Handheld walkie talkies

Those would work just fine. Just remember the range is under IDEAL conditions. So don't expect to actually get anywhere near 35 miles out in the woods.

 

well I didnt figure they would work that great. I would expect 3 miles max

 

Now that is the HAM communities fault for using the 'Secret Handshake' mode when talking with non-HAMs.

If I spent less time spouting off about garbage and political crap, and was willing to contribute to this social experiment we call 'TacomaWorld,' I would write a thread that explains HAM, its uses, benefits, licensing, ediquette, emergency use, volunteering for special events and emergency times...

Well let's just say this, if I did it, I may be able to make something of myself.

In the mean time I will continue to be the self-serving, conservative idiot that some of you have grown to hate.



...I would love to see some socially hip HAM to put a thread like that together... You know the kind of guy that wasn't picked on in school and only had a charter membership to the A/V club!

 

I'm not sure what any of that means, but it sounds like you are agreeing with me so

 

Yeah... its the great thing about ham radio. A lot of the time you can hit a repeater. Which is a big transmitter up on a mountain usually that receives your signal and rebroadcasts it with a lot more power. So even though a direct communication with a hand held ham radio wont be significantly more range than those FRS, with a repeater it will be far superior. You can even use your mobile in your truck, that has 50W, as a repeater if you have the right radio.

 

HAM's sound pretty cool but way to involved for me at this point in my life.

 

Seth is the kind of guy that could help us all - I would love to see Call Signs next to 10% of TW members - Think of it - When the Big One comes to CA - we could help many!

 

It really isn't hard at all. I suggest www.hamtestonline.com. Get your license. pick up a used HT. Talk when you want. you don't have to join clubs or participate in any of the other activities that hams do.

 

see that is still too involved for me...haha I have a 2 month old and ZERO free time. the next license I plan on getting will be my concealed carry.

 

One other thing. And I know some of you may prefer the CB for its casual nature. When I used to fly airplanes, Comm (talking on the radio with the Tower or Air Traffic Control) was my worst skill - I would often tell them so as well - I am sure they thought I was inept. The nice thing was even International Towers would work with you to ensure you knew what instructions to follow. Thank God my flying skills made up for my COMM!

Now fast forward to HAM use. The first thing you need to know is not to transmit on a frequency that your license doesn't allow you to transmit (tx) on. Next you need to know that you can not barge in on a busy Frequency. Next is that you have to identify yourself at the end of a communication and once every 10 minutes.

I know I am vastly summarizing what you need to know but it's a start.

With communication on a HAM is there are folks that are overly concerned with "I am right you are wrong" and, sadly, that keeps people from studying and getting their license. Funny how the Air Traffic Controllers understand that intent is far more important than having each pilot be right. I wish more HAMs had communication skills to either switch channels to help someone (many do) or to have more of a, let's get together and I will help you get your COMM down (many do).

For you HAMs that want to think most people are idiots, they are. For you HAMs that want to think most people want to learn and can become valuable members to the HAM community, they can. The choice is ours.

Thank you! And I hope just one person wants to get his license and to anyone that does, feel free to contact me. I will get you what you need to get started in getting your license (at no cost to you and make myself available by phone) and if you are serious, I will sponsor you by reimbursing your nominal test fee.

 

I can understand. Although I must say it only takes about 10 hours total commitment and if you know basic science and electricity more like 4-6 hours.

I can help too! If you need me to send my gal out to babysit your 2 month old I can do that. Just understand, she is not currently lactating!

 

If ya'l ham-boats (laugh) run into K1DB - that's my Dad. Tell him HELLO!!

 

well thanks for all the talk about HAM radios, but I'm still wondering which ones in particular I should get. just anything motorola from walmart?

 

not in cs anymore, I'm on my way home now, i'm in nor cal right now