a couple of questions

[aintgotnun]

Ok,

You folks have peaked my interest a schosh.

So, being an absolute know nothing about the whole Ham thing………..

What all is involved with in getting a ticket? What does a newbie need to know for a novice ticket? Cost?

What would be a decent beginner radio with portability in mind? Used type equipment preferably.

Not saying I’m going to do anything but would like to know just in case.

[Richard Stouffer]

You take a written test and that's all you need for the ticket. The first level is the Technican's license. You can do all the studying you need on line or with study guides from ARRL or W5YI. Go to thier web sites. You only need to learn how to pass the test meaning if you have a good memory it's pretty easy preparing for the tech ticket.

With a technical ticket you have limited privlideges. You can do a wee bit of HF but you will have full access to UHF and VHF frequencies. Radios for those bands are out there for less than $100 used up to a couple of hundred for new mutliband units.

You'll get a pretty good idea of the different radio types and the operating priviledges form the study guides. You might also want to get your hands on "Ham Radio for Dummies". It is very good, comprehensive primer for the hobby. I have an extra class license and refer to that book more often than I want to admit.

[aintgotnun]

ok,
written test, I could probably handle that. are there testing facilities and where would I find out about them? FCC web site or those you mentioned? any idea on the cost of the test?

guess it's time to start some research on my own huh?



I've been "interested" in radios since I was in the Army. I was a 29E radio repairman. I fixed 'em but never used 'em. Been kicking around the idea of getting one. Maybe.

thanks for the input

[KB5LJE]

We can talk and I can offer some input.


how much?

It all depends what as this is a fabilious hobby

Telescope. See further and clearer cost more.

Radio. Talk further and more bands cost more.

Found this for ve's in the TX area

http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml?State=TX

[KB5LJE]

And here is a good resource

http://www.w5yi.org/

[Richard Stouffer]

I'm in Carrollton, not too far from you.

Regarding testing, there is a fee, but I can't remember what it is. It isn't very much, maybe $15. Test are administered by volunteer examiners, called VEC's. Some clubs, like the Metrocrest Ameteur Radio Socoety (MARS) here in Carrollton, conduct testing before each of their monthly meetings: second Thursday of the month. You can also go to the ARRL web site , http://www.arrl.org/ , and do a search for test locations. While you are at the site you can find lots of answers to your questions on the basics of ham radio.

With your radio experience in the army, you could probaly do all of your preparation for the tech test on line and be ready in two or three weeks. I think I spent about a month on the tech and I have absolutely zero technical experience.

Heck, give it a shot then you can start saying rally smart sounding things like QTH, fer, and gud and es..... That will really impress your buddies.

[KB5LJE]

Guess I need to get active again and update my info


HMMMMM
This is going to cost me!

http://hamcall.net/call?callsign=kb5lje

[Radio]

All that stuff you learned about radios in the military will come back.

Maybe...

But that's ok, 'cuz ORR.net has your back!

Joining the ARRL gets you the magazine and that's a good resource. All their online stuff is good. When Mike gets the useful file section up we'll post the question pools in there. The questions in the pool are the exact same ones as on the test so it's just a matter of taking the time to memorize them.

Radio

[aintgotnun]

Originally Posted by Radio

All that stuff you learned about radios in the military will come back.

Maybe...

I've killed a few billion brain cells since then so I'm not so sure.


Do these ham radios have to survive a 3 ft. drop test after being fixed? That was the best part.

[N7OQ]

Well Greg with your background I doubt you would have a problem getting a license, in fact you might want to study for a higher class license like General or extra. Your biggest challenge would be learning "Rules and regulations" and "operating procedures".

I say go for it!

[Radio]

Originally Posted by aintgotnun

Do these ham radios have to survive a 3 ft. drop test after being fixed? That was the best part.

OK, you know how on "that other forum" people will fight about whose truck is best? Deisel vs Gas, Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge...and then the moderator has to get involved?

Well, we're just about to have our first throwdown about Icom vs Kenwood vs Yeasu...**drum roll please**

Yeah, my KENWOOD can take a lick like that!!

[Radio]

Actually, I had an Icom 02AT handy talkie that survived multiple drops from at least 3 feet. :crutches:

[KB5LJE]

Ok I talked with Greg and I also said go for the General with his knowledge for a starter.

Equipment, Were do we start? Direction? I am local Skywarn, Fema, ARES guy but have done it all.

so now I will get my popcorn out as I have had bad units with all brands. Just ask me what I think about cool blue! Its not that cool imo


But I am a kenicomasu guy myself

[aintgotnun]

Originally Posted by MRimmer

But I am a kenicomasu guy myself

kenicomasu??

I can barely speak English..............

[Radio]

Originally Posted by MRimmer

Just ask me what I think about cool blue! Its not that cool imo

Yeah I know...I got TWO of them!!

Originally Posted by MRimmer

But I am a kenicomasu guy myself

Yeah, you just can't beat a TS-570. But if you did, it would still work.

Hmmm...all the '706 guys must have gone to bed.

[Radio]

kenicomasu - And now I realize I've been had.

[aintgotnun]

Originally Posted by Radio

kenicomasu - And now I realize I've been had.

I'm lost..........................

[aintgotnun]

just found this

http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl

[Radio]

There you go. Also...

http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2006tech.pdf

Will get you an entire list of the tech class question pool

I got a cold while in Canada, as I usually do, so I'm turning in now.

Radio

[aintgotnun]

got a 57.3% on the General test

not bad for not studying

the electrical parts I knew