Ham radio operators?

[flatbutt]

I'm looking at getting into amateur radio. Anyone here into it and can advise?

[jpk]

I got a technician class license and a radio to work control crew at stage rallies; that's about all I do with it. The test was pretty easy. I bought a book to prepare, but I probably didn't really need to. The ARL website should have all the info you need.

[bell]

I'm a pretty good ham sandwich operator.....does that help?

[jyl]

I got my technician license in 1990 roughly. I renewed it once, but it might be expired now. Had a fun time with ham, don't have time for it now. How much activity is there anymore, anyone know?

KE6GPF

[E38Driver]

Field day was this past weekend. I have a general License and still use it once in a while.

Dave

[aigel]

Why?

This appears a pretty dead hobby after cell phones and the internet.

G

[red-beard]

de N2LWR

start here:

Become a Ham Radio Operator - Wired How-To Wiki

[GWN7]

Originally Posted by aigel

Why?

This appears a pretty dead hobby after cell phones and the internet.

G

Cell phones and the internet require ele power. Ham radios can operate on battery power. During hurricane Katrina no cell phones worked. Ham operators were the only way information got out.

[szyzygy]

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by red-beard

de N2LWR

start here:

Become a Ham Radio Operator - Wired How-To Wiki

[intakexhaust]

Just happened to clean out an estate that gave away a roomful of HAM radios (vintage to new) and stuff away. I took one of the 40 ft. towers down and then they scrapped it. Lots of books were tossed but I kept some of the old ones for curiosity.

Did they ever get that amateur radio repeater set-up on the ISS?

[craigster59]

Ask this guy, WB6ACU.....

[intakexhaust]

flatbutt-
If the old books interest you, there yours. None of it is of the digital age.

[Embraer]

digging up an old thread.....just renewed my license tonight.....I'm 34, and I was first licensed in 1992. (do the math, ha!) I've been in an Advanced class since '94, which doesn't even exist anymore (I got grandfathered).

I, too, thought this was a dead hobby, but there has been a major resurgence in the last few years. it's especially easy to get a license now. when I went through the exam process, we had to do morse code. I did the 20 WPM test in '94. no code required anymore.

on another note...if you guys have kids (or high schoolers) I highly recommend them getting into this, if they remotely have interest in STEM type stuff. Besides learning something cool...there is LOTS of scholarship money available to kids who have licenses. I think I got at least $5K in scholarships over the course of my time in college...for basically spending the time to fill out an application.

[LakeCleElum]

You still have to wait for the Tubes to warm up before you transmit????

That was the case in the old days.....Had to key the Mike and pause a second or so.

[tevake]

There are still marine nets using amature radio. Quite useful while out cruising.
Good sorce for weather info, maintain contact with other boats. Adds a layer of safety if problems arrise. Good entertainment while on passage to check in once or twice a day.

Cheers Richard

[Brillo]

+1 ARRL Amateur Radio Relay League

Gordon West WB6NOA study materials seem well done also. No affiliation.

Good grief, just realized I'm an old timer. I have been licensed since 1980😮

73, N6EKS

[Por_sha911]

In a natural disaster (or attack from an invader) ham radio is the most reliable form of communication. Think of it like a bomb shelter-its there but you hope you never have to use it.