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Official Colorado HAM and cheese thread

Discussion in 'Colorado' started by Stig, Apr 18, 2016.

  1. Apr 18, 2016 at 3:46 PM
    #1
    Stig

    Stig [OP] Resident smartass

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    636104905812273029522410039_evolution-005.jpg


    If you have a link worthy of being "stickied" at the top in this post, tag me or PM me with it and I'll add it to this post for easy reference.


    New thread for all the HAM talk.

    You need an amateur radio license to operate a HAM.


    1st draft, semi official TacomaWorld Colorado Chapter Ham List
    https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B0nBiqObudNyQjFFZ3RxdWFucjg&usp=drive_web


    Baofeng Radios and accessories:
    Baofeng (Chinese handheld radio) works well and can be had for under $30

    Baofeng UV-5R

    Baofeng BF-F8HP

    You can get a longer antenna for them in the $9-20 range. They also sell magnetic mount antennas that you can put outside the truck for more range.

    HAM/APRS parts and cables and stuff
    https://store.mobilinkd.com/

    I used this 12v adapter:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0170ZZUA2

    This speaker/mic (other ones made for Baofeng reportedly dont work as well as this one):

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z4X3MM6

    And this antenna:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045EQUBK
    With one of these adapters
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L11D7AM


    HAM/Amateur Radio general info links

    TW Amateur HAM radio BS thread

    The National association for Amateur Radio
    http://www.arrl.org/news/it-s-world-amateur-radio-day

    More general info
    http://www.k0bg.com/


    Denver Freq Reference:
    http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=256#cid-852

    Chirp Squelch Fix (UV5R / UV82 / F8HP / 82HP series):
    http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_Squelch.php


    Multi-part HAM info write-up via Rock Creek Overland, 2 so far.

    http://www.rockcreekoverland.com/single-post/2017/02/12/Ham-Radio-Intro

    http://www.rockcreekoverland.com/single-post/2017/02/13/Ham-Radio-Intro-Part-2

    Study Guides/Practice Tests


    One of many free sites that have practice tests.
    https://hamstudy.org

    Just found this if you guys are interested... it's a free Tech class study guide
    http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2014-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v20.pdf

    here's the one for the other classes
    http://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/


    Ham app
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iversoft.ham.test.prep&hl=en

    General Test: video tutorial by Dave Casler KE0OG on youtube
    https://www.youtube.com/user/davecasler

    Technician (I still prefer the free test pool websites Q&A): http://kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/2006techstudyguide.pdf

    https://www.youtube.com/user/davecasler


    Some radio options

    http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

    https://www.pciraceradios.com/products/110w-race-package-10?variant=7911460037


    APRS - WTF is it... dunno, read up and let me know. :)

    http://www.aprs.org/

    Overview Video
    https://youtu.be/zHfi7n5qMZs

    Cheap APRS
    https://youtu.be/8-9_8HVkvgc

    APRSDroid
    https://aprsdroid.org/

    Find your APRS Grid Square
    http://www.levinecentral.com/ham/grid_square.php

    APRS Passcode Generator
    http://apps.magicbug.co.uk/passcode/

    APRS Tracking Map
    http://aprs.fi/#!lat=38.00000&lng=-97.00000

    APRS Cable info for connecting Baofeng to APRSDroid
    https://willbradley.name/2015/08/09/aprs-via-rf-cable-for-connecting-aprsdroid-to-a-baofeng-radio/

    ^ More info for making your own cable.
    https://github.com/johnboiles/BaofengUV5R-TRRS/blob/master/README.md
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2017
    ohcjam, bigmw, Chipskip and 7 others like this.
  2. Apr 18, 2016 at 3:49 PM
    #2
    Kappes03

    Kappes03 Legend of the UG

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    Colorado
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    HAM and cheese sub'd
     
    Stig[OP] likes this.
  3. Apr 18, 2016 at 3:56 PM
    #3
    chenbro

    chenbro ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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    What haven’t I changed?


    I got impatient and jumped right into a practice test and got the above result. And it should be 30/35, because I did pick the correct answer for one of the questions it marked incorrect :(

    Still, at least now I know what areas I should be focusing on when studying.
     
    odomandr, ebbs15 and Stig[OP] like this.
  4. Apr 18, 2016 at 3:58 PM
    #4
    Stig

    Stig [OP] Resident smartass

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    I read through the study materials first, then took the individual chapter tests until i got them all 100% and boom... Walk in the park.
     
  5. Apr 18, 2016 at 4:33 PM
    #5
    ebbs15

    ebbs15 Lord Winchester

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    I have HAM Test Prep app on my phone... a buddy who has his license told me he just took a test every time he took a shit... after a month, he passed the test 35/35!

    I told him he was full of shit...

    to which he replied... Nope, that's why I took the practice test so often!LOL

    seriously though... it's this one
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iversoft.ham.test.prep&hl=en
     
  6. Apr 18, 2016 at 4:35 PM
    #6
    ebbs15

    ebbs15 Lord Winchester

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  7. Apr 18, 2016 at 4:38 PM
    #7
    sbchero

    sbchero Wheeler

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    kj6ytl here
    its an easy test and can save you in a serious situation.
    im looking into APRS.
     
    ebbs15 likes this.
  8. Apr 18, 2016 at 4:42 PM
    #8
    ebbs15

    ebbs15 Lord Winchester

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    ARPS... tell me more... do you need a general?
     
