[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Do we have a forum dedicated to handheld/tactical radio communication? No? Let's do it here then. (Page 2 of 3)
|
Quoted: I could have done a better job putting my questions in the OP. I figured I'd get a subforum link and then scurry over there. I'll use this thread for my questions. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. Some of ya'll need to read before squawking GMRS/FRS or a ham license. I could have done a better job putting my questions in the OP. I figured I'd get a subforum link and then scurry over there. I'll use this thread for my questions. Don’t worry. This topic brings out a lot of asshole angst in GD for some reason. I really don’t have a good solution for you in your situation, but if you ask in the ham forum someone will pop up and point you in the right direction. I’ve never been treated poorly there and have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction. |
|
Quoted: The big reason I tell people to get a license is because of what you’ll learn from doing so. In the end you’ll be better able to communicate, setup equipment , etc. This. An emergency situations is not the time to figure out how to use a radio. After all, you wouldn't just buy a gun and leave it in the box until needed, would you? And without proper contacts and operational knowledge, you stand a very good chance of becoming prey. |
|
Quoted: Link to the ham forum thread discussion on team level comms? @AbleArcher https://www.ar15.com/forums/Outdoors/Ham-Radios/22/ |
|
Quoted: Don’t worry. This topic brings out a lot of asshole angst in GD for some reason. I really don’t have a good solution for you in your situation, but if you ask in the ham forum someone will pop up and point you in the right direction. I’ve never been treated poorly there and have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. Some of ya'll need to read before squawking GMRS/FRS or a ham license. I could have done a better job putting my questions in the OP. I figured I'd get a subforum link and then scurry over there. I'll use this thread for my questions. Don’t worry. This topic brings out a lot of asshole angst in GD for some reason. I really don’t have a good solution for you in your situation, but if you ask in the ham forum someone will pop up and point you in the right direction. I’ve never been treated poorly there and have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction. And some of that asshole angst comes from people with ham licenses. |
|
Right. Im aware of the forum. Can I get a link to the thread discussing team level comms? How guys are integrating them into PCs, plate carriers, what PTTs they've utilized, etc. |
|
Quoted: I could have done a better job putting my questions in the OP. I figured I'd get a subforum link and then scurry over there. I'll use this thread for my questions. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. Some of ya'll need to read before squawking GMRS/FRS or a ham license. I could have done a better job putting my questions in the OP. I figured I'd get a subforum link and then scurry over there. I'll use this thread for my questions. Business licenses have limits too. So depending on your license and where you want to use it, then it may not be the right answer for the boys practicing. The problem is that the question isn't an easy one as there isn't a service that allows high power, digitally encrypted, unlicensed use in the US. Every service is a matter of what pros and cons it has and whether they meet your needs. |
|
Quoted: And some of that asshole angst comes from people with ham licenses. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. Some of ya'll need to read before squawking GMRS/FRS or a ham license. I could have done a better job putting my questions in the OP. I figured I'd get a subforum link and then scurry over there. I'll use this thread for my questions. Don’t worry. This topic brings out a lot of asshole angst in GD for some reason. I really don’t have a good solution for you in your situation, but if you ask in the ham forum someone will pop up and point you in the right direction. I’ve never been treated poorly there and have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction. And some of that asshole angst comes from people with ham licenses. True. The rest comes from folks that don't. |
|
Quoted: Our farm does have a UHF license for our radios. We got it before I was born. I just don’t know anything about how it works, the laws, the functionality. I know how to turn on the radio, and push the button to talk. I want to integrate handheld comms, possibly on the same license? I don’t have any idea where to start. You need to contact the company that sold you the old radios. They probably manage the license. You can find another local radio company but you can't just order radios online and add them. Each individual radio must be added to the license and be approved by the local frequency coordinator. That's the only legal way to communicate with your old radios. |
|
Quoted: Can I easily make this radio: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XPB313?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 talk to a Kenwood UHF radio? How would I go about that? More generally, what frequencies am I allowed to use? I think we have an allocated band, but I'm not sure about that. We have two frequencies identified on our license, and it says the power output and maximum ERP (I don't know what that is) is 45.000. On the Frequencies page, it also says Units: 15. Does this mean we're allowed to use 15 devices on this license, or something different? Thanks. The only legal use for that radio (I own 2) is with a ham license (I don't have a ham license). It might work with a Kenwood business radio. The Baofeng can operate in the business freq range but not legally. It would also be dependent on whether the Kenwood was using encryption or not. |
