&W folded dipole erected on poles, or a vertical that I cant remember the name/nomenclature!
You're already set up and we're going to get to code in the near future!
redtailhawk
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Hopefully I'm not straying off-topic here. redtailhawk (or anyone else), do you have any recommendations on the commercially available multiband HF verticals? The slope of my property will make it more than a little challenging for proper directional orientation of an inverted-V, so I've been thinking about a vertical instead.
Thanks in advance,
JB
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I'm going to jump into Vonu's initial post but with a twist:
Simple works. Period.
In the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan, each village communicates through sheperds who're carrying VHF handheld radios and each sheperd becomes a human repeater or relay throughout some of the most rugged terrain in the world. There is absolutely NO electricity in the mountains and the people dont really care for it because it consumes and requires parts, which no one wants to deal with. Nothing moves in the Kunar, Konigal, and Gowerdesh Valleys without everyone knowing because these sheperds and the local villages talk to each other like we'd use a phone, in Pashtun, on the open waves. The radios cost $110 USD and local tribal elders buy them by the hundreds to pass out to the sheperds and villagers.
With all our gadgetry and techno-wizardry, we haven't beat 'em yet, haven't jammed 'em yet, and they always know when the Army's coming, so they ambush at all the "good places" and vanish into the hills without worrying about being chased.
If there are "hams" here, lets get our long and short radios up and running. I'm AA4VB in Yelm, WA so give me a freq and time. All we need's a 10min net with check ins to make sure they're working and talking.
For non-hams, get your license. Its incredibly easy and cheap, not to mention, dependable. Dont want to learn Morse? Fine, its not a requirement anymore and the test bank is available to all to study.
redtailhawk
Did these shepards have licenses?
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Did these shepards have licenses?
Why should anyone need "permission" to communicate? What difference does it make?
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Its Afghanistan and no licenses for anything! The only controls are what you can afford. You can get a license, but few bother, since there's no monitors or qualification requirements. If you have a toothache, you go to a street dentist who takes his tools from his pocket and pulls your tooth; if you break your leg falling off a mountain, someone in the village will straighten it out and strap some sticks to it and you're perfectly fine.
If you use a telephone, you have already have a license to use that phone. If you drive a car, you have a license.
Licensing is in place, worldwide and voluntary, to insure communications can continue without interference from either inadvertent, unknowing transmissions or from the occasional disruptive elements who just want to impose their will on others. For those that dont want to license, but still want to communicate, there are bands available, free, to use like telephone, Internet (yes, its radio), Citizen's Band and Family Radio System and no one restricts those bands.
I introduced this thread to offer some options for communities to communicate, not to digress into a challenge to anyone's freedoms.
Blakejoh, Cushcraft's got a great multi-band verticle that'll work.
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No, I reckon the shepherds didn't have licenses, bless their hearts, it sounds like they might be thinking they're resisting oppression. Or maybe they're in a full-blown war.
Why do you need permission to communicate? What difference does it make?
Not wanting to offend anyone's libertarian concepts, but like someone said on a post this morning, it seems to make sense for people to voluntarily associate themselves together for convenience, common goals, mutual purpses, etc.
It is common courtesy, even decency, to follow the sensible rules that we recotgnize as a benefit to us. You can drive your car without a license but you can't ignore the common rules of the road. It is hazardous to your health to drive the wrong way on the interstate just because that might suit you better. Someone might consider a stop sign to be a nuisance but it would be wise to look before running through it because you might get creamed by other drivers who are following the rules. We follow the traffic rules without a second thought because it is in our best interest, although we don't often think of it in those terms. We know the rules because we studied the license manual or because someone taught us the rules when we were learning to drive. We become more proficient drivers with experience of driving. It is necessary to watch out for the other guy if only for our own safety.
I don't mean to be patronizing here.
The ham radio frequency bands are crowded with hams, all trying to establish communications. It isn't that easy. The frequency spectrum we have is all we are likely to get because there is intense competition for every little speck of the RF spectrum, and they ain't makin' no more RF frequencies. Certain common sense rules are necessary for everyone's benefit. We learn the rules by studying the manual and by operating experience. We pass their silly little test and we get a ham ticket, much like getting a drivers license. We get on the air and learn by the experience of operating our rigs. It's fine to have some ham gear laid back for the hard times coming, but when we pull it out of the box the next question is going to be, "Now what the hell do I do?" Like other tools, a rifle for example, we don't need to wait until we need it to learn how to use it. We need to get the experience now because the time will come when that experience will be invaluable.
It makes sense to me to get the ticket now, get on the air and maybe have some fun in our spare time, if we have any, while learning how to communicate. It is simple and cheap to get the ticket. There is no code test, no psych evaluation, no background check, no age limit. Anyone can do it. But you will have to be willing to be on the "list" of ham operators.
You might operate without a license but I promise you that some well-meaning good ol' boy ham operator is going to report you and you will receive a call or letter in the mail notifying you of blah, blah, blah. Or, worse yet, some of Big Brother's little $h-T head jack-booted emissaries will come knocking on your door. Just like driving without the government permission slip. Sooner or later some cop is going to swagger up to your driver's side window in his polished boots, military creased shirt and mirror sunglasses, ask in his imperious tone for your "Papers, please." and he is going to write you a ticket and cause you a lot of hassle, trouble and fines.
Yeah, I know, this is a long-winded post, but before I go: ham radio operators are a tight-knit group, helping each other by sharing experiences, tech advice, and ham gear. There are numerous special interest nets across the bands. Regular on-air meetings, often daily, on the nets, getting to know each other and sharing life experiences. We know whose wife is sick, who lost his job, who went fishing, and on and on. These nets tie us together in a special way. If we can get an FSW net up and running it will tie us together in more ways than one. We need that. Why not join us "on the air?"
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There is all the difference in the world between voluntary association, common courtesy, and a government issued "license." A "license" is permission from government to do something that would otherwise be illegal. That's a far cry from a voluntary association.
A "license" to practice medicine does not in any way guarantee competence, let alone common courtesy. A "license" to carry a gun does absolutely nothing to improve the morals or habits of the person who carries it. It may help to punish him after the fact, but it does not change his character or motives one bit.
This is no place to argue this. Let's just say I will not be getting any sort of "license" ever again. I carried the burden of a totally useless and morally depraved nursing "license" for far too long to ever wish to wear the yoke again. I'll bow out of this thread. Sorry.
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Whew!
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GOD...............I just love this place :-X :-X :-X :-X
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I've got my General license (KE7RFL), but so far, haven't done anything except UHV/VHF stuff. I've got a used HF unit sitting in the barn, along with power supply, antenna, etc.., but don't have the expertise to do anything with it yet.
I also have a Yaesu handheld in the house and a Yaesu 857-D in the truck... but only VHF/UHF antenna connected. One of these days, plan on going HF there as well.
I have a goal of learning at least one new skill each year... and getting my amateur license was my 2008 endeavor. 2009 is learning to do a few chords on the guitar and to learn something more about sausage-making.
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HardwareHank, if you need help or have questions, let us know. Sounds like you're all set. I know Seniortech would like to get a local net going and we're working on a national net.
Send me a PM on the chords. Cant help you with the sausage!
redtailhawk
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One could exist without any license of any kind, but it would be
an incredible hassle. I know several people who have vigorously
lived their "right to travel" and often paid the price to the extent
that they couldn't travel much at all due to impounded cars and
incessant court appearances.
Even ML very likely has a DL, and I wouldn't think a whit less of her for it.
Choose the right hills to fight for and die on, I guess.
It's all about balance, and some degree of pragmaticim is required in Life.
This offends my idealist nature, of course, but I'm now old enough to accept
what I truly must, and thus move on.
If getting a license effectively allows you more training and thus more skill,
then acquiescing has its benefits. The total nonlicensee (these days)
would experience huge isolation and a meager skillset. Is that worth it?
Your call.
