WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Radio Talk => Topic started by: FIGHT ON on Dec 14, 10, 06:24:06 AM
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FO,
This is really easier than you think. Pick yourself up a Gorden West Technician study guide book for under 20 bucks and spend a couple weeks reading through it. The book will explain everything you need to know about how to prepare and pass your test. I used Gorden's books for 5 levels of licensing and didn't feel the need for a class as everything is very well explained in the books. After spending some time in the book you can go to: http://www.qrz.com and take practice exams that are identical to the test you will be administered at a testing location. You must appear with ID to take the test and the VE's will finalize your paperwork sent into the FCC. Once you are comfortable your performance of online practice exams, you can go to the ARRL website and find a test session near your residence. All test sessions need to be made public so you should find something on the ARRL website.
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
If you made it through college and are the navigator you appear to be, this should be a walk in the park forest for you. :thumbs:
You can spend some time researching radio gear while your studying. You can post questions in our radio talk section of the forum and there are websites that review equipment. I've owned many HT's in my years of Ham radio and hands down the Kenwood tri-band TH-6 is the best HT I've owned for ease of use and affordability. Just like cell phone use, battery life depends on how chatty you are, back light settings and power level you choose so only you can determine what life you will experience. You can monitor all day as we do and use it occasionally and the battery will last several days. I highly suggest carrying a spare charged battery and / or AA battery pack available as an accessory. I keep both in my FS go bag just in case it's needed.
I've made many friends and met some very nice people around the world since becoming a Ham. BTW, I met my wife, "Lagomorphmom" during a Ham event we were working.
Good luck and we expect to hear you on the air in a month or so on our local repeaters. There is a list of repeaters in the radio talk section of the forum and a complete listing available on line.
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FO,
This is really easier than you think. Pick yourself up a Gorden West Technician study guide book for under 20 bucks and spend a couple weeks reading through it. The book will explain everything you need to know about how to prepare and pass your test. I used Gorden's books for 5 levels of licensing and didn't feel the need for a class as everything is very well explained in the books. After spending some time in the book you can go to: http://www.qrz.com and take practice exams that are identical to the test you will be administered at a testing location. You must appear with ID to take the test and the VE's will finalize your paperwork sent into the FCC. Once you are comfortable your performance of online practice exams, you can go to the ARRL website and find a test session near your residence. All test sessions need to be made public so you should find something on the ARRL website.
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
If you made it through college and are the navigator you appear to be, this should be a walk in the park forest for you. :thumbs:
You can spend some time researching radio gear while your studying. You can post questions in our radio talk section of the forum and there are websites that review equipment. I've owned many HT's in my years of Ham radio and hands down the Kenwood tri-band TH-6 is the best HT I've owned for ease of use and affordability. Just like cell phone use, battery life depends on how chatty you are, back light settings and power level you choose so only you can determine what life you will experience. You can monitor all day as we do and use it occasionally and the battery will last several days. I highly suggest carrying a spare charged battery and / or AA battery pack available as an accessory. I keep both in my FS go bag just in case it's needed.
I've made many friends and met some very nice people around the world since becoming a Ham. BTW, I met my wife, "Lagomorphmom" during a Ham event we were working.
Good luck and we expect to hear you on the air in a month or so on our local repeaters. There is a list of repeaters in the radio talk section of the forum and a complete listing available on line.
wow this is what I was looking for!
Thanks a million. Thanks for taking the time to write all this. I doubt I will be using it much just having it with me on a hike would be great if something bad happens.
she's your wife? I'd better be careful bugging her from now on!
I have a million questions. just have to figure out which ones to ask first.
Thanks again dude!
FIGHT ON
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Has anyone experimented with HAM GPS/APRS in our local mountains?
I have the Yaesu VX-8 handheld, which has built in APRS and GPS. I have used it around Wrightwood, but with the rubber duck antenna, I cannot hit any APRS nodes. I did take it with me recently on a hike to the Big Horn Mine. I was picked up by digipeaters at the trailhead (where there's a clear shot north into the desert), but not at all during the hike. Nor was it heard when hiking up Flume Canyon.
As far as I know, there are no APRS nodes in Wrightwood. I ran an iGate for a while from my house, and might start it up again at some point. What I'd like to do is set up a true two-way APRS station here. I have the antenna and the computer. I need to get a radio and make a computer interface for it... perhaps a winter project. :)
Even then, my location isn't ideal for hearing hikers way out in the mountains. Well placed voice repeater stations will still be the best bet.
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Cell phone? wow, I wonder what service and brand he was carrying and if he knew it would work.
That would solve a lot of this plb spot ham stuff.
Funny, two Coldwater Canyons so close together. Which one is on the back side of Baldy? ;D map (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.29778,-117.62306&z=12&t=T&marker0=34.26495%2C-117.70752%2C5.4%20km%20NW%20of%20Mount%20Baldy%20CA&marker1=34.27949%2C-117.59362%2C4.9%20km%20ExSE%20of%20Mount%20San%20Antonio%20CA)
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That would solve a lot of this plb spot ham stuff.
You're still looking at this the wrong way.
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You're still looking at this the wrong way.
If a cell phone was as reliable as a ham wouldn't they be equal?
Can 911 be called from a ham?
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If a cell phone was as reliable as a ham wouldn't they be equal?
Sure, if you get lost in a mettopolitan area (unless cell service is out, such as during a natural disaster).
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Sure, if you get lost in a mettopolitan area (unless cell service is out, such as during a natural disaster).
what about the back side of baldy? when cell service is in? btw does ham work all the time even during a natural disaster? and can you call 911 directly from a ham?
