Desert Fox

Not too long ago, HAM radio was all about Morse Code, High Frequency Radios or VHF/UHF Radios. Along with being able to talk around the world there was the nerd snob factor. Today's HAM operator has many choices and is only limited by the amount of funding he/she has availible to buy equipment. Did you know that HAMs have a satellite constellation? And they also talk to the ISS on a frequent basis. We use voice over IP, slow scan TV and several digital modes. Many of our small hand held radios, used for disaster response and search and rescue, are multi-band and include GPS. Public Service is a big factor in the HAM community and assisting your local police and fire departments during disasters, or when requested, is a big part of being a HAM. There are about 600,000 HAMs in the USA. They come from all walks of life and, in my club, range in age from 10 to 84. Not unlike the Jeep community, HAMs will go out of their way to help fellow HAMs, hold frequent social events, attend large HAM conventions (and no, they are not like ComicCon) I guess what I am trying to say is, there's a lot more to being a HAM than talking on the radio. W6PBR

CW Spook

I've been a ham for 49 years, first licensed at 17. Over the years it has led me down a lot of different paths. I built my first 2 receivers and my first transmitter from kits, learning electronic construction skills. Being a ham was directly responsible for at least 4 different jobs, including my billet as a CW (Morse) specialist in the Naval Security Group. At one time I had a radio room full of Teletype gear, which in turn led to my first computer (also a kit) in 1976. I've operated in disaster situations. I've operated in Japan, in the Caribbean, from home, from the car, from my airplane, and from cruise ships. I still use Morse as my primary communication mode, but have capability for single-sideband voice, VHF/UHF FM, and a variety of digital modes such as classic RTTY (radio-teletype) and PSK31/PSK63. My main interest has been working DX (distant stations) and I've logged contacts with about 275 different countries all around the world, half of them using QRP (very low power) gear with no more power output than a stock CB radio. And there are still lots of avenues I haven't explored...satellite comms, amateur television, moonbounce; the list goes on and on.

jefemente

Because I'm a nerd. Use it for Jeep to Jeep communication on the trails and it's nice to have in case of an emergency.

Jeff

PhotoWrangler

Do you trail ride with that many Hams?

Sahara_Maverick

There were a few things that attracted me to HAM. I like technology and everything related to it. Emergencies, mostly after seeing how the infrastructure we take for granted can be wiped out (Katrina) or overloaded (New York during 9/11). Last but not least, the possibility to help others by joining a local ESCA/RACES group or even relaying info. So, when I got my Jeep one of the first things that came to mind was getting a portable for it so I can stay in touch anywhere.

jefemente

Yep, we're all HAM's and/or nerds for that matter. We all use Kenwood TH-F6A HT's so we're not bound to our rigs to communicate. Mostly xmit on 2M or 220 simplex at 0.05 W.


Jeff
KG6RDD

PhotoWrangler

[HR][/HR]
I'm on chapter three, so one day soon I'll understand everything you just said! LOL

Anyone wanna challeng me with a tech test question from chapters 1-3 of the ARRL manual? LOL

jefemente

You'll get the hang of it in no time. I find the practice exams very helpful and suggest this one to all my friends, hxxp://aa9pw.com/radio/ (change the x's to t's)

Jeff

desync0

Check out hamtestonline.com its like $25 or $30 but it's a lot better then just doing practice tests because it shows you your weak areas and explains your wrong answers so you can learn the right answer instead of just memorizing them.

JK-Blue

I found some free study guides and practice tests online and passed the first two tests in one sitting. I've had the license for 2 or 3 years but haven't decided if I want to get a radio yet. I listened to some of the local 2 meter and 440 repeaters and there doesn't seem to be much traffic. Thought about studying for the 3rd test since hat gets you the shorter license but its pretty technical.