__________
If the FCC were merely a traffic light analog, that'd be one thing.
But, they're not. Another sign of the times . . .
The tattle-tale reputation of some hams has always rankled me.
If a non-licensed ham (who had passed all his tests and otherwise
followed all the rules) was on the air, why should licensed hams object?
Similarly, if a trained/safe person concealed-carried his handgun, what
basis would the CCWer have to report him?
__________
That 2¢ in, I wish you FSWer hams well! I may try it myself!
Boston
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I guess I reacted strongly to this because at midnight, December 31, I will finally be FREE of the damned RN "license."
I decided to let it lapse for many reasons, only one of which relates here: I have been informed by reliable sources that "licensed" RNs could and WOULD be drafted by the government, in part to conduct future mandatory vaccinations. Heaven knows what else we might be forced to do... so, hopefully, without the damned license they will leave me the hell alone.
I worked very hard to earn my education, and never stopped studying or working to gain new skills. I was proud of my profession and my work. But for more than 20 years I've seen every jackass possible come along the pike who, because they could qualify for that stupid "license," was considered competent to practice nursing regardless of their skill or dedication or anything else.
That is not a profession. It is a gang of sheep who think they know what they are doing because they have permission from the state to do it. Yes, there are many dedicated and worthy individuals still working in nursing, and I salute them. I just no longer have the patience to remain and fight the BS any longer.
What others do about this is most certainly up to them. We all choose different battles. When the DL folks demand to take pictures of our eyeballs and the "card" becomes our mark of the beast, I suspect some will even re-evaluate that one.
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No worries, Mama.
Not all licences embrace a similar level of ramifications.
Thanks for the explanation about the nursing profession.
The ham radio license is about as picayne as licences can be,
but it nonetheless rankles me.
When the DL folks demand to take pictures of our eyeballs and the "card" becomes our mark of the beast, I suspect some will even re-evaluate that one.
So true!
By then, it may be too late!
Boston
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The Motorola GMRS's handhelds delivered on Christmas state " you must secure a license to use channels 8-22..." yeah right...
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Hey Seniortech: I had to work last weekend so I did not listen. Did yall have a good net? BTW my girlfrien is a coosass (cajun for those that dont know) and I get lots of gumbo. Jambalya too. I will try to monitor the frequencies for FSW traffic. Do you have any repeaters in the area that do Echolink? My callsign is kf4eLj working on my general.
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Bigduane,
Gumbo? Jambalaya? Hush yo' mouth man! You makin' me so hungry.
Negative on the net last weekend. Redtailhawk could hear me pretty well but I could only barely hear him once in a while. He was in contact with stations further to the east, even New Hampshire, but we reckon the sky wave was just bouncing over me. Not really sure and the bands were bad anyway. We haven't given up though. Better luck this weekend. When we set another schedule I'll send you a pm and you can at least listen in.
Echolink? I don't even know what that is. Guess I haven't kept up. There are some repeaters in Wyoming that are linked but my impression is that it is for local traffic, not nationwide. I haven't been on VHF except Linda and I use the 2m mobiles for when I go to town and forget what she sent me after.
Keep on working on the General ticket and we'll meet up on HF.
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Attn SUN: You are directed to begin creating spots forthwith. You will comply with all due haste. 8)
Bigduane kf4eLj
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Attn SUN: You are directed to begin creating spots forthwith. You will comply with all due haste. 8)
Bigduane kf4eLj
Yeah, I'll second that. Even at the risk of giving the "global warmer" crowd a bit more ammunition, I could sure do with a bit more sun and a lot less ice... <G>
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Seniortech: I was just listening on 40 meters. I could hear kb0rg in Yankton SD. With a wire laying on the floor of my bedroom.2:20 pm Louisiana time. He was on 7.253.50 lsb. So from time to time I should be able to talk into WY
Bigduane
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"The Motorola GMRS's handhelds delivered on Christmas state " you must secure a license to use channels 8-22..." yeah right..."
****************
LOL. I've used a set in the oilfield for 3 years. They work pretty good. And I don't have a license >:D. If BB decides to direction find to my AO, he'll be feelin' around in the dark, cause I'm always moving around.
Hand held aviation VHF radios used rather intermittently and with code words should get a militia in business. A bass station would be to easy to DF...unless you're encrypted, frequency hopping, TX'ing intermittently, and well hidden... There's always the possibility of ECCM or EMP which would likely cause many to return to just using a signal mirror, flashlight or smoke signals. ;)
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...There's always the possibility of ECCM or EMP which would likely cause many to return to just using a signal mirror, flashlight or smoke signals. ;)
Only for those with reflective flat surfaces and matches... and happen to know how to use them OR the ability & desire to learn ;)
BTW thanks for the tips & look forward to trying out Ham'ing at some future point...sounds like fun.
MANUMIT
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Concerning those reflective flat surfaces, matches and such, necessary is the mama of invention (or something like that).
Welcome for the tips. Try it, you'll like it.
John
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I just got back from a road-trip to Phoenix. (I don't fly anymore, as I will not submit to the state and meekly remove my shoes in order to travel.)
I used the 146.52 FM (Simplex) channel and talked to some very interesting folks along the way... from a miner in Northern Arizona to a fellow Ham in Riverton. I was hitting contacts regularly at the 30-mile range with my mobile unit.
When the whole mess finally collapses from the internal rot and corruption, I believe that having the ability to communicate with this medium will give one a definite leg-up.
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I just got back from a road-trip to Phoenix. (I don't fly anymore, as I will not submit to the state and meekly remove my shoes in order to travel.)
Amen to that. That is part of the reason my wife is in Phoenix right now visiting the grandkids and I am not. We didn't have enough free time for a road trip, and I avoid flying (for the same reason as you).
(Sorry for straying off topic...)
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Hank,
Glad you're back. You're absolutely right about the 2m communications on a trip, and for future use. Done it many times.
Hope you can get started putting up that dipole and help us get the HF net started.
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Hope you can get started putting up that dipole and help us get the HF net started.
I don't have any trips until March... so I'm getting anxious to get on the HF.
I've got a 40M dipole, but I'd also considered installing a vertical antenna. Problem is... I'm completely ignorant as to what's available out in the marketplace. I have a tv antenna tower that I could put up right next to my garage/ham shack... if I knew what I was doing. I guess for me, having a nice, clean installation is more important than the cost.... (up to a point of course).
What's your thoughts on this?
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I'm also looking at using a ALPHA DELTA DX-SWL-S/DX-SWL "SLOPER" ANTENNA and my tower, since this would give me 160-80-40 meter capability and would be ideal with my tower. At $59.95... it's definitely affordable.
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Hank,
Get a copy of QST magazine, there is a wealth of info in the ads in that mag with websites to specific outfits.
I am leaving within two days for a trip down South by Southwest. Going to visit my new twin grandsons. Be gone a week or so and be off line. I imagine RedTailHawk would reply to pm's for info.
73's
John
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Ho John,
I subscribe to QST already.. great info there.. altho much of it is over my head.
In the interest of keeping everything as transportable as I can... I've opted for the Alpha-Delta Outpost portable antenna mount and an Outbacker Outreach 500 antenna. That should allow me to set-up and broadcast HF from any location. When I'm not on the air.. I can simply stash it in the barn. My HF rig is an IC-730 and I'm dealing with a guy in Laramie county on an IC-736.
I like the idea of a FSW net and will be happy to lend my poor skills to making it happen.
Alpha-Delta Outpost w/antenna
(http://fototime.com/ABAC416C17866ED/standard.jpg)
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In a pilot project, the FBI deputized about 10 local bomb squads across the country in 2007 so they could use a small number of radio jammers similar to the military equipment used overseas.
The local pleas for expanded permission are beginning to get a friendly reception on Capitol Hill. Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.), chairman of the Senate homeland security committee, plans to introduce legislation that would give law enforcement agencies "the tools they need to selectively jam" communications in the event of a terrorist attack, a spokeswoman said.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Tex.), the ranking Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, has introduced a bill that would allow the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and governors to seek waivers from the FCC to jam calling at prisons.