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what about the back side of baldy? when cell service is in?
* The fact that he had any cell phone coverage is a complete fluke (and extreme luck)
* I'm quite sure he didn't take the phone thinking it would work if he got lost. He had a phone with him, because that's what most people do these days. He had no idea where he was going to be lost, so he did not have any reason to think the phone would save him beforehand.
Heck, I can get spotty cell coverage on certain parts of PCT near Wrightwood, if I hold my right arm up, face the west, etc. etc. Its just not reliable.
btw does ham work all the time even during a natural disaster?
Yes. Google it.
and can you call 911 directly from a ham?
Generally, not in the same way you are thinking, but yes.
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* The fact that he had any cell phone coverage is a complete fluke (and extremeu luck)
I have the same with my cell. once in a while I will hear someone call me when I'm on the lower trails above pasadena. but never beyond that. and never never in the baldy area.
So I was thinking the same thing.
But I have run across some hikers with cell phones that work in the baldy area. I didn't ask them but for sure at baldy summit. and along the trails going up. And a few times I've seen people with reception on other areas too. I thought they must be paying for some special service. Still don't know for sure. but until I know I'm with you. fluke luck.
* I'm quite sure he didn't take the phone thinking it would work if he got lost. He had a phone with him, because that's what most people do these days. He had no idea where he was going to be lost, so he did not have any reason to think the phone would save him beforehand.
He may have believed his cell would work. we don't know. It would be neat to talk to him. find out what phone he had and what service. he may have been carrying just because he didn't want to leave it in his car. people break in and steal stuff often.
Heck, I can get spotty cell coverage on certain parts of PCT near Wrightwood, if I hold my right arm up, face the west, etc. etc. Its just not reliable.
Yes. Google it.
Generally, not in the same way you are thinking, but yes.
I think you have to talk to someone other than the 911 person and then they can call them from a regular land line or cell phone.
my point is that if a cell worked in all areas like a ham then what's the diff? a cell would be lighter right? and you could call 911 directly or anyone else under normal conditions right? I don't know who's on the other end of a ham. Isn't it just random people who want to help others?
All these gadgets have advantages and disadvantages when comparing them to each other. don't you believe that eventually cells will work everywhere? gps doesn't now but eventually it will.
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I think you have to talk to someone other than the 911 person and then they can call them from a regular land line or cell phone.
Generally, yes. There are repeaters, with auto-patch capability, which means you can use your radio as a phone, and make calls directly, but yes, I would agree that its more common to basically talk to someone, having them call authorities for you.
...a cell would be lighter right?
Yes, generally, your small flip phone would be lighter. But we're talking ounces here, not pounds.
I don't know who's on the other end of a ham. Isn't it just random people who want to help others?
Ok, sure. But that's better than not being able to talk to anyone.
don't you believe that eventually cells will work everywhere? gps doesn't now but eventually it will.
No. How many years have cell companies been in business? Do they have 100% coverage in the world? No.
They don't even have 100% coverage in the USA. I doubt they ever will either, especially in mountainous areas, or anywhere else "off the beaten path". First, within the parks, you will probably never get Forest Service/National Park Service to approve having cell towers constructed. Secondly, it wouldn't even make sense for a cell company to do such a thing. For example, a cell company is not about to go thru the extreme hassles of putting up towers along the 10 mile stretch of Big Pines Highway, because the usage potential just isn't there. It just wouldn't make good business sense.
When I'm on the interstate, and want to report an accident... sure, I'll dial 911 from my cell phone. Quicker than asking someone to do it for me. But, when I'm driving in an area without cell service, my radio is inside the briefcase, ready to be used. Around Wrightwood, a good portion of Lone Pine Canyon road doesn't have cell service. There's a few spots long SR-2 east of Wrightwood with poor coverage, and of course, anywhere west of Mountain High, there is no coverage.
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neato! I see what you mean and agree. makes sense. so how big is your ham radio? how much does it weigh? a picture would be cool along side a dime or a quarter. (just don't make it bigger than 800 wide or you will be in big trouble! lol)
asking someone else to call 911 is better than a cell that doesn't work.
so your ham works everywhere? does it? if so that's amazing.
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here's a few popular models:
http://kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/Portables/TH-F6A (http://kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/Portables/TH-F6A)
Icom: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/handheld/v80sport/default.aspx (http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/handheld/v80sport/default.aspx)
Yaesu: http://www.yaesu.com (http://www.yaesu.com)
so your ham works everywhere? does it? if so that's amazing.
I smell a loaded question. 100% guaranteed to work (to be able to contact someone) from every single square inch on earth? Of course not.