For most people, the best answer for local comms is GMRS. If you want more detail before coming to the same conclusion, several years ago I made a table contrasting the more popular radio services for handheld comms. Apologies to folks on mobile. Countdown until a sad ham starts screeching about FM CB. |
|
Quoted: Right. Im aware of the forum. Can I get a link to the thread discussing team level comms? How guys are integrating them into PCs, plate carriers, what PTTs they've utilized, etc. You're better off in the tactical gear forum for that info. |
|
Quoted: You need to contact the company that sold you the old radios. They probably manage the license. You can find another local radio company but you can't just order radios online and add them. Each individual radio must be added to the license and be approved by the local frequency coordinator. That's the only legal way to communicate with your old radios. Internet AI says you are wrong. The license does not list individual radios but allows them by quantity. In OP's case it appears to be 15. His issue would be getting legal radios programmed for his license which the vendor should be able to do. ETA: looks like he could buy some compatible Kenwood handhelds and program them to operate on his license himself. |
|
Quoted: OP, ignore the assbrains in this thread. Yes, we DO have a ham radio forum here, and there are very knowledgeable people contributing to it. Two-way comms as you describe are often discussed there. It's just like shooting, and first aid, there is a skillset to learn. Very much so. If you don't have a basic knowledge you can do a lot of harm and possibly get killed. |
|
Yeah... how did a good chunk of that thread go? |
|
More generally, what frequencies am I allowed to use? I think we have an allocated band, but I'm not sure about that. We have two frequencies identified on our license, and it says the power output and maximum ERP (I don't know what that is) is 45.000. On the Frequencies page, it also says Units: 15. Does this mean we're allowed to use 15 devices on this license, or something different? Business licenses don't allow bands, they authorize use on specific frequencies. The two that are listed are the only you can use. It will also state what modes you can operate with. If it's old gear it's likely a flavor of F3E. To use digital it would have to be an F1E of some type. 15 units means you can use up to 15 radios with the license. ERP is effective radiated power. It's the transmitter output power, minus cable loss, then plus or minus antenna gain. |
|
Quoted: This. An emergency situations is not the time to figure out how to use a radio. After all, you wouldn't just buy a gun and leave it in the box until needed, would you? And without proper contacts and operational knowledge, you stand a very good chance of becoming prey. Quoted: Quoted: The big reason I tell people to get a license is because of what you’ll learn from doing so. In the end you’ll be better able to communicate, setup equipment , etc. This. An emergency situations is not the time to figure out how to use a radio. After all, you wouldn't just buy a gun and leave it in the box until needed, would you? And without proper contacts and operational knowledge, you stand a very good chance of becoming prey. This. If you want to carry a gun you should have to take a CCW class and get a license. Just so you can have knowledge of how a gun works and basic understanding of the law so you dont get in trouble. |
|
Quoted: Internet AI says you are wrong. The license does not list individual radios but allows them by quantity. In OP's case it appears to be 15. His issue would be getting legal radios programmed for his license which the vendor should be able to do. ETA: looks like he could buy some compatible Kenwood handhelds and program them to operate on his license himself. Quoted: Quoted: You need to contact the company that sold you the old radios. They probably manage the license. You can find another local radio company but you can't just order radios online and add them. Each individual radio must be added to the license and be approved by the local frequency coordinator. That's the only legal way to communicate with your old radios. Internet AI says you are wrong. The license does not list individual radios but allows them by quantity. In OP's case it appears to be 15. His issue would be getting legal radios programmed for his license which the vendor should be able to do. ETA: looks like he could buy some compatible Kenwood handhelds and program them to operate on his license himself. Quantity and type. Individuals cannot add or program new radios onto existing licenses without specific approvals from the local frequency coordinator. It is not self service. In general, only amateur radio is allowed such privileges. |
|
oh, it's one of these threads again! Yeah, buy a whole fleet of boofwangs. Make sure to get teh "Mega High Power" ones. Because more is always better. As long as the numbers on the screens match, you can talk to everyone. The numbers don't mean anything. "Receive Sensitivity" and "Selectivity" are made-up words by engineers who don't even know how magnets work. If your antenna isn't "tactical", your antenna isn't shit. All hams are sad hams. A baofeng and gmrs is the answer to anything commos related. Radio shops exist only to separate money from stupid people who can't run chirp. Did I cover all the bases? 