"When lives are at stake, law enforcement needs to find ways to disrupt cellphones and other communications in a pinpointed way against terrorists who are using them," New York City Police Commissioner Raymond F. Kelly told a Senate panel Jan. 8. He also cited the Mumbai terrorist attacks, when hostage-takers used media spotters and satellite and mobile phones to help them outmaneuver police at hotels, train stations and other targets.
Backing up such requests are the commercial interests that could provide the jammers.
Melamed, with CellAntenna, has worked for several years to open what the company forecasts could be a $25 million line of domestic jamming business for itself, and the amount could be more for bigger players such as Tyco and Harris Corp. He said rules that prevent government agencies from blocking signals don't make sense.
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Don't they already have this "power"...or is this just part of expanded "legal" coverage?
"This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation."
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Huh? I never read that before. I wonder what it could mean. I understand that a transmitter should not cause harmful interference, but ". . . must accept any interference received, including interference that my cause undesired operation." is nonsense.
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All,
We finally got together on the air! The first session of the FSWers Ham Radio Net was held today on 7.165 MHZ at 5:00 PM MST (0001Z). This will be a regular net, probably about once a week and open to any ham radio operator who wishes to check in. We will meet tomorrow at the same time, conditions permitting, and decide on a schedule. Only two of us made it (well, it's a start ain't it), RedtailHawk (Washington) and Seniortech (Wyoming). HardwareHank was scheduled to be on air but he didn't show up, doubtless because of conditions beyond his control. Hank? We'll look for him tomorrow, and for any others who can make it.
Want to join in but don't know how to get on the air? PM me for info. I know a couple of guys who live on a mountain; perfect place to string up a wire antenna. Hint, hint.
John
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Yep, great contact, good signal! Almost 1hr 15min and worked two bands, 40m and 20m. We'll continue to open it up as time goes on. And, we're working a short bounce off the atmosphere across the Rockies...not as easy as it seems!
Would love to have others join us and we'll work out all the other issues as they come. We'll help anyway we can, so jump in and let's do commo!
Nothing productive happens without communications.
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How to be a Ham? All you need to know is at: www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/classes.html
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Another good contact last night with Seniortech in Newcastle, HardwareHank in Meteetse, and myself in Yelm, WA. A couple of bugs to work out, but nothing major, and soon we should be able to cover most of the Western US.
Thanks, guys!
73,
redtailhawk
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Hey, what fun!
Nice to see this going.
Y'all make me wanna get a ham radio.
Boston
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You try it, you'll like it.
Not that hard to do. Any old codger can do it, as evidenced by yours truly. Help available from any ham, in any town.
Not that expensive. Basic setup for about the cost of one rifle, or much less depending on the rifle.
A future necessity, might as well get started now.
Hawk, Hank: additions to the list?
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Like they say "Two years ago, I couldn't even spell 'H A M'.. now I are one."
I put off getting into HAM radio for a lot of years... When I finally made the move, I was surprised at how easy it was. Studied a bit, passed the tests, got my license and bought some used equipment.
Hard to explain it, but what a rush to make radio contact... no matter if it's the other side of Wyoming or down in South America.
I figure it gives me a little bit more of an edge if/when things really go to Hades in a handbasket. I know now that I can at least get hold of two other FSW'ers even if the internet is down and the cell towers are all dead.
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Only things I'd add to Seniortech and HardwareHank's post is get a couple of people who might be interested together and we'll get them on the radio as "third parties", especially kids. ARRL Field Day comes up in June and its a great time to get as many people on the air as possible and see how emergency comms work in the civilian world. We're already planning to set up a station or two during the FSW Campout.
And, go to a Hamfest! Sort of like a gun show for radio geeks and most of the same people show up.
Hank's right...its like the first time shooting 45-70 or .50cal; a little nervous, definitely gonna flinch, but after you do it, big smiles!
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ok, you guys have piqued my interest. I'm definitely gonna have to look into this.
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Yep,
When I was in the military, aboard ship... I had a buddy who was a radioman. I found it fascinating to sit in the radio room and listen to those voices coming from the great unknown. That's where I got the bug.
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After listening to this thread, my intrest is piqued. What is the avg cost to get started; equipment, liscences, etc; and where would one go for the "stuff"?
Kirbey
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After listening to this thread, my intrest is piqued. What is the avg cost to get started; equipment, liscences, etc; and where would one go for the "stuff"?
Kirbey
1. Getting licensed: http://www.arrl.org/catalog/lm/ (http://www.arrl.org/catalog/lm/) is the best place to buy your "training manual". Get #9639 "HAM Radio License Manual" for $24.95. The test for your entry level license (Technician) consists of 35 questions, taken from a "pool" of questions. The fastest way to ace the test is to use the Manual in conjunction with FREE on-line tests at http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl (http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl). Take the on-line test repeatedly (there are 100 versions of the test to select... you'll quickly learn that the question pool isn't very large and soon, you're aceing the tests.
When you're ready to sit for the test, just ask where and when the closest test site is. I took my Tech test in Billings and my General test in Rapid City. The test is administered by three volunteers. Don't recall the cost... $15 or therebouts.
My suggestion - Once you get your Technician, immediately go for the General level.. it's not difficult and greatly expands your choice of frequencies.
2. Equipment: If you shop wisely, you can be on the air for well under $500. Nice thing is, radios are like guns.. they don't lose their value. :) When you're ready to trade-up, you'll get your money back from that first set. I started out with a Yaesu VX-6 handy-talky. Sitting in Meeteetse, I can hit the repeater over in Cody or Greybull... about 30 miles. The VX-6 is selling on eBay these days for as low as $250, brand new.
How I use my HAM radios: I get a fair amount of windshield time. Between now and May, I'll be driving to Milwaukee, Atlantic City, Orlando and Reno... having made a trip to Phoenix in January. In my Suburban, I have a Yaesu 857-D radio which has both VHF/UHF and HF capability. I have just the VHF/UHF antenna mounted and connected, and that suits me fine. I guess I'd call VHF/UHF the HAM equivalent of the CB, except that there's very little traffic and the range is much greater. I generally tune to 146.52 (the universal 'calling frequency') and no matter how remote an area, can generally strike up a nice conversation with some local HAM situated out there in the boonies. Every HAM is different... maybe you'll be more interested in inter-continental rather than inter-county.
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Find a ham. It is the best way to get info.
Most hams will be gladly willing to show you their radio station setup. They will have a bunch of gear: transceivers, antennas, amplifiers, coax switches, and all kinds of esoteric junk. They will also tell you that most of this stuff is not needed for a basic ham station, and they will point out the essentials, give you an idea of costs, etc. They will be happy to answer questions and give you technical advice, and tell you where you can take the tests. Find a ham in your locality at QRZ.com. Type in your town in the search block and you will get a list of all hams in the area. Call one up and tell him you are interested in learning about ham radio and you will have made a friend. He will be glad, glad I say, to help you out. He will have catalogs lying around. He will probably tune up the rig and listen in or talk to some other ham. You will enjoy it.
If you make it to the hoe-down in June we will have a ham radio station set up with an HF (high frequency) transceiver with 50' or so of coax cable connected to a simple home-made wire antenna strung up between a couple of pine trees; a working ham radio station. Also VHF (very high frequency) mobile radios set up on the table, in pickups and on a four-wheeler ATV. We will demonstrate the station, show you how to make wire antennas, easy and cheap, and answer questions of all types until we run out of answers from our limited mental capacities. And, like almost all hams everywhere, we'll be glad to see you.
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The memsahib and I are currently studying up for our Technician and General ticket.
We are using Gordon West's study materials through the W5YI group.
LOL.....should have done this years ago. Even old fogy's like us can do it.
