Comms: Need to Know what you Know

[SuperiorDG]

So I have been looking around for some radios to replace my Midland GXT1050VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radios. They have nowhere near the advertised range and want something stronger with more range. In the city I could not get more then a mile or two out of them. I've settled on a UHF system with either a 2 or 4 watt range.

I've been looking at three options:

Blackbox Bantam UHF 2-way Radio http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UJXMQY/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AFAGM2K2OIRAD

Motorola On-Site RDU2020 2-Channel UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RDU2020-2-Channel-Water-Resistant-Business/dp/B000Y2YMWQ/ref=pd_sim_e_3

Motorola On-Site RDU4100 10-Channel UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RDU4100-10-Channel-Water-Resistant-Business/dp/B000Y357Y2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_3

I like the rep that Motorola has but the price is high. Does anyone know what kind of range any of these has? It would be nice to have about 5 to 10 mile range in the city.

Thanks for the help.

[cmailliard]

Not sure on how these work with the frequencies reserved for business use or how to apply. Never looked into it, but I am now.

You can consider MURS - FCC LINK (http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/multi-use-radio-service-murs-0) and WIKIPEDIA LINK (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Use_Radio_Service). These are limited to 2 Watts of power but you can increase range with an external antenna. Motorola makes a MURS Business Class Radio, the RDU2080 (http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RDM2080D-Portable-Two-Way-Radio/dp/B00525ZT2M/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375540964&sr=1-5&keywords=murs+radio). MURS are VHF frequencies in the 151 and 154 MHz area.

Given this is the S&P forum I am assuming this is the purpose you are looking to use these for? You can also consider the Baofeng UV-5R+ (http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Band-Improved-Stronger/dp/B0097252UK/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375541227&sr=1-9&keywords=murs+radio) for this type of purpose. They are not Part 95 Certified by the FCC and you are not supposed to use them on FRS/GMRS/MURS frequencies, but pretty much everyone does. These are dual band VHF/UHF radios that are dirt cheap and work pretty well. Very easy to program. You still will not get the range you want, but that type of range in the city is pretty tough with low power radios with no access to a repeater.

[RCCrawler]

I've got a couple of these for racing.

http://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=296_35&products_id=24

We give them to the remote pits to talk to the race car, they work real well, even better if you toss one of their long range antennas on them.

http://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=182_400

I've used them out in the desert and gotten good range, mileage may vary in the wooded mountains.

[cofi]

Given this is the S&P forum I am assuming this is the purpose you are looking to use these for? You can also consider the Baofeng UV-5R+ (http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Band-Improved-Stronger/dp/B0097252UK/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375541227&sr=1-9&keywords=murs+radio) for this type of purpose. They are not Part 95 Certified by the FCC and you are not supposed to use them on FRS/GMRS/MURS frequencies, but pretty much everyone does. These are dual band VHF/UHF radios that are dirt cheap and work pretty well. Very easy to program. You still will not get the range you want, but that type of range in the city is pretty tough with low power radios with no access to a repeater.

the baofengs are the way to go 40 bucks shipped!

[rbeau30]

the baofengs are the way to go 40 bucks shipped!

I have two, and I want more to keep ready to go in some mylar for emp. It is also how I decided to get my HAM License. These little handhelds are awesome. The FIRST upgrade I would suggest is a 14" antenna for <10 bucks.

Then larger battery
Then battery case that you can put AA's in.
Then external mic.

[SuperiorDG]

Not sure on how these work with the frequencies reserved for business use or how to apply. Never looked into it, but I am now.

You can consider MURS - FCC LINK (http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/multi-use-radio-service-murs-0) and WIKIPEDIA LINK (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Use_Radio_Service). These are limited to 2 Watts of power but you can increase range with an external antenna. Motorola makes a MURS Business Class Radio, the RDU2080 (http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RDM2080D-Portable-Two-Way-Radio/dp/B00525ZT2M/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375540964&sr=1-5&keywords=murs+radio). MURS are VHF frequencies in the 151 and 154 MHz area.

