Ham Radio Operators / Steel Soldiers

[oifvet]

I was hoping to come up with a way to get Steel Soldiers who are also Ham Radio Operators, together somehow. Is there a way to add an icon to our profile or something? Maybe just checking in here and just creating our own "pencil list" might be the only way. Just a thought. I know there are a few here.

Amatuer radio operators can be of great benefit at rallies and convoys. We enjoy the hobby and are always trying to keep it alive. With IM, internet, texting, cell phones, etc., it's a dying hobby.

Any interest? Any ideas?

 

[Recovry4x4]

How about adding your call letters to your profile?

 

[oifvet]

I wanted to suggest that, but Google-ing a call-sign reveals a lot of personal info. I didn't know if that was the best way to go. I'm still a little leery, myself.

 

[alphadeltaromeo]

Good idea Kenny...done that aldy *grin* I don't think it's a dying hobby though...perhaps in some parts of the country. I was at our ham monthly meeting this past Tuesday evening and we're planning a D-Star mesh network over our county...connecting all of the repeaters via microwave for emergency response. We get quite a few tornado's (3 within 30 miles this year alone so far), so having digital capability with video/data uplinks is essential.

I do like your thinking though! Great idea.

Andy

 

[BillIdaho]

Admittedly, there aren't many Steel Soldiers around these parts, but I am one and also have my Ham license. Count me in, somehow.
I pretty well had to get a Ham license for my Comm-model Gama Goat. I figure if I am going to sink a gaggle of money and over a handful of radios on it, (and they all work), I may as well use them as best I can. Legally.
The county was nice enough to put a Yeasu single band in my (their) cop car once they found out I had a license. They figure if something really bad happens, and we lose our repeaters, we can fall back on the Hams.
It's a win-win for me.
I'm all for it. Maybe a symbol next to our name or something. Then a super secret handshake, Then private meetings, then our own heirarchy.then...oh never mind. I'm back now.

 

[texas-5-ton]

W5THP

That THP for Texas Highway Patrol...our used to be anyways..

 

[ARMYMAN30YearsPlus]

I have a HF radio in my duece, it is a 125 Watt model with a self tuning antennae. Would we be able to get a standard frequency that we could DX on? I am waiting on my call sign to be renewed as the last time I had one it was back in the 70's. I think it is a great idea to get it started especially when some of the rallies are in the deep woods.

 

[oifvet]

I went ahead and added "Amateur Radio" to my signature. That should flag other hams. I'm sure as time goes on, we'll be able to develope our own lists.

I'd like to fiqure out a way to put together a list of "favorites" (SS members). All I can do now is save threads. Any better ideas?

Anyway, it never hurts to have some comm guys around. Comm is key!

 

[dc3coyote]

Speaking of this, I plan to get my Ham liscense. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tamangel]

how are the tests these days for General.. Never made it past novice as couldn't pass the 15 WPM code test... Electronic theory still heavy in the tests?

Mike

**********
A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues.
Theodore Roosevelt

 

[steelandcanvas]

I think they have a "no code' license now. At least they did when I checked into getting my ticket about 10 years ago.

 

[tamangel]

guess I should have said that it was in the time of dinosaurs when I tried for my General... Tesla and I were good buds...

 

[steelandcanvas]

WOW! You hung out Nicky Tesla? How cool was that??

 

[tamangel]

ha..maybe in spirit only..maybe some of you guys are that old..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla

Mike

**********

 

[BillIdaho]

I just got my Tech license a year or so ago. The best way is to go to QRZ.com, (I think) and start taking the tests. You have to keep taking them until they start becoming too easy. Then take your $14.00 and take the real test. No morse code to memorize for the Tech license. The theory part is pretty easy. It is actually mostly common sense.
I guess you could get the book, but I started the computer tests the same time I got the book, and I think I spent a couple of days in the book, and a couple of weeks on the computer after work each night for a half hour. The book didn't seem to stick with me as much.
I highly advise getting a Ham license. It opens all kinds of possibilities. Fun, Emergency comms, talking to people all over the world.

 

[ems4ty]

No Morse Code requirement for Technician or General Class. I hear General Class is just as easy as the Technician License. I got my Tech license back in August I think. Spend a lot of time on VHF. Our local club just had a club picnic last weekend and I used the Club Callsign on HF for the first time. Made 27 contacts across the United States operating a Yaseau FT-900, Dipole wire antenna thrown between a few trees, (1) 12 Volt Marine Battery and a 50 Watt Solar Panel in the park. It was AWESOME!!! I can't wait to get a chance to take my General License. HF is a Blast!!!

73 - KI6LMI

No Point hiding the call sign because you throw it out on the air and the whole world will know who you are. If you want privacy, then don't become a HAM because your infomation becomes public record with the FCC.

 

[alphadeltaromeo]

I'd concur with the qrz.com practice tests: http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl there ya go. Just take the practice tests over and over for the technician. If you invest 30 mins each day for a few weeks...you should be able to pass the test without issue quite honestly. Ham radio is pretty incredible and there are a great group of folk that operate...quite similar to SS with respect to cooperation, etc.

In my car I have the ICOM V8000 2M radio...has 75watt output and it's simple but very effective. I commute 53 miles door-to-door and being able to yack with really sharp folk on the drive is great. My son (13 yrs old) has an HT (hand held transceiver) 2M and we can interact on my drive. I plan on having a radio in the M818 in the future for communications flexibility.

Study the qrz.com tests and go take the tech test...it's easy and you'll love it.

Andy

 

[oifvet]

The tests have been re-designed. Morse code is no longer included or required. General Class is what I have, but Technician Class is fine for getting started on repeaters, which is what most amateurs appreciate as most affordable. Extra Class is tough. It just is. If you're really into theory, go for it. But getting started? No reason to blow brain fuses on Extra Class right off.

Study at these sites:

http://www.qrz.com/testing.html

http://www.aa9pw.com/radio/

There are test sites everywhere. there are evening classes, weekends, whatever. It's fun.

...after you study, find a test scheduled in your area and,

 

[123mack]

To find when and where to take your test, arrl.org is a great resource. 2M would be good for convoys and rallys, for one thing used 2M mobile an HT's con be found rather cheap. I'm going to put a 2M powered by a 24v to 12v convertor in my M35A2. If anyone ever comes across a PRC-70 or 74 HF radio, please let me know- I'm in the market for one. KG4ZXI

 

[alphadeltaromeo]

oifvet now you have a portion of your call sign instead of just "Amateur Radio"...come on boy, just put it up *grin*