A good part of our reasoning for finally going after the "ticket" is that we have grown children, literally, all over the world. Communications in this day and age are vital, especially when the lame stream media cannot be trusted to report the truth. Who knows how long we will have the internet?
Where we live, there is a push to get like minded people licensed and on the air, so as we can mutually support one another. As most are geographically spread out, comm's are of the absolute importance.
As the saying goes, "If you don't have comm, you don't have jack".
I'll let y'all know when we get our call signs.
Bob
III
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Memsahib!! I haven't heard that in a while!
Welcome, Bob. If you have questions or need help, let us know. We all started out the same and had lots of questions, but we also had a local "ham" who helped us along and we're always looking to do the same.
73,
AA4VB
redtailhawk
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There was a kindly smart old guy in our neighborhood when I was about 9. The guy with the 70-foot antenna jutting over his modest house. I spent several years hanging around him in his "radio shack", I learned a lot about science from him. He really helped start my interest in "not just doing what all the other kids are doing." That guy was great.
I must say, seeing his wall full of postcards from places I hadn't even heard of really made me realize there was more to life than our little town. It made want to communicate with the world. He was a wonderful early influence on me.
After he died, I took a ham operator's license class at the local community college night school, when I was 13. Passed the written test, but my A.D.D. was too bad to get the Morse Code part well. (When the FCC removed the Morse Code requirement from the test a couple years ago, I considered brushing up and taking the written test again just to satisfy an old goal. But decided not to, since with the Internet, Ham radio is no long the only to "reach the world from your bedroom." But this thread is re-piquing my thoughts on re-learning that forgotten knowledge, and getting more.
A lot of people think "well, we could just use the Internet in an emergency", but that's dependent on telecom fiber backbone, so it depends on the type and the extent of the emergency. And something I don't see mentioned often is that the US Gov controls ICANN, which controls allocation and routing of domain names. So they could theoretically make any domain not work just by hitting a virtual switch. People could still reach the site, but would have to type the I.P. number into their browser. I think a lot of people who haven't done that before might not be able to figure it out quickly enough. And even those who could, wouldn't know to do it, they would just think "the site is down." This info is just one of a few million things I can think of that could be shared by ham radio if needed.
Also, there is a way to get Internet via Ham. Debra Jean knows a retired couple who sail the world in a boat, and get their e-mail through a Ham hookup. It's slow, they have a "no sending pictures" rule when they're out in the ocean, but they do send and receive e-mail over a Ham signal somehow.
MWD
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You can take a test for a technician in Gillette on April 11. A class is held on Sunday at 1:30-3:30 at the rec center in the Powder River room. It is on the north side of the building. There are two more classes to be held. The folks are very helpful and explain some of the more abstract ideas.
They also GIVE you the manual!
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Bravo!! And thanks wyprairielady for checking into the exams! Believe me, if a radio club or VE (Volunteer Examiner) knows they've got a group of interested parties, they'll make it happen for you!
Some facts:
1. Morse is no longer a requirement for any of the Amateur Licenses.
2. The Technician License will get you legal for the VHF and UHF bands which are local areas and for some, this is as far as they want to go. To get on the long distance bands, HF and LF, you need a General License or better. The test for General isn't much different than the Technician just a little more on international laws, antennas and propagation, radio courtesies, and radios in "general". A General License will get you on all the HF frequencies with some limitations reserved for the Extra Class License.
3. All questions for all the classes of exams are made public and open for study BEFORE taking the exams, so the questions you see on the exam are the same questions you studied.
4. Your call sign carries over when you upgrade your license unless you request a change.
5. The best part...there are no expectations beyond what you want to do with radio...if you just want emergency communications with your neighbors and friends then no problem, if you want to bounce signals off the moon, do digital RTTY or packet, or do Slow-Scan/Fast-Scan Television broadcasts, then again, no problem.
Most of us got into radio for the emergency communications or for the science of radio. In all my years with radio, and I think Seniortech and HardwareHank would say the same, I've been blessed with having some fine old geezers help me along and develop my skills and knowledge to the point that today, if all Hades busts open, I can find someone, somewhere, and either get help or lend help.
Communicating is one of my least worries...large rifle primers and good brass worry me more.
Our goal is to get a regular, scheduled net established, both for local and long distance. No long commitments required, just check in every so often and make sure the radios and antennas are working and get more people involved. We're almost there and after a couple more test shots, we should be able to cover the US and beyond.
Again, Bravo to all!
73,redtailhawk, AA4VB
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Hey Redtailed Hawk: You can also get on 10 meters with a Technician. I know it is not open now but when the sunspots come back look out. Also you can do cw on 10 15 40 and 80 meters with a tech. I am getting ready to get off my butt and clean off my radio desk and hook up my ten meter radio. 25 glorious watts.
Bigduane kf4eLj
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Hey Bigduane!
10m will work for a HF local net now, so jump in! And if you're up for CW, I'm in and there's probably a couple more in this forum that may just need to knock the cobwebs off! I could use some "dusting" myself!
If you're near Seniortech's location, we're going to try a link tomorrow(Sun) at 4pm your time, Lord willin' and the crick dont rise.
redtailhawk
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Duane, Good post Son, glad to hear you in there.
I would be up for some cw. I hear tell them cobwebs dust off pretty easy.
John
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Time to break the straight key out of deep storage ;D I had to work today, I hope you had a good net.
Bigduane
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Bravo!! And thanks wyprairielady for checking into the exams! Believe me, if a radio club or VE (Volunteer Examiner) knows they've got a group of interested parties, they'll make it happen for you!
Some facts:
1. Morse is no longer a requirement for any of the Amateur Licenses.
2. The Technician License will get you legal for the VHF and UHF bands which are local areas and for some, this is as far as they want to go. To get on the long distance bands, HF and LF, you need a General License or better. The test for General isn't much different than the Technician just a little more on international laws, antennas and propagation, radio courtesies, and radios in "general". A General License will get you on all the HF frequencies with some limitations reserved for the Extra Class License.
Thanks for your impressions of the General. Glad to find this old thread. My understanding doing current research into this says that, while Morse is no longer a tested requirement, it's more of a convenience because of the HF freq space opened up to those with just a Technician license. So a Tech licensee can have access to the lower freqs, but most are CW only; CW being something you use, vs. something you are required to be tested on.
Am getting ready to sit the Tech exam as soon as the gun-deer season here is over, working on my code at the same time (one still has to take the Tech first rather than just taking the Gen exam). The Gen gets more voice permissions in the lower frequency area from what I can discern. Having reviewed the study guide & practice exams that are publicly accessible (with all possible questions), the Tech is, to me, a combination of:
- common electrical/safety sense.
- yeah, I already knew that.
- rote reg/freq memorization (arghhh)
- Hmmm! Neat, I didn't know that.
Am not one to sit in the basement thru the winter with a big blasting base station. It seems to be trendy right now but my plans are totally mobile (think pull over, tailgate with a Buddistick in a field, truck-bed convenience outlet into an inverter & small power supply) and then portable - think rucksack with radio, baby antenna tuner, some insulators, wire, paracord and a gel cell also fed by a small solar panel if needed. The Yaesu FT-817 seems to be fitting the bill as I look. In a galaxy far away (some decades now) pretty good comms could be done if one was creative enough with some wire - less about the watts, more about the antenna. But it wasn't fun to carry.
As I get "there" I'll check back in and see about waves going westward to WY.
No, I don't worry about being licensed, anymore than all the other things like pilot's license, hunting license, PO box, whatever the hell else they already know. Thus far, Hams seem to be very outgoing in general and ready to help/pass on knowledge. If all goes north, the last thing G is going to hear is an actual callsign registered to me. But a directional & clear but low-power signal can be a good thing and can be frustrating to a certain extent if one is being pursued.