Given this is the S&P forum I am assuming this is the purpose you are looking to use these for? You can also consider the Baofeng UV-5R+ (http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Band-Improved-Stronger/dp/B0097252UK/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375541227&sr=1-9&keywords=murs+radio) for this type of purpose. They are not Part 95 Certified by the FCC and you are not supposed to use them on FRS/GMRS/MURS frequencies, but pretty much everyone does. These are dual band VHF/UHF radios that are dirt cheap and work pretty well. Very easy to program. You still will not get the range you want, but that type of range in the city is pretty tough with low power radios with no access to a repeater.


I have two, and I want more to keep ready to go in some mylar for emp. It is also how I decided to get my HAM License. These little handhelds are awesome. The FIRST upgrade I would suggest is a 14" antenna for <10 bucks.

Then larger battery
Then battery case that you can put AA's in.
Then external mic.

Thanks, ever heard of these. For that price I will have to give them a try.

[streetglideok]

So I have been looking around for some radios to replace my Midland GXT1050VP4 36-Mile 50-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radios. They have nowhere near the advertised range and want something stronger with more range. In the city I could not get more then a mile or two out of them. I've settled on a UHF system with either a 2 or 4 watt range.

I've been looking at three options:

Blackbox Bantam UHF 2-way Radio http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006UJXMQY/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AFAGM2K2OIRAD

Motorola On-Site RDU2020 2-Channel UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RDU2020-2-Channel-Water-Resistant-Business/dp/B000Y2YMWQ/ref=pd_sim_e_3

Motorola On-Site RDU4100 10-Channel UHF Water-Resistant Two-Way Business Radio http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RDU4100-10-Channel-Water-Resistant-Business/dp/B000Y357Y2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_3

I like the rep that Motorola has but the price is high. Does anyone know what kind of range any of these has? It would be nice to have about 5 to 10 mile range in the city.

Thanks for the help.

More power, and better antenna will be the key players there, neither of which work in your favor with FRS radios. With VHF and UHF radios, you're limited mostly by line of sight. If terrain blocks your view of the other guy, you likely wont get to him without aid of a repeater. Same time, at higher elevation versus surrounding terrain, you can get out a lot further. From the top of pikes peak I had no problem getting out past Denver. Look into the radios suggested, and learn the frequency limits. If you wander onto ham radio frequencies without a license, you're likely to get tracked down and reported. FCC likes to start fines in the 10k range. If those options still limit you, then you may look into getting a ham license and gaining a lot more access to options.

[SuperiorDG]

More power, and better antenna will be the key players there, neither of which work in your favor with FRS radios. With VHF and UHF radios, you're limited mostly by line of sight. If terrain blocks your view of the other guy, you likely wont get to him without aid of a repeater. Same time, at higher elevation versus surrounding terrain, you can get out a lot further. From the top of pikes peak I had no problem getting out past Denver. Look into the radios suggested, and learn the frequency limits. If you wander onto ham radio frequencies without a license, you're likely to get tracked down and reported. FCC likes to start fines in the 10k range. If those options still limit you, then you may look into getting a ham license and gaining a lot more access to options.

Sounds like a good idea. I'll do some research. Thanks

[streetglideok]

I should add, that if you choose that path, it can lead to more toys. Just picked up my new radio, that I'm deciphering the owners manual on as we speak.

[cofi]

I have two, and I want more to keep ready to go in some mylar for emp. It is also how I decided to get my HAM License. These little handhelds are awesome. The FIRST upgrade I would suggest is a 14" antenna for <10 bucks.

Then larger battery
Then battery case that you can put AA's in.
Then external mic.


mylar works as a faraday cage??

[rbeau30]

mylar works as a faraday cage??

The ESD bags you get with electronic components? Those are Mylar. If you think about it... Mylar is metallized plastic bags. That is why they are air tight, because just plastic alone is not. In theory, any electro-static discharge would travel along the bag protecting any electronics inside if sealed properly.

