HAM Intro?

[Chris]

I met Travis (tbalcomb) this today to get my new radio and in a few minutes he showed me a lot I didn't know even though I do have my tech license. :redface:

He has his General license which means he knows what he's talking about. ;)

From other threads it's apparent there's interest so I'm proposing a get-together for Travis to demonstrate and answer questions to anyone interested in getting certified or just understanding the differences between HAM & CB. This would be a plain English session that everyone could understand and de-myth the geekiness that seems to be attached to HAM radio in general.

Please post if interested and whether or not you have the license and experience. Not limited to novices.

Chris - KDØFRX

[Haku]

I would definitely be up for that and have next to no experience with HAM stuff. I want to learn though, and it would be great to get the rundown on stuff.

JH

[JeffX]

Embarrassingly enough, I work in Satellite communications, but don't know anything about HAM (except basic comm theory).

How much effort is req'd for a general license?

[Chris]

Jeff, you don't need the general license to operate you need the tech license. Honestly it doesn't take much to get it either.

[SubaCool]

I would definitely be up for that and have next to no experience with HAM stuff. I want to learn though, and it would be great to get the rundown on stuff.
+1!

[Andrew]

I'm somewhat interested.

[Viper]

I'd might be interested. Can you give some bear bones info on what it entails ie equipment, license, testing. thanks

[Mporter]

I'm interested for sure.

[Chris]

Bare bones - tech license, radio (under $100 and up)

That's about it.

[Rob]

Interested.

[JeffX]

Is this legit?

http://www.fcctests.com/subscribe.asp

[Chris]

Looks to be but this is free: http://www.qrz.com/testing.html

The practice tests use the exact same questions that are on the test. When you can pass these you can pass the test.

I suggest supplementing these tests with reading the study manual so you don't end up with a tech license but not really understanding the required usage/etiquette/rules.

[tbalcome]

Thanks Chris! Here is a great study guide to get everyone started!

http://kb6nu.com/2006techstudyguide.pdf (http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uplo...studyguide.pdf)

To take the FCC Tech test is currently $15 and the licence is good for 10 years, and as Chris said you can get into a radio for about $100 and up!

[Mporter]

Also you guys could check out local libraries. It looks like in Jeffco: lakewood library has one in repair and standley lake has one on the shelf.

^ for the ARRL Handbook.

[Lysmachia]

I'd be in for a license* (Troy my SO too) Where would we do a tech session?

* I'm a novice, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.... :D

[JeffX]

Looks to be but this is free: http://www.qrz.com/testing.html

The practice tests use the exact same questions that are on the test. When you can pass these you can pass the test.

I suggest supplementing these tests with reading the study manual so you don't end up with a tech license but not really understanding the required usage/etiquette/rules.

Thanks. I took one (tech) just for the hell of it 74%. I'm assuming a score of 80 will pass? A lot of those questions are common sense for anybody with an RF background. I just need to learn the rules. Where is the test administered?

[Andrew]

Thanks. I took one (tech) just for the hell of it 74%. I'm assuming a score of 80 will pass? A lot of those questions are common sense for anybody with an RF background. I just need to learn the rules. Where is the test administered?

I got 77%. Some of them I guessed right, some are just rules like you said. I don't really have any background in RF though, but I do know some electronics stuff (made the volts/watt/amps, etc. questions easy) and I have worked with wireless networks, which although I don't think it's technically RF it is similar.

[tbalcome]

Thanks. I took one (tech) just for the hell of it 74%. I'm assuming a score of 80 will pass? A lot of those questions are common sense for anybody with an RF background. I just need to learn the rules. Where is the test administered?


I got 77%. Some of them I guessed right, some are just rules like you said. I don't really have any background in RF though, but I do know some electronics stuff (made the volts/watt/amps, etc. questions easy) and I have worked with wireless networks, which although I don't think it's technically RF it is similar.

You guys that are getting over 75% all you need is to read this manual you will be set! If you can take multiple test and get over 83% you are ready!
http://kb6nu.com/2006techstudyguide.pdf (http://kb6nu.com/2006techstudyguide.pdf)

[tbalcome]

Also you guys could check out local libraries. It looks like in Jeffco: lakewood library has one in repair and standley lake has one on the shelf.

^ for the ARRL Handbook.

Make sure it is a newer one the rules changed in 2006!