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:offtopic:
On Left: ***Kenwood Tri-band ham radio - current cost $289.99
Center: Samsung Instinct Cell Phone
On Right: Vertex 2 meter ham radio - cost was under $100
(http://www.wrightwoodfsc.com/kw6ww/images/Cell.vs.Radio2.JPG)
***More specs on the incredible Kenwood ham radio shown:
FM Triband HT Covers 144, 220 and440 MHz plus wide band receive 0.1-1300 MHz (cellular blocked), includes AM Aircraft receive and weather. Dual channel receive capability; FM/FM-W/FM-N/AM plus SSB/CW receive modes; Ferrite bar antenna for receiving AM broadcast; 435 memories (8 groups of 50 channels); 3 call channels plus 20 for programmable scan; Multiple scanning functions; 5W output with 7.4V lithium-ion battery; Extended operation; 16-key backlit pad plus multi-scroll key; Built-in charging circuitry, battery recharges while unit operates from a DCsupply; Selectable squelch configuration; Memory shift; Key lock; Built-in CTCSS encode/decode (42subtone frequencies) DCS (104 codes), 1750Hz toneburst; Compatible with external 1200/9600bpsTNC; Large 8-character alphanumeric display; Automatic simplex checker; Wireless remote control function; ATT (attenuator) on/off; Battery indicator; Internal VOX; MCP programming software via www.kenwood.net (using PG-4Y cable); MeetsMIL-STD 810 C/D/E for resistance to vibration, shock and light rain. Comes with belt hook, flexible SMA antenna, hand strap, PB-42L 7.4V 1550mAh lithium-ion battery pack, AC adapter. Dim: 3.4"h x 2.3"w x 1.2"d; 8.8 oz
On a side note: Guess what type of communications are used by Search & Rescue Teams when they are searching for these lost hikers..... Ham Radio because they are the most reliable means of communications made.
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pretty small actually. a lot smaller than I had imagined. lose half a lb and you'd never notice carrying it. Thanks for showing that.
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here's a few popular models:
http://kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/Portables/TH-F6A (http://kenwoodusa.com/Communications/Amateur_Radio/Portables/TH-F6A)
Icom: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/handheld/v80sport/default.aspx (http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/handheld/v80sport/default.aspx)
Yaesu: http://www.yaesu.com (http://www.yaesu.com)
I smell a loaded question. 100% guaranteed to work (to be able to contact someone) from every single square inch on earth? Of course not.
don't know what a loaded question is.
I really don't know. are there areas where you've tried to use it and it doesn't work? I get that it's better than a cell but am interested it it's limitations. have you tried to use it on a hike somewhere and it at first didn't work and then you had to walk a few yards and then it did? Like what % of the time does it work? In wrightwood, along the blue ridge, trail up to bp, down vincent gulch area, north backbone trail areas. thanks.
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Are there areas where you've tried to use it and it doesn't work?
Well, one way or the other, you do need to be able to communicate with anothe person. In general, you have two choices for communicating:
(1) "direct" to another person's radio. This is "walkie-talkie" mode, and requires that you be generally line of sight with someone (or at least close to line-of-sight. Your signal isn't going to penetrate a 3 mile thick chuck-o-mountain). Now, the distance can be pretty darned far, especially if you are on a mountain top somewhere.
(2) You communicate to someone else, thru a repeater. Same limitations. Unlike Cell towers, most amateur radio repeaters *are* set up on the tallest peaks you can find, for the best coverage.. That's probably the biggest difference in amateur radio repeaters vs cell towers.
Example: The closest amateur radio repeater to Wrightwood is table mountain. PCT? No problem. Big Pines Highway? No problem. This repeater covers a pretty good part of LA, inland empire, as far north as Kernville. On the southern parts of the ANF, I suspect there would be repeaters on the "LA side" that you'd prefer to use.
Me? Hike? My "hikes" normally consist of a trip between the couch and the refrigerator. Seriously, I've only hiked around the local area... maybe like PCT up toward Heath Wash. No cell phone coverage there, but I've got plenty of repeaters or people I can contact with radio. Someone else will have to tell you how coverage in the Gulch, and those other areas you mentioned.
For me, the radio comes in handy when I'm traveling Big Pines Highway, to get to the city for work. As soon as you get to Mountain High West, kiss cell service good bye, for the trip down Big Pines Highway. There's no pay phones, or call boxes either, so if I have car troubles, or need to call some accident in, radio is the only way.
I believe you'll find an "amateur radio" subject on this forum. We may want to move the discussion there, instead of hijacking this thread too much.
What you might want to do one of these nights is to listen to the "live scanner", using the link at the top of the forum page, any Sunday night at 6:00pm. We hold a weekly net, for the purpose of testing coverages and such. Ok, people generally aren't checking in from Vincent Mine or anything like that, but you'll have a better understanding of the range of the local repeater.
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I agree that some parts of this discussion may be better placed in the Radio Talk portion of the forum. However here is my experience.
I was hiking with the Boy Scouts along the PCT to the summit of Mount Hawkins, above Dawson Saddle. I had my VX-150 2 Meter radio with me (the one on the right in Wrightwood's image), just to see what repeaters I could "hit" from that summit. Table Mountain was scratchy but listenable, mainly because Mt. Baden-Powell was in the way. I was also hitting repeaters from Palmdale, Tehachapi, Catalina Island, Disneyland, and Big Bear. That's an awful lot of people potentially listening and willing to help if needed.
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Well, one way or the other, you do need to be able to communicate with anothe person. In general, you have two choices for communicating:
(1) "direct" to another person's radio. This is "walkie-talkie" mode, and requires that you be generally line of sight with someone (or at least close to line-of-sight. Your signal isn't going to penetrate a 3 mile thick chuck-o-mountain). Now, the distance can be pretty darned far, especially if you are on a mountain top somewhere.
(2) You communicate to someone else, thru a repeater. Same limitations. Unlike Cell towers, most amateur radio repeaters *are* set up on the tallest peaks you can find, for the best coverage.. That's probably the biggest difference in amateur radio repeaters vs cell towers.
Example: The closest amateur radio repeater to Wrightwood is table mountain. PCT? No problem. Big Pines Highway? No problem. This repeater covers a pretty good part of LA, inland empire, as far north as Kernville. On the southern parts of the ANF, I suspect there would be repeaters on the "LA side" that you'd prefer to use.
