Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

PULL IT OUT OF THE BOX!



You're killing me Murph haha

 

I took a peek.

 

Tacoma World Amateur Transceiving Series

 

There's the win.

 

I could make that fit.

 

BTW I got my General. Not sure if I told you. Rocking and Rolling now.

 

That’s awesome. I think I saw you post that. Congrats! New reason to

 

Haha Thanks! 80m has me cracking up right now.

 

NanoVNA came in today.

Antenna builds start soon.

 

First qso, w/France. Why not haha.

 

Whats up guys. N00b to HAM but its something I'd like to get into. How did you guys get into it? Where did you guys learn all the info from? I only know a small amount but would like to learn more and get a license later on.

I have a

$63 BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery

BF-F8HP that I use on wheeling trips. It's my first radio and would just like to understand it better.

TIA for any input.

 

Howdy Richi. Just downloaded some of the study guide apps and went to town. Studies for 10-15 minutes on my lunch break for a few weeks and took the test. Once you get a license and can start using the radio is when you really start learning how things work.

 

There's a few free apps that go over the questions on the test. Basically, you memorize the answers. For one that you subscribe to, hamtestonline.com is a good one. If I recall, you get 6 months access. For testing locations and dates, just google ham radio testing near me. Cost is $15.00 and you need an 80 or better which is pretty easy to do. I have that Baofeng and it works good especially with a true 1/4 wave antenna instead of the rubber ducky antenna. Once you get your license, you'll be able to transmit on the radio. Please don't do it without being licensed. Good luck, and post your call sign when you get one issued.

 

https://hamstudy.org/

 

Welcome to HAM radio! The Technician test, the one you need to legally operate that Baofeng radio, is EASY to get. Someone else mentioned "hamstudy.org" I recommend it. I used it to get my Technician 2 years ago, and my General 2 months ago. It's free! and if you want an antenna that is a great improvement above the stock rubber ducky that comes with that radio, you can get on from their other site "signalstuff.com".

Once you have studied a bit, and taken several practice tests, go to "arrl.org" and find a local group in your area to test for $15. It's cheap and easy, and provides much better options for trail communications. Even if you're the only person in your group that can reach a repeater. Something bad happens, no cell service for 911, but you can reach out to a repeater...you get help. HAM radio is an asset to any offroad group.

 

I believe the ARRL books are the best learning materials. I used them to pass all three tests. I helped teach a class and they used the hamradioschool.com book. I thought that book was quite excellent as well.

 

Uhg. I want to hammer out the extra. But I also really want to have a solid foundation with code by spring for Sota. I migh put the extra on the back burning for the winter and just get some strict seat time with a key.

 

Awesome! Thanks guys! I’m going to start studying for the test

 

Here's some video guides too. Just remember not to get frustrated. A lot of this you're not expected to know because you'd have no reason to until now. And if you have any questions just ask up on here.

Here's an intro, but in his Playlist he had a technician study guide too.

https://youtu.be/3bBbUKGNw5Q