HAM OP Roll Call......
Thread Starter
JK Jedi
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 0
From: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
GENERAL!!! KI6ZLF/AG
Dave; Coincidentally last night I met with a few other forum members for dinner. Dinner, Beer, Jeeps. You get the idea. 15 - 20 people. I was the only ham. Once someone noticed "that tiny antenna" I showed them a few things, punched in some freqs, listened to a few landing aircraft, and explained the different permissions and tests.
They were interested, not blank stares, but everything I said was new information to them. A few people immediately saw how potentially useful it could be, they have just never been exposed to it. How do we get the info out there?
Dave; Coincidentally last night I met with a few other forum members for dinner. Dinner, Beer, Jeeps. You get the idea. 15 - 20 people. I was the only ham. Once someone noticed "that tiny antenna" I showed them a few things, punched in some freqs, listened to a few landing aircraft, and explained the different permissions and tests.
They were interested, not blank stares, but everything I said was new information to them. A few people immediately saw how potentially useful it could be, they have just never been exposed to it. How do we get the info out there?
You're off and runnin' now man...!!!Yeah.......it's getting to the point now, because of "oldness" of the hobbie, and the "newness" of the kids, that many of them have never even heard the term "HAM" radio. I think what needs to happen, is HAM clubs need to advertise and put on exhibitions in their communities. At least a bit more than just the one time at Field Day. Local colleges could take part as well as different Emergency service organizations. It really needs to be done, as it's already a dieing breed, and if something doesn't happen it won't be long before it totally kicks the bucket....
Thread Starter
JK Jedi
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 0
From: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
73....
Dave / wl7cmg
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 100
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From: Timbuktu
VE6REJ
I just took the Canadian Basic exam this past weekend, and passed with honors (over 80%), which allows use of all amateur bands - now I'm radio shopping
The big decision is whether to get a mobile that will also do HF, or just a UHF/VHF model - I still need a real bumper and headlights too! 
73
I just took the Canadian Basic exam this past weekend, and passed with honors (over 80%), which allows use of all amateur bands - now I'm radio shopping
The big decision is whether to get a mobile that will also do HF, or just a UHF/VHF model - I still need a real bumper and headlights too! 73
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,605
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From: 54° 4.5' N 123° 7' W
Welcome VE6REJ.
There are several radios that will have HF and VHF but they will cost you! The antenna and tuner will be the other consideration. Running HF mobile with a properly tuned antenna isn't cheap. That being said, you can probably get a used HF rig to bring along the trail and set up a mobile shack once you're there. That opens up your antenna options a bit. Running HF properly requires more concentration than I have behind the wheel anyway so I wouldn't do it while driving.
A VHF rig around town is useful especially if you are in a bigger city with more activity and repeaters. Cell phones have basically killed any activity in smaller centres. I used to use local phone patches 10 years ago. Don't even remember how to key one up now.
73
VE7WYC
There are several radios that will have HF and VHF but they will cost you! The antenna and tuner will be the other consideration. Running HF mobile with a properly tuned antenna isn't cheap. That being said, you can probably get a used HF rig to bring along the trail and set up a mobile shack once you're there. That opens up your antenna options a bit. Running HF properly requires more concentration than I have behind the wheel anyway so I wouldn't do it while driving.
A VHF rig around town is useful especially if you are in a bigger city with more activity and repeaters. Cell phones have basically killed any activity in smaller centres. I used to use local phone patches 10 years ago. Don't even remember how to key one up now.
73
VE7WYC