If anyone is looking for reviews on equip or how-to's, besides the ARRL.Org there is also:
http://www.eham.net/
Edit: Seeing the warning that this thread hasn't been posted on for at least 4 months, have any users here continued along with creating a working, ongoing net? (Either HF or perhaps voice SSB.) Am also working on a possible trip your way this coming spring so would be interested in hearing of anything. Here in WI there are couple HF CW nets apparently for newbies at 5wpm apparently, along with another one for very raw/new CW folks to try at whatever they can cope with for speed. Uh, yeah; that would be me for now.
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I would be interested in an HF net too.
Oh yes - for the FT-817 I recommend the Elecraft T1 tuner. I've had lots of fun with that combination.
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I would be interested in an HF net too.
Oh yes - for the FT-817 I recommend the Elecraft T1 tuner. I've had lots of fun with that combination.
Thanks for that. Everyone seems to have their favorite, but you're not the first to mention success with that pairing so will check it out. The list of what I don't know is a long one. Working on my code I had to hire a technical consultant to assist with acquiring an MP3 player; but as a grand-daughter she could be had for a cranberry muffin & a trip in the truck away from her sister.
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A few 2012 updates on communications and amateur radio:
- The increased focus on the web makes ham radio a more attractive option
for communications, not less, IMO.
- All-Mode/All-Band transceivers are better, cheaper and smaller than ever
making even a mobile (Car?) installation more capable than a typical 'base station'
in recent years past. Check out the specs for the Yaesu 857 or Icom 7000.
- It's possible to use a TIN# when obtaining an FRN# from CORES for
use in taking the tests and obtaining the FCC license. I've only read about this
and cannot yet advise. Meticulous compliance with the law should involve
a complete understanding of what one is complying with, of course.
- When the morse code requirement was dropped it caused a dramatic
increase in interest. In a recent interview Gordon West says
he was amazed at the ironic increase in demand for his morse materials.
- There's been a dramatic increase in digital modes (PSK31, Echo Link, Winlink, etc.)
integrating web, phone and radio capabilities. One can use Echo Link from their
smart phone, for instance, to speak with other hams around the world on VHF/UHF.
To chime in, here, as others have already: I was ready to take the General exam
in 1994 but was only at 8 wpm on the morse code before it was time to get employed, again.
I'll probably opt for getting the FCC license for the sake of setting up and testing backup communications
for my family, in advance.
Terence
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Just FYI,
I passed the Extra Class license exam last month and am now a licensed ham.
My main interest was emergency communications since one cell tower stands between my cell phone and internet service and total isolation.
I purchased a Yaesu 897D (and accessories). It's a great radio with optional dual built in battery packs. 160M-70cm range. It covers EVERYTHING. All the digital modes too (with the external computer of course). Very compact and portable, but I'm using it as my base station. Already contacted some FSW folks on the air.
https://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/catalog/pdf/ft-897_brochure.pdf
Cost just under a KFRN (kilo-buck) with shipping!
And even though all communications are open to the public (encryption is not allowed) there is NO RECORD kept of any communication, unlike all cell phones and email, or even forums like this one. If the conversation is not monitored in real time then it is lost forever (unless you traveled faster than the speed of light to a distant planet and then waited for the signal to reach you once again, I guess we can discount that scenario . . . . ::)
73
Mac
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Just FYI,
I passed the Extra Class license exam last month and am now a licensed ham.
My main interest was emergency communications since one cell tower stands between my cell phone and internet service and total isolation.
I purchased a Yaesu 897D (and accessories). It's a great radio with optional dual built in battery packs. 160M-70cm range. It covers EVERYTHING. All the digital modes too (with the external computer of course). Very compact and portable, but I'm using it as my base station. Already contacted some FSW folks on the air.
https://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/catalog/pdf/ft-897_brochure.pdf
Cost just under a KFRN (kilo-buck) with shipping!
And even though all communications are open to the public (encryption is not allowed) there is NO RECORD kept of any communication, unlike all cell phones and email, or even forums like this one. If the conversation is not monitored in real time then it is lost forever (unless you traveled faster than the speed of light to a distant planet and then waited for the signal to reach you once again, I guess we can discount that scenario . . . . ::)
73
Mac
My #2 ham role model speaks!
#1 is Big John Seniortech who took me to task in his living room, last year, also
helping to breakdown and clean an M1 Garand on the same visit.
Mac says it well on the 897D. Now that he's spoken up it's ok to say we have
an agreement to compare his 897D with the ICOM 7000. Hopefully, we'll all
benefit in the comparison.
BTW, gentleman: I'm going mobile right off the bat, so, the scorpion 680 (Screwdriver) and
a certain 2m antenna is on the chopping block for our investigation.
Quite bold comments for someone with no kudos from the FCC, yet. Then again, my
#2 role model was much like myself in the not to distant past.
Terence
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I have a 200 watt Tube type transmitter I built in the 1980's
Never got a license thou so I never used it.
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I have a 200 watt Tube type transmitter I built in the 1980's
Never got a license thou so I never used it.
Grief-kit? Does it also have the receiver?
-
I got my General license a couple of years ago, bought a handheld, made a couple of contacts with a Net when I lived in Jackson, and have done nothing since. I am looking forward to reading the comparison of the ICOM 7000 with Mac's rig.
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I got my General license a couple of years ago, bought a handheld, made a couple of contacts with a Net when I lived in Jackson, and have done nothing since. I am looking forward to reading the comparison of the ICOM 7000 with Mac's rig.
Belated congrats on your General, Don. The electrical and circuit theory is
nothing to sneeze at having read it over a second time, now.
We'll do a thorough job of the comparison as the results may determine who
buys what next....
Terence
CrappieWY, I suspect your actual knowledge exceeds the pursuit of the
curriculum. If you need a licensed 'stooge' perhaps I'll be eligible, soon.
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Not sure if I am allowed to plug another site, if not then please delete.
A friend of mine who is in Pheonix started a new HAM site a while back specifically geared toward new HAMs and those wanting to get their ticket. There are several experienced HAMs there to answer any and all questions. There is also a guy there that retired from the FCC. He can answer any questions regarding rules and regs. You wont find the negative attitude towards newbies or rank ametures like you see on other sites.
Check out
www.preparedham.com
Tex
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Actually it's Mac who you should be impressed with. For those who aren't into math, did you know there are imaginary numbers? Imagine that, a number that isn't real! And polar coordinates that aren't of this earth? That's the kind stuff Mac mastered to get his Extra ticket.
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For those who aren't into math, did you know there are imaginary numbers?
Yes, complex arithmetic includes the square root of -1. I am not aware that this is part of the FCC test. But I do congratulate Mac for his test score!
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I love it when threads like this pop up from the past that I have not found to read. I have been meaning to ask you all if there are any hams’s set up. Do you all monitor a particular CB channel, also? I’ll have the RV rigged up w/ my truck CB on our trip through.
HAM has been on my interest list for way too long. I am just afraid that after setting up the interest would start to wane without contacts, and I’d have another dust covered expensive box labeled “just in case”.
OTOH, if the FSW has an active net like what was being talked about in the opening pages of this thread, I’ll be looking for a local… what do you call the ham vet’s, I know they have a name… to sponsor me.
73’s, as you say.
-
One more question.
Is there an internet link to listen to HAM channels like there is to listen to police/fire scanners?
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For those who aren't into math, did you know there are imaginary numbers?
Yes, complex arithmetic includes the square root of -1. I am not aware that this is part of the FCC test. But I do congratulate Mac for his test score!
Indeed it is. Complex impedance. Polar coordinates. Converting from rectangular and back. Combining complex admittances. Circuit impedances such as "233 -j400 ohms", etc. And then there's the Smith charts! Now THAT is interesting!
Mac
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One more question.
Is there an internet link to listen to HAM channels like there is to listen to police/fire scanners?
Except in one rare case, hams don't have "channels" like CB or commercial radio and TV. It's a continuous spectrum, you know, kind of like a rainbow? >:D
You just tune linearly across a "band", analogous to the FM band, until you hear someone talking or sending code, or perhaps a clear spot if you want to start a new conversation. But unlike the commercial FM band, you could find stations on nearly any frequency allowed by your license class.
