Posted: 11/26/2022 11:56:03 PM EDT
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I know we have a few APC hams, would any of you be interested in doing an online class (zoom, Teams, and/or Q&A) so anyone working on the apprentice rating csn get up to speed most proficiently? |
They've pushed it so hard, they've turned my little line in the sand into a trench. -pale_pony
U.S. Army Warrant Officer, 920B & 915E, CW5
Joined:
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Posts:
41840
EE: 100% (5)
MT, USA
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Conducting a class online would be pretty resource intensive when there are already many others available. Ham Radio Crash Course does a pretty good job going over the test materials at a basic level.  Fast Ham Radio Technician License Part 1 (Ham Radio Setup and Use - Sub-Element T4) What APC could likely do is conduct an online testing session for those ready to test. Although it's went into archives, I started the process almost 2 years ago to get other APC Hams certified to administer tests and have myself been a part of online testing sessions as a proctor. |
KF7WNX If you want a picture of the future, imagine Clownshoes stomping on a human face—for ever.
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What Ed said. There's so many excellent resources out there we'd be very hard pressed to put together anything better. That said, any specific questions, post 'em up or ping me...or better yet, Ed. He's much smarter than me. @elcope, still have my VE cred and I think Bryce does as well. Standing by for whenever that happens. |
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I keep hearing there is great resources out there but it seems mostly practice tests and test answers. I sure i could pass a test but still have next to no idea about what im doing and why things work. Thanks ed for the HRCC video. It was good and the questions make sense but when I watch other videos I have no idea what they are talking about or why they are doing what they are doing. |
They've pushed it so hard, they've turned my little line in the sand into a trench. -pale_pony
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First step is pass the test. This will do practically nothing to prepare you to actually use a radio, but it's a necessary step. The tech test is stupid simple. Next step is to start using radios, gain experience and actually learn stuff that's useful in practice. We can help with that, but with VHF/UHF it's a LOT easier if we're in the same place. Do you have anyone locally you can pull in to play radio with? |
U.S. Army Warrant Officer, 920B & 915E, CW5
Joined:
Feb 2001
Posts:
41848
EE: 100% (5)
MT, USA
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Originally Posted By Redbirdxx: First step is pass the test. This will do practically nothing to prepare you to actually use a radio, but it's a necessary step. The tech test is stupid simple. Next step is to start using radios, gain experience and actually learn stuff that's useful in practice. We can help with that, but with VHF/UHF it's a LOT easier if we're in the same place. Do you have anyone locally you can pull in to play radio with? This, Sadly, the testing is little more than a gate to keep folks out unless they really want it. Study the test, take the test, pass the test, then learn how to DO radio. Part of the reason for that is that there are so many different aspects of the Ham hobby, that testing alone can't cover it all. 10+ years into this hobby, and I still haven't worked a satellite, I know the basic principals behind it, but couldn't pull it off unless I got more detailed information on exactly how to accomplish it unless I talked with someone who has, and watched them do it. For what APC uses radio for, it more a tool for communications, rather than the broad Ham hobby in general. So get the tech test material studied to where you can pass the practice tests at 80% or better, then we can work on setting up an APC testing session. IIRC, you're planning on coming to the Warfighter Challenge, we can spend more time in detail on the practical applications of radio for communications as there will be lots of Hams there with gear from short range VHF/UHF to long range HF rigs. |
KF7WNX If you want a picture of the future, imagine Clownshoes stomping on a human face—for ever.