|
|
Quoted: oh, it's one of these threads again! Yeah, buy a whole fleet of boofwangs. Make sure to get teh "Mega High Power" ones. Because more is always better. As long as the numbers on the screens match, you can talk to everyone. The numbers don't mean anything. "Receive Sensitivity" and "Selectivity" are made-up words by engineers who don't even know how magnets work. If your antenna isn't "tactical", your antenna isn't shit. All hams are sad hams. A baofeng and gmrs is the answer to anything commos related. Radio shops exist only to separate money from stupid people who can't run chirp. Did I cover all the bases? You missed one. Your recommendations on team level communication. |
|
Quoted: Quantity and type. Individuals cannot add or program new radios onto existing licenses without specific approvals from the local frequency coordinator. It is not self service. In general, only amateur radio is allowed such privileges. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: You need to contact the company that sold you the old radios. They probably manage the license. You can find another local radio company but you can't just order radios online and add them. Each individual radio must be added to the license and be approved by the local frequency coordinator. That's the only legal way to communicate with your old radios. Internet AI says you are wrong. The license does not list individual radios but allows them by quantity. In OP's case it appears to be 15. His issue would be getting legal radios programmed for his license which the vendor should be able to do. ETA: looks like he could buy some compatible Kenwood handhelds and program them to operate on his license himself. Quantity and type. Individuals cannot add or program new radios onto existing licenses without specific approvals from the local frequency coordinator. It is not self service. In general, only amateur radio is allowed such privileges. Just say you were wrong. As long as the OP doesn't exceed the number of allowed radios and they are part certified then he doesn't need to talk to anybody. If he only has 9 radios, he can add six more without talking to anyone. And the local frequency coordinator isn't going to know or care unless he gets a complaint from someone who shouldn't be operating on the OP's alloted frequencies. |
|
Quoted: oh, it's one of these threads again! Yeah, buy a whole fleet of boofwangs. Make sure to get teh "Mega High Power" ones. Because more is always better. As long as the numbers on the screens match, you can talk to everyone. The numbers don't mean anything. "Receive Sensitivity" and "Selectivity" are made-up words by engineers who don't even know how magnets work. If your antenna isn't "tactical", your antenna isn't shit. All hams are sad hams. A baofeng and gmrs is the answer to anything commos related. Radio shops exist only to separate money from stupid people who can't run chirp. Did I cover all the bases? You are infinitely more knowledgeable than I am and I respect your knowledge. But this is an oversimplification. It continues to baffle me that hams are concerned with a dwindling membership but insist on gatekeeping and radio recommendations that only serve to dissuade people from the hobby. Shit on the Baofeng all you want, but it is a cheap entry level radio that most won't bat an eye at spending to investigate their interest in radio. Conversely a Yaesu that can only be had at 5 times the price may make them balk. The ham community prides themselves at being helpful and welcoming. But if you don't have a license, you don't know shit regardless of your professional experience. |
|
Quoted: The big reason I tell people to get a license is because of what you’ll learn from doing so. In the end you’ll be better able to communicate, setup equipment , etc. Hell yeah it would be impossible to communicate or setup your equipment if you didn’t know what a potentiometer was. |
|
Quoted: Nope, but it sure helps the process along if you understand what you’re doing and what the setting mean. Does a man need training to shoot a rifle? Nope, but it sure will make him more effective. The licensing test for amateur radio would be akin to making people learn the process of manufacturing firearms including metallurgy, and best business practices for them to be allowed to use a firearm for self defense. For instance if OP studied for, took, and passed the test he’d still have to go to the HAM forum or YouTube to learn the answers to his questions because the test questions are largely unrelated to the actual employment of a radio. |
|
Quoted: This. An emergency situations is not the time to figure out how to use a radio. After all, you wouldn't just buy a gun and leave it in the box until needed, would you? And without proper contacts and operational knowledge, you stand a very good chance of becoming prey. Damn I didn’t realize the test taught you all that stuff. I must have looked at the wrong test. |
|
Quoted: This. If you want to carry a gun you should have to take a CCW class and get a license. Just so you can have knowledge of how a gun works and basic understanding of the law so you dont get in trouble. First of all no that’s unconstitutional. Secondly if we are using this for an analogy for the amateur radio licensing test this is the type of question to expect. What is the tensile strength of 7075-T6? |
|
Quoted: I want to start looking into radio both for the Boog, and for more boring shit like on my farm. Our farm has an active radio license we use for our UHF radios, we use in our tractors. I'd like to add a few handheld units for our vehicles, and for my tactical gear. Editing to expand: I know nothing about how radio works, at all. I've been watching some videos on the topic, but there's a preposterous amount of acronyms and assumed background knowledge that I do not have. I'm ordering a cheap set of equipment from Amazon just to play around with, but I want to get into some more durable equipment too. Can I easily make this radio: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XPB313?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 talk to a Kenwood UHF radio? How would I go about that? I'd really advise NOT to buy that particular radio for the usage you describe. It's intended for other kinds of usage, and it's really easy to change things you don't want to change by inadvertent keypresses. For what you are describing I would suggest this one instead. It's even less expensive, but a lot more straightforward to operate. They're cheap enough for farming or other kinds of rough usage that if one gets lost or trashed it's not that big of a deal.  