Mac
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Seniortech is the resident ham expert. Been doing this for years and he too has an Extra Class license.
I may know some theory, but know nearly nothing of actual operation.
He is the one who rekindled my interest and I still need to send him the bill for all the expenses I've incurred. ::)
Mac
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One more question.
Is there an internet link to listen to HAM channels like there is to listen to police/fire scanners?
Except in one rare case, hams don't have "channels" like CB or commercial radio and TV. It's a continuous spectrum, you know, kind of like a rainbow? >:D
You just tune linearly across a "band", analogous to the FM band, until you hear someone talking or sending code, or perhaps a clear spot if you want to start a new conversation. But unlike the commercial FM band, you could find stations on nearly any frequency allowed by your license class.
Mac
And that's a good thing!
A quick search reveals there are some guys making their personal radio reception
available kind of like a radio webcam, but, it's not much:
http://www.hamradiosecrets.com/listen-to-ham-radio-online.html
WS4E form the ehamforum says:
http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php?topic=72311.0
There ARE a few ways to listen to REAL ham radio online.
1) WebSDR, you can use powerful sdr radios via your web browser(java, no software to install) and tune into any frequency in their bandwith. There are stations located all over the world and on many different bands. Nothing to signup for or anything.
Just go here: http://www.websdr.org
2) Global Tuners. Actual radios online you can use and control to listen. Its a mix of vhf scanner type radios, some SDR broadband type, and some actual ham radios.
You do have to sign up for an account and there is a 2 week waiting period to get full use out of the site after you sign up.
Go here: http://www.globaltuners.com
3) You can also use some SDR radios remotely, via a full copy of the sdr-radio software running on your local PC.
See here for more info: http://sdr-radio.com/OnAirServersFree/tabid/186/language/en-US/Default.aspx
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I love it when threads like this pop up from the past that I have not found to read. I have been meaning to ask you all if there are any hams’s set up. Do you all monitor a particular CB channel, also? I’ll have the RV rigged up w/ my truck CB on our trip through.
HAM has been on my interest list for way too long. I am just afraid that after setting up the interest would start to wane without contacts, and I’d have another dust covered expensive box labeled “just in case”.
OTOH, if the FSW has an active net like what was being talked about in the opening pages of this thread, I’ll be looking for a local… what do you call the ham vet’s, I know they have a name… to sponsor me.
73’s, as you say.
Nothing wrong with CB radio. However, two antennas must be installed on
a vehicle to hit HF and V/UHF bands and I'd rather keep it at that.
You'll have plenty of "Elmers" to lend a hand in Wyoming . . .
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I have a 200 watt Tube type transmitter I built in the 1980's
Never got a license thou so I never used it.
Grief-kit? Does it also have the receiver?
Im not interested in hearing what others have to say so why do I need a receiver??
In reality, the spell check goofed. :D It should have been transeiver.
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Grief-kit? Does it also have the receiver?
Im not interested in hearing what others have to say so why do I need a receiver??
Ahhh. Then what you want is a CB radio. :)
I asked because I might be interested in a trade of some kind. Feel free to email or PM if you have any interest.
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Except in one rare case, hams don't have "channels" like CB or commercial radio and TV. It's a continuous spectrum, you know, kind of like a rainbow?
I literally LOL’ed just now Mac, thanks!
Elmer’s, that’s it, ok so knowing that there is a number of you who are at least available to form a net should the time come is good to know. Where ever I land in WY I know that communications will be somewhat available in time. I’ll have to start collecting things to put in that JIC box, and when I am on the ground there it will be an early priority to get set up.
I’ll keep my eye on this thread and may even start working on getting my ticket. I am sure it would be more difficult to understand without having the equipment in front of me, but is it possible to learn and pass the test without buying the stuff?
Thanks,
KTK
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I am sure it would be more difficult to understand without having the equipment in front of me, but is it possible to learn and pass the test without buying the stuff?
Yes! In fact, it's better to study the materials first as it greatly informs
your equipment choices.
Terence
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It was asked above about Internet radio links. A ham buddy of mine turned me onto an app called Echolink. It is available for iPad, iPhone, and the net. You need at least a tech license to use it, but it allows worldwide transmit and receive on preset nodes. It's worth looking into if you are into long range comms. Art Bell operates a node for those familiar with him.
My buddy just got me hooked on ham radio. I'm getting my tech license ASAP along with a decent vehicle/base/handheld starter equipment set. When Im up and running I will post contact info.
I read a few posts about repeater networks and their scarcity. Just FYI, there are more out there than people realize. I used my friend's rig and talked to another buddy in Idaho from a 5w handheld in the sw Nevada desert. There are many GMRS nets in and around cities. For example we can talk from our home in Pahrump NV throughout Las Vegas on 2w GMRS radios. I will see what I can find for in and around WY and post any results I find here.
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Those of you with a ticket (ham license) may want to get some practice in at "local" HF communications. Though not associated with FSW, the Cowboy net is a Wyoming-centered HF net that meets M-F (local) on 3923.5 kHz at 0045Z. Most of the participants are in Wyoming, but there is good representation from MT, ID, SD, UT and CO too. I get on several times a month and had no trouble checking in with 20 Watts. (Recently I went "high power" at 45 Watts :D).
Why do it? You find out what goes wrong, what interference is, what atmospheric noise is like and what day-to-day variation in propagation is all about. And you put it all together by fixing the stuff that's wrong and overcoming the problems until you know what works - and then you have some skill as a communications operator, not just as the owner of a shiny new (or old) radio.
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Actually, I've been monitoring that net for the last several nights. ;D
Another FSWer told me about it.
Thanks.
Mac
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100+ Things to do in Ham Radio
Have fun with Ham Radio doing these things
http://barrowhamradio.org/images/articles/100%20Things%20in%20Ham%20Radio.pdf
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I found these Amateur Radio articles for a friend. They are well-written
by non-experts and provide a great intro into the practical aspects of Amateur Radio:
Why You Should Get Your Ham Radio License:
http://www.survivalblog.com/2012/03/communications-why-you-should-get-your-ham-radio-license-by-mg.html
Get and Use Your Ham Radio License:
http://www.survivalblog.com/2012/01/get-and-use-your-ham-radio-lic.html
Making Ham Radio Simple. . .
http://www.survivalblog.com/2012/06/making-ham-radio-simple-for-the-survivalist-by-alan-m.html
Ham Radio Privacy:
http://survivalblog.com/2012/03/letter-re-ham-radio-privacy.html
Linking Up with Local Hams:
http://www.survivalblog.com/2012/06/letter-re-linking-up-with-local-ham-radio-operators.html
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This is an interesting thread. My boyfriend/significant other is a ham and so I could mostly borrow his equipment. I think knowing how to use it would be of big benefit in an emergency situation when normal lines of communication are down. I'm very seriously thinking of getting a ham license.
Is the FSW net still operating from time to time?
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We are trying to get organized and see what works. Several have been making some QSOs (contacts) in the last several days. I'm off the air right now because a not-so-typical Wyoming thunderstorm came thru last week and blew down my antenna. Working on getting back on the air. I just got my license 6 weeks ago and have an all new setup. I got back into this after a 40 year absence because of the emergency communication aspect.
Mac
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I am currently "using" my county's CD "license" to buy equipment. I'm not sure I want to add yet another "tag" to my already large .gov file...
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I am currently "using" my county's CD "license" to buy equipment. I'm not sure I want to add yet another "tag" to my already large .gov file...
The license is to transmit. There are no buying or listening restrictions (Yet).
Terence
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For what it's worth, I just found these dual-band radios at a very attractive price (fifty-five bucks each):
http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-136-174-400-470MHz-Dual-Band-Display-Two-way/dp/B007UMQUPA
I got a pair for my future amateur radio communications, but they are capable of receiving and transmitting on the Family Radio Service, GMRS, and other public service bands. They might be very handy for emergency communications.
