Official Colorado HAM and cheese thread

Not looking like a backcountry comments class is scheduled

 

Downloaded a practice test app. Was able to pass on my 1st try, though by only 1 question. I mainly missed questions about rules, I hate rules

 

Funny story, my pass fail rate directly follows the amount of regulation compared to technical questions.

 

Same boat here. I'm slowly getting the regulation portion though.

 

I am just the opposite. Regulation parts I get, the techy stuff I need to learn. The diagram questions really mess me up.

 

I think I'm going to take the test next weekend. Was gonna try it tomorrow but my wife made other plans for me.

 

It's "the man" trying to keep you down.

 

Last minute notice:
Longmont HAM Tech prep class.

http://www.w0eno.org/node/1367

 

At about 70% question mastery with this app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iversoft.ham.test.prep&hl=en I also downloaded on my tablet. With some flight time this weekend I should have a couple hours straight. I'm going to try for general at the same time. Hope to test in a 3to4 weeks.

 

I decided to listen to the weather this morning in my driveway before heading to work, then scanned the programmed channels (from the CO chapter HAM list) while leaving my place. I was able to pickup on a conversation between two guys on 145.460, one of which was at hwy 85 & Bromley (Brighton), the other I do not know. I was able to listen to their conversation from my house on the north side of table mountain until I arrived at work, just off hwy 36 & 92nd - about 25 miles as the crow flies. Didn't care much for their conversation of life as we know it, but I was impressed that I was able to clearly listen for the entire duration of my commute.

 

Speaking of that list....
I think I need to give it some attention.
I think at least one of the repeater networks has changed their protocols.

It seems like at least a few people are using it. I'll post up if/when I update it.

Also, I don't look at it as "my" list but as "our" list and it's only value is if people like and use it so if anyone has any suggested modifications pipe up

 

Finally order mine last week and planning to configure it and run my external antenna this weekend. We'll see how this goes, I'm not so good with 'puters

 

I overheard someone mention the 145.145 had a new owner. Not sure if that's a different club or person. I'm sure things do change over time

 

I'm jumping in and taking the technician class test tomorrow. I thought about taking the general class test too on a whim, so I just took a practice exam to see how likely I would be to pass and only got 18/35. I may still take it for the hell of it, but I'm not expecting to pass. I didnt do any studying for the general class test and based on the practice exam the questions are so much more technical. Anyway, wish me luck!

 

Nice, Good Luck. Both @ebbs15 and I tried the General (Heck its free) after passing the Technical and were ~50% so more worked needed for General.

 

I passed the technician test and wasn't too far off on the general test too. I guess this means I need to get a radio.

 

Would anyone be interested in a beefed up baofeng capable of 8w? I found this 2-pack on Amazon which seems like a good deal but I only need one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00T...pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=baofeng+uv-5r

Otherwise I guess I'll just grab a typical uv-5r and the upgraded antenna and battery.

Any of you guys experimenting with APRS need a cheap dedicated radio for it?

 

Damn I just got my

$50 uv-5r 8watt UHF/VHF radio with 2 rechargeable battery, portable radio for adults with earpiece, GV-771 antenna, compatible with BAOFENG programming cable (3rd gen)

uv-5r last week