I was planning on putting them in sealed mylar ESD bags with a layer of foam protecting them from touching the inside of something like an ammo can that has been properly sealed (metal tape and grounded. Should be sufficient to protect them from any solar produced EMP. EMP in Denver area means I am already dead as I am sure most of the first-strike targets are all within 100 miles of here.

[streetglideok]

The ESD bags you get with electronic components? Those are Mylar. If you think about it... Mylar is metallized plastic bags. That is why they are air tight, because just plastic alone is not. In theory, any electro-static discharge would travel along the bag protecting any electronics inside if sealed properly.

I was planning on putting them in sealed mylar ESD bags with a layer of foam protecting them from touching the inside of something like an ammo can that has been properly sealed (metal tape and grounded. Should be sufficient to protect them from any solar produced EMP. EMP in Denver area means I am already dead as I am sure most of the first-strike targets are all within 100 miles of here.
Not necessarily. EMP devices can be detonated, and have the effect of the emp of a nuke. They can be made with crude materials as well, something terrorists could make. We are also vulnerable from the sun. In fact we just missed a major EME that crossed our orbit that was comparable to the Carrington event. Look that up if you are unfamiliar with the Carrington event, and keep that in mind.

[SuperiorDG]

So I got my Baofeng UV-5R (http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Band-Improved-Stronger/dp/B0097252UK/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375541227&sr=1-9&keywords=murs+radio) now only if I can figure out how to work it.

[rbeau30]

So I got my Baofeng UV-5R (http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Band-Improved-Stronger/dp/B0097252UK/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375541227&sr=1-9&keywords=murs+radio) now only if I can figure out how to work it.


LOTS of you tube vids on how to program a repeater and various operations of it. That is how I learned, I got into the hobby without knowing any licensed folks.

There are several of us on the boards who have em. Any Questions? post em... Perhaps a BaoFeng Thread is in order?

[tactical_2012]

Just picked up a a pair of Realistic HTX-202 hand helds at a garage sale for $3 for the pair that still work. Do I need a HAM license to use these?

[asmo]

So I have had a Wouxun 6D and I picked up a Baofeng 5R the other night. After playing with it I have come to one easy conclusion: Wouxun > Baofeng.

The 5R works, but its all the little things that make the Wouxun better. One simple one - I want a damn knob to change/roll-through the programmed channels. Doesn't exist on the Baofeng (or I cant find it), on the Wouxun there is a knob and a little asian voice tells me what channel I am on when I change it. I do not want to have to look at the face of my radio to dick with things. Not saying the Wouxun is a great radio - they both pale in comparison to a nice Motorola or Yaesu - but if your looking at cheap HTs for 2m go with the Wouxun.

[Singlestack]

I have two, and I want more to keep ready to go in some mylar for emp. It is also how I decided to get my HAM License. These little handhelds are awesome. The FIRST upgrade I would suggest is a 14" antenna for <10 bucks.

Then larger battery
Then battery case that you can put AA's in.
Then external mic.

I agree with this. Given a little bit if study time and passing the technician ham exam for $15, this is the way to go for "cheap and effective" comms that are a step up from FRS/GMRS/MURS. The big advantage is really all of the repeaters that enable comms over a much broader area - especially near the population centers. Also, if you choose to go with a UV-5R variant, there is a very helpful Yahoo group specifically for the UV-5R. This is especially helpful for new users and can help get you going in no time. I have the basic UV-5R, which works with all of the accessories. Some of the variants, for example, won't work with the AA/AAA battery cases that are available - since the main difference between models is the case size and arrangement.

[hatidua]

Well, I broke down and bought the study flashcards for the technicians test along with a Yaesu ft-60R. This should prove interesting....I've not studied for a test since college and that was a LONG time ago!

[streetglideok]

The ft60 is a good handheld, though I suggest a longer antenna to go with it too. The AA battery conversion is also a good investment. Singlestack, have you looked into aprs, or have I bugged you about that already? I'm lacking the gps but still can send and receive messages with it.