Either one would need to be configured via some free software called Chirp along with a programming cable that goes between computer and radio. ETA: There have been some concerns about that radio that I linked, there are some newer BF models that might be better I dunno, but I have no experience with them: 
Or you could get a better quality radio from a better manufacturer that's actually designed and certified for the application you're using... https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/radios/hand-held-radios/uhf-hand-helds/7715-icom-f2000-waterproof-detail More generally, what frequencies am I allowed to use? I think we have an allocated band, but I'm not sure about that. We have two frequencies identified on our license, and it says the power output and maximum ERP (I don't know what that is) is 45.000. On the Frequencies page, it also says Units: 15. Does this mean we're allowed to use 15 devices on this license, or something different? Thanks. Looked like you are licensed for up to 15 units in operation with up to 45 watts ERP, which is transmitter power times antenna gain ("Effective Radiated Power"). Weird that whoever did your licensing put it in that way, as 40 to 50 watts is a typical mobile, and while unity gain antennas are common, mobile antennas of 5db gain are also common on UHF which would mean nearly 200 watts ERP. Guess you should stick with the unity antennas. Do you have a repeater? Or do all the radios talk directly radio-to-radio? Two frequencies would be a repeater license, as is common on UHF, but that doesn't mean you actually have the repeater. UHF has a standard repeater offset of 5MHz, so would be a pair like 453.000/458.000 or 462.000/467.000. You will need to know the frequencies, and also what squelch code or tone you are almost certainly using, to program radios to talk on your system. All of the above is assuming you are using analog FM. If you're using some kind of digital system (Kenwood would probably be Nexedge/NXDN), you're SOL with cheap chinese radios. If you're using a DMR system there are some lower cost DMR stuff, but still much higher than analog, and a lot more complex to program. Hopefully you changed to narrowband 12 years ago and aren't still using old wideband equipment. If you actually think you need Boog radios, you need to talk to someone who knows WTF they are doing, pick a digital format, add that to your license, and get some digital radios. You can still use your analog FM, but have the digital radios available for Boog duty. Quoted: I cant practice squad level maneuver without a license? The amateur radio service is not really the place for squad level maneuvers. For general use I would suggest using frequencies/services set up for personal communications, ie, FRS or MURS, that do not require licensing. FRS radios vary WIDELY in performance, most that use AA batteries only run about 150 milliwatts of transmit power. Newer models mostly with rechargeable batteries can run up to 2 watts for a significant performance boost. MURS frequencies are in the VHF band, meaning larger antennas, and possibly a little performance edge in rural terrains. FRS frequencies are in the UHF band and will do better in and around buildings and vehicles, and also have smaller antennas. |
|
Quoted: First of all no that's unconstitutional. Secondly if we are using this for an analogy for the amateur radio licensing test this is the type of question to expect. What is the tensile strength of 7075-T6? Quoted: Quoted: This. If you want to carry a gun you should have to take a CCW class and get a license. Just so you can have knowledge of how a gun works and basic understanding of the law so you dont get in trouble. First of all no that's unconstitutional. Secondly if we are using this for an analogy for the amateur radio licensing test this is the type of question to expect. What is the tensile strength of 7075-T6? |
|
Quoted: First of all no that’s unconstitutional. Secondly if we are using this for an analogy for the amateur radio licensing test this is the type of question to expect. What is the tensile strength of 7075-T6? Quoted: Quoted: This. If you want to carry a gun you should have to take a CCW class and get a license. Just so you can have knowledge of how a gun works and basic understanding of the law so you dont get in trouble. First of all no that’s unconstitutional. Secondly if we are using this for an analogy for the amateur radio licensing test this is the type of question to expect. What is the tensile strength of 7075-T6? You don't even have to learn the stuff to pass the exam. I literally memorized the entire question pool for everything up to extra and just rote memorized the answers. Couldn't tell you anything but actual ham radio rules, I don't give a shit about those, but I passed the extra test with flying colors. |
|
Quoted: You don't even have to learn the stuff to pass the exam. I literally memorized the entire question pool for everything up to extra and just rote memorized the answers. Couldn't tell you anything but actual ham radio rules, I don't give a shit about those, but I passed the extra test with flying colors. |
|
