Internet: satellite, ham radio

[Charlotte's Web]

I recommend HamTestOnline for the test prep.  I used to do a little sound work for local rock bands, so I had a little basic electronics knowledge, but that was long ago and didn't deal with radio frequencies at all. 

Years ago, before FM radio went digital, I did ten years as an FM broadcaster. 
Radio still runs in my veins...

Thanks ever so much for the tips & links. 
(I am a preparedness type, thus ham radio seems a good fit.)

Charlotte

 

[Goshawk]

If you want to sponsor hamtestonline say after you get your license, they have a cheap but awesome $20 antenna for small hand held two meter radios. Just remember to give back later.


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[Charlotte's Web]

If you want to sponsor hamtestonline say after you get your license, they have a cheap but awesome $20 antenna for small hand held two meter radios. Just remember to give back later.  

Thanks, Gosh  
Many seem to use a 2 meter radio, especially for mobile application.  

Can you give me a *ballpark* figure of cost?   
How much room do these radios require?
Is used a good way to go? 
Where would one find/buy a good 2 meter radio?

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Thanks, Gosh  
Many seem to use a 2 meter radio, especially for mobile application.  

Can you give me a *ballpark* figure of cost?   
How much room do these radios require?
Is used a good way to go? 
Where would one find/buy a good 2 meter radio?

I like Yaesu myself.  good brand, been around for years.

A simple 2 meter rig can be had for less than $200, just add antenna.

Of course, once you get into dual or multiple bands . . .

Here's one site with prices:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs.html

 

[vtwinkicker]

Can you give me a *ballpark* figure of cost?   
How much room do these radios require?
Is used a good way to go? 
Where would one find/buy a good 2 meter radio?

For used equipment go to the ARRL website and search "hamfest". They are swap meets for ham radio enthusiasts. Maybe there is one near you.

 

[Goshawk]

Thanks, Gosh  
Many seem to use a 2 meter radio, especially for mobile application.  

Can you give me a *ballpark* figure of cost?   
How much room do these radios require?
Is used a good way to go? 
Where would one find/buy a good 2 meter radio?

Better ballpark.

1) two meter handheld is $30
2) two meter mobile is $100
3) CW only HF radio $200
4) used HF voice $300
5) new HF Ssb voice $600 to $1000
6) various mobile antenna $100 to $500


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[speedhighway46]

Midcars is a formal "controlled" on-air net. Discipline and order is maintained by a net control station, who is in charge of the net and allows stations to transmit at the proper time.

There are many, many nets on hf every day. They all operate basically the same way, so procedures and methods of control are quite similar.

Midcars is one of the more formal nets, as their purpose is to provide stations a place to meet and once they have both been acknowledged by the net control station, then they must move off the net frequency to conduct their communication.

Other, informal nets, still have a net control station in charge, but their purpose is just a place for folks to meet and talk and jibber abt whatever topic they care to discuss.

Hope this helps.

 

[Charlotte's Web]

Thanks to  *all*  for good ham intro!

First I needed to know if getting started with 2 meter mobile was possible ($) for me.
I'd like to be able, eventually, to transmit as well as receive. 

Also raises issue of 12 volt.  I prefer systems that function in worst case scenarios.  I read a
little about the 12 volt issue--just enough to to reach information overload for one day.

You have all provided many good links, suggestions, & support.  What I'm after is a home-based
set up that I could go mobile with too.  I need to get familiar with the lingo.  So glad you are all
"here"  & available for questions.

Now, must finish up project started yesterday:  new crayfish trap!
Charlotte

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

What I'm after is a home-based set up that I could go mobile with too.

Very simple.  You buy a mobile transceiver and a separate power supply which converts the 120v ac to 12v dc to power it.

Example:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamps/3631.html

By the way, don't worry that they all specify an output of 13.8 volts.  That's what a "12 volt" alternator puts out - necessary to charge a "12 volt" battery (which of course is made up of six 2.1 volt cells so it's really a 12.6 volt battery).  The Mobile rigs all run best off the alternator.