[tbalcome]

Most recent test dates! In Denver area!6 found within approximately 20 miles of 80601
10-Apr-2010
Sponsor: MILE HI VE TEAM
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: GLENN E S
CHULTZ(303)366-9689
Email: JADISCATS@EARTHLINK.NET
VEC: ARRL/VEC (http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing/vecs.html)
Location: ST LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH PARISH HALLE
13TH AVE AT QUEBEC ST
DENVER, CO 80220

21-Apr-2010
Sponsor: DENVER W5YI VE TEAM
Time: 7:00PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: PHILIP E OKUNEWICK(303)273-5956
Contact: NONE
VEC: W5YI VEC (http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing/vecs.html)
Location: FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
3645 W 112TH AVE B0103 WEST LOWER LEVEL
CALL:ANGEE BAUNE (303)452-1680
WESTMINSTER, CO 80031

08-May-2010
Sponsor: MILE HI VE TEAM
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: GLENN E SCHULTZ(303)366-9689
Email: JADISCATS@EARTHLINK.NET
VEC: ARRL/VEC (http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing/vecs.html)
Location: ST LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH PARISH HALLE
13TH AVE AT QUEBEC ST
DENVER, CO 80220

19-May-2010
Sponsor: DENVER W5YI VE TEAM
Time: 7:00PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: PHILIP E OKUNEWICK(303)273-5956
Contact: NONE
VEC: W5YI VEC (http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing/vecs.html)
Location: FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
3645 W 112TH AVEB0103 WEST LOWER LEVEL
CALL:ANGEE BAUNE (303)452-1680
WESTMINSTER, CO 80031

12-Jun-2010
Sponsor: MILE HI VE TEAM
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: GLENN E SCHULTZ(303)366-9689
Email: JADISCATS@EARTHLINK.NET
VEC: ARRL/VEC (http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing/vecs.html)
Location: ST LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH PARISH HALLE
13TH AVE AT QUEBEC STDENVER, CO 80220

10-Jul-2010
Sponsor: MILE HI VE TEAM
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: GLENN E SCHULTZ(303)366-9689
Email: JADISCATS@EARTHLINK.NET
VEC: ARRL/VEC (http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing/vecs.html)
Location: ST LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH PARISH HALLE
13TH AVE AT QUEBEC ST
DENVER, CO 80220

[Andrew]

I heard that you can have a HAM setup which will also do CB channels? But that it wasn't technically legal?

[tbalcome]

Ooops, I noticed some of you guys are from out of the area!

10-Apr-2010
Sponsor: PIKES PEAK RADIO AMATEUR ASSOC
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: JACKIE M CORNWELL(719)632-8254Email: JCORNWELL@PEOPLEPC.COM
VEC: ARRL/VEC (http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing/vecs.html)
Location: COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
4435 N CHESTNUT ST
ROOM 101-ASK RECEPTIONIST
HTTP://WWW.PPRAA.ORG/VE.PHP
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80907

10-Apr-2010
Sponsor: GREELEY VE TEAM
Time: 1:00PM (No walk-ins)
Contact: ORLIN D JENKINS
(970)353-7094
Email: K0OJ@MSN.COM
VEC: ARRL/VEC (http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/amateur/licensing/vecs.html)
Location: CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LDS
600 E SWALLOW RD
FORT COLLINS, CO 80525

[tbalcome]

I heard that you can have a HAM setup which will also do CB channels? But that it wasn't technically legal?

you can run what is called a 10 meter modified HAM radio which is really close to the 11 meter CB band! It is illegal and it would require you to get at least a General level HAM licence to run voice comunication in the HF bands that include 10 meter!

Which if that is something you are interested in let me know cause you can take the Tech test and the General test at the same time and it doesnt cost any addtional! But that is only if you want to jump into the rest of the HAM world!

I have a General licence but I do not use HF, I just wanted to learn more radio theory!

[Andrew]

Well HAM would be nice to have for backcountry trips, etc. but having both that AND a CB would be kind of annoying. Unless the HAM was a small handheld unit for emergencies.

[Haku]

From what I could tell, all the guys with a HAM setup that came on the joint Front Range and Rising Sun Yankee Hill trip at the beggining of the winter, all had both HAM and CB setups in their rigs (I would say about half had a HAM) and don't seem to have any problems. Then again, they are a weird bunch.

How much more in depth is the General License over the Tech License? I did similarly to the other guys on here when taking the Tech Test, and a skim through the manual would solidify my score to well above passing. Haven't tried the General practice test, but I imagine its quite a bit more in depth, but not sure by how much.