[rbeau30]

Just picked up a a pair of Realistic HTX-202 hand helds at a garage sale for $3 for the pair that still work. Do I need a HAM license to use these?

Those operate 2M if I am not mistaken so yeah.


Well, I broke down and bought the study flashcards for the technicians test along with a Yaesu ft-60R. This should prove interesting....I've not studied for a test since college and that was a LONG time ago!

Good Luck! Once you get one question down pat, set that flashcard aside and keep going through the ones you don't remember. Remember! The questions don't change, so focus on the right answer, it may not be a or b or c or d, but the wording is exact.

[hatidua]

Good Luck!

That's precisely what will need to be involved! :)

[bogie]

Not sure on how these work with the frequencies reserved for business use or how to apply. Never looked into it, but I am now.

You can consider MURS - FCC LINK (http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/multi-use-radio-service-murs-0) and WIKIPEDIA LINK (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Use_Radio_Service). These are limited to 2 Watts of power but you can increase range with an external antenna. Motorola makes a MURS Business Class Radio, the RDU2080 (http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-RDM2080D-Portable-Two-Way-Radio/dp/B00525ZT2M/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375540964&sr=1-5&keywords=murs+radio). MURS are VHF frequencies in the 151 and 154 MHz area.

Given this is the S&P forum I am assuming this is the purpose you are looking to use these for? You can also consider the Baofeng UV-5R+ (http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Band-Improved-Stronger/dp/B0097252UK/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1375541227&sr=1-9&keywords=murs+radio) for this type of purpose. They are not Part 95 Certified by the FCC and you are not supposed to use them on FRS/GMRS/MURS frequencies, but pretty much everyone does. These are dual band VHF/UHF radios that are dirt cheap and work pretty well. Very easy to program. You still will not get the range you want, but that type of range in the city is pretty tough with low power radios with no access to a repeater.

I've seen three UV5R on amazon ranging in price from $33 to $47. The model linked above was $47. I'm wondering what the difference is? Sorry for the newb question.

Edit: All I could find was that the case seems to be a little beefed up on the plus model, but the internals are the same as the cheaper model.

[Singlestack]

The ft60 is a good handheld, though I suggest a longer antenna to go with it too. The AA battery conversion is also a good investment. Singlestack, have you looked into aprs, or have I bugged you about that already? I'm lacking the gps but still can send and receive messages with it.

Street - pretty sure I need a TNC to do APRS?? AFAIK, the UV-5R doesn't support APRS on its own...

[streetglideok]

Street - pretty sure I need a TNC to do APRS?? AFAIK, the UV-5R doesn't support APRS on its own...
Yeah with that one you would. If you go kenwood, handheld or mobile, they have a couple of models with it built in. I'll have to remember who it was that installed the D710 in their dodge pickup on here.

[tactical_2012]

Thanks rbeau they will just be put away in in case shtf

[Irving]

Street - pretty sure I need a TNC to do APRS?? AFAIK, the UV-5R doesn't support APRS on its own...

One sentence, five acronyms.

[SuperiorDG]

One sentence, five acronyms.

Yeah, WTF?

[ChadAmberg]

There's a Yaesu (http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=111&encProdID=03484E782FF9B7DFA27AEE086A68F530&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0) handheld, the VX-8DR, that now has APRS built in to it.

[streetglideok]

Yep, forgot about the vx-8 models.
As for acronyms, look up ham tnc and aprs. The rest will be clear.

[DFBrews]

Any one worried about passing the test it is a breeze I did about 4 hours total study time and passed with a 31/35 on Thursday

[streetglideok]

Any one worried about passing the test it is a breeze I did about 4 hours total study time and passed with a 31/35 on Thursday
Yep, its a little known secret that those who passed the tech test know. The tech test at least, is fairly easy with only a little studying. Its a little theory, and mostly regulatory. There really isn't an excuse to not have a license and possess a radio "for emergency use only". I literally threw a study guide at my wife, gave her a day to study and we aced the tests the next night. The general test is harder and more involved but doable.

Congrats on passing DFB btw.

