User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:04:27 PM EDT
[#1]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:08:04 PM EDT
[#2]
Technician license to start, study online, all the test questions are there. I can trip the repeater in Peterboro from my backyard with 2 meter hand held and that's about 20 miles with some hills in the way.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:08:18 PM EDT
[#3]
Get a $19 license for five years and spend $29 for a five watt dual band handheld. I've seen +85 year old WWII vets and 9 year old kids earn the license.
Paul (Amateur Extra and VE) |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:24:24 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
I saw another thread about those cheap handheld HAM radios and thought it would be neat to upgrade my crappy Motorola FMRS radios. I think you meant GMRS I'd like to put on my big boy pants this time around and get a pair of powerful two way radios. Is $100 per handset a reasonable expectation? For a ham portable, not a china made, yes $100 is on the low side. You can get 5 watt GMRS radios That's about the end of my knowledge. I didn't even know they made portable HAM radios. I figured HAM operators had the huge towers and dedicated rooms like one of my ex girlfriend's father had. Which frequencies require a license? If you need a license, is it a big pain to get certified? I'm not picking this up as a hobby, just want some bad ass radios for camping trips. All except frs, cb and MURS require a license. Your gmrs radios that you currently have require a license. (I say camping specifically, because I imagine some frequencies work better through office floors, others in the outdoors, etc. I already asked if they'd come get me for operating without a license, and got three yes answers. I'm kinda surprised we spend money on enforcing that, but like I said, I'm not very knowledgeable with this stuff. Any realistic suggestions or ridiculous examples of crazy top end shit you guys can share? Read the ham radio basic links. The operation of ham radios require a little bit of effort which is sounds as if you do not wish to do.I would recommend purchase a gmrs license for your family. Then get some 5 watt gmrs radios. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:43:53 PM EDT
[#5]
Thanks guys.
I'll check out the HAM link. (I should have known arfcom would have a dedicated sub forum...) Any big advantages going HAM over the GMRS 5 watt? Does HAM go farther? If they're close, I'd probably stick to the easiest route. But if HAM has huge advantages, I'd put in the effort. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:46:29 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks guys. I'll check out the HAM link. (I should have known arfcom would have a dedicated sub forum...) Any big advantages going HAM over the GMRS 5 watt? Does HAM go farther? If they're close, I'd probably stick to the easiest route. But if HAM has huge advantages, I'd put in the effort. Yeah, you can use repeaters.  Getting a 'Technicians' license is a piece of cake.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:49:33 PM EDT
[#7]
Is there a website to help study for the HAM Technicians license?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:49:57 PM EDT
[#8]
Forget all that Ham stuff. MURS is what you're looking for.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:50:58 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Is there a website to help study for the HAM Technicians license? |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:52:46 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Forget all that Ham stuff. MURS is what you're looking for.  |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:52:48 PM EDT
[#11]
Hamstudy.org
This is what I used. Sat for the tech and general in one shot. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is there a website to help study for the HAM Technicians license? You really should do it. We have our own BRD. R = Radio in this case
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:53:19 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Forget all that Ham stuff. MURS is what you're looking for. PRC-117G with remote keypad....does all the things. For $800 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:55:16 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks guys. I'll check out the HAM link. (I should have known arfcom would have a dedicated sub forum...) Any big advantages going HAM over the GMRS 5 watt? Does HAM go farther? If they're close, I'd probably stick to the easiest route. But if HAM has huge advantages, I'd put in the effort. I'm not familiar with GMRS however based on the frequency spectrum show on the FCC page, at 5W your line of site propagation will probably be about the same as a 2 meter radio. That said, having a tech license opens up all kinds of other avenues to use the radio. As already alluded to you can talk into a networked repeater system and chat with folks for hundreds of miles. You can interface with the Internet and talk around the world. HAM is kinda unlimited in its applications...the more you study and the more you connect with other hams, the more capable you will become. I suggest hooking up with someone who already has a license and picking their brain. If you don't know anyone feel free to PM me. Also, hit the Ham Radio forum here...lots of good guys who are willing to help and answer questions. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:56:08 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks guys. I'll check out the HAM link. (I should have known arfcom would have a dedicated sub forum...) Any big advantages going HAM over the GMRS 5 watt? Does HAM go farther? If they're close, I'd probably stick to the easiest route. But if HAM has huge advantages, I'd put in the effort. You could say ham radio goes further. talked with a a guy in Alaska this afternoon with my ham radio. It wasn't a handheld, but was only using 25 watts and a wire for an antenna. Realistically, without repeaters you will get about the same range with either GMRS or ham handhelds, assuming a similarly decent antenna. Add in repeaters, and you could talk across several states (some of the repeater systems are linked together, making it possible). Stop in at the Ham forum, and read the stickies. There are free study guides available, and the exams are not really that difficult if you read up on it. Good luck |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:56:20 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
PRC-117G with remote keypad....does all the things. For $800 Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Forget all that Ham stuff. MURS is what you're looking for. PRC-117G with remote keypad....does all the things. For $800 Go on. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 6:59:24 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Go on. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Forget all that Ham stuff. MURS is what you're looking for. PRC-117G with remote keypad....does all the things. For $800 Go on. +1. I'll get one for that price. But I seem to remember them being many times that when I bought them by the dozens. And the type 1 crypto issue too... |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:02:23 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Is there a website to help study for the HAM Technicians license? Can't recommend this strong enough... Study Guide Read it 5-6 times, and practice the questions until you can answer every one right. Then sit for the test. I will say that radio is a lot more fun when you truly understand the fundamentals, but you don't need to be an electrical engineer to appreciate chatting on the radio. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:03:32 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Go on. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Forget all that Ham stuff. MURS is what you're looking for. PRC-117G with remote keypad....does all the things. For $800 Go on. $800 for an air soft toy... add an extra 0 for a real one |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:17:44 PM EDT
[#19]
I'm in central VA if you need an enabler
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:18:31 PM EDT
[#20]
If you dont go the Ham route, gmrs can be an option.
