Anyone here a Ham?

L

Low Branch

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May 6, 2010
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Behind you!
I am thinking about getting into it as it seems interesting and sensible. I have read a few FAQs on various sites and I am planning on taking a class soon, I just have a few questions. PM or email me for contact information please. Thank you very much for your time.
 
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eBay is running free listing fees for up to 100 items. The proceeds from this will fund the Ham experience...

Since others are interested, maybe someone can offer a little knowledge for us to digest...
 
I am but not active right now. Got my Technician license in 2000. Not a bad hobby but it can get expensive. There are two clubs in the Charleston area. A good reference site is www.qrz.com. My forum ID is my FCC call sign.
 
Anyone here a Ham? Yes

Sorry a little late to the party..
Ham Radio is as expensive as you want it to be.. Have you priced new CBs lately :mrgreen: . So when you look at it it isn't to bad. The best way to go is visit a couple meetings of a couple Ham Radio clubs and see which one fits you. Then get involved. I know our club doesn't mind non-Hams at all. All clubs have things going on that should allow you to get on the air from time to time.
One of the things that can be good about clubs is someone is always looking to upgrade their equipment and sell the old. Sometimes you can pick up said equipment real cheap compared to new. Heck my first HF radio cost me $175.00 . I built my antenna for about $40.00 . Just over 200 dollars and I was on the air. Now I have passed that rig on to another Ham and have upgraded twice since then.
It is easy to get the Tech, but General will be the best way to go. Testing is cheap around 15.00.
So get off the fence and do it.....LoL ;)
 
I have a few old 2m/70cm uhf/vhf yaesu radios, they both need some minor maintenance, But they're awesome radios that are mars capped by previous owners. You can get in trouble with them fast if you don't learn how to use them properly. :lol: (defiantly study for the test)

These are not cb radios either calling a ham radio a cb is kind of like calling a magazine a clip in a gun store, its not a big deal but you might get a earful from someone wearing a pocket protector that is missing the hair on the top of his head.

although you can modify 10 meters for 11 meters to get excessive power but then you get to be heard by more annoying truckers that don't always have the power level to transmit to you. 2m/70cm are the best radios to get if you are legit.

omg I am such a nerd for posting this.
 
Nice, I think I'll go pull out my old radio. I got my license back in the 90's as a boyscout in California. KF6ETE. I've just got a Yaesu FT-40R handheld but it's enough to reach out to folks nearby at least. Are there any particularly active frequencies in the Charleston Area?
 
BenMara said:
what radios you looking at?
Click to expand...

Not sure really. I want a handheld but also a permanent mount in the jeep but as much as I transmit, can't justify to myself to get a really nice rig. I'm thinking of looking at those Baofeng radios. They are selling cheap and getting decent reviews. I'll find something eventually.
 
I have Baofeng UV-5R, like it so much got an extended batter that cost 1/2 of the HT. Use it alot when im working outside. I have a Yaesu FTM-350 as a base and mobile in tacoma. But have a Icom IC-v8000 in the Land Cruiser.

Depends what your looking for. Straight 2m Icom IC-v8000, Kenwood TM-281a, Yaesu ft-2900r just needs fan. Kenwood seems to be the best for $.
If 2/70 thats a different ball of wax.
 
Always wondered what you ham radio guys use the channels for. Is it just about building up the radio and seeing how far you can reach out, get some kind of confirm back thing? I have just a run of the mil CB in my jeep for club rides and check the weather channel. Mostly just get a bunch of random chatter especially on the "super bowl" channel. It has come in handy a couple of times on the interstate finding out what traffic jams were caused by.
 
haha only channels are CB and 60m (5.3 MHz), I use the radio to shoot the breeze with friends, talk about radio stuff. I use like the phone/chat room just real civilized, Unlike the CB. V/Uhf mostly local, 60 miles (on a good day) HF can reach world wide pending conditions
Check out this group, i think they are some what local to you
http://www.blueridgears.org/brars/
 
Should have mentioned when we were talking, I'm a tech-class, N3WJE. Got it in 1995 at USAF Tech School to be a MARS operator for the base - the AF paid for me to take a class and take the tests, which was nice.

I had an old icom mobile (as in, in-car not HT) but haven't had it in ages. Too many hobbies as it is, and a toddler has replaced most of those even :)
 
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