So someone starts a thread to specifically talk about their non-amateur radio communications, specifically not in the ham radio forum, which immediately becomes two pages of talking about amateur radio with all the usual complaining about amateur licensing etc. Some just can't let it go. ARDS (Amateur Radio Derangement Syndrome) predates TDS by several decades, going back to the CB craze of the 1970s. Makes me think of the junior high "negging" thread. Seems like it's pretty much the same thing. Quoted: I would add there are a lot of communications people from the military, border patrol, wildland fire, law enforcement who have never had an FCC license but know how lmr works. None of those things are amateur radio, so... An amateur license is to, drumroll, operate in the amateur service. If you're not operating in the amateur service, you don't need an amateur license. All of those people are doing radio as part of their employment, and had various kinds of training classes and instruction. Part of the reason the amateur service exists is to support self-instruction and learning opportunities, so that people can learn and exercise skills outside of a professional environment, as well as to support experimentation and development. Quoted: I used to work with the FCC Bullseye team in AZ. The Border Patrol had a number Gremlin teams (CV/sig.int & DF). Your fears of being discovered using marine band for emergency comms. are over rated. The Coast Guard has fixed direction finding stations that cover a lot of the coastal areas as well as inland waterways and large bodies of water. If you're within range of that system they have instant location fixes on literally all traffic on the marine frequencies. There are numerous people who have been fined by the FCC for improper use of marine radios. I'm sure there are a whole lot of people who have used them without repercussions, but that's not a comfort to the folks that get the $10,000 citations. |
|
Quoted: You don't even have to learn the stuff to pass the exam. I literally memorized the entire question pool for everything up to extra and just rote memorized the answers. Couldn't tell you anything but actual ham radio rules, I don't give a shit about those, but I passed the extra test with flying colors. Absolutely that’s the way to go as far as the test goes. The idea of the test being anything but a “gate” albeit a very easy to open one are laughable though. I really wish the test questions were more apropos, but they aren’t. |
|
Quoted: So someone starts a thread to specifically talk about their non-amateur radio communications, specifically not in the ham radio forum, which immediately becomes two pages of talking about amateur radio with all the usual complaining about amateur licensing etc. Some just can't let it go. ARDS (Amateur Radio Derangement Syndrome) predates TDS by several decades, going back to the CB craze of the 1970s. Makes me think of the junior high "negging" thread. Seems like it's pretty much the same thing. None of those things are amateur radio, so... An amateur license is to, drumroll, operate in the amateur service. If you're not operating in the amateur service, you don't need an amateur license. All of those people are doing radio as part of their employment, and had various kinds of training classes and instruction. Part of the reason the amateur service exists is to support self-instruction and learning opportunities, so that people can learn and exercise skills outside of a professional environment, as well as to support experimentation and development. The Coast Guard has fixed direction finding stations that cover a lot of the coastal areas as well as inland waterways and large bodies of water. If you're within range of that system they have instant location fixes on literally all traffic on the marine frequencies. There are numerous people who have been fined by the FCC for improper use of marine radios. I'm sure there are a whole lot of people who have used them without repercussions, but that's not a comfort to the folks that get the $10,000 citations. The title specifically mentions “handheld tactical communication”. When I read that I think of the types of radio communication utilized by the military. Sure the handheld part may not always fit entirely, but I think “military type radio communications” is what the OP is referencing. How would one achieve that level of communication without dipping into amateur radio? Would GMRS suffice? I know it gets mentioned a lot in these types of threads, but I’m not sure how well that would work beyond squad based communication. |
|
Quoted: You don't even have to learn the stuff to pass the exam. I literally memorized the entire question pool for everything up to extra and just rote memorized the answers. Couldn't tell you anything but actual ham radio rules, I don't give a shit about those, but I passed the extra test with flying colors. Yes, which is why I'm always amused by posts like this, on page 1, because regardless of whether or not the question set is reasonable, it's well known, as are the answers. People don't pass by learning. People pass by memorizing the question set. At the end of the day, that's all it is - jump through some hoops to prove you memorized some answers and then you get a callsign and your name in a database that anyone can reference. Many hams here will tell you that just opens the door to the community, which will greet you warmly and help you learn more advanced topics, but I don't think the hams who post in these threads, almost always angrily derailing them, are the best representatives of that supposedly helpful community. Frankly, I got licensed to prove you can do it without learning a thing. And because I was laid up in bed after surgery and bored. |
