HAM Amateur radio license

[Camping350]

Who out here has their license? I just got book to start studying for the technician class. What kind of equipment in XJ do you have?

[WB9YZU]

Believe it or not, a CB and a FRS.

-Ron

[johnnyc]

Just take the practice tests online over and over again. The technician test is easy. The general test is a lot harder. I just have a Yaesu handheld dual band, which works very well. I do want to get a mobile unit in the truck though.

[WB9YZU]

It never hurts to know the material before you do the study exams

-Ron

[old_man]

I'm an Electrical Engineer and held a First Class Radiotelephone for years. I design and test high power RF all the time. The technical part isn't the hard part for me, it is the new lingo and the rules and regs. I've been looking for a good book to work through before the test.

I may see about grabbing that book. Anybody else have any suggestions on a good book.

[Camping350]

Koop we can talk about it tonight

[WB9YZU]

Tom,
We must be old

You shouldn't have too much of an issue.

Things that are modern:
Transistors
Digital Modes (Packet...).
Repeaters hooked to the internet (VoIP)[Echolink].
Emphasis on EMF safety and environmental impact.
Station Operation (where you can and can not operate with a class of license. and the modes you are allowed in what part of the band.
Multiple guess questions.
You don't have to draw out the diagram of a SSB Transceiver anymore (Yea!).
No Code requirement.

Here is a link to a fairly nice website. You can take tests on-line and he even recommends some books (Like the one in the OP). http://aa9pw.com/radio/technician/

-Ron

[Camping350]

If anyone else interested in SoCal I know it is probably overkill but at the corona police dept in January there is a two day sat technician class and test for $35 and includes fee for test on second day.

[kastein]

Amateur Extra W1KAS... I'm another EE nerd.

No radios in my jeep. I actually haven't even put my CB back in, took it out of the XJ when I got rid of it in summer 2011 and never bothered to install it in the MJ.

I mostly got my license so I could build RF electronics and experiment with them without the FCC nailing me.

[sdspearo]

I'm taking a 1 day class and technician test tomorrow. Not sure about what radio I'll eventually end up with, but I think I'll want a handheld vs. a mobile unit mounted in the vehicle.

[xjtrailrider]

I've been putting off getting my license for years. I grew up in a house full of HAM's and I really do not know why I never got my license when I was young.

The confusing part to me is what radio to buy? Do I get a handheld, a mobile?

[WB9YZU]

Radio equipment is like a Jeep. Depends on what kind of communication you want to do, and how much you want to spend, and how much of your own sweat and knowledge you want to put into it.

I prefer a Mobile rig myself when I can fit one in. They are usually higher power and able to carry on simplex communication over long distances (10-15 miles), and with Repeater Support can go even farther. If you get a multi-mode radio, you can participate in band openings with folks across the nation, or talk to the Space Station (cross mode only IIRC). You can also more easily get into the digital modes as many newer radios support PNP Digital mode operation.

Handhelds, though very convenient, are usually "only" a few watts and very dependent on Repeater support to carry on long distance conversations. The distance to the Repeater becomes the limiting factor. Unlike Mobile rigs which have higher power and can reach the edge of the Repeater coverage, the Handheld will be limited to a fraction of that distance to the Repeater.

That being said, if you use a good well placed external antenna, or better yet, an amplifier and external antenna on your Jeep, and plug your Handheld into that, you will increase your range both your Transmit an Receive range.
You can also use them in the house with the same method. With a high tower and an amp, you can go pretty far on Simplex.

Then again, you could do the same in both Mobile and Home applications with a good Mobile Radio an not even have to use an amp.

When you get your license, don't forget the history behind it. Much of the technology, and personal freedom, folks take for granted today is a result of this silly little ""hobby"". If you get a chance, take part in or listen to a SKYWARN or other CD operation; it will put things in perspective.

-Ron

[87manche]

Originally Posted by kastein

Amateur Extra W1KAS... I'm another EE nerd.

No radios in my jeep. I actually haven't even put my CB back in, took it out of the XJ when I got rid of it in summer 2011 and never bothered to install it in the MJ.

I mostly got my license so I could build RF electronics and experiment with them without the FCC nailing me.

I need to do this.

what's on the amateur extra test?

[WB9YZU]

Originally Posted by 87manche

I need to do this.

what's on the amateur extra test?

The question pool changes every few months.

http://www.arrl.org/upgrading-to-an-extra-license

-Ron

[Sardog1]

I just renewed my license in November. Have a Yaesu FT-270 handheld but am considering a mobile unit for just the reasons Ron mentioned. To be honest, I rarely turn the radio on and have it more for "just in case", so it's hard to justify the cost of a mobile let alone the real estate inside the XJ in addition to the CB. Guess I'm not a good geek!