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For what it's worth, I just found these dual-band radios at a very attractive price (fifty-five bucks each):
http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-136-174-400-470MHz-Dual-Band-Display-Two-way/dp/B007UMQUPA
I got a pair for my future amateur radio communications, but they are capable of receiving and transmitting on the Family Radio Service, GMRS, and other public service bands. They might be very handy for emergency communications.
Great find, thanks Richard. I've seen 2/70's that receive those bands but the ability
to transmit, as well, could be very useful.
Terence
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Radio Free Redoubt: "The Voice of The American Redoubt"
A Communications Network and Radio show for "The American Redoubt".
http://www.fundamentalsoffreedom.com/fswforum/index.php?topic=13485.msg118489#msg118489
Terence
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Update:
Last night I joined the "Cowboy Net". It's a group of hams from throughout WY and neighboring states. I heard guys from Cheyenne, Laramie, Rock Springs, Casper, Gillette, Sundance, Cody, etc. More than I can remember. Also heard from SD, MT, CO, and ID.
They meet M-F at 00:45 UTC.
This morning, at 13:30 UTC four FSW guys (including me) took part in a discussion. Devil's Tower, Sundance, Newcastle, and at the MT/ID border. We could all hear the MT/ID operator, but us local Crook/Weston folks couldn't hear each other much at all.
Conditions, conditions, conditions. Time of day, time of year, point in sunspot cycle. They all make a difference.
There's another FSW member who just got his license that hopefully will be joining us soon.
Mac
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Hey guys,
Amazon is shipping me;
~"ARRL Ham Radio License Manual: All You Need to Become an Amateur Radio Operator (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual) (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual)"
~"General Class License Manual (Softcover) (Arrl General Class License Manual for the Radio Amateur)"
~ & "Ham Radio For Dummies"
It will be a while, but I’ll be a HAM soon enough, just keep the nets up!
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Update:
Last night I joined the "Cowboy Net". It's a group of hams from throughout WY and neighboring states. I heard guys from Cheyenne, Laramie, Rock Springs, Casper, Gillette, Sundance, Cody, etc. More than I can remember. Also heard from SD, MT, CO, and ID.
They meet M-F at 00:45 UTC.
This morning, at 13:30 UTC four FSW guys (including me) took part in a discussion. Devil's Tower, Sundance, Newcastle, and at the MT/ID border. We could all hear the MT/ID operator, but us local Crook/Weston folks couldn't hear each other much at all.
Conditions, conditions, conditions. Time of day, time of year, point in sunspot cycle. They all make a difference.
There's another FSW member who just got his license that hopefully will be joining us soon.
Mac
Well, it's great the repeater network is working within the black hills. Maybe its
time to find out if NVIS is a myth though it may require separate antennas to point
more vertically and experiment.
I'll be on VHF soon and am sorting through all the antenna options for HF. Whatever
it's going to be will have a great power setup to plug into!
Terence
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Hey guys,
Amazon is shipping me;
~"ARRL Ham Radio License Manual: All You Need to Become an Amateur Radio Operator (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual) (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual)"
~"General Class License Manual (Softcover) (Arrl General Class License Manual for the Radio Amateur)"
~ & "Ham Radio For Dummies"
It will be a while, but I’ll be a HAM soon enough, just keep the nets up!
Good books and great to hear! I'll bet you'll start reading and won't
be able to stop.
Terence
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...
Well, it's great the repeater network is working within the black hills. Maybe its
time to find out if NVIS is a myth though it may require separate antennas to point
more vertically and experiment.
...
The Cowboy Net is on 3923.5 kHz, which is HF, not a repeater net. NVIS works pretty well for it. I have good coverage of Cowboy Net stations and the antenna is only about 15 feet high on average; it is 130 feet long.
-
...
Well, it's great the repeater network is working within the black hills. Maybe its
time to find out if NVIS is a myth though it may require separate antennas to point
more vertically and experiment.
...
The Cowboy Net is on 3923.5 kHz, which is HF, not a repeater net. NVIS works pretty well for it. I have good coverage of Cowboy Net stations and the antenna is only about 15 feet high on average; it is 130 feet long.
Yes, I only knew the same FSW crew was talking within the black hills on linked repeaters because
Mac told me that via personal e-mail.
Can you/Do you point your antenna more vertically than it's normal install position
to increase the takeoff angle? If one can't do that then it seems a separate HF antenna
would be needed for NVIS, no?
Terence
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As Mac said, there are 4 of us who've been making contact regularly for the past few weeks and working out some of the bugs (distance, freqs, times, etc) and we've had some great QSO's. I'm currently acting as ad hoc Net Control and we'd welcome any who'd like to participate.
At this point, the consensus isn't a daily net, but a once or twice a week contact to check signals, propagation, and pass along any information. The intent is to keep it simple, reliable, and pertinent. There's still some work to do determining what bands are usable for the distances, but those should be resolved in the near future.
If any are interested, let us know. You must have a current and valid FCC license to operate in the HF spectrum. For those who do not wish to acquire a FCC license, you're welcome to listen to our traffic, and if that's the case, let us know and we can give you the freqs and sideband to receive. I want to make this clear, though; if you do not possess a valid license to operate, and you attempt to transmit, you will not be acknowledged.
If you'd like to listen, you'll need a shortwave receiver with a good exterior antenna and the radio must have the capability of receiving upper and lower sidebands. Our conversations may be boring to some, pertaining to weather and signal strength, but our focus is on reliable, clear communications, not social interactions. Those can be arranged between stations separately.
73,
redtailhawk
AA4VB
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...
Can you/Do you point your antenna more vertically than it's normal install position
to increase the takeoff angle? If one can't do that then it seems a separate HF antenna
would be needed for NVIS, no?
...
My antenna is a wire which is roughly parallel to the ground. Its vertical pattern would be the same in all angles (a doughnut around the wire) except for the fact that it is over the ground. The fact that it is over ground, and rather low (as measured in wavelengths), means that its pattern in the vertical plane is a blob more or less directed up. That is, it is "nearly vertical." So I am not controlling the vertical pattern by pointing it, but rather by adjusting the height above ground. At HF with reasonable support heights, control of the vertical pattern by pointing doesn't work. It's by adjusting the height of the effective center of the antenna above ground.
Feel free to PM me if you want *extended* discussions of antennas. As a former antenna engineer, I know I tend to go on about it....
-
...
Can you/Do you point your antenna more vertically than it's normal install position
to increase the takeoff angle? If one can't do that then it seems a separate HF antenna
would be needed for NVIS, no?
...
My antenna is a wire which is roughly parallel to the ground. Its vertical pattern would be the same in all angles (a doughnut around the wire) except for the fact that it is over the ground. The fact that it is over ground, and rather low (as measured in wavelengths), means that its pattern in the vertical plane is a blob more or less directed up. That is, it is "nearly vertical." So I am not controlling the vertical pattern by pointing it, but rather by adjusting the height above ground. At HF with reasonable support heights, control of the vertical pattern by pointing doesn't work. It's by adjusting the height of the effective center of the antenna above ground.
Feel free to PM me if you want *extended* discussions of antennas. As a former antenna engineer, I know I tend to go on about it....
Fascinating. Let me digest all that and come back with questions, thanks.
The ARRL Antenna book is next on my list since I need to come up with an optimal
HF mobile solution. Every mobile option has limitations and I'm working through
what to give up and how to minimize loss.
If we had a separate section for antenna discussions we could move them there.
I think our experiments will be a useful reference as people go through the process (And
the more, the better!).
Terence
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Since the new Amateur Radio thread has not been started yet, I’ll pose a question here.