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I got my GLAARG and ARRL VE certs when elcope posted about it previously. I can second that there will probably be a ton of radio gear between UHF/VHF mobiles and handhelds along with HF rigs at warfighter if you are there. If you are someone who can absorb material through reading instead of a visual learner, the Gordon West books are a good resource too, just make sure you are using a current version because the question banks gets added and subtracted to for each license level as time goes on. Gordon West Book Amazon Link I used HamTestOnline to study for a while, but tried doing all 3 levels at once and got overwhelmed. I would say if you use them, do only the level you are wanting to study for because the information builds on itself, but there is a lot of information from general and extra that isn't useful for a tech exam and may just confuse you. Ham Test Online |
"I believe it is the duty of each of us to act as if the fate of the world depended upon on him. Admittedly, one man by himself cannot do the job. However, one man can make a difference." H. G. Rickover
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Originally Posted By elcope: What APC could likely do is conduct an online testing session for those ready to test. Although it's went into archives, I started the process almost 2 years ago to get other APC Hams certified to administer tests and have myself been a part of online testing sessions as a proctor. I'm not an APC member, but am an Extra VE and would be willing to help if needed. |
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Originally Posted By Redbirdxx: First step is pass the test. This will do practically nothing to prepare you to actually use a radio, but it's a necessary step. The tech test is stupid simple. Next step is to start using radios, gain experience and actually learn stuff that's useful in practice. We can help with that, but with VHF/UHF it's a LOT easier if we're in the same place. Do you have anyone locally you can pull in to play radio with? Is there something that breaks down the APC comms plan for those that have their tech license but no real experience? I got licensed but haven’t done a lot, just an occasional local net. I’m not looking to make it my hobby, just use for comms during hikes and other events. It seems difficult to find this type of info since amateur radio is basically a very technical hobbyist realm. I want to make a ‘jungle antenna’ for an HT, but not have to learn every aspect of antenna theory to do so, for example. |
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VHF/UHF comms plans, being local, are going to be mostly up to local chapters as far as structure. For instance, here in IL we have channels 1-9 we use on hikes which are a mix of DMR and analog, all simplex. I also have a cross band repeater in my truck but beyond testing for function a couple times it hasn't really seen much use. For national and regional events thus far comms have been very straightforward, as simple as "xxx.xxx primary and xxx.xxx secondary". We have plans beyond but they require a level of coordination we have not yet reached. If you're looking for a field deployable VHF/UHF antenna but don't want to delve into the rabbit hole of designing and building your own, I'd strongly recommend just buying an Ed Fong roll up. They are not expensive, pack small and just plain work. |
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Originally Posted By Vaquero: Thank you. Is this what you are referring to? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/323/242BCB37-C944-44F2-A74B-224C984B92E4_jpe-2654606.JPG Yep. |
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It would be easier for a chapter to set up their own, too many disparate locations... No point in encrypted comms if the chapters can't keep the keys secured I have one for my .biz, and I'll never go back. Working on getting a repeater set up to get better coverage. We did DMR. |
"If you think its expensive hiring a professional, try hiring an amateur first."
-A. Einstein
-A. Einstein
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Missouri APC camp/hike radio net planned; The plan is; Friday 1/13 6pm CST / 7pm EST SSB 7.213 primary ; 7.285 secondary 7pm CST / 8pm EST SSB 3.861 primary; 3.961 secondary Monitor thread in HAM section for update on possible earlier 10m/20m times and maybe digital modes (Olivia 7.114 +1500 USB) |
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Originally Posted By Shootindave: Missouri APC camp/hike radio net planned; The plan is; Friday 1/13 6pm CST / 7pm EST SSB 7.213 primary ; 7.285 secondary 7pm CST / 8pm EST SSB 3.861 primary; 3.961 secondary Monitor thread in HAM section for update on possible earlier 10m/20m times and maybe digital modes (Olivia 7.114 +1500 USB) Excellent, will try to check in. Are you up on JS8? Most APC HF digi comms are there presently. If you are, and can throw out an @APC, you'll hopefully get a few responses. |
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Originally Posted By Redbirdxx: Excellent, will try to check in. Are you up on JS8? Most APC HF digi comms are there presently. If you are, and can throw out an @APC, you'll hopefully get a few responses. Originally Posted By Redbirdxx: Originally Posted By Shootindave: Missouri APC camp/hike radio net planned; The plan is; Friday 1/13 6pm CST / 7pm EST SSB 7.213 primary ; 7.285 secondary 7pm CST / 8pm EST SSB 3.861 primary; 3.961 secondary Monitor thread in HAM section for update on possible earlier 10m/20m times and maybe digital modes (Olivia 7.114 +1500 USB) Excellent, will try to check in. Are you up on JS8? Most APC HF digi comms are there presently. If you are, and can throw out an @APC, you'll hopefully get a few responses. I just got a sound card for my radio last week and have only done PSK31 and Olivia for the Arfcom net. I will download JS8 Call and look into the protocol. |
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Successful comms were made with the Arfcom radio network on SSB on both 40m and 80m. Also made contact with the local Missouri 80m net with great signal reports. Antenna was a Chameleon Emcomm QRP endfed (73') with a 25' counterpoise on the ground. In the tree at about 25 feet in something between an inverted V and L. 25 Watts power Attached File |
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I am going to do another comms window before the Sat 1/21 hike in central kansas. 11am CST / 1700 Zulu 20m (Arfcom Emcomm Freq) moving to 40m possibly after 20m check ins. ( Mode: SSB) Ham Forum for updates https://www.ar15.com/forums/outdoors/Field-Comms-More-Dates-/22-704386/ |