Me? Hike? My "hikes" normally consist of a trip between the couch and the refrigerator. Seriously, I've only hiked around the local area... maybe like PCT up toward Heath Wash. No cell phone coverage there, but I've got plenty of repeaters or people I can contact with radio. Someone else will have to tell you how coverage in the Gulch, and those other areas you mentioned.
For me, the radio comes in handy when I'm traveling Big Pines Highway, to get to the city for work. As soon as you get to Mountain High West, kiss cell service good bye, for the trip down Big Pines Highway. There's no pay phones, or call boxes either, so if I have car troubles, or need to call some accident in, radio is the only way.
I believe you'll find an "amateur radio" subject on this forum. We may want to move the discussion there, instead of hijacking this thread too much.
What you might want to do one of these nights is to listen to the "live scanner", using the link at the top of the forum page, any Sunday night at 6:00pm. We hold a weekly net, for the purpose of testing coverages and such. Ok, people generally aren't checking in from Vincent Mine or anything like that, but you'll have a better understanding of the range of the local repeater.
Very nice. I can see why people want to move this to another thread. I think it's directly related to this topic though. If we were talking about how USC is better than UCLA in everything then for sure it would be off topic. even if it's true! LOL.
Sunday night. sounds cool. Thanks.
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Fight On, if you're the least bit interested in this ham radio stuff at all, I definitely recommend that you tune in on the live scanner on Sunday night, as Bob C suggested. You will hear how ham communication is properly done, and probably learn a lot about why we do this. This net is geared to disaster preparedness, and you would hear how far and wide transmissions can be heard on the repeater that we use (Table Mountain 2 meter).
I'm no expert by any means, I got my technician license 2-1/2 years ago (have since upgraded to General class), and I still just use my radio mostly to listen and learn. My radio is the Kenwood TH-F6, pictured at the far left in the photo above. I always take it with me when out in the forest, whether on a hike or just up there driving. I actually have found cell service while atop Baden-Powell, and my friend actually received a call on her cell phone one day this past summer while we were taking a break at Little Jimmy CG, (about 2 miles up from Islip Saddle on the PCT, in case you don't know where that is). But that's rare, and if we had really needed to get in touch with someone, I would have used my radio.
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Fight On, if you're the least bit interested in this ham radio stuff at all, I definitely recommend that you tune in on the live scanner on Sunday night, as Bob C suggested. You will hear how ham communication is properly done, and probably learn a lot about why we do this. This net is geared to disaster preparedness, and you would hear how far and wide transmissions can be heard on the repeater that we use (Table Mountain 2 meter).
I'm no expert by any means, I got my technician license 2-1/2 years ago (have since upgraded to General class), and I still just use my radio mostly to listen and learn. My radio is the Kenwood TH-F6, pictured at the far left in the photo above. I always take it with me when out in the forest, whether on a hike or just up there driving. I actually have found cell service while atop Baden-Powell, and my friend actually received a call on her cell phone one day this past summer while we were taking a break at Little Jimmy CG, (about 2 miles up from Islip Saddle on the PCT, in case you don't know where that is). But that's rare, and if we had really needed to get in touch with someone, I would have used my radio.
Ya I plan to listen. so you got that good one on the left? cool. I wanna check it out. I don't understand what else you could be learning though?
For me I would just use it if I needed to be rescued. or if I saw someone else that needed to be. "Help, I'm on so and so trail about 3 miles from the trail head and a snake bit me." " some guy is down a gully and says his leg it broken."
When you say you are still learning stuff what else is there?
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Speaking just for me, Ham Radio is a constant learning process. I learn how the radio itself works, which can be more complicated than it looks. I learn where the "sweet spots" are for various repeaters. I learn things about the people who share a particular repeater.
Mostly, I learn what I don't understand about this particular hobby, and make a decision as to what path to further investigate. There is much more to the hobby than picking up the radio and turning it on. You can learn as much or as little as you wish.
I'm a Boy Scout leader. I teach my scouts and their families to Be Prepared for whatever comes their (and my) way. This is another tool in that preparation.
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I've used my radio on the trail from Vincent Gap to Cabin Flat pretty deep in the canyon. I've used it on several hikes around the Big Pines Area. I've also heard from people who were on the top of Mt. Whitney communicating with Wrightwood through the Table Mountain Repeater.
I just called in an Emergency a couple of weeks ago with my radio. I saw an upside down car on Big Pines Hwy with a you man stuck in it. There were several people pacing around staring at their cell phones trying to get service. I was the only one that could reach EMS with a relay from another Ham.
I originally got into Ham Radio thinking I would only use it in emergencies. Over time I've learned that the more I use it, the better prepared I'll be in an emergency. I've also had a bit of fun in the process. As RennMan said, you can learn as much or as little as you want. I've found a couple of nets that I enjoy listening to like the Rescue Net and Outdoor Adventure Net on the Keller Peak Repeater that bring up topics of interest beyond Ham Radio as well.
You can also make emergency antennas for your radio that can dramatically increase you capabilities by stringing them up in a tree or another tall non-metallic object. With a cell phone you're stuck with the antenna the manufacturer gave you.
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Speaking just for me, Ham Radio is a constant learning process. I learn how the radio itself works, which can be more complicated than it looks. I learn where the "sweet spots" are for various repeaters. I learn things about the people who share a particular repeater.
How long have you had yours? which one is it?
Mostly, I learn what I don't understand about this particular hobby, and make a decision as to what path to further investigate. There is much more to the hobby than picking up the radio and turning it on. You can learn as much or as little as you wish.
