HAM Radio Class? (10 Viewers)

[pappy]

Mike and I were chatting yesterday while out in the Jemez. We know there are five folks in HDC that have their Technician Class license and there have been a few others that have shown interest. While our group is not as large as Rising Sun, Mike suggested we follow Rising Sun's example and coordinate a class to assist people in getting their license. I'm starting this thread to gauge interest.

We realize that CB is not going away and it is an effective tool for communication on the trail. But, as yesterday showed HAM has more potential. Examples:

• Mike and I were able to communicate easily from the west side to the east side of town. I was on Unser and Mike was on Tramway. Communication was clear on moderate power.
  
• Mike and I were on hwy 599 while Steve decided to see if going through Santa Fe would be faster (he lost by 3 miles). Mike and I were able to maintain communication with Steve while he was in downtown SF, though it was scratchy at times. Steve was running a small antenna at 50w, Mike was running a rubber duck at 50w, and I was initially running a rubber duck at 30w until I changed over to my super-gainer at 60w.
  
• While in the Jemez north of the Valle, I was able to hit the repeater near Chama, the repeater at Cuba, and Mike thinks I hit the Sandia repeater, though I didn't get a confirmation back from the tower.

We realize there is the function of time, and the intimidation. We have been there. The reality is the Technician license is not that hard to get. I won't say the test is easy, but it's pretty close.

BTW, the next test in ABQ is Nov 15th.

 

[OGBeno]

Totally interested but I have no equipment nor the funds for one till well after the new year.

Can one still take the exam without any equipment (or knowledge of the equipment)?

Thanks.
-o-

 

[Ruadhrigh]

I'm with the Turk.

 

[pappy]

Yes. Ron currently has a license but doesn't have a radio.

 

[alia176]

Totally interested but I have no equipment nor the funds for one till well after the new year.

Can one still take the exam without any equipment (or knowledge of the equipment)?

Thanks.
-o-

Yup, no problem, take the test and get familiar with the world of HAM. This process will allow you to be more of an educated consumer as well by observing what you like and don't like. You can piece together equipment as resources allow (read: when NorCal guys upgrade). Furthermore, you can legally use other people's HT (handy talkie) for trail runs.

 

[pappy]

I have the study manual and the question/answer book for the Technician license if anybody is interested. A good way to prepare is to study then take a practice test (over and over) at eHam.net Home - Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) Community Site.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

I like the idea.

Is it just the knowledge test to study for, and take to obtain a HAM license?

How much do the study materials go for? Does it attract hot babes like I imagine?

Dan

 

[alia176]

Does it attract hot babes like I imagine?

Dan

That's the only reason why I have a license Oh, you do have a pocket protector, right? Chicks really dig those...

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Oh, you do have a pocket protector, right? Chicks really dig those...

I'm so totally in.

So this is the test guide most people use?

Amazon.com: Technician Class: Gordon West: Books

Dan

 

[marcfj60]

That's the only reason why I have a license Oh, you do have a pocket protector, right? Chicks really dig those...

And make sure you get a vanity plate with your call letters/numbers too.

I'd be in if I wasn't already swamped with school and scouts. There's just no way I could work in studying for the Tech test.

 

[SteveLCetc]

I think all the questions are online. Used to be you could scroll from the bottom to the top and try to answer them all, and once you have seen them two or three times the practice (and actual) tests are easier.

 

[pappy]

ARRL is a good place to look around for HAM information.

ARRL's Tech Q&A--4th edition $17.95
The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual $24.95.

These are the two books I used to get my Tech license. Read the Q&A first, then the book. The test is $14.

 

[slimbuddha]

Totally interested but I have no equipment nor the funds for one till well after the new year.

Can one still take the exam without any equipment (or knowledge of the equipment)?

Thanks.
-o-

Onur,
I took the test last year, and passed. I have yet to actually use my license, as I have no equipment. I'm considering getting something in the spring. Once I do, i'll need to do a refresher, so I don't break the rules.

Ron

 

[slimbuddha]

I think all the questions are online. Used to be you could scroll from the bottom to the top and try to answer them all, and once you have seen them two or three times the practice (and actual) tests are easier.

Ditto on this,
Before I took the test, I didn't have much time to study, so I printed out the questions, and studied them. Many of them are very common sense.

 

[evanz80]

Bump!

I am tentatively planning on taking the Technician exam on November 15th. We'll see how much time I can find to cram between now and then.

Anyone else going to give it a shot?

I'm going to send an e-mail to the VEC (that's volunteer exam coordinator - I think - for all you non-Ham types) to find out some more info (cost, etc.). I'm happy to share what I find out if anyone else is interested.

Evan

 

[Ruadhrigh]

please do Evan. I have been taking the practice exams here:

eHam.net Ham Radio Practice Exams

 

[pappy]

Cost is currently $14 for both W5YI and ARRL exams.

 

[pappy]

Also, don't forget you will need a photo ID, a pencil or two for the test in case you don't take it on computer, a pen for filling out the forms, a calculator, and patience.

 

[alia176]

More geeks coming our way.....

 

[Beowulf]

Also, don't forget you will need a photo ID, a pencil or two for the test in case you don't take it on computer, a pen for filling out the forms, a calculator, and patience.

I didn't need a calculator. The math is simple. Things like 15 x 10 = 150 ...and... 300 ÷ 10 = 30.

I think even Onur could do it in his head.

Cost is currently $14 for both W5YI and ARRL exams.

As Jon knows, the license is free. The $14 covers the costs of the VEC's to give the exams. These guys are volunteers and come in on weekends and evenings to give the exams.

-Mike-