I just picked up and installed a 10M radio with AM, FM, USB & LSB. It has been tweeked to also work as a CB in the 11M range.

I plan on using as a CB but it has the ability to work as a 10M as a HAM radio so I have to figure out how to do another Antenna if I want to use that part of the radio to broadcast. Plus I guess I need a license.

I purchased this radio incase you are out wheeling where your phones dont work and you might need help. Some of the guys I wheel with have two radios, but this seemed like too good of a deal to turn down.

 

I have the same idea. You can google ARRL for info on the ham license, it seems pretty easy to get. I bought the book, and am reading up now.

Which rig did you buy? Was it new or used?

 

Hi! Be VERY careful with your use of this radio. As a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator (KC2GMH) it is illegal for me to transmit on frequencies that my radio has NOT been FCC approved to transmit on. I am authorized (by virtue of my Fire Chief / NYS Law) to transmit on our "fire frequencies" BUT only during a bonafid emergency and only using an FCC "Type Accepted" transceiver. Hence I need to carry (1) my Ham Radio, (2) my authorized high-band commercial radio, (3) my Cobra CB radio in my Jeep. We, as Licensed Amateur Radio Operators may modify and use COMMERICIAL radios in the Amateur Service as most commercial radios ARE FCC type accepted to operate within our frequency range although (unless specifically authorized or acting under a "life threatening emergency" we cannot operate on the frequencies we are not licensed to transmit on. Yep...it is a REAL PAIN but the penalties are too stiff for me to risk getting caught and fined (and potentially lose my Ham License) so it was my personal decision to follow the letter of the law. As an individual you will need to make your own cognative decisions. Not trying to appear elitest just passing on the law the way FCC Part 97 was explained to me. Take care and good luck... Mike KC2GMH

 

I always wondered how they would know if you have a license or no? Also, how would they know where you were at if you were transmitting illegally? I am not trying to say I want to break the law or anyone should...

 

So based on what has been said, I will just stay on the CB channels like I planned until I get a license.

To keep me from messing around on the 10M channels I have an antenna only trimmed for the CB channels and unless I get something different I could potentially damage the radio. So my pocket book will be my concenisnce (sp?)

Also I only use the CB during trail rides with others so I dont think I will have many opportunities to get into trouble.

So how hard is it to get a license anyway?

 

But you can use the CB freqs which are for unlicensed use if you have an Amatuer Radio License.

I should have mine next month. Now to figure out what equipment to buy!

 

As a HAM op, while transmitting, you are required to identify your station every 10 minutes. You identify by giving your FCC callsign over the air. If you don't give your callsign like a good HAM should, they pretty much know you're not a HAM. Also HAM ops pretty much monitor the HAM bands.....especially 10 meters where it's so close to the CB band. If one was to hear you and ask you to give your callsign and you didn't then it's pretty much a dead giveaway.
As far as how they would know where you are at? The FCC has some really sofisticated antennas that they can aim, and home in on a signal. It's just a matter of if they have the resources to do it in your area.

 

Yes.....but if you are using a HAM radio which delivers more output, you will still have to limit the rf power output to 4 watts while tx'ing on the CB freqs....at least I think that's still all you are allowed (legally) on the CB freqs...???

 

gold tr8,

I passed my Technician Class FCC test on Saturday, 10 Jan 2009. It took about 30 hours of self study and taking 20 practice tests. It's not all that difficult. The hardest part is that you have to memorize many new terms and concepts. Like everything else, Amateur Radio has its own language. There are only 35 questions and the study material you can buy has all of the 395 FCC pool questions that could be asked on the test. But they only ask 35. I recommend that you go to Fry's Electronics and buy "Technician Class Amateur Radio Element 2 FCC License Preparation," Sixth Edition. It is by Gordon West. The cover is yellow & it will cost about $20. However, even better is the $35 package which includes a DVD with all of the practice tests and a copy of Part 97 of the FCC Regulations. Worth every penny. I finished the test in 10minutes and scored 94%. If you have any other questions, please feel free to send me a PM.

 

The Gordon West study guides are oustanding !!

73

Mike (N2MWL)