I just don't get the "hobby" part. It's just fun listening? to other conversations? like eavesdropping? so it's kinda like message forums in a sneaker kinda way? ;D
I'm a Boy Scout leader. I teach my scouts and their families to Be Prepared for whatever comes their (and my) way. This is another tool in that preparation.
this is cool. how many in your troop? do any of the scouts or their parents take a ham with them on a hike or a camping trip?
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I've used my radio on the trail from Vincent Gap to Cabin Flat pretty deep in the canyon. I've used it on several hikes around the Big Pines Area. I've also heard from people who were on the top of Mt. Whitney communicating with Wrightwood through the Table Mountain Repeater.
How did it work down there? can you plot where you were at different points on this acme mapper thing? (http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=34.35293,-117.69070&z=13&t=T) Like I was at "a" and it worked well but "b" was not that clear and "c" no reception? I'm not asking for exact spots if you do remember where that would be very cool. approximately. still trying to get a sense of how the reception is. Thanks.
I just called in an Emergency a couple of weeks ago with my radio. I saw an upside down car on Big Pines Hwy with a you man stuck in it. There were several people pacing around staring at their cell phones trying to get service. I was the only one that could reach EMS with a relay from another Ham.
funny.
I originally got into Ham Radio thinking I would only use it in emergencies.
that's me.
Over time I've learned that the more I use it, the better prepared I'll be in an emergency. I've also had a bit of fun in the process. As RennMan said, you can learn as much or as little as you want. I've found a couple of nets that I enjoy listening to like the Rescue Net and Outdoor Adventure Net on the Keller Peak Repeater that bring up topics of interest beyond Ham Radio as well.
I can see that. and how you can learn how to properly report an event.
You can also make emergency antennas for your radio that can dramatically increase you capabilities by stringing them up in a tree or another tall non-metallic object. With a cell phone you're stuck with the antenna the manufacturer gave you.
think I've seen some houses with stuff like that on them. One house, a little shack had this HUGE one going way up from the center of the roof. supported by like 8 diagonal ones from near it's top to the eaves of the roof. the neighbors said he's a hermit. maybe he's an obsessed ham guy. btw do you have to have a radio device other than the hand held ones on the ends of the three pictured above? Could I just purchase the hand held and still have it work. the antenna is hooked up at your house to the base unit? Thanks!
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any one have a pic of repeaters? table mountain? etc? thanks.
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any one have a pic of repeaters? table mountain? etc? thanks.
Here's where amateur radio excels, when it comes to disasters. A self-contained emergency repeater in a box: http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=16470.0 (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=16470.0)
More info on emergency benefits of amateur radio, and photo of typical repeater: http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=15285.0 (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=15285.0)
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Sometimes I'll take a low-power CW (Morse Code) radio out with me on a hike. I'll string about 40 feet of wire up in a tree and talk with people in Japan.
Just one of the many things you can do with a ham radio license if you want to.
Licensing is done primarily, I believe, because back in the day people could kill themselves with tube radio equipment. Also, one of the missions of the amateur radio service is to cultivate a trained, rehearsed crop of people who could institute a communications infrastructure in the event that other methods fail. That's what Field Day is about.
The test isn't difficult. I'd recommend studying a bit, taking the test, passing it, and then you're done. You never have to take another test as long as you renew your license every 10 years. If you want, you can take more tests to gain more operating privileges, but that's entirely up to you, and you can do plenty with the entry level license.
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It's just fun listening? to other conversations? like eavesdropping? so it's kinda like message forums in a sneaker kinda way?
Not listening... talking. Talking to friends. Meeting friends. Helping strangers.
By the way, we've been talking about VHF/UHF radio so far... we haven't even gone into the world of HF, which is where you're now talking about world-wide communications. Voice. Video. One of many digital modes.. whatever turns you on. That's the hobby part of it.
http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-faq-s (http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-faq-s)
http://www.hello-radio.org/whatis.html (http://www.hello-radio.org/whatis.html)
http://www.eham.net/newham/ (http://www.eham.net/newham/)
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How long have you had yours?
I got my first licence, the Technician level, in 2005. BTW, Wrightwood and gus were in that same class, so that's where I met them for the first time ;D I upgraded to the General licence by using online tests and information, then taking a test.
which one is it?
I have a VX-150, which the one on the right of the picture that Wrightwood posted. It has been replaced by the FT-250, which is very similar in form and function.
I just don't get the "hobby" part. It's just fun listening? to other conversations? like eavesdropping? so it's kinda like message forums in a sneaker kinda way? ;D this is cool.
See BobC and ak7V answers for this one, they answered it better than I could.
how many in your troop? do any of the scouts or their parents take a ham with them on a hike or a camping trip?
There are about 30 boys in our WW troop. Right now there is only one other leader who is licenced. His 13 year old son is licenced as well.
I was the one who originally posted about the class in Victorville in February. Some of our boys are thinking about going to that one, however there are at least two other instructors in Wrightwood who may have classes in 2011. I haven't heard if/when those classes will be held.
To answer another question, the sum total of radios that I currently have are:
- 4 handheld radios (commonly called Handi-Talkies, or HTs):
- two of the VX-150 for myself and my wife (KI6PBN-Loretta)
- two 220MHz units made by Alinco, for myself and my wife
- two Kenwood TM-271A 2 meter mobile radios for our cars (though I still have to install the one in my wife's car!)
- one Yaesu FT-7800R mobile radio for my truck.