JH

[tbalcome]

Well HAM would be nice to have for backcountry trips, etc. but having both that AND a CB would be kind of annoying. Unless the HAM was a small handheld unit for emergencies.
I run both, HAM radio's come in all kinds of shapes and sizes! You can get a high quality HT "Walky Talky" that has 5w max power for about $110 band new. Or you can run a quality mobile unit that can 55 watts for $130 that is much smaller then most CB's!
This is the CB I use!
http://cobra.com/products//75-wx-st-compact-remote-mount-cb-radio-with-soundtracker-and-noaa-weather


How much more in depth is the General License over the Tech License? I did similarly to the other guys on here when taking the Tech Test, and a skim through the manual would solidify my score to well above passing. Haven't tried the General practice test, but I imagine its quite a bit more in depth, but not sure by how much.

JH

Try the practice test it will give you an idea! I would recomend the book for general! But I do have a study guide!

http://kb6nu.com/2007GeneralStudyGuide.pdf

[Chris]

Well HAM would be nice to have for backcountry trips, etc. but having both that AND a CB would be kind of annoying. Unless the HAM was a small handheld unit for emergencies.

That's what I had Andrew and it takes a bit of space. Josh now has my truck mountable and I have Travis' old Yaesu FT-270R/E (http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profile&sku=ZYS-FT-270R) which is better for my needs.

[Andrew]

I run both, HAM radio's come in all kinds of shapes and sizes! You can get a high quality HT "Walky Talky" that has 5w max power for about $110 band new. Or you can run a quality mobile unit that can 55 watts for $130 that is much smaller then most CB's!
This is the CB I use!
http://cobra.com/products//75-wx-st-compact-remote-mount-cb-radio-with-soundtracker-and-noaa-weather


Try the practice test it will give you an idea! I would recomend the book for general! But I do have a study guide!

http://kb6nu.com/2007GeneralStudyGuide.pdf

Yeah I run the 75WXST as well. I like not taking up room for stuff.

[SubaCool]

So, excuse me for a stupid question, but what's the difference between CB and HAM radios? I have a unit I was told is a HAM radio, but looks like a CB to me. I'll see if I can take a picture.

[Andrew]

Different frequency ranges, HAM is higher powered. CB is I believe 1 Watt max legal, though some mod them to push out more.

[Chris]

I counted about 10 people that posted as interested in one day so it looks like this can be planned.

Travis, give some thought to when & where we could do this when you get a chance.

[SubaCool]

I have two units. The first one, I've used a couple of times already (i know, needs to be wired differently). It's a Fuzzbuster (?), it's compact, and I'm pretty sure it's considered a CB (right?):
1095610957

The other one is twice as big, and it says Cobra 29 on the front. I've been told this is the HAM radio(?). Is it?
1095810959

I'm just curious, and since I got them both for free I can't complain :thunb:

[Chris]

Nope, both CB's.

[Andrew]

Yup both CB's. The 29 is a decent unit though.

[Chris]

Yeah, I have a newer version of the 29. Called a Classic 29 or something like that.

[tbalcome]

Different frequency ranges, HAM is higher powered. CB is I believe 1 Watt max legal, though some mod them to push out more. CB are legal to 4 watts!

This is quoted from another post

More less, without getting too complicated with a Tech license there are 3 popular frequency bands you can use. The most popular is 2 Meter VHF which the HAM band covers 144.000 to 148.000 MHZ Second is 70 Centemeter UHF for HAM is 440.000 to 450.000 MHZ and last 6 Meter VHF which is 51.00 to 54.00 MHZ there are more but this just gives you an idea. As you can tell there are a lot of frequency's available, each of these bands have their advantages and disadvantages. Compared to CB runs in the 11 Meter band 26.965 to 27.406mhz and it is really wide tall slow long wave length, and the only legal power you can run is 4 watts. Now VHF runs a much shorter narrower faster wave, That can penetrate objects better. You can also run up to 75 watts of the radio its self and legally run an amplifier up to 1,500 watts! UHF is an even shorter narrower faster wave then VHF which penetrates buildings and objects better then VHF but come at the price of a little less distance.

Correct CB is AM and the VHF and UHF HAM bands are FM which provides much clearer sound!

Also antenna in order to be effecent need to be at least 1/4 wave in length of the frequency the band opperates on so CB has to be 1/4 of 11 Meters, where if you run a 144.000 MHZ VHF HAM also known as the 2 Meter band you only need 1/4 of 2 Meters. This translate into a much smaller antenna!

The 2 Meter VHF 144.000 to 148.000 MHZ band is near the 150.000 MHZ band that the police, Fire Dept, Ambulances use to run / or still run. If that help put in prospective the distance and technology diffrence!