Amature Radio

Ham radio. If you don't have it, get it.
When you get it, learn how to use it.

Ham radio can be very intimidating until you actually get into it and start using it. Then you realize how useful it can be. Now and in the future.

The Technician license is very simple to acquire. The test is simple as long as you read the study book and read through the question pool.
Once you have received your license and call sign and begin using your newly acquired capabilities, it becomes addictive.

Then start studying for your General license. This one is a lot more difficult but not impossible if you study.

When all other types of comms fail, ham radio will work as long as you can power it.

For standardization purposes, this website will be adopting the already established AmRRON's TTP's for comms, unless someone has a better idea.

I was not aware of this until now.
I will be educating myself about it and adding it to my radio binder for sure.
Then I will educate my group about it as well.

Very interesting concept.
I will continue to research this.
It is similar to what we have already been doing within our group.

Wow. Just listened to the information on their home page. I know our group will be very interested in looking into joining.

I think it will help in our objectives.

is there a site where you could study the tech and general material

I would suggest going to Amazon and ordering a Technician class study book. This way you can keep it with you and study when you have the opportunity.
If you prefer, ARRL website has study guides and links to other sites for study and practice tests.

i went ahead a bought the tech and general study guides on ham test online

Get your tech license and get your feet wet.
Unless you have a real good understanding of HF radio and electronics I would take your time studying the general.

Online you can also find a"Ham radio for dummies " PDF look it up and free to download.

Just finished installing my new 2m radio in my truck. So nice..... I can now reach out and talk with people from my truck. Pushing 75w with a permanent antenna mount.

Nice. What kind of reach do you have with it?

It is awesome. I am easily hitting the Rosehill repeater from my "driveway". Meaning I was sitting in a hole of trees and houses. Touched base with Homesteader, briefly, on Sunday and he was loud and clear. We only talked for a second. I think I may use it for our up coming net. I'm still waiting on final list, so I can get my radio fully programmed.

Thats cool. What kind of antenna did you have installed?

Ok. I'm signed up with AmRRON. Who is next?

Larsen 2M 5/8 wave NMO Antenna - Includes whip, coil, and 3/4" hole NMO hard mount

Looks like it's just the two of us so far TP. I'm excited about these guys (AmRRON). Hope I have the time to get more involved.

We will have to make some time. Too important not to.

For Base antenna, I recommend the TRAM 1481 for about $99. It's well built and inexpensive.

For HT antenna, I recommend the Nagoya 771. It works good for the little BaoFeng radios (a 19.5" counterpoise wire works great to make it even better)

And for Mobile antenna, the MFJ-1522 will work good.

Remember the antenna is the most important part of the radio's transmission and reception. Buy what you can afford but also shoot for maximum gain. Buying a dual band or tri-band VHF/UHF antenna is worth every dollar you spend. High gain antennas effectively multiplies your signal strength and increasing your overall height of the mounted antenna extends your range and helps pull out those faint signals. 73

The TRAM 1481 is what I have, just need to get it installed.

Whats the hold up?

Time and an extra hand.

At this point, you might well wait until you move.

Was thinking that myself.