HAM NEWBIE

[Trollhole]

You can certainly go outlaw if you want. No one can stop you. But if you happen to be in the range of a person who has a locator and wants to be a dick then be expected to get a fat fine. Or maybe just a warning the first time. It can happen and eventually you will get caught. I look at it as doing illegal wheeling. Go right ahead if you want. You're an adult you roll the dice. But that illegal wheeling also screws it up for the people who wheel in the right areas. Which is one of the reasons we have so few trails now.

 

[lugueto]

You know I read this whole thread and feel like I have to weigh in, even if its a month late.

I agree with the guy firmly (and somewhat offensively) stating that the HAM community has a weird way of being old fashioned. Hell. you have to be to use a radio for comms in a world where 99.9% of people have a smart phone. And indeed some of them might be snobby, self-righteous and annoying. BUT this doesn't mean you have to be. If you take a technician's license, no one says you have to be a full-on HAM, you don't have to talk to someone halfway around the world on some uncommon band using morse code. Even though you can learn some interesting things from the folks using these things.

I also agree on the fact that a license for radio operation is not as elementary for operation as a driver's license is for motor vehicles. It does serve a purpose, though. All the license is procuring, as mentioned in a previous post, is that the person applying has the discipline to use the frequencies responsibly. This doesn't mean someone can't use them responsibly without a license, but it dams the amount of people legally able to use it which helps with the odds..

I also agree with everyone else on the fact that a Tech license is EXTREMELY easy and cheap to get. It is almost inexcusable not to get it if you want to participate in the HAM bands. If someone doesn't want to get a license because they cant be bothered to take a 15' test and pay 20$, then they don't need to justify it two million ways. However, hiding behind the excuse that you don't want to be a part of an institution that you believe acts a certain way is really weak.

For sake of full disclosure, I must add that I used my 2M rig illegally for a couple of years. Not because I wanted to, I always intended to get licensed, but exams and courses in my country were halted until further notice and were reinstated this year. In order to be a radio pirate, I had to thoroughly read how to avoid bothering proper users, so I transmitted on marine bands (far away from the Coast, no harm to Marine users either). I also became aware of the consequences of transmitting without a license, and transmitting outside HAM bands as well. This took me about the same time as studying for the test.

I'm not a hobbyist, I only use 2M and 70cm analog. I have no intention to use any other band or mode. Mainly because this serves my purpose: convoy and repeater work while mobile (I.e, local comms). I don't want to talk to people anywhere else. I never fully understood the real advantage of getting a license until I actually got licensed. Initially, I just wanted to be legal. But then It occurred to me that this is a very valuable tool in case of emergency. I can cover pretty much the whole country from my truck (small) when cell service does not. I also learned that the "uptight old farts" usually get out of their way to help people, especially fellow hams. This is pretty valuable.

To all those considering the license, get it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Its a simple, cheap and valuable tool for our off road, expedition trips. No need to go full-on HAM if you dont want to.

All those who consider they dont want a license: CB is probably all you need.

 

[bluesquirrel]

Love this thread.

I'll get a license, and hope to learn a few things.

If I did not have a license, I wouldn't be detailing my use one an internet forum

 

[half k cruiser]

Whew, just read through that whole thing. Honestly when I first got my license I did it just to make sure I was legal for the switch to 2m. Things I've learned since then...

- I actually like knowing the science behind it. Being mechanically inclined and inquisitive I just like to know how things work.
- I don't talk to people around the world, but I do use the $hit out of my handheld and mobile on trails.
- I also use it quite a bit when traveling to our destinations on trips. Its a lot easier to push the button then it is to dial up all of my buddies phones anytime I see something or want to pull over for fuel.

@1973Guppie you've probably already made your radio decision by now, but if not

- The BaoFeng portable is just about a must. For $30 or whatever they go for on Amazon, why not ? I keep mine as a spare or to hand out if somebody doesn't have one.
- A mobile is nice too. Terrain will drastically alter your performance with the little 5w handheld. There were times this year out near Moab where guys could receive me on my mobile loud and clear, but I couldn't hear them on the portables. If we had had an additional mobile it would have been a game changer when we were looking for camp later. No cell phone service meant we were relying on the radios for all distance communication.
- I currently run a 1/4 wave antenna off the roof of my vehicle. It fires directly from the ground plane (roof) and into my antenna for the entertainment radio in the cab. This was completely unintentional and my f up. It was also the first time setting up my own system. I should have paid a little better attention to my setup because now I get feedback through my speakers every time I transmit with the radio on. If I were to redo it, I would run a 1/2 wave antenna behind the rear hatch.

