Cannon George
Ojai, CA
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Joined: 07/28/2004
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Passing along as ‘FYI.’
A ham radio operator, often use my TC as a “Ham Shack.” Active in my local ARES/ACS radio support group and often deploy to support local civic and charity events including Marathons and Bicycle Races.
For many events, I deploy and set up in remote areas outside of cell phone range. In this case, the ability to access repeaters, communicate with an Event Net Control Operator, makes all the difference in obtaining a speedy response, be it as simple as getting more water or even emergency medical support. In rare cases, the ability for a mobile “Ham Shack” to drive off-road to a particular “off-grid” way-point becomes even more pronounced. (The TC is perfect for this)
Most of what I use is simple dual-band (2M/440) communications but on occasion will string out an HF antenna – and listen/chat around the world!
By using APRS repeaters, (Automatic Position Reporting System) one can send short messages to cell phones and e-mail, even though you are way out of cell phone range.
Ham radio clubs all over the country need new, younger members – (to backfill dying and retiring members) I have discovered taking kids out camping, setting up the campsite, then setting up the radio station works wonders! Let them talk! They are hooked and right away I have kids (girls and boys) interested in getting their FCC license – as well as volunteering to support the next event. Especially if it involves camping; something else disappearing from the lexicon of young adults today….
Finally, (in case you are wondering), kids are quite happy to set up their own new-found tents outside the camper, leaving me with my own personal space. I'll cook and feed them. If weather is really bad we’ll adjust; but kids are amazingly resilient to adverse conditions….
'73,
KC6LPE
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mbloof
Beaverton, OR
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Joined: 11/27/2014
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Cannon George wrote:
Ham radio clubs all over the country need new, younger members – (to backfill dying and retiring members)
'73,
KC6LPE
Good luck with that!
73's
N7GHI
- Mark0.
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Acampingwewillgo
USA
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Joined: 11/15/2002
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Since I was in Jr High school, I've wanted to get into Ham radio but I've always come up with some excuse for not following through....I mentioned this someplace else recently, but I remember Heath Kit use to sell Receivers and Transceivers as kits back in the day. Fast forward 50 years later and I'm still picking up my ARRL/Gordon West answer/question book. Maybe one of these days I'll actually do it. Oh...I see the OP is in Ojai, Ventura here.
96 Vogue Prima Vista
The Kid's: Humphrie, the Mini Schnauzer and Georgie,wire haired dachshund.
Rainbow Bridge: Laddie,Scoutie,Katie,Cooper,Kodie,Rubie,Maggie, Cassie, Mollie, Elvis, Potter and Rosie Love You! (40+ years in all)
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twodownzero
NM
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Joined: 06/07/2014
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I'm an amateur extra as well. Haven't ever operated from my rvs though.
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TxGearhead
Texas
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Joined: 04/17/2016
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Do you still have to learn Morse Code to get a license?
2018 Ram 3500 CC LB DRW 4X4 Cummins Aisin Laramie Pearl White
2018 Landmark Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4
2014 NauticStar 21 ShallowBay 150HP Yamaha
2016 GoDevil 18X44 35HP Surface Drive
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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TxGearhead wrote:Do you still have to learn Morse Code to get a license? It's no longer required to get get a license.
I took a class for the Extra and it was a good experience to have the help and social interaction. 2 people in the class were also taking a code class per their interest.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Bob
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kohldad
Goose Creek, SC
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Joined: 07/20/2004
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My parents were active in Amateur Radio for years. During Hurricane Hugo, the local club was actually using a two repeaters that my father provided for the club. I can also remember him climbing up on the power plant smoke stack and local water towers to install/maintain the antennas. Him and I would take trips just by ourselves and then stringing out a 40m dipole between trees to talk to my mother so she would know we were still alive.
I've been a ham since pre-1980 but have never been active besides talking to my parents because this was pre-cell phone. Once cell phones came out and as they become cheaper without a license requirement, we have switched to those. However, as I near retirement and plan on traveling to more out of the way places beyond, I'm wanting to become active. I'm even trying to convince my wife to get her Technician license so we can use the further reaching bands over the FRMS radios commonly used.
If you worked CW a lot, you had a good chance of talking to my mother - K4TTG. Her bug work was like music and one that was usually remembered.
Good luck and safe travels.
KA4MDG
2015 Ram 3500 4x4 Crew Cab SRW 6.4 Hemi LB 3.73 (12.4 hand calc avg mpg after 92,000 miles with camper)
2004 Lance 815 (prev: 2004 FW 35'; 1994 TT 30'; Tents)
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mountainkowboy
Socal/NE Oregon
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Joined: 09/20/2004
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73's....WN7CHK...and my kids and grandkids are Hams also. ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif "wink")
Chuck & Ruth with 4-legged Molly
2007 Tiffin Allegro 30DA
2011 Ford Ranger
1987 HD FLHTP
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joerg68
St. Ingbert, Germany
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Joined: 02/27/2009
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73s from another one - keep up the great work!
DF8VW / N1DXP
2014 Ford F350 XLT 6.2 SCLB + 2017 Northstar Arrow
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sljohnson1938
Mount Airy, NC - USA
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Joined: 05/21/2013
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WHAT -no morse code for a license????
gee wiz - what is next?
1999 Dodge 3500 CTD dually
Ham radio - WU4S
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