[bogie]

Well, I broke down and bought the study flashcards for the technicians test along with a Yaesu ft-60R. This should prove interesting....I've not studied for a test since college and that was a LONG time ago!

Hey hatidua, I've been running through the flashcards on the site linked below. You can get free flashcards for all the tests in case you want to study for general or amateur extra.

https://hamstudy.org/

[hatidua]

Hey hatidua, I've been running through the flashcards on the site linked below. You can get free flashcards for all the tests in case you want to study for general or amateur extra.

https://hamstudy.org/

Thanks, I've just spent the last 20 minutes on that site......wish I'd seen that before buying the cards :(

[Singlestack]

DFBrews - congrats on passing the test! Welcome to the confab of RF geeks! :-)

[DFBrews]

DFBrews - congrats on passing the test! Welcome to the confab of RF geeks! :-)


thanks now the wait for the call sign

[DFBrews]

Got my call sign! Now I have no idea what to do haha

[Great-Kazoo]

Got my call sign! Now I have no idea what to do haha

Figure out why my 5R isn't transmitting. I've been through a few different sites and all settings look good.

[Irving]

Got my call sign! Now I have no idea what to do haha

Start chatting up some lot lizards. I hear the HAM versions are more classy.

[gnihcraes]

Got my call sign! Now I have no idea what to do haha

Let me know, I can help. Your place or mine, we're not far apart.

[streetglideok]

Got my call sign! Now I have no idea what to do haha
That part is easy. Leave the wife at home, and go to HRO on Iliff and blow a load... of money.

[rbeau30]

Anyone going to be at the Jeffco Hamfest Sunday? I'm going!

[DFBrews]

Figure out why my 5R isn't transmitting. I've been through a few different sites and all settings look good.

i can head up there soon if you need


Start chatting up some lot lizards. I hear the HAM versions are more classy.

but the number of teeth is the true question


Let me know, I can help. Your place or mine, we're not far apart.

cool thanks mainly etiquette is what I am lacking


That part is easy. Leave the wife at home, and go to HRO on Iliff and blow a load... of money.

no wife no GF..... I do what I wants


Anyone going to be at the Jeffco Hamfest Sunday? I'm going!

cutting hay but I will shoot you a txt tomorrow want to hit some simplex and see if we can talk now that I am legit

[rbeau30]

Awesome! lemme know where you are transmitting I'll monitor as I'm driving out there.

[gnihcraes]

Anyone going to be at the Jeffco Hamfest Sunday? I'm going!

I should be there ~ 9am. Let me know if there is a meet up time and place. Ask about anyone working the show if they have seen K B 0 U Q T and they will point me out. :)

I'll monitor 146.520 simplex and 145.490, it is the repeater "talk in" for anyone needing directions and stuff usually. RED Honda FIT.

Hamfest parking lot is a great place to get ideas on mounting antennas.

[Singlestack]

Anyone going to be at the Jeffco Hamfest Sunday? I'm going!

Is there a website for this? When and where? I might be able to go...

[Singlestack]

One other thing. Some in my neighborhood are asking about what would be a neighborhood net. The desire is to be able to selectively net about 100 homes over a 3/4 mile diameter, and be able to restrict conversation to only those 100 or so designated homes. The digital eXRS radios sounded about ideal, but they went out of business last August. FRS and GMRS are out because of the eavsdropping problem, as are ham frequencies.

I am hearing there may be a sort of "radio" that may suit our needs just fine - the Motorola/Nextel i355. These are sort of dual mode radios made a few years ago. In one mode (maybe the primary mode), they are a digital cell phone that uses a proprietary cell communication technology. In the other mode, they are a digtal 900 MHz radio with encoded communications that can be programmed with all of the addresses in a net. You can call point-to-point, point-to-selective group, or point to net. They are only about 1/2 watt or so, and from what I hear have about a 1.5 or 2 mile max range. I looked on Ebay, and used i355s are available for $25 - $50 ea. The reason they are so cheap is the digital cell network went under last year or so, and the cell phone part is now useless.