Within the first chapter of HAM Radios for Dummies, it is apparent that a computer is one of the (maybe) necessary components of a good radio shack for keeping logs. We almost dumped our old desk top PC as we don’t use it anymore. I thought twice about it, and was about to strip it and load a Linux OS on it, but I am still very new in learning that system as well.
For those of you who have a dedicated PC for your HAM rig, what OS do you use?
Should I keep Windows on it?
Will Linux work?
And is your HAM PC on-line, or just linked to your rig off the internet?
OK, that was 4 questions, but that is what newbies are all about, right? :D
73’s
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I dont use a computer in my shack anymore. For me, it was a personal decision based on the costs of the constant updates, new devices, the never-ending "grand ideas" from hams with more time and money than I had. After using PSK31, Winlink2K, Winmor, and some of the computer packet programs, I found I was spending more time managing data than I was making contacts.
That said, Logbook of the World (LOTW) is a great program for tracking contacts. I've always kept a manual logbook, but LOTW is really simple and accepted worldwide.
Windows will work. I'm sure Linux will also.
Online is fine if you've got a line to your shack and have a need to access the extensive information available.
I wouldn't discourage anyone from getting involved in computer based radio. It was fun and has a ton of advantages. As I said, for me it was a matter of time and money. I dont spend much time doing DX or contesting anymore and my focus these days is reliable emergency communications with fellow hams.
Hope this helps. We're on 40m, 7165mHz LSB at 0730MDT every Tuesday.
73,
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My mainframe is called Papyrus, and my OS is called "Graphite Stick" with an add on by Cellulose.
Very effective for me. But sometimes the Graphite Stick gets blunted and must go thru a "restore" process in a little accessory I keep in my drawer.
Mac
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Whether you need a computer is dependent on what you are doing in ham radio. There is an awful lot. Mostly, I've used the computer only to look up things on the internet. Regarding Windows or Linux, I'd say both. Create a new partition on the computer and load Linux. And set it up to boot either.
73,
Searchdog, kd5oeo
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One more question.
Is there an internet link to listen to HAM channels like there is to listen to police/fire scanners?
I think I have found the answer to this question.
This is from over at http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/ (http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/)
Does anyone here follow this site?
http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-receive-ham-radio-digital.html (http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-receive-ham-radio-digital.html)
I’ll update with how this works out…
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Here is some more information from radiofreeredoubt. At the bottom is a list of times that they are on the air, seems like a good time to make some contacts for everyone.
http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/p/communications-plan-for-preppers.html (http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/p/communications-plan-for-preppers.html)
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN (for Preppers & Redoubters)
As with all survival/prepper/Redoubt communications, the below programs are for making initial contact or for monitoring for news and information across the Radio Net. For individual group communications or "side-issue" chatting, move to another frequency to keep the net open for others. We encourage you to form a separate, private communication plan within your own local group, but always keep the below-outlined commo plans available for standardized communications for ALL preppers or Redoubters.
• CH-3: CHannel - 3. For CB, FRS/GMRS, and MURS Radios.
Specifically designed as a standardized plan to keep local preppers connected, whether you're a Ham radio operator or not. Licensing is NOT required to use these communications devices. In an emergency, switch to Channel 3 of your CB Radio, FRS/GMRS Radios, or MURS Radios to get hold of other Preppers and Redoubters. This is not used on a daily basis. It is for making initial contact with others, and for monitoring for important information transmitted by Hams and Relays. See AmRRON to learn more about how this works.To learn more about CH-3, click HERE.
• AmRRON: the American Redoubt Radio Operators Network.
The AmRRON Frequency Plan is available only to members of the American Redoubt Network. AmRRON is the radio net designed to keep Redoubters and OAR (Outside the American Redoubt) patriots connected should conventional communications fail. *It is for a real-world disaster situation. AmRRON incorporates HF(High Frequency)/Shortwave, with 2m Ham, 70cm Ham, and CH-3, linking Hams and Non-Hams, to keep intelligence, news, and information flowing both directions.
*For everyday communications and regularly-scheduled nets, we encourage you to transmit and monitor communications by joining other preppers using TAPRN (The American Prepper Radio Network). To learn more about AmRRON, click HERE.
• TAPRN: The American Prepper Radio Network.
For everyday, normal use for Ham operators who are Preppers, Patriots, and Redoubters, since we're all in this together. Do NOT use your AmRRON Call Sign when using this net. You may only use your FCC Call Sign. Remember, the majority of the people using TAPRN are not Redoubters, they're preppers. This is a great way to practice using your equipment and honing your Ham skills before TEOTWAWKI, and build some great relationships with some wonderful, like-minded folks. To learn more about TAPRN, click HERE.
Standardized Amateur Radio Prepper Communications Plan
from TAPRN (The American Preppers Radio Network)
Standardized Frequencies and Modes
80 Meters – 3.818 MHz LSB (TAPRN Net: Sundays at 9 PM ET)
40 Meters – 7.242 MHz LSB
40 Meters Digital – 7.073 MHz USB CONTESTIA. 4/250 mode. (TAPRN Net: Sundays at 7:30 PM ET)
20 Meters – 14.242 MHz USB
2 Meters – 146.420 MHz FM
TAPRN Regularly Schedueld Weekly NET:
Sunday Evenings:
40 Meters Digital -- 7.073 MHz USB CONTESTIA. 4/250 mode
0030 hrs (ZULU); 1930(Eastern); 1630(Pacific)
80 Meters Voice (Phone) -- 3.818 MHz LSB
0200hrs (ZULU); 2100 (Eastern); 1800 (Pacific)
Tuesday Evenings:
80 Meters Voice (Phone) -- 3.818 MHz LSB
0100hrs (ZULU); 2000 (Eastern); 1700 (Pacific)
Thursday Evenings:
40 Meters Digital -- 7.073 MHz USB CONTESTIA. 4/250 mode
0100hrs (ZULU); 2000 (Eastern); 1700 (Pacific)
This digital net is to help beginners.
We are attempting to build a consistent communications grid for both Digital & Phone nets. We encourage every member to use these frequencies on a daily basis as well as participating in the scheduled nets.
Voice/Phone Net 80-meter band (all LSB):
- Primary 3.818 MHz (+/- 5 kHz)
- Secondary 3.855 MHz (+/- 5 kHz)
- Alternate 3.983 MHz (+/- 5 kHz)
Digital Net Contestia 4/250 mode (all USB):
- Primary 7.073 MHz (offset ±1000 Hz) 40-meter band
- Secondary 3.583 MHZ (offset ±1000 Hz) 80-meter band
Pick your favorite and join in OR better yet try to catch them both.
TAPRN Digital Net
Sunday night 7:30PM Eastern On 40 meters at 7.073 Mhz ---USB,---
Now using CONTESTIA. 4/250 mode.
TAPRN Voice Net
Sunday Night 8PM Eastern for the PRE NET and 9 PM Eastern for the regular net On 80 meters at 3.818 Mhz ---LSB,--- (+/-) for QRM
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For those of you who have a dedicated PC for your HAM rig, what OS do you use?
Should I keep Windows on it?
Will Linux work?
And is your HAM PC on-line, or just linked to your rig off the internet?
Unix.
Nah, probably just throw it out or put some version of unix on it.
Yes.
Hams are geeks at heart so all the cool stuff has a unix version!
Does anyone here follow this site?
http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-receive-ham-radio-digital.html (http://radiofreeredoubt.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-receive-ham-radio-digital.html)
I’ll update with how this works out…
Yes, John is doing some great work with his RFR plan. They just went through a
readiness exercise and am looking forward to learning from it.
Terence
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Not much about ham radio on the forum these days. Thought I would post this in case anyone is interested:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/2014/09/no_author/if-theres-real-trouble/
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Thought this might help.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/2014/09/no_author/if-theres-real-trouble/ (http://www.lewrockwell.com/2014/09/no_author/if-theres-real-trouble/)
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Yes, thanks Sam. It is a pretty good article about why and how to get going in ham radio.
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Plan on studying soon for da license.