Hello all,
I would like to start a thread of "real world" HAM radio stuff. Basically the things that are good to know but one doesn't learn in studying for the exam (i.e. etiquite, emergency frequencies, procedures on how to do stuff, etc.). You know, the hands on things.
I listened to the Burt Rutin airplane (Voyager?) as they flew around the world unrefueled.
I have heard QSO's from the space shuttle on 2 meters.
I ran phone patches for ships at sea.
I practice not being an Alligator, all mouth and no ears.
Like any hobby it takes time to become proficient. Practice being a good operator. Listen before you transmit. DO NOT say your call sign phoenetically on UHF or VHF. Practice being a good operator.
The USA is now crawling with all kinds of new hams and frankly some of them are quite annoying. They have no patience and want everything now. Us old guys need to practice patience as well. Most of us are trying.
I was listening to the Space Shuttle this afternoon. That was kinda cool.
Azrocks-The best way to figure it out, is to get on the radio and just talk to a few people. Many repeaters, even if quiet, have someone listening in, who will really be happy to chat, and fill you in on stuff.
I think I have learned the most, while underway, just talking to others in the group, and opening the repeaters in the towns we pass through. It really is not hard or difficult. I spoke to a guy in Bishop Ca all the way from Death Valley to Monitor pass. We would have intermittant contact on one of the repeaters in the White Mountains.
If I do something new to my radios or antennas, I tend to call FJ40_Owner (N6KML) and get a signal check and to make sure my station is operating properly.
Do you have any specific questions? My interest is radio communications while mobile. Others really like the home station and long distance communications. There seems to be a whole lot to do with Ham radio, and it's a matter of finding out what you like.
I'm sorry, I wasn't looking for any specific answers. I've been listening to my dual band radio for years and pretty much understand how things operate. I just wanted to see about putting together a depository of information for everybody.
What's the point again?