My question is if you guys have heard of these and can shed additional light on them, or know of other suitable technologies that don't require a test, a license, are cheap, easy to use, and prevent eavsdropping?

[SuperiorDG]

Is there a website for this? When and where? I might be able to go...

Me too.

[streetglideok]

Is there a website for this? When and where? I might be able to go...
As you wished
http://www.w0tx.org/hamfest.htm
I already blew a enough on a new mobile radio a few weeks ago, I have to be good for a while.

[rbeau30]

I'll monitor that as well, I'll probably be there already though.


Grey Dodge Ram 1500

Pick that one out in a crowd!

[SuperiorDG]

As you wished
http://www.w0tx.org/hamfest.htm
I already blew a enough on a new mobile radio a few weeks ago, I have to be good for a while.

I'll be there in the late morning to check out the new user Q&A event. Do you think I can pick up some how to books there?

[gnihcraes]

Heading out shortly, need to hit the ATM and then the show for a snack. (doughnut)

[SuperiorDG]

Heading out shortly, need to hit the ATM and then the show for a snack. (doughnut)

Heading there too. Will be in black motorcycle shirt with Glock hat.

[hatidua]

-just back from it, tech done, general next.

[gnihcraes]

-just back from it, tech done, general next.

Good. I need to study and do for general.

[gnihcraes]

Heading there too. Will be in black motorcycle shirt with Glock hat.

I'm blocking your truck so you can't get in it. :D

[streetglideok]

-just back from it, tech done, general next.
Congrats on passing. Should know your callsign within a week.

[hatidua]

Congrats on passing. Should know your callsign within a week.

Thanks. I'm primarily interested in 2M and thus would stop at this point but I want my (deceased) father's call sign so I'll need to pass the general in order to obtain that.

[SuperiorDG]

So I'm back from hamfest. It's crazy how this happened right when I was looking for just this kind of information. Sighed up to DRC with the help of gnihcraes, thanks. Did not spend much time taking with him, but my brain was pretty overwhelmed. Spent a little money on programming software for the Baofeng and picked another one up and a big battery and car port thing. There is a lot for me to learn but this HAM radio is not as intimidating as first thought. I think once I get a chance to learn a little more then I will GTG.

[gnihcraes]

So I'm back from hamfest. It's crazy how this happened right when I was looking for just this kind of information. Sighed up to DRC with the help of gnihcraes, thanks. Did not spend much time taking with him, but my brain was pretty overwhelmed. Spent a little money on programming software for the Baofeng and picked another one up and a big battery and car port thing. There is a lot for me to learn but this HAM radio is not as intimidating as first thought. I think once I get a chance to learn a little more then I will GTG.

You'll get the hang of it, just take one thing at a time. Learn the frequencies for 2 meter and program your radio, listen to the folks, study a book, play with practice tests online. I took the practice test for general the other night, no studying, bombed it. lol. 40% or something like that, but I figure not bad for never studying.

PM for help and questions you may have. Show up to a meeting or two, visit with some folks, most are very very smart people. They will help and explain things.

As we discussed, don't get all worried about the weird ham radio slang, QSL QSO QRP all that jargon.

GnihcraessearchinG

[ChadAmberg]

I saw this go out today on a ham mailing list:



Come join us for a half day workshop aimed primarily at the new Technician Licensees and the soon to be General Licensees to help them learn more about amateur radio.

While you’re here you’ll learn what it takes to be a ham radio operator, experience a live working emergency net, try out a myriad of antennas, check out some sweet mobile radio installations, and ask an Elmer, “What the heck is the difference between AM, FM and SSB?” Getting started in ham radio has never been so much fun!

When: Saturday, September 14th, 2013
Times: 9 am - 2 pm
Where: Prairie Winds Elementary School
790 King’s Deer Point East Monument, CO 80132

For more information contact James (KDØMFO) at james@hamradioschool.com or visit www.w0tlm.com.

[sellersm]

I saw this go out today on a ham mailing list:

Thanks ChadAmberg! Looks like just what I need to get started...

