Calling all Ham radio members (1 Viewer)

[Motleyone]

I know nothing about radios and CB's. Are they able to talk to each other? Phil is the CB I'm getting from you good enough for the club rides? My cell phone does not even have a camera so give me a break.

Thanks
Shawn

 

[DSRTRDR]

Phil is the CB I'm getting from you good enough for the club rides?

yes

My cell phone does not even have a camera . . .

neither does mine - and it's hardly ever on

 

[jjgarci1]

Phil, I am interested in getting certified and a study group!
What is the deal with licensing/certification? Is it lifetime or annual?
Thanks!
-JJG.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Do you have a Canadian version?

I'm interested in getting certified.. but don't have much time lately. How much work does it look like it will be?

Phil, I am interested in getting certified and a study group!
What is the deal with licensing/certification? Is it lifetime or annual?
Thanks!
-JJG.

Hey guys all this is also very new to me. I'm sure we have members with the knowledge that can step in and answer your question much better.

Anyone???

 

[Cee Fish]

The licensing is for the USA.
Canada has its own requirements (not familiar).

The test (technician) is rudimentary, basic knowledge of electrical circuits and radio waves is all that is needed.

License last for 10 years (USA) and only needs fees paid to renew when necessary.

Like Phil stated we have a new member who is accredited and able to conduct the test (with participation). He was a guest of mine at the November meet.

 

[dtchevy42]

I'm probably not qualified to answer, but here is my experience now that I am probably about 50% through the study process. Last month I started studying on my own for the Technician license. I was partially motivated by some of the discussion on this board concerning our Martinez Cabin run in April. Although there wasn't really a consensus on whether more ham radios would have solved our communication issues in the canyon, it seems like a good skill to have and it's an interesting subject. Plus, 12/12/12 is coming up. Once you pass you are good for life, just have to renew every 10 years.

To answer NateZ's question - the first thing I did was download this app for Android:

http://www.appszoom.com/android_applications/books_and_reference/ham-radio-study_ezfc.html

It has all 395 or so questions that they can ask on the test (you'll only see 35 on the actual exam, 26 of which must be answered correctly ). Keep in mind that I have no experience with amateur radio, but I was surprised how straightforward some of the questions are. A lot translates from CB, so if you were dorking out like me and measuring your SWR on your Friday nights, you probably already have a good knowledge base. I'd bet that most of us on this forum could get at least a third of them correct right off the bat. A lot are based on basic electrical theory and safety, radio etiquette, etc.

Don't get me wrong - there is still a lot for me to learn, but the app is nice to study from AND it lends a little bit of inspiration.

That's great that somebody is willing to do a private exam session. I'm in Tucson so it would be hard to take advantage, but may be interested in study sesh/exams depending on the date.

 

[NateZ]

Thanks Scott... the android app is a great idea. I can start leaning it during the idle times when there is nothing else I can do (besides surfing mud, of course

 

[Blues Dawg]

Anyone else looking to get certified post up if interested in a study group. Certified CSC members have offer to help and answer question if there is interest in a study group.

I'm interested, hope I can make a schedule...

 

[medtro]

Anyone else looking to get certified post up if interested in a study group. Certified CSC members have offer to help and answer question if there is interest in a study group.

I am interested in a study group.

 

[msahr]

And if your in front of an actual computer thingie you can go here:

www.qrz.com/

Sign up, and start taking the Technician Class test quizzes. Works really well, keeps track of your answers, etc.

If you have a Kindle thingie, this is a good study guide:

Study Guide

 

[Cee Fish]

Here is the iPhone study guide app link.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ham-tech/id367033758?mt=8

 

[VegasNick]

Post up your mobile Ham radio set up.

Looking for ideas on mounts, radios, and antenna installation.

I have a Yaesu FT1900 and a Cobra 29 both mounted overhead in my FJ.

I did the Technician teast back in 1986 when you had to pass the code test. I let that lapse and about 5 years ago took my General. LIke everyone else pointed out, there are a ton of free online (and now mobile) study guided that will get you through the test with flying colors. I also suggest buying the study guide in hard copy from ARRL. They are great to go back to for reference later on.

 

[murf]

The inside of your truck is lit up like Vegas!

Is that a flat screen on your passenger dash?