Sum total for all this equipment, antennas, cables, accessories, etc, was well under $1000.00, spread out over several years. Realistically you can get into this hobby for under $200.00 in books, licence fee, and a handheld radio like we've previously described. I haven't yet felt a need to get a larger house-mounted antenna, but when I do, I can cable it to the VX-150 radio.
Maybe one day I'll get a base unit, or another mobile unit with a power supply to use as a base unit, but that is in the future. I'm having a good time with the radios we now own.
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Sure, if you get lost in a mettopolitan area (unless cell service is out, such as during a natural disaster).
yep cell service was never ment to handle the kind of traffic generated by a natural disaster. AT&T in Mammoth can't even handle the traffic of a big tourist weekend and went down several times over the recent holiday period.
When the big one hits the only people who will be communicating are ham radio operators. Hams are always the first ones to get information out to the World when disaster strikes. It's always been that way, and I think it will always be that way.
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When the big one hits the only people who will be communicating are ham radio operators.
Yup. There's a reason EOCs, Sheriff departments, and other agencies have "amateur radio" support groups.
The last time I remember a wide-spread outage of both cell phones, and landlines, was immediately after the Northridge quake. At the time, I was living in Lancaster. I don't think it was the infrastructure that failed, but more likely "everyone calling home" at the same time, which just overloaded the circuits.
A year or two ago, I remember a complete outage of phone service here in Wrightwood. I think it was a cut line or something like that. Amateur radio was the only (civilian) way to communicate out of the area.
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Yup. There's a reason EOCs, Sheriff departments, and other agencies have "amateur radio" support groups.
In a major disaster when the public has no way to directly contact these EOCs, Sheriff departments, and other agencies, ham radio operators will become the central point of contact for the public to these various agencies.
In a disaster the person with the best communications becomes central point of communications, regardless of title or agency affiliation.
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How did it work down there? can you plot where you were at different points on this? I'm not asking for exact spots if you do remember where that would be very cool. approximately. still trying to get a sense of how the reception is. Thanks.
I can't remember which spots I hit which repeater. While I was on the hike I was playing around with it to see how I could hit different repeaters. I was always able to contact someone.
I've seen some houses with stuff like that on them. One house, a little shack had this HUGE one going way up from the center of the roof. supported by like 8 diagonal ones from near it's top to the eaves of the roof. the neighbors said he's a hermit. maybe he's an obsessed ham guy.
The antennas I'm talking about can be rolled up small enough to fit in a shirt pocket or a pack and taken on hikes. I always take one of these antennas on my mt. bike rides and hikes. In case of emergencies but I've nver had to use this set up.
btw do you have to have a radio device other than the hand held ones on the ends of the three pictured above? Could I just purchase the hand held and still have it work. the antenna is hooked up at your house to the base unit? Thanks!
I started out with a radio like the one above and made an antenna for my house out of copper pipe. I was able to contact a lot of people with that set up. I also set up a good antenna on the roof of my car and I had adapters that allowed me to switch my radio from a hand held, to the car, to the house. The antenna is the most important thing for radio performance. I still use a similar set up to that for the 220 band and can work repeaters that allow me to talk to people all over the state and in Arizona. I started off on a budget and wanted to learn more about radio before I spent a lot of money.
My wife teased me when I first got into Ham Radio. She became a Ham last year after the Sheep Fire. I was out of town for the fire but she listened to my radio and got the most current information. She tried to get info from the local news reports but most of the reports were exaggerated and inacurate. The radio was the only way she found out about evacuations in our neighborhood. We never got a phone call or a knock on the door.
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any one have a pic of repeaters? table mountain? etc? thanks.
Not table but a few pictures of repeaters and an articile on the Table Mountain repeater
http://wr6jpl.ampr.org/tablemtn.php
(http://www.n8dod.com/_mgxroot/img_1163125249_14884_1163253666.jpg)
(http://www.eham.net/data/classifieds/images/264850.jpg)
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Here's where amateur radio excels, when it comes to disasters. A self-contained emergency repeater in a box: http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=16470.0 (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=16470.0)
More info on emergency benefits of amateur radio, and photo of typical repeater: http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=15285.0 (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php?topic=15285.0)
the first link is cool! too bad you can't make that summit pole a repeater. I mean it's there already. still don't even know where table mountain is. the second link. what's a microwave tower? I know it's not for cooking but is it for cell service?
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Sometimes I'll take a low-power CW (Morse Code) radio out with me on a hike. I'll string about 40 feet of wire up in a tree and talk with people in Japan.
Just one of the many things you can do with a ham radio license if you want to.
Licensing is done primarily, I believe, because back in the day people could kill themselves with tube radio equipment. Also, one of the missions of the amateur radio service is to cultivate a trained, rehearsed crop of people who could institute a communications infrastructure in the event that other methods fail. That's what Field Day is about.
The test isn't difficult. I'd recommend studying a bit, taking the test, passing it, and then you're done. You never have to take another test as long as you renew your license every 10 years. If you want, you can take more tests to gain more operating privileges, but that's entirely up to you, and you can do plenty with the entry level license.
so you communicate in moris code? or is the radio called a moris code radio? is a cw radio a ham?
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still don't even know where table mountain is.
Where Mountain High North is located.
what's a microwave tower?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_transmission (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_transmission)
Microwave links are used for many things... commercial/gov't. Data, phone transmissions, voice. The issue here, is that during earthquakes, for instance, the towers (located many miles from each other) can move/shift just slightly, causing the microwave link to be compromised (its generally a very narrow beam, so any mis-alignment causes problems.
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so you communicate in moris code?
You can.
is a cw radio a ham?