Good luck with whatever you decide on.

 

[Overland Tailor]

Noah,

I recommend the License. I didn't think I would progress through the hobby after gaining my Technician license in 2014, but I am now Extra Class and just about a 20 word per minute CW operator. I've even set-up a CW Key in my Mobile HF rig.

I don't like to "Rag Chew", and I'm not and "Old Fart" at 47, but have enjoyed having my mobile setup and like the safety and security of Comms when traveling.

I have an Icom 5100 mobile rig as my 2M / 70CM rig and a Yaesu FT-891 as my HF Mobile.

I use a Diamond RS730 Lip Mount and a short rubber whip for 2M / 70CM - I can hit repeaters up to about 40 miles away or more just with that setup and I get in the garage... For Travel I go with a taller antenna. No real additional grounding needed other than the lip mount for UHF/VHF... The short antenna would be great for trail use mobile - mobile, mobile - handheld....


For HF I use the Yaesu ATAS-120 Antenna on a Breedlove mount on my swing-out. HF is a different animal and I've installed about 15 grounding straps on the vehicle... I've talked mobile as far as Russia and Argentina on 100 Watts.


Many options and things to learn. Whatever decision you make its yours...

Current setup. Icom on the bottom...

Diamond Mount

ATAS-120 HF Antenna

Cheers -

John~

 

[Beerfix]

Noah,

I recommend the License. I didn't think I would progress through the hobby after gaining my Technician license in 2014, but I am now Extra Class and just about a 20 word per minute CW operator. I've even set-up a CW Key in my Mobile HF rig.

I don't like to "Rag Chew", and I'm not and "Old Fart" at 47, but have enjoyed having my mobile setup and like the safety and security of Comms when traveling.

I have an Icom 5100 mobile rig as my 2M / 70CM rig and a Yaesu FT-891 as my HF Mobile.

I use a Diamond RS730 Lip Mount and a short rubber whip for 2M / 70CM - I can hit repeaters up to about 40 miles away or more just with that setup and I get in the garage... For Travel I go with a taller antenna. No real additional grounding needed other than the lip mount for UHF/VHF... The short antenna would be great for trail use mobile - mobile, mobile - handheld....


For HF I use the Yaesu ATAS-120 Antenna on a Breedlove mount on my swing-out. HF is a different animal and I've installed about 15 grounding straps on the vehicle... I've talked mobile as far as Russia and Argentina on 100 Watts.


Many options and things to learn. Whatever decision you make its yours...

Current setup. Icom on the bottom...

Diamond Mount

ATAS-120 HF Antenna

Cheers -

John~

Nice setup. What VHF/UHF rubber whip is that?

 

[Overland Tailor]

Nice setup. What VHF/UHF rubber whip is that?

Comet NMO Dual Band 16"

I believe this is the link
Comet Mobile VHF/UHF Vertical Antennas SBB-1NMO

 

[dubyahard]

I just passed my Tech test and should be getting a call sign here in the next few weeks. It was stupid easy to pass and I'm clearly not an expert.

I have the Baofeng BF-F9 V2+ and I got the NA-771 15.6" whip antenna to spruce things up a bit. From reading and talking with others, this seems like a good option when I'm in and out of the truck.
For when I'm in the truck for longer periods, what antenna (magnetic mount or not) will work well and where should it be mounted? I have a prinsu rack, but I typically don't have much up there so I'm not sure how much interference would occur. I've also heard the rear hatch isn't great for antennas - that front or top work better.

Thanks,
Will

 

[KliersLC]

I just passed my Tech test and should be getting a call sign here in the next few weeks. It was stupid easy to pass and I'm clearly not an expert.

I have the Baofeng BF-F9 V2+ and I got the NA-771 15.6" whip antenna to spruce things up a bit. From reading and talking with others, this seems like a good option when I'm in and out of the truck.
For when I'm in the truck for longer periods, what antenna (magnetic mount or not) will work well and where should it be mounted? I have a prinsu rack, but I typically don't have much up there so I'm not sure how much interference would occur. I've also heard the rear hatch isn't great for antennas - that front or top work better.