[Singlestack]

Well, I think I reached a crossroads of sorts in my ham radio investigation. After joining ARRL, I read the ARRL operators guide and talked to many ham operators. My conclusion is, at least at this point in my life, that I'm not putting together a base station or home HF rig. A mobile rig is to me a very different proposition, and I do believe I want a mobile rig, possibly with HF too.

The main reason I'm not putting a home rig together is more or less lifestyle related. My job is already extremely sedentary, and puts my butt in a chair for 40-50 hours a week. Add in normal email and internet usage, and that is a LOT of hours on my tail. I really don't need another hobby that sits me down for even more hours - I just physically can't do that. I have observed many of the members of state radio clubs, and observe that most members seem to be some combination of elderly, handicapped, or quite obese. For them, I get it - but I don't fit into those categories (yet).

The other thing I am discovering is the learning curve for effective HF comms is very steep compared to line of sight UHF/VHF. The dollar investment is considerably higher, as well.

I may well decide at some point that the station investment is worthwhile, but for now its on ice. My next area of investigation is likely to be line of sight semi-secure comms - and I'm getting further along that path. Anyway, just an update...

[asmo]

The main reason I'm not putting a home rig together is more or less lifestyle related. My job is already extremely sedentary, and puts my butt in a chair for 40-50 hours a week. Add in normal email and internet usage, and that is a LOT of hours on my tail. I really don't need another hobby that sits me down for even more hours - I just physically can't do that. I have observed many of the members of state radio clubs, and observe that most members seem to be some combination of elderly, handicapped, or quite obese. For them, I get it - but I don't fit into those categories (yet).


That and rag-chewing gets REALLY old REALLY fast.. I don't like people. Why the eff would I want to talk to more of them. Just to tell them how their signal is doing.

At least on the Interwebs the stuff is categorized and indexed so I can search for it later.

[hatidua]

I saw this go out today on a ham mailing list:

I'd make the drive down for that but have had something else pencil'd in for that date for months now.

[streetglideok]

Well, I think I reached a crossroads of sorts in my ham radio investigation. After joining ARRL, I read the ARRL operators guide and talked to many ham operators. My conclusion is, at least at this point in my life, that I'm not putting together a base station or home HF rig. A mobile rig is to me a very different proposition, and I do believe I want a mobile rig, possibly with HF too.

The main reason I'm not putting a home rig together is more or less lifestyle related. My job is already extremely sedentary, and puts my butt in a chair for 40-50 hours a week. Add in normal email and internet usage, and that is a LOT of hours on my tail. I really don't need another hobby that sits me down for even more hours - I just physically can't do that. I have observed many of the members of state radio clubs, and observe that most members seem to be some combination of elderly, handicapped, or quite obese. For them, I get it - but I don't fit into those categories (yet).

The other thing I am discovering is the learning curve for effective HF comms is very steep compared to line of sight UHF/VHF. The dollar investment is considerably higher, as well.

I may well decide at some point that the station investment is worthwhile, but for now its on ice. My next area of investigation is likely to be line of sight semi-secure comms - and I'm getting further along that path. Anyway, just an update...
Can't say I blame you on that. I've had my general for a little over a year now, and still do 2m/440 only. Now I, and you both have learned a little bit with working local events, etc, but HF is a different breed. It can turn into a lot of money really fast, and I already have a bunch of irons in the fire now. If or when I do get into HF, I think it'll be portable operations only for now. If we were in a seismically active area, or hurricane prone area I would look at it differently. Other than Yellowstone, we are pretty benign here. I think(call the fire dept) that getting something like the icom 718 or similar, a tuner, and stuff to make a dipole antenna or a couple of them, or wire antennas to run in trees would keep things rather inexpensive, but it's going to be a while, at least till we can get black jesus out of the whitehouse and get the country moving again.

