HAM radio information thread

[CO_Hunter]

How not to sound like a "Lid"

Lid is a term used in amateur radio to denote a poor operator. Please don't be a Lid or let your friends become a Lid


This link tells you how to sound like one, with some sarcasm.

http://www.repeater-builder.com/humor/how-to-sound-like-a-lid.html

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Passed the Tech exam this morning via the Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association.
They offer exams at least 6 times a year, on assorted Saturdays.
http://ppraa.org/ve-testing <= dates

The exams are held at the Colorado Technical University near the area of Garden of the Gods and I-25. You go in the Main Entrance, which is to the FAR LEFT as you drive into the parking lot off Chestnut Street.

Only 5 people there - so in and out in less than an hour, including an unsuccessful attempt to pass the General exam without ever looking at the material. (The additional exam was free, so why not take a shot in the dark?)

These exams are not hard, so don't be put off by the prospect of taking a test. You only have to get about 3/4 of the answers correct and you can study the test questions ahead of time.

I already have a Baofeng handheld, with an NMO mount in the roof of the 80 for a Larsen 150 and a Larsen 2/70 (got 'em as a pair off eBay super cheap). Can't wait to try it out.

 

[black95]

including an unsuccessful attempt to pass the General exam without ever looking at the material. (The additional exam was free, so why not take a shot in the dark?)
.

Haha, I did the same thing, failed badly

 

[CO_Hunter]

Congrats Brad, looks like I owe you a

 

[daveIT]

Congrats Fitz & Hoosier! I too miserably failed the General after taking Tech, but plan to try again once I finish up my Bachelors degree.

What repeaters are you guys frequenting? I can't wait until they get the Pikes Peak ones back up.

Dave / W0ALE

 

[CO_Hunter]

How in the world do you break a tiny 1/4 wave antenna like that??? Did you rip out the wire?

Go thorough the roof or a rear lift gate area mount that some folks use. Adequate ground plane is the concern.

Check out this link

http://www.k0bg.com/options.html

 

[CO_Hunter]

There is a wealth of information on that site and I am sure the HRO folks will be helpful as well. I'll be glad to help you out anytime, just let me know.

 

[CO_Hunter]

I think it looks pretty snazzy.

Well that is the most important thing after all

Seriously though, glad you got it sorted out, it should serve you well.

Did they have any concern of interference with the roof rack?

And yes, it does look pretty snazzy

 

[Pops]

Repeater Help

Leon,
Thanks a bunch for helping me with the repeater communication today. I'll be on the MARC Net Tuesday evening to practice my new skills.

 

[black95]

There's a Tech day happening in monument Saturday the 14th, from 9AM to 2PM if anyone is interested.

Tech Day is for beginner to intermediate hams who want to learn more and take that 'next step' beyond HT operations. Everyone is welcome to attend, no registration is required. Just show up with your bright smiley face, ready to learn something and have fun.

We'll have:
At 9:30 AM, a special presentation on getting started in QRP operating from Steve WGØAT of Rooster & Peanut fame

[http://www.youtube.com/user/goathiker]

At 10:30 AM, a mobile radio installation extravaganza with James KDØMFO, with bunches of "how to" information

At 11:30 AM, Al WBØTGE will show how to solder together some practical antennas out of copper pipe

At 12:30 PM, Stu WØSTU will talk about 'Ham Shack 101,' or the basics of setting up an effective home station, along with a hands-on demo

At 1:30 PM, Bob KØNR will cover some basic antenna theory, coupled with an antenna farm display outdoors All day long, we'll have these displays set up so you can get a hands on look at radio operating: QRP operating, Flex Software Defined Radio (SDR), HF antennas, mobile radio installation

The local Boy Scout troop will be selling hotdogs and drinks for your tummy's delight

The location is: Prairie Winds Elementary School 790 Kings Deer Point East Monument, CO 80132

Bring your kids, bring your spouse, bring your friends... Hope to see you there!

Sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Radio Association

 

[black95]

I remembered it taking a while. Do we get a hint what you picked?

 

[black95]

Luke, where'd you get your call sign stickers for the Jeep? eBay?

eBay is correct.

 

[CO_Hunter]

Cool, thanks.

But I guess I better learn how to use the radio before I go slappin' sticker on my ride.

Yep, that would be a good thing.

I remember the process taking a bit longer as well. I read the cost just went up a bit. Curious to find out what you went with

 

[black95]

Curious to find out what you went with

K0XXL ???

 

[CO_Hunter]

K0XXL ???

Dang...tough crowd around here

 

[black95]

Thought maybe you'd match your license plate

I wasn't insinuating he's a big boy... That'd be the pot calling the kettle black!

 

[CO_Hunter]

New resources

I updated the first post (near the top) with some new information for those wanting to learn more about HAM radio. There is a web page and links to some nice videos.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Does this mean we can call you "Kotex"?

 

[black95]

Haha. It's way, way better than U-Q-Q!

 

[CO_Hunter]

Nice call Travis!

But dang it Brad, I don't know if I will ever be able to get that out of my head!!