  9. Apr 18, 2016 at 4:51 PM
    #9
    sbchero

    sbchero Wheeler

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    http://www.aprs.org/ im still learing about it
     
    ebbs15[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Apr 18, 2016 at 4:56 PM
    #10
    odomandr

    odomandr Well-Known Member

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    Icon, AllPro, Total Chaos, ARB, BAMF, Relentless, SCS, Cooper, Leer,
    Both of those are great resources. If you want to learn even more, beyond the minimum necessary to pass, there are also some great books written by a guy that got his 7 year old to pass some years back. The test is word for word question and answer in both the app and online. It's very easy for the trail communication and aprs side of things. If you decide to pursue the hobby further you can learn the details neccessary to do so. You can also take the next level after passing the first FOR FREE so give it a shot maybe you will pass and like to pursue other aspects of the hobby.

    Handhelds
    Baofeng uv5r is the intro cheap $30 handy talkie from china. It's a dual band 5-8 watts depending on the particular submodel. I do suggest a magmount if you decide to try the baofeng first in a vehicle. Get a better antenna if you decide to use it as a handheld. The stock antenna is trash.

    Yaesu makes another great HT (handy talkie) I forget the model but it's around $175 if I recall correctly. I didn't grab it as the baofeng suffices for a handheld for my needs.

    Mobile rigs.

    ICOM Yaesu and Kenwood are all solid brands. I went with the Kenwood tm281 about $125 . It has milspec components dust and shock resistant. Forward facing speaker and high power of 65 watts high, 5 watts low.

    Repeaters and frequencies.
    I use a program called chirp and a USB cable to program both the Kenwood and Baofeng rather than using the buttons. it's super fast as you can pull from sites like repeater book and import the the data neccessary to program frequencies into memory. I do suggest learning to input by hand any radio you decideon, as you will need it at some point.

    Now I hope to upgrade the Kenwood d710g($575). It is an aprs dual band 50 watt high power, 5 watt low

    Instead I purchased a mobilinkd ($60) bluetooth tnc to use an old phone to send data via cable and the baofeng to repeaters to track my position when I wanted to.
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2016
    alee891, teamhypoxia, Crom and 2 others like this.
  11. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:05 PM
    #11
    Stig

    Stig [OP] Resident smartass

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  12. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:07 PM
    #12
    ebbs15

    ebbs15 Lord Winchester

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  13. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:17 PM
    #13
    odomandr

    odomandr Well-Known Member

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    Aprs is a system that sends packet data through the radio waves
    This data can report gps, sends short line email and text messages and send messages between other aprs users. I've seen this utilized when groups are meeting in an unfamiliar location and arriving at different times. Or maybe the planned campsite was already taken so plans changed you will see that others are at the agreed upon spot.
    Aprs can also be used to communicate with those back home when service is limited. Just send a message saying "made it to camp" You can text message a phone or shoot email and get responses. In trouble need help? Shoot a message with needed supplies and gps coordinates to someone.

    Aprs is dependent on hitting a repeater to relay the data. I have not had much issue with my cheapo attempt north and south of i 70 but feel a better setup would be even more successful .
     
    Crom, ebbs15 and Stig[OP] like this.
  14. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:22 PM
    #14
    ebbs15

    ebbs15 Lord Winchester

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    This is AWESOME! I'm really going to have to look into this, up hunting in Oregon, we don't tend to have cell signal for days at a time, so just letting the family know what's going on/asking for help would be AWESOME. the cell signal we do get is VERY spotty...

    can your Kenwood do APRS? I'm assuming no since you use the hand held... why do you use a spare phone? can't connect to your normal phone?
     
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  15. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:24 PM
    #15
    odomandr

    odomandr Well-Known Member

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    The spare phone uses an app and the gps in the phone to relay the data through the handheld. My Kenwood is a solid 2m voice only rig. I want the other kenwood mentioned to run aprs
     
    ebbs15 likes this.
  16. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:25 PM
    #16
    odomandr

    odomandr Well-Known Member

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    The messages are limited to 60 something odd characters so short notes not long.
     
  17. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:29 PM
    #17
    ebbs15

    ebbs15 Lord Winchester

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    so I could use my shitty LG tablet that's good for fuck all right now? LOL
     
  18. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:32 PM
    #18
    odomandr

    odomandr Well-Known Member

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    If it has GPS and can get the aprsdroid and the mobilinkd apps I'd guess so. I had a cheap older tablet for my torque obd scanner and my mapping like Avenza and Backcountry Navigator and MVUM
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2016
    ebbs15 likes this.
  19. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:49 PM
    #19
    teamhypoxia

    teamhypoxia MichelinMan

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    Hey Andy, did you see the aprs video in the first post?
    Why couldn't we just use a cable like that instead of the $60 Bluetooth thingy?
     
  20. Apr 18, 2016 at 5:51 PM
    #20
    odomandr

    odomandr Well-Known Member

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