http://www.mygmrs.com/browse?name=&location=&state=VA&frequency=&output_tone=&input_tone=&type=&network=&ori=&travel=&sort=State&step=25 Take a look at the above link maybe program a bubblepack radio and listen in to your local repeaters. GMRS without infrastructure is not really worth the hassle. If repeaters are available where you are that is a different story. Business class uhf radios can be programmed for gmrs repeaters, almost to the point of being idiot proof. I would listen to the gmrs repeaters and learn locally then make a decision. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:20:38 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
+1. I'll get one for that price. But I seem to remember them being many times that when I bought them by the dozens. And the type 1 crypto issue too... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Forget all that Ham stuff. MURS is what you're looking for. PRC-117G with remote keypad....does all the things. For $800 Go on. +1. I'll get one for that price. But I seem to remember them being many times that when I bought them by the dozens. And the type 1 crypto issue too... It's been a while. The crypto shouldn't be an issue without an ANCD correct? Even with it I couldn't get the damn thing loaded anyhow.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:31:44 PM EDT
[#22]
It's not the feds who nab unlicensed users. It's ham operator's efforts.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:34:18 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's been a while. The crypto shouldn't be an issue without an ANCD correct? Even with it I couldn't get the damn thing loaded anyhow.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Forget all that Ham stuff. MURS is what you're looking for. PRC-117G with remote keypad....does all the things. For $800 Go on. +1. I'll get one for that price. But I seem to remember them being many times that when I bought them by the dozens. And the type 1 crypto issue too... It's been a while. The crypto shouldn't be an issue without an ANCD correct? Even with it I couldn't get the damn thing loaded anyhow.
Still considered CCI |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:37:09 PM EDT
[#24]
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:38:10 PM EDT
[#25]
I hate this website. All it does is cost me money.
Read a few intro threads and I'm forgetting about the portable radios now. This looks like a really fun hobby. I'm going the HAM route. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:38:30 PM EDT
[#26]
I've chatted with ISS using a 2W handheld and a $3 homemade antenna. Also chatted with a guy in S. Africa last week on 5W cw, but needed my desktop radio and 80' tower for that one.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:49:29 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Get a $19 license for five years and spend $29 for a five watt dual band handheld. I've seen +85 year old WWII vets and 9 year old kids earn the license. Paul (Amateur Extra and VE) This. I took all the written tests up to and including extra (just expanded bands), but farted around and never took the code test. The written tests are SIMPLE, multiple guess. Read the test books a couple of times and they are a breeze. I need to get a new license... 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:51:27 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've chatted with ISS using a 2W handheld and a $3 homemade antenna. Also chatted with a guy in S. Africa last week on 5W cw, but needed my desktop radio and 80' tower for that one. I worked the shuttle once, using a Rat Shack handheld, a 45w Ramsey amp and a 5/8 wave on my Mustang. It was CROWDED, but I got my call returned. |
|
|
|
Posted: 6/20/2016 7:54:28 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I hate this website. All it does is cost me money. Read a few intro threads and I'm forgetting about the portable radios now. This looks like a really fun hobby. I'm going the HAM route. A dual band chicom handheld is WAY cheaper than a Glock. And you can build radio stuff a lot cheaper than gun stuff. You can build an all band HF transceiver for under $100 in parts now. Fairly low parts count, too. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