CW stands for "continuous wave" (describing the type of transmission), and the way we use it, is generally accepted to mean "Morse Code".
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In almost every western movie, there is a scene with a telegraph operator, patiently tapping on a telegraph key. The tapping is a series of "dots" and "dashes". That telegraph operator is performing Morse Code communication.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code
Many old WWII movies have scenes where the ships are communicating with a series of flashing lights. That is also Morse Code.
It was even used in Star Trek V, where Scotty was tapping on the wall of the cell where Kirk, Spock and McCoy were held.
Morse Code was one of the first over-the-air (without wires) methods of communication between radio operators. This method was used LONG before a modulated carrier wave was used to carry the sound of a voice. In a sense, the reason we have broadcast radio, television, cellphone, satellite (or any over-the air broadcast) today is because of the work of some of those early radio operators, both amateur (ham) and commercial.
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(http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/Bobalotta/Hauser%20dec%2012%202010/P1060261.jpg)
(http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/Bobalotta/Hauser%20dec%2012%202010/P1060263.jpg)
more repeater trivia:
This is the American Tower site on Hauser Mtn. This site is a mess, as is most American Tower sites.
The Hauser 2m repeater isn't located here, it's up the road at the L.A. County site.
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Morse Code was one of the first over-the-air (without wires) methods of communication between radio operators.
So Verizon didn't have the "first digital network" after all ;)
Its kind of funny... On several occasions, I've had the opportunity to let someone know that the little "strange" ringtone on their phone that lets them know they have a new SMS message, is Morse Code for the letters S-M-S.
Although there are less and less users of Morse these days, its still used in the aviation world. Morse is used to allow pilots to identify navaids, such as VOR stations.
Up until the 40's Morse was instrumental in air navigation. A system, known by various names, including "4-course radio range" was used as a form of navigation. Stations broadcast the Morse 'A' in two opposite quadrants of a circle, and the letter 'N' in the other two. If a pilot heard a steady tone, he knew he was flying on the border of one of those quadrants. If he heard the letter 'A', he was flying on one side of that border, and if he heard the letter 'N', he was flying on the other side.
Here's a photo of an old 1944 LA sectional on my website, showing how they were displayed on charts: http://www.fly-ul.com/Airspace/oldsectional.jpg (http://www.fly-ul.com/Airspace/oldsectional.jpg)
More info on this form of navigation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Frequency_radio_range (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Frequency_radio_range)
To see this form of navigation in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-VqtNY8vpw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-VqtNY8vpw)
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Where Mountain High North is located.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_transmission (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave_transmission)
Microwave links are used for many things... commercial/gov't. Data, phone transmissions, voice. The issue here, is that during earthquakes, for instance, the towers (located many miles from each other) can move/shift just slightly, causing the microwave link to be compromised (its generally a very narrow beam, so any mis-alignment causes problems.
(http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/Bobalotta/Hauser%20dec%2012%202010/P1060266.jpg)
This is the DWP site at Hauser. The round dishes are microwave antennas.
There are six microwave antennas visible, all with high performance microwave variety. So, three paths are space diversity. In most cases, the primary transmit antenna is the top antenna, with backup on the lower, but not both on at the same time. Both receivers are active at the same time and a signal comparator selects the best signal and mutes the signal from the other until the comparator selects the other receiver. The best receive signal is always selected. Space diversity will result in a 10 fold improvement in link performance and up time.
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My friend in Ridgecrest got po'd at his internet provider so I'm shooting him my internet connection via the microwave dish to his site on El Paso Peak where he then shoots it down to his house in Ridgecrest. The square antenna below is a 5.8 link to a location in Lancaster.
The pile of rocks in the lower right corner is where I buried my dog. :'(
(http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/ad284/Bobalotta/P1060342.jpg)
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We are getting a little side tracked in this thread about ham radios and hiking.
When hiking and using a HT (handi talkie) discussed in previous posts you won't be using a microwave repeater or microwave antenna.
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ok back on topic ;)
I just thought the wikipedia description needed some help.
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I agree as microwave equipment plays a very significant role in communications but for the most part new hams will not be involved with microwave signals.
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It's all very interesting. Just trying to get a handle on everything. what's ham related and what looks like could be but really isn't.
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OK, FO, here's the deal, straight shooting, no !#$%#$ USC prejudice from me. ;D
It's time to get the rubber to the road, or get the @#$ get off the pot, so to speak. The people have spoken (and I agree). Stop agonizing, make a decision to take the amateur radio test (btw, I challenge you not to say 'ham' for the next 4 posts) and get a #$@#$ amateur radio. If you have the funds, the Kenwood handheld radio that WW mentioned is the most versatile for the money. With that, you can always get an antenna (and adapter) for the car or house that has more 'gain' (better transmission/reception) to use while you figure out what this is all about.
After that, it will be community that decides how much you will do with this resource. I confess, I was like you (eww!) wondering what the heck I would talk about... Until my neighbors at the time got me to volunteer for com support for a local air show. AIR SHOW??? Boy, howdy, I had more fun than I can EVER say. AND FROM THERE, I met a bunch of people (including Toolman - if you're single you might just step up your interest), most all of which are still my VERY good friends today and I feel privileged to be THEIR friends - 'ham' radio is an interest that involves one of the most eclectic group of folks of any hobby that I can think of. I say that in a GOOD way.
So, step up, bite the bullet. Take the test (if a Bruin can pass, can't you????) and get the Kenwood hand-held, or whatever you like from WW's pics. See what it's like. If you don't like it, then friggin' sell the unit on eBay and you won't be too much money behind. Like most things, it is what YOU make of it.
