| Ham Radio; New FCC info & some techical info | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 5 2009, 03:20 PM (304 Views) | |
| MontanaMEL | Oct 5 2009, 03:20 PM Post #1 |
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Hi, I am a Ham Radio Operator...KD7DCR...I live way up here in Montana, in the trees and rocks of our Rocky Mtns. I am offering this info so you can see another way to go with your commo needs... The FCC changed many rules about lic ham radio operations.. FIRST...THERE IS NO MORE CODE TESTS!!! NONE, ZIP,NADA... This single rule change alone, has openned up these frec's to the average US citizen !!!! IF you can learn some simple facts and some very little simple math, from a book, most people can pass the first level of testing, called the TECH Lic, within 1 or 2 months of home study, part-time...it's only 35 questions long! IF you would rather use a computer and what is called "interactive training" methods...you can learn what you need to pass this first test in about 10-15 hours of study time...and, the web based system, is designed so you just keep going forward to the next level...there are only 3 levels of testing...once you have these lic, you never loose them unless you do something wrong on the air...they are issued for 10 years at a time...and renewals only cost $10 by mail. This first level of testing gives you some "limited" access to some "High Frec" bands, which can easily reach across a few states...some of these frec's are for digital/ATV/CW type use, some are for phone/voice use. These few frec bands alone may furnish you all that you need for simple voice transmissions across a few hundred miles. BUT, you also get access to ALL of the VHF/UHF and higher bands for all types of transmissions!!! Along with these frec bands you gain access to "REPEATER NETWORKS" that are already there in your state!!! Via these same repeaters, in conjunction with the internet, you can access over 1,000 areas of the WORLD directly with your hand held transciver! This is called IRLP. You can speak with workers down at the South Pole even!!! This is all on only 5 watts of power or if in a car or home, up to 100+ watts... These VHF/UHF frec's are line of sight...elevation of antenna does mean something!!! But, when you use one of these "repeaters", it's antenna height then becomes the basis for effective distance. You, as a HAM, can build your antenna all the way to 200 ft if you want to...for any of these bands/frec's... AND...you will find many, many, hams and clubs willing to help you learn what you need to know and to get your own individual stations or mobils up and running. Now, as to costs... FIRST...the study guides for the tests run from $20 to $49 according to who you get them from and in what form (book or online), they are in...then, it's just some of your individual spare time needed to study them. Second...when you go take the test(s)...a club of hams will administer these tests someplace near where you live, and that cost is usually $12 to $17 and most of the time that includes the filing of documents with the FCC for your lic to be issued...if this is not inlcuded...it is only like $10 or $15 anyway...deal done for your first level lic...TECH. THIRD...You do NOT have to buy new equipment!!! There is a wide and deep market for USED HAM GEAR, mostly online, but also run as swap meets and other local meeting sites... The sources for new equipment, such as AEC, HRO, Giga Parts, etc...ALSO have pages of used gear for sale!! Fourth....MOST HAM GEAR is designed to operate on 12 v. DC....car battery power!! So, you can set up a "home/base station" with a simple 12v power supply....and, then, you could just move it into your car/truck with an external antenna and continue operating after any electric service failure. Basic mobil antennas cost from $25 to ??? according to which band or bands are covered, power capacity, mounting methods, etc...that, and a simple wire to your battery is all you would need to go mobil... An antenna for your home can be built out of some wire and some PVC pipe! Total cost under $25 plus the coax you need to get it inside you home/shop! Fifth...there are more expensive ways to go...more fancy...more money..."somewhat" more range or capacity from such increased costs...Your milage may vary... BOTTOM LINE... you should be "on the air" on VHF/UHF repeater network(s) for around $200+/- used, and about double that if buying all new stuff/gear... Plus, about $35+/- for your first lic, etc... NOW....you go on to the second level of lic...called GENERAL LIC... A WHOLE BUNCH of added Frec's and bands are then allowed to your use...this is where you get "true" WORLDWIDE communications...and, you get to run higher power levels on the HF bands than when you are just a tech lic... With these added privaledges, your equipment "needs" go up as well.... A used HF rig/radio will cost you $300 to $600 and you can use a simple wire dipole antenna for under $100...or, you can spend thousands, etc... The "local ham club" that helps you get your first lic can also advise you about these further steps and capabilities. Why is there such a fuss about the Ham frec bands....it's because these frec's allow for the radio waves to be "bounced" off our ionsphere...this is what gives you the WorldWide reach!! While using these frec's, you can use Digital modes (usually done via a soundcard in your computer) which allow your signal/message to get through under bad conditions...when you use low power (100 watts) and a wire dipole...this allows you to get messages through without the added cost of big power amps and big tower antennas, etc...AND...unless someone is another ham, with the proper software and soundcard, the public can NOT LISTEN IN ON YOUR MESSAGES...and, they can be PRINTED OUT ON PAPER...whereas, voice or phone transmissions mean anyone with a shortwave rec can listen in... There are a whole lot of other factors and what-if's....but, I'll leave that for your local hams to help you with... You can find active hams usually at any county fair, parades, or other public events where commo is needed...Look for the guys with "handi-talky's" or back packs with antenna's sticking up/out...usually with a headset or a clip on mic on their shirt collar point!! Just say "HI" and start asking questions about getting your lic... They are friendly and they don't bite. Good luck... Any questions??? please use my ham email at: kd7dcr@netscape.com |
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| msearp99 | Oct 5 2009, 10:02 PM Post #2 |
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welcome sir! thanks for the info here . |
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1:23 PM Jul 11