 

[Charlotte's Web]

Greetings,

A busy evening on youtube, watching a selected instructional ham radio channel.  My head still like a sieve, unable to capture all the novel info I am getting, but some beginning to sink in. 
I intend to keep at it till I "get it."

If I got this info straight, it is impossible from my location in small valley/tall forest to have required line of sight to any local repeater.   Would HF work for me?  

What I need now is an Elmer who knows the local terrain.  I will soon be looking into that...This is mind boggling stuff out of the chute.

Tonite I learned how to call CQ!  At least in theory.

Charlotte

 

[DannyB1954]

I have a Ham license...only a Technician as I got it more for emergencies and such and can't afford a $1000 HF radio. I listen more than I talk but where I am currently doesn't receive many transmissions because of the mountains and the trees.

I am also a Ham. General licence. VHF and UHF are line of sight, but many Ham clubs will have an repeater on the tallest mountain in the area. Might look into your area. There are phone apps that will help you find them.  Many of these repeaters are linked to other repeaters, so you can talk to Hawaii if you like. Each repeater will have a node number. Type that number in and you are now where that repeater is. 

For group camps, I think CB band would be good. there are also FRS frequencies that don't require a licence, ( small radios sold at sporting good stores). Get everyone in camp to monitor the same channel. This would be handy for finding a tool you may need, or just inviting people over for dinner. Can also be used to call for help from those in camp. 

73 to you.
K7EED

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

This website will let you search for repeaters in your local (anywhere actually) area to see what might be out there.

http://www.artscipub.com/repeaters/

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

The easiest way to find an Elmer is to find your local ham club:

http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club

 

[Goshawk]

There are online elmers too. Harder to find.


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[Zizzer_Zazzer_Zuz]

Many years ago a buddy of mine and I set up an IP over Short Wave (X10 over HAM).

Yup, it works. If you can remember them, think 300 baud coupler modem speeds at best ... at the VERY VERY best. Totally impractical.

It's one of those geek things that people do to be able to say "Look, I did a thing!".

Wish I had the merit badge.

 

[Goshawk]

Many years ago a buddy of mine and I set up an IP over Short Wave (X10 over HAM).

Yup, it works. If you can remember them, think 300 baud coupler modem speeds at best ... at the VERY VERY best. Totally impractical.

It's one of those geek things that people do to be able to say "Look, I did a thing!".

Wish I had the merit badge.

People now use JT-65 and WSPR to communicate. And it's short as hell. But it almost always works no matter what.


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[Spaceman Spiff]

I'm old enough to remember when 300 baud was considered fast  :s

 -- Spiff

 

[Charlotte's Web]

Many of these repeaters are linked to other repeaters, so you can talk to Hawaii if you like. Each repeater will have a node number. Type that number in and you are now where that repeater is. 

73 to you.
K7EED

Hi DannyB,
Your input is much appreciated.   I'm pleased & amazed how many hams are coming out of the ether!
Does "73 to you"  mean good luck?  Or......?  (I'm trying to learn the lingo.)
Is K7EED your call sign?

 

[DrJean]

73s means best wishes
88s means love and kisses

You're about to encounter the best time of year to visit an Amateur Radio Club!   FIELD DAY!  It's when all hams that can take their gear out into the "wild" and connect with as many other hams as they can, across the country and around the world...without city power!  Battery and generators...  Ham Radio is the back up communication system for the WORLD in times of great distress...  it has provided emergency communications for countless police and fire departments, disaster shelters and yes, even through MARS for the military messages.

The last full weekend in JUNE each year is Field Day.  Go online and find out where the clubs are setting up operations for the weekend.

 

[Charlotte's Web]

73s means best wishes
88s means love and kisses

You're about to encounter the best time of year to visit an Amateur Radio Club!  
FIELD DAY!   The last full weekend in JUNE...
Go online and find out where the clubs are setting up operations for the weekend.

DrJean I copy!

'Twas your original post which kicked me into high gear.  I've long considered ham radio.  No time to waste now, the time is urgent--for all the reasons you previously listed, & more.
Charlotte