HAM Radio

[PoolGate]

I am taking my HAM test tomorrow. I just started the whole thing on 10/16. When I checked into exams though if I don't take it tomorrow, the next test is like middle of November. I am consistently getting 90%-100% on the practice exams so I think I will pass.

Any HAMs?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Not me but good luck on the exam!

What’s your call sign going to be … you should do something pool related. Maybe “pool pirate” …. oooo!! We ca do a contest and have TFP pick your call sign!!!

 

[ajw22]

HAM for 60 years.

Don’t have a ham rig setup anymore since I can talk to the world through the Internet and cell phones let me talk to just about anyone around the world.

Although some of the digital modes look interesting and I have thought about setting up a rig yo talk to the astronaut HAMs on the ISS. Just not enough hours for all my interests.

 

[ajw22]

What’s your call sign going to be … you should do something pool related. Maybe “pool pirate” …. oooo!! We ca do a contest and have TFP pick your call sign!!!

It is called a Vanity Callsign…

Applying for a Vanity Call

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org

 

[Donldson]

Got my General in 2013.

The practice tests feed from the same pool of questions as the actual test, so if you are consistently passing those then you're going to pass the test. That's how I studied for my Tech and General over a few weeks and passed both easily on the same day.

 

[Flying Tivo]

I was a CB freak on my very young age.
There should be a TFP Test.

 

[ajw22]

I was a CB freak on my very young age.
There should be a TFP Test.

I used to have a CB in my car for those night Interstate highway drives when young. Trucker chit-chat was interesting and kept me aware of Smokies locations.

 

[JamesW]

This is my HAM Radio.

 

[ajw22]

This is my HAM Radio.

View attachment 614897

Can you explain the dial on that radio and what frequencies it receives?

It looks like an AI generated picture with gibberish on the dial.

 

[TinFoilHat]

I too had a CB radio in my bedroom as a young teen. Ran the antenna wire up through my closet into the attic, out of a vent to the 25' pole antenna bolted to the roof. I still can't believe my mom allowed me to do that. Then I rebuilt a Chevy Vega outside her bedroom window. Another amazing thing I was allowed to do. I think she was giving up on teenagers.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Just to prove how old I am...

I had a First Class FCC license with a Radar Indorsement, back before they did away with them.

My first job was with a company that designed and manufactured military surveillance receivers. About 2/3rds of the Engineers had Ham setups... Birds of a Feather kind of thing..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[PoolGate]

Whelp, I passed - missed 2. 5 people in my group got 100%. 1 dude failed missing 13 - Yiikes! I can only surmise that he did not study anything at all.

I kind of wish I had gone right for the "General" license as it is only 15 more questions.

If anyone is interested, this is the course and study material I used. I didn't know a single thing about HAM radios before last Wednesday. Wednesday and Thursday I took the 22, 5-10 minute lessons. Friday I did practice tests. And today (Saturday), I passed the test. The questions on the test were EXACTLY the same questions on the exam prep. Including the answers in the same order. So realistically, you could just do the practice tests and probably would pass.

BTW: License fee is $35 to the FCC and is good for 10 years. You don't have to re-test when renewing.

License Courses – Ham Radio Prep

Learn about our FCC Amateur Radio License Exam Prep Courses designed for beginners. Find lessons, instructional videos, and practice exams.

hamradioprep.com

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Actually photo of @Jimrahbe at his radio setup -



He makes his own vacuum tubes …

 

[ajw22]

He makes his own vacuum tubes …

Ahhh, that is the sucking sound we hear.

 

[ajw22]

I kind of wish I had gone right for the "General" license as it is only 15 more questions.

You get a TECH?

Where do you plan to operate?

If you live in a metro area biggest problem with operating HF is the RFI you can cause the neighbors. Modern electronics equipment is not well shielded and RFI resistant.

 

[PoolGate]

You get a TECH?

Where do you plan to operate?

If you live in a metro area biggest problem with operating HF is the RFI you can cause the neighbors. Modern electronics equipment is not well shielded and RFI resistant.

Technician, yep!

 

[PoolGate]

I got this because I got 6 of the below and found out I am not legally able to even push the PTT button without a HAM license.

 

[ajw22]

My family would use FRS radios like that to communicate on the ski slopes.

 

[ajw22]

I got this because I got 6 of the below and found out I am not legally able to even push the PTT button without a HAM license.

Thank you for being a law abiding citizen. Many people don't bother.

 

[PoolGate]

Thank you for being a law abiding citizen. Many people don't bother.

Also it looked like the GMRS license is separate so I added that too. I guess you need both to be able to use HAM radios and GMRS radios. I used the same FRN number.