Northern Virginia Roll Call

I forced myself to do it by scheduling the test, and THEN started studying. Learned all the stuff in just a few days.

 

So if I was to get the cheap Bao Feng would I be able to use it out of the box? Or is there some programming needed?

 

I can set it up for you so we can all talk to each other. We're all using the cheap baofeng. I recommend this battery as well because it doubles the capacity and also makes the radio easier to hold.

$16 BAOFENG BL-5L 3800mAh Extended Battery Compatible with UV-5R RD-5R UV-5RTP UV-5R Plus UV-5G UV-5G Pro GT-5R GT-5R Pro, Original Pack, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-3800...radio+battery&qid=1557188868&s=gateway&sr=8-4

 

It really is easy and it's free if you go to Laurel, MD or Davidsonville, MD. I'm sure there are testing sites in NOVA though. Will cost like $15 max. I took the classes which were pretty interesting but not necessary at all

 

Have you programmed yours? I used mine for the first time over the weekend, straight out of the box and it worked flawlessly in simplex. I suppose it would make things easier to program local repeaters and what not though so you dont have to remember/ type the station each type

 

No, I haven't. I just have mine set up to talk on FRS so I can talk to walkie talkies for those that don't have a HAM. I don't think it's technically legal since it's not an FRS registered device, but I don't think it's an issue out in the boonies where we are.

 

First day of the new job done. Death by PowerPoint as expected and another day of it tomorrow. Spent the last couple hours of the day in the area that I'll be working and meeting with my manager. Sounds like I'll be travelling back to NM quite a bit.

 

Are you happy with the area? I mean I'd assume you would have known that before moving, but thought I'd ask.

 

Ahh yeah I think Baofeng has gotten some heat from that from the FCC. It isnt legal but it's a cheap Chinese radio and they dont advertise that its capable of FRS transmission so nobody gives a fuck

 

Aren’t all HAM capable of FRS frequency or is it the other way around? Or is it GMRS or whatever the other one is called. Fuck if I took the class I’d probably know this haha

 

I think they require a specific certification, cant remember what it's called. Pretty sure the Baofeng is only technically certified for the 2 m and 70 cm bands

Edit: Its called Part 95. https://www.kb6nu.com/did-the-fcc-just-make-baofengs-illegal-short-answer-no/

 

In hind sight I wish I just got GMRS. The license is more expensive, but no test. Just pay the $70ish dollars and be good for 10 years. Benefits over ham is it's much simpler to set up, think a walkie talkie on steroids. And with no test it'd be easier to get others on board.

 

Under the woodrow wilson bridge. Its called jones point, me and my friends run away from the security person at night while drinking beers and fishing. Its a lot of fun, but you mostly only catch catfish

 

Ah okay, yeah I remember reading somewhere just don’t remember why they weren’t allowed to.

Yeah having to go somewhere to take a test takes a lot of motivation #millennial

 

No complaints so far. I've been primarily hiding out in the corporate apartment, so I don't spend a bunch of money. I also didn't really have anything that I needed to do. It's rural and wooded, so it's not all that different terrain/view wise from most of what I experienced of VA/MD. There seems to be a decent number of businesses around for most my needs. I saw a few places when I was driving around that look like scrap metal yards or industrial suppliers. The house I'll be renting has a carport right off the laundry room, so I may start seriously looking into buying a welder and hijack the dryer 220 outlet for powering it.

I do miss NM though, and I haven't been back since I left in 2016. I don't mind company sponsored trips, especially if I can visit friends on the company dime..

 

Morning gents

 

What’s going on Cody

 

Morning all

 

Tried hot dogs yet!?

 

Ditto!!!