Thanks,
Will

Depends on your needs. If you encounter a lot of branches or low overhangs, a fender or bumper mount may be best. If you don't have those issues, an nmo mount in the center of your roof gives the best performance. Second best {and less nerve wracking than drilling your roof} is a mag mount. Added bonus to a mag mount is the ability to relocate it if your load out interferes or you find yourself in an excessively branchy area.

 

[1969FJ]

Let's not lose focus of the conversation here.
Trail use of HAM radio, as the OP stated.

I don't subscribe to the all that emergency situation hype, zombie apocalypse, SHTF and other crazy things many of you insist will come in the future.
Besides, the law allows the use of HAM by non licensed people in case of an emergency, it does not specify the verbiage necessary to be used in that case.

Again, trail comm people. Stay focused.

So, being on a trail is an emergency ?? I believe it is worth the effort to follow you so a bunch of fines can be collected. Consider the contact made. (Good Luck)

Contact

 

[dubyahard]

Depends on your needs. If you encounter a lot of branches or low overhangs, a fender or bumper mount may be best. If you don't have those issues, an nmo mount in the center of your roof gives the best performance. Second best {and less nerve wracking than drilling your roof} is a mag mount. Added bonus to a mag mount is the ability to relocate it if your load out interferes or you find yourself in an excessively branchy area.

Would the mag mount work if it was on the roof but surrounded by the roof rack? Or would I fair better and have less interference using a hood or bumper mounted antenna?

 

[Dragos80]

Just make sure the antenna does not touch any metal.
But since you have a roof rack, I would assume you load it up. If so, how long is your antenna to be able to stick out over the stuff you have on you rack?

 

[dubyahard]

Just make sure the antenna does not touch any metal.
But since you have a roof rack, I would assume you load it up. If so, how long is your antenna to be able to stick out over the stuff you have on you rack?

I rarely have my RTT up there as it’s usually on my trailer. Sometimes I’ll put two bikes up or a case.

 

[dubyahard]

Just make sure the antenna does not touch any metal.
But since you have a roof rack, I would assume you load it up. If so, how long is your antenna to be able to stick out over the stuff you have on you rack?

I rarely have my RTT up there as it’s usually on my trailer. Sometimes I’ll put two bikes up or a case.

 

[KliersLC]

Would the mag mount work if it was on the roof but surrounded by the roof rack? Or would I fair better and have less interference using a hood or bumper mounted antenna?

That would work fine with the bikes up there. The extra elevation combined with the higher gain that a center roof mounted antenna gives you will easily offset the interference that a couple of bikes will cause {very minor}. As an example:. I use a mag mount cheapo tri band in the center of my roof. I also have a cb antenna mounted on my ARB. If I take my good 2m antenna and install it on the bumper mount. I will not be able to hit the western tidewater repeater that is 30.8 miles away with the good antenna on the bumper. I'll easily hit it with the cheapo mag mount on the roof. {good antenna hits the repeater when moved to the roof too. } HTH
Dan

 

[KliersLC]

I run Yakima bike mounts on my roof as well. Next time I put the bikes up there I'll do another test

 

[the gimpey one]

So I picked up the baefong early this year.for a 3 day trip in the mountains of INC. I must admit that I had the opinion of not getting the license. However after reading this thread and several of my friends getting their license I believe I will follow suit. All I plan to do is talk on the trail but being legal is awful nice. Besides maybe the license will better help me understand how to use the darn thing!

 

[Dragos80]

The license will help you understand how this radio works?
How?

 

[half k cruiser]

The license will help you understand how this radio works?
How?

I think he means the process of getting the license. As it requires some studying of radio theory in order to provide accurate answers on the licensing test.

 

[ChaseTruck]

The license will help you understand how this radio works?
How?

It's kind of funny to see you - out of all people - asking that question. Maybe you should try to get the license to find out

...if you can, that is... some folks are just not good at taking tests, any tests, no matter how easy they are. So, you know, it's ok if you're afraid to take the license test, for psychological reasons. And since you're in California, there's probably a legal exemption for folks with that disability, and you too can be excused from facing life's realities...