|
Yes, a tactical radio communication forum. I've been experimenting with and testing a few of the BF radios this summer.. I have a few that live a brutal life in the outdoors. Currently tweaking my solar powered HT portable base stations. Say what you will about ham radio.. But, during a few of the recent hurricanes.. All phones, TV, internet, and power was lost for long periods of time. But NOT ham radio. Ham radio does not go down very easy. |
|
Quoted: No. But he has been to a technical school to teach him how to program it and has had trainers teach him how to perform the tasks. You of course know this. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: It doesn't. Our soldiers and Marines use intra team comms all of the time without a ham license. Because they have someone in the back shop configuring the radios to authorized frequencies. If you want that, GMRS is probably your best bet. Does that guy have to have a ham license to know how to program radios? No. But he has been to a technical school to teach him how to program it and has had trainers teach him how to perform the tasks. You of course know this. Yes, I do. So why don't you and your brethren stop positing the passing a couple of exams by rote memorization trumps years of training and experience. There are quite a few ham licensees saying that passing the exams taught them nothing practical about programming or operating a ham radio. I've had one ham begrudgingly admit I might be able to cobble together an HF rig and make contacts. I've had another outright challenge me on submarine VLF antenna systems because he has "two licenses"(his words). Other than the RF spectrum, do any of the ham exams discuss VLF? |
|
Quoted: The licensing test for amateur radio would be akin to making people learn the process of manufacturing firearms including metallurgy, and best business practices for them to be allowed to use a firearm for self defense. For instance if OP studied for, took, and passed the test he'd still have to go to the HAM forum or YouTube to learn the answers to his questions because the test questions are largely unrelated to the actual employment of a radio. You know how everyone is always asking "How far can these radios work?" Or, "What radios should I get for _______?" The test material covers that kind of stuff, among other things. It just blows my mind that people say they want ham radios without having to learn ham stuff, when FRS and GMRS doesn't require the test, and the radios come pre-programmed to operate so easy kids and old women can use them. They just "know" that ham radio is what they need. But they also don't want to have to "know" any of the test material. 
|
|
Quoted: The test questions arent going to be an instruction manual for the radio, no. The radio should come with one written by someone who knows English. But they will have a good bit on radio wave propagation. You know how everyone is always asking "How far can these radios work?" Or, "What radios should I get for _______?" The test material covers that kind of stuff, among other things. It just blows my mind that people say they want ham radios without having to learn ham stuff, when FRS and GMRS doesn't require the test, and the radios come pre-programmed to operate so easy kids and old women can use them. They just "know" that ham radio is what they need. But they also don't want to have to "know" any of the test material. I don't want a ham radio. I want to operate on HF. I have 40 years experience operating HF radios (including Morse Code operator qualification). What is passing two exams by rote memorization going to teach me? |
|
Simple comms is GMRS, FRS. Pay $35.00 to get the whole family covered, extended family too. 50 watts of power. Works on most large farms, ranches etc. want more coverage, get a repeater. Rugged Radio has some good radio options, Midland also and many more. Want to step it up, get a ham technicians lic , Just like your first drivers test, easy, answers are out there. Only need to do it once. |
|
Quoted: I don't want a ham radio. I want to operate on HF. I have 40 years experience operating HF radios (including Morse Code operator qualification). What is passing two exams by rote memorization going to teach me? Quoted: Quoted: The test questions arent going to be an instruction manual for the radio, no. The radio should come with one written by someone who knows English. But they will have a good bit on radio wave propagation. You know how everyone is always asking "How far can these radios work?" Or, "What radios should I get for _______?" The test material covers that kind of stuff, among other things. It just blows my mind that people say they want ham radios without having to learn ham stuff, when FRS and GMRS doesn't require the test, and the radios come pre-programmed to operate so easy kids and old women can use them. They just "know" that ham radio is what they need. But they also don't want to have to "know" any of the test material. I don't want a ham radio. I want to operate on HF. I have 40 years experience operating HF radios (including Morse Code operator qualification). What is passing two exams by rote memorization going to teach me? If you want to get on HF without being a ham you can go back to sea. There are maritime HF bands. |