$25 Motorola 2 way radio

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2fpower said:
So, I have a 12 hour bus ride coming up in mid June, on the way to scout camp, and I plan on studying then. Bus should have wi-fi if there is an online test to practice.

What did you find the best study guide? I downloaded all of Colin's material.... can you focus me on what to study??

Next, when is the best way to schedule or find a test? I see the June 30 date above, so I might have to do this quickly.

Thanks,
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I really did not study any material other than the practice tests. I used the ones on QRZ and I had an app on my android. If you have an android device the test app does not require a connection to the internet and has all the questions. They say once you can consistently get 85% or higher on the practice tests you should be good to go. I ordered a BaoFeng UV-82 and a programing cable to get started. I hope to eventually get a nice setup in my truck that will act as a repeater to increase everyone’s range when we go wheeing. You do need to be careful as the questions are going to change at some point this year. I believe Colin posted the date somewhere in this thread
 
Great information. Thanks. What is the app name?
 
gs300tt said:
Well put another notch in my nerd belt I passed the technician license test. It is quite easy and if you are remotely interested it is only $15.
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Congrats.

The UV-5R is definately a lot of bang for the buck for a HT. I have one and it's awesome considering it was $37 shipped with spare battery. The downside with any HT is how effective/efficient it is, especially in a vehicle. Rob and I have done some testing with ours, and 1-2 miles is about your effective range. The problem is the lack of a good RF ground system. You will significantly improve your send/recieve with a good antenna system on your vehicle. With a small 1/4 wave whip (≈19") mounted on an NMO on my car on 5 watts, I can reach Excelsior springs repeater from Independence. The other upside to a mobile rig is increased power output. I have up to 75W on my Yaesu 2900.
 
CrowleyFJ40 said:
Congrats.

The UV-5R is definately a lot of bang for the buck for a HT. I have one and it's awesome considering it was $37 shipped with spare battery. The downside with any HT is how effective/efficient it is, especially in a vehicle. Rob and I have done some testing with ours, and 1-2 miles is about your effective range. The problem is the lack of a good RF ground system. You will significantly improve your send/recieve with a good antenna system on your vehicle. With a small 1/4 wave whip (≈19") mounted on an NMO on my car on 5 watts, I can reach Excelsior springs repeater from Independence. The other upside to a mobile rig is increased power output. I have up to 75W on my Yaesu 2900.
Click to expand...

I am in the process of picking out a unit for my truck. I have to decide if I want to spend $200 or $600 or somewhere in between. I am also not a huge fan of magnetic antenna basses so I want to come up with a nice solid mount system that is still out of the way when on the trails. I got my call sign the other day it is KD0ZXO but I have not transmitted yet.


Ben
 
gs300tt said:
I am in the process of picking out a unit for my truck. I have to decide if I want to spend $200 or $600 or somewhere in between. I am also not a huge fan of magnetic antenna basses so I want to come up with a nice solid mount system that is still out of the way when on the trails. I got my call sign the other day it is KD0ZXO but I have not transmitted yet.


Ben
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Kelly and I bought the Yaesu 2900 when they were still running the $40 rebate. I love it so far. Heavy duty unit with a nice big display. Have had a long conversation simplex at 75 watts and it was warm but not super hot. The Kenwood 281 was the other radio we looked at and it's got a good reputation as well. Both under $200 new. 2 meter only.

If you want dual band you're looking at about $300 for a Chinese or $400+ for big name. Rob has an Anytone which has good reviews. Not sure how much he's used it.

We're just running 2m on the trails. For the 4Runner I did a fender mount for antennas, one on each side of the hood. One for ham, one for CB. Was going to do roof mount NMO but radio shop here talked me out of it; due to hitting trees it would really stress the roof. Key is not putting it next to body. That's where I used to have CB (rear bumper) and SWR was pretty high and performance was not great.
 
FYI, I found an app on my apple for the study prep for Tech license. Ham Radio Exam - Tech.

Going to study next week on bus ride, and then Josh and I looking to find testing center dates.

Kelly
 
so. possibly i don't have an excuse if it's across the street from my neighborhood?
 
I was thinking if you don't get it completed and my 12 year old son passes it -- you have to wear a skirt at SMORR.
 
I think Erik would look smashing in a skirt!
 
I think that I am ready for tech test. Working josh through information now. I am getting 85% on sample tests.

What score do you need?
 
Plan to take on 28th in blue springs. Erik, want to join us?
 
i can probably lift my skirt and do that..
 
47% with 0 study on practice exam - - guess i better get to work :(
 
I'm way behind on this but interested to learn. Maybe at SMORR you guys (Collin,Rob,others) do a :10 minute class? That would be a great item for the next trails magazine write up. Educational classes! Seriously.
 
I got 37% first time through without study.
 
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