lesmore49
canada
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Joined: 11/25/2004
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On and off I've thought about getting into Ham Radio.
But I'm not sure how many individuals use Ham radio anymore, what with the influx of email, computers, twittering, etc...all the other forms of communication that we seem to have, nowadays.
I don't know much about Ham Radio, but it has always intrigued me. I have some questions.
Is it mostly social conversation with other Ham operators and if there is an emergency, then Ham Operators are there to assist in communications.
I know, or think the rules have changed a bit....license requirements, etc...but not sure what are current requirements.
I know that you can communicate all over the continent, possibly the world if you have the right equipment.
I wonder what the cost would be to get into Ham Radio ? Basic...but good Ham Radio that you can learn and eventually grow into.
Do you need a huge antenna or has technology come to Ham Radio where you don't need such antenna equipment ? What would the cost be ?
lesmore49
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robsouth
Covington, GA
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Joined: 06/20/2004
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I am watching this as I too have toyed with the idea of becoming a radio operator. I have contacted the local HAM club and have been encouraged to attend and learn before getting into it so I would have a better chance of seeing if I really wanted to or not, how far I wanted to go in the licensing, etc. I have not gone yet, but I think I will attend the next regular meeting.
"Sometimes I just sit and think. Sometimes I just sit." "Great minds like a think."
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W4RLR
Full timing, based in Marion County, Tennessee
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Joined: 12/10/2006
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It is easier than ever to become an amateur radio operator. First of all, there is no longer a Morse code requirement. Testing is performed by volunteer amateurs instead of the FCC. Most clubs will have test preparation sessions that will teach you everything you need to know to pass the test and get your ham ticket. I've been a ham since 2006, and I kick myself for waiting as long as I did!
Go here for more information: American Radio Relay League
Richard L. Ray
SSgt USAF (Retired) Life Member DAV
W4RLR 146.52 mhz
2005 Ford F-250 Lariat Crew Cab
1995 Jayco Eagle 277RBSS fifth-wheel
"Never ask a man what kind of computer he drives. If it's a Mac, he'll tell you. If not, why embarrass him?" Tom Clancy
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targaboat
sulphur springs, tx, usa
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Joined: 09/20/2004
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I have a good friend who is a HAM and I can assure you that the activity is well and alive World wide. I look into it and found a great group of guys, and a few ladies, when I wanted to get on lone in remote locations. While that is technically possible, it did not warrant the effort and now with the cell phone technology that decision has proven even more correct. I also did not need another hobby at that time. I suggest you go to the meetings and decide from there what is right for you.
Fly Boy
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bradley455
home
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Joined: 05/10/2010
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my father and i just became a ham operators about year ago and there is plenty of people using the bands,getting your license has never been easier ... take a 12 to 14 hour course pass the test and your a tech , next test is general ,next is advanced..there is a lot of different skills associated with ham operators..not to mention very nice people to meet...once in a while you even see one camping . ive got my call sign on the back bumper of my travel trailer just in case one is following me....
kc9qyp 73's
brad
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southernkilowatt
North Carolina
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Joined: 11/13/2007
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I have a good friend that is INSANE when it comes to anything HAM radio and a quick phone call to him and he was more than willing to give me some links to share with you.
He talks to people all over the world and has even talked to the space shuttle! He claims that his signal can bounce off the moon and even go through the earth.
He got started with less than 300 bucks worth of equipment, and has made all but one of his antenna's. The one he talks on the most is a "ground plane" I think he calls it, which is simply a length of wire that I helped him hang from trees in his yard.
He says that there is a great place for radio equipment in or close to Atlanta Ga. and the link for that is HERE
There is also another website where you can look up members by their call signs and it will tell you how long they have been a member and where they are from and that link is HERE
They do mostly chat and he has made several good friends from HAM.
Here is another interesting link for HAM Radios LINK
He tells me the license is less than 20 bucks, and there are several levels such as "limited, Unlimited" and one or two more.
I was into the CB thing years ago (southernkilowatt was my handle) and I guess I kind of got it out of my system. I have too many other hobbies so I never got caught up in the HAM radio thing. He enjoys it tremendously though, so to each his own.
Good Luck and I hope you find the links helpful.
Dave
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camperpaul
Wherever I park my travel trailer
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Joined: 05/10/2006
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Yes, Ham Radio is alive and well and things are picking up as the sunspot number increases.
World-wide communications is possible with very inexpensive equipment.
A few years ago, one of the "high tech" communications services forced us to add a new character to the "low tech" telegraphic code - ".--.-." = "@".
Paul
Ham Radio - K9ERG (since 1956)
Was a campground host at IBSP (2006-2010) - now retired.
Single - Full-timer
2005 Four Winds 29Q
1982 6.2L Diesel Suburban 1500
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KD4UPL
Swoope, VA
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I've been a ham for 18 years. The licensing requirements are much more relaxed now than when I was first licensed. There are hundreds of thousands of licensed hams in the US alone. With a $150 radio and a $50 antenna you can talk locally on the 2 meter band. With a radio that costs around $1000 and an antenna made of scrap wire (yes, really) you can talk all over the world. The last time I went to Florida on vacation I drove a metal rod in the sand, attached an antenna I bought used for $200 and connected my radio that I bought new for $800. I talked to a station in Moscow and one in Lithuania. I also talked to a friend back home in VA. It's a great hobby but like anything else, you can make it as expensive or cheap as you want.
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bradley455
home
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kd4upl what type of radio where you using? kc9qyp
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John & Angela
Full Timers in Canada, USA and Mexico
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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Angela and I have been Hams for close to 20 years. Since we sold the house we have been mostly operating on 70 cm and 2 meter bands although we use the Handhelds when backing up, events etc. It is a cerebral hobby and you are going to get a refresher on your high school math and Physics if you take the course. HAM is still very much involved in emergency services.
Have fun.
2003 Fleetwood Revolution 40C. Smart car CDI diesel TOAD towed on a trailer
2001 22 foot Vanguard VXL 2200 when travelling in Mexico
Retired Canadian Air Force Technicians
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