[Singlestack]

You know, I felt both elated and saddened by this little epiphany I had. On one hand, it means I'm making the conscious decision to limit my time going down a somewhat bottomless pit but on the other hand it means I'm intentionally giving up experiencing point-to-point very long distance communications - which was the motivating factor for me going into ham radio in the first place. Kind of a wierd feeling...

[streetglideok]

I wouldn't completely scratch it off the list. I think it is feasible to get into HF without a ton of money, but it won't happen at home. Finding a radio that isn't an arm and a leg won't be hard, its learning to make your own antenna and save a lot there that will be. I don't think either of us fit the "contester" description,lol

[hatidua]

Having grown up being surrounded by parents/uncles/grandparents/etc. that participated in the HF game nightly, I guess the fascination-factor just isn't there for me. My dad, every night, would stay up into the wee hours of the morning communicating (sorry, "working stations"...) all over the world in a quest to get all those cute little cards with a photo and the other persons' call sign on them (QSL cards). For me, getting the license was strictly about being able to run 2M between my wife and I. I took the test last month, she takes it tomorrow. I have no interest, whatsoever, in hearing one-on-one, how some sheep rancher in NZ is doing, or working the station on Pitcairn simply to check that one off the to-do list. I wholeheartedly support those that do, but it was never my intent and remains outside the scope of interest for me.

[LeJerk]

or working the station on Pitcairn simply to check that one off the to-do list.

I had to zoom waaaay out on Google Maps for that one!

[streetglideok]

Couple of stories that popped up today about local hams. Some members of this site may have been involved with the recent activity.
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1035767

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24091709/ghostbusters-like-crew-amateur-radio-operators-help-emergencies

[gnihcraes]

I've not been involved. Not sure I will unless it really gets bad and they needs a lot of help. I don't think in all my ham years, and club membership, have I been needed for much. it's a bit of a "clique" as to who will be helping in an emergency. There are folks in clubs and part of the EOC's that thrive on emergency communications, they will be first in line. (10 radios in the car, 20 antennas, type of guy) :)

For years, I had an emergency kit, radios, manuals, antennas, batteries, all the "stuff" and never ever was able to use it. But that is how it goes. All the pieces are still here, but not ready.

[Irving]

Hey guys, my neighbor has some old antenna in his parents attic. It is old stuff, probably from the 1970's. He doesn't remember what it is specifically and some of it might not even be there. Is an antenna like that something that someone would want, or will it be outdated? I already asked him if he would let it go and he said that he would.

[gnihcraes]

Worth taking a look at, just have to figure out what it is, and I know people who could help if we can't get it done. :)

take some pics, or grab it and then we can try to piece it together.

[streetglideok]

Rather have the stuff to use and not use it, then have a need but nothing to use. Haven't been asked to help here but once for a shelter this year, so far. Down here, its not the clubs that participate, its RACES and ARES. Definitely some of those 10 radios in a car guys out there, but not enough to handle everything if it goes down like it did in boulder and Larimer counties. I didn't get involved with the expectation of doing stuff. I did so with the idea of, if they need me, I'll help.

[Singlestack]

Couple of stories that popped up today about local hams. Some members of this site may have been involved with the recent activity.
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1035767

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24091709/ghostbusters-like-crew-amateur-radio-operators-help-emergencies

I see that Jack Ciaccia is involved with both articles. He is one of our senior BCARES guys, and I worked the emergency net with him on Friday.
NBC news did a pretty good story that included our radio desk at the Boulder EOC: http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/53027369/#53027369

At about 2:30 to 2:50 you see a quick view of the situation room at the EOC, followed by the radio desk. Jack is the guy in the blue shirt. The guy in the black shirt is Allen Bishop, who is (among other things) our technical coordinator and liaison with the Boulder Cty Sheriffs dept. I just posted another thread with other pictures of the radio desk when I was there on Friday.

Not sure if it is visible, but the Yaesu 897 on the right is used for packet.

[streetglideok]

I met Jack a few months ago at our quarterly meeting, as well as the SEC. They asked for volunteers tonight to sign up for the possibility of filling in for region 1, to give some of you a little break.

[Singlestack]

More help is always needed...