Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

The HRO near my place are all a bunch of old jerks. Everytime I go there they have this weird cocky vibe about them. One of them even tried to refuse a sale at the register because my card wasn't signed on the back. I said oh no big deal just give me a pen and I'll sign it right now. The old man said NO. so I said ok, Ham City isn't to far out of the way I'll go there instead. That's just one example from them..

 

I have heard those stories from people, only been to two HROs, they have always been nice to me. Oakland and Phoenix. This is the only HAM store in town, so them or the internet. These guys even price matched gigaparts for me on the antenna ($20 difference). I like to put my hands on things before I buy it. When I pull the trigger on a radio for the bike, it will most likely be online, these guys can't price match radios very often.

I did get to see what I wanted to on the radio, so I am pretty sure I will be buying an FTM-100DR after the holidays. Most likely the next time Yeasu does a rebate, current one ends 12/31.

I did get the antenna and cable to wire up my HT on the bike, that will get me by until I get around to buying the 100DR. Need to figure out the best way to wire in the PTT button. Maybe some velcro.

 

Any reason not to do the HAM test online? hamtestonline seems to have good reviews.
Looking into getting mine and my uncle, dad, and possibly a few other family members may get theres also.

 

You can do practice tests online. There is even one organization, can't remember the name, that offers a computer test for free, as opposed to the ARRL's paper test most clubs use ($35 fee). But, as you will learn during your studies, you are required to have three VEs physically presents during your test.

Tons of free online practice tests, personally I like qrz.com's tests, used it to practice for my general and now for my extra.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info

 

https://hamstudy.org/

Edit: Ive used the following in my pursuit into Amateur Radio. Gordo's Books & Audio CDs and Hamtest Online. If i had to do it over again it would be just the Books (because i like reference material) and HamStudy.

 

Any reason you are going with the FTM-100DR over the FRM-400DR? It is 60 bucks more with a dual color display.

 

Limited space on a motorcycle. I want a small head unit.
I don't need/want true dual band on a motorcycle. My time using it it will be limited, maybe just broadcasting APRS while not connected to my headset, Working an event, on my long ride to work where I will be on one repeater or another, or if I need to make an emergency call on the auto patch with I am out of cell range.

I was looking at the FTM-10R, being waterproof and dual band, but it doesn't have APRS. The 100DR would also be my first step into digital. I have found the 100DR online for $299 after rebate.

 

Oh well that makes sense.

 

I'm using hamtestonline. That what I was recommended and I like it. Just remember to make sure you actually learned the stuuf and don't just remember answers with questions. It can become a habit.

 

Got my new comet HP32 antenna. This thing is beefy!!!!

 

The one by me is kind of like this too. I do not have a call sign (yet) but I have a Baofeng and I like to listen to the local ragchews and will study up soon.

 

Finally think I decided on a spot

 

What antenna are you running with the 857?

 

MFJ dualbander cant remember the #
And an outbacker perth 80-10

 

Do you have any pics of the outbacker perth installed?

How do you like it?

This is the first I have every heard of it, so curious about it.

 

So far its been pretty bullet proof, usual clean the connections and wax it every once in a while (its rapped coil) I dont have any pictures installed but its on my roll bar at the moment.

I personally love it. Works well for me, robust and simple, only pain in the ass is getting out to change bands (its got a jumper for each band) SWR is good 40-10 without adjustment 80m is useless but I havent tried really hard to get it to work. Doesnt have much bend to it except the top whip so if you go under a tree get ready for a loud bang!

Picked it up for $100 and recently bought a brand new one from a garage sale for $40 so I think I will continue the trend.

As with any mobile HF operation good ground is key!

I might be changing things up a bit and sticking the 480sat in the truck and changing out to an alpha moto antenna OR a remote auto tuner and alpha moto whip.

 

Still doing research but local emergency are still murs, can a standard HAM RX MURS?
Also TX ability for MURS would be useful.

Edit: frequency is from 154.xxx to 159.xxx

 

Wouxon or beofang will out of the box. My TM261A does after mods..

 

Awesome, from my research my options will be scanner+2M ($600+) or just run dual 2M so I can monitor multiple channels at once.