Gauntlet down (in a good way),
Kerin
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I'm gonna get banned if I say ham again? :laugh: What's a group of people who use ham radios called anyways? hammers? I can't use it if I don't have a license right? wouldn't that be putting the ham before the course? :P
It just takes me a while before I pull the trigger, so I can buy one and use it just to listen? but can't talk in it? see? I really have no idea how this whole thing works... still checking it out. Where did you buy yours? what else did you have to get for it to work besides just the unit?
I'm married! (I know i know, my poor wife...) I am seriously interested in getting a ham. (four times!!!! I knew I could do it!!!! what do I win? a ham???? ;D) can't really see me using it other than carrying it on my hikes right now. and calling for help if needed. I'm gonna listen this sunday at six. How do you end a conversation on a ham? ten four? this is FIGHT ON, over and out? 8) (those are SC shades btw...)
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What's a group of people who use ham radios called anyways?
Amatuer Radio Operators
I can't use it if I don't have a license right?
Right
wouldn't that be putting the ham before the course? :P
Not really
so I can buy one and use it just to listen?
Yes
but can't talk in it?
Correct
Where did you buy yours?
here...
http://www.aesham.com/
and here...
http://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/home.asp
what else did you have to get for it to work besides just the unit?
Nothing
I'm gonna listen this sunday at six.
Good, you'll like it.
How do you end a conversation on a ham? ten four?
with your Callsign. I end my conversation with...KI6IMF
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Amatuer Radio Operators
interesting, no nick names?
Right
is it that I'm not supposed to or I actually can not speak into it and be heard by others?
Not really
that was supposed to be funny.
Yes
cool, but again I won't be able to speak in it? or if I did they would arrest me?
Correct
ok so when do I get to talk in it? after I get a license? and it magically starts to work? or they have a ceremony and I graduate with all the graduation music walking down the isle with everyone cheering and screaming my name FIGHT ON!?
here...
http://www.aesham.com/
and here...
http://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/home.asp
Thanks.
Nothing
just buy the one on the left and that's it? get a license and I can carry it on my hikes, get bit by a snake, and call someone to call the copter and be rescued! ???
Good, you'll like it.
looking forward to it. are any of you folks gonna be broadcasting? how will I know who is who? if so, just sayin, and somebody better give a shout out to FIGHT ON, or is that illegal?
with your Callsign. I end my conversation with...KI6IMF
that's the number the ham admin dude gives you?
Thanks for clearing some of this stuff up!
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Personally, I don't care how many times he uses "ham" in a post... as long as he promises never to use the phrase "CB" again ;)
that's the number the ham admin dude gives you?
Dude = Federal Communications Commission.
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Personally, I don't care how many times he uses "ham" in a post... as long as he promises never to use the phrase "CB" again ;)
yer name has a cb in it... :o
Dude = Federal Communications Commission.
sounds spooky.
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I think I'm done with this conversation.
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I think I'm done with this conversation.
Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!
Bob, USC = Unusually Scientifically Challenged
FO, you sound like someone who can't make a decision on which computer to buy because the one you're looking at will be out of date next week. That ain't gonna change in any technology these days.
I advise anyone new (and Tom got the same advice), the normal progression is that first you get the HT (= Handheld = 'walkie-talkie') for local communication bands -> any one of the ones in WW's pic (I'd get Kenwood for the most bang for the buck). You can use it as is. After you find a niche for it and LEARN how to use it...
You can get a bigger antenna for your car for more reception.
Next purchase is a mobile rig (radio) for your car.
After that if you want to talk across country and around the world, it's up to you and you won't be asking if you need to have it anymore.
Amateur radio is like any tool - use it for as much or as little as you want!!!
Now then, if you want the bang and don't have the patience to learn how to use it, you can certainly hike in a more elemental fashion. No instruction needed for your hikes in case you get lost: wear lots of red or yellow, bring glittery things or mirrors for the helicopters, and don't skimp on water and things that will keep you warm.
ForestGal, your alum is all yours.... ;D
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If you buy the radio before you get your license it will technically work but it's illegal to use it. You can be fined by the FCC and or serve some time in jail if you break communications laws.
Some retailers will not sell you equipment if you do not have a call sign.
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If you buy the radio before you get your license it will technically work but it's illegal to use it. You can be fined by the FCC and or serve some time in jail if you break communications laws.
Some retailers will not sell you equipment if you do not have a call sign.
what? I sensed something like this. that's why I was asking so many questions in different ways... (what do you mean "but it's illegal to use it"?) I ain't gonna break any laws. don't wanna go to jail. and don't wanna be fined neither too! I was all about to order one from the http://www.aesham.com/ this morning. (im serious!) I looked at it yesterday and figured why not, I'm probably going to end up getting one anyway like lagomom said and I could just sell it if I didn't like it for some reason, made sense, and it seems like wrightwood recommends it and robert w says it's ok to use it. I was all excited. :'(
think I'll try to get excited looking for the Gorden West Technician book now... -Toolman.
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Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!
Bob, USC = Unusually Scientifically Challenged
I laughed too, you said you weren't going to do that stuff! :laugh:
FO, you sound like someone who can't make a decision on which computer to buy because the one you're looking at will be out of date next week. That ain't gonna change in any technology these days.
I'm not even to that point yet!
I advise anyone new (and Tom got the same advice), the normal progression is that first you get the HT (= Handheld = 'walkie-talkie') for local communication bands -> any one of the ones in WW's pic (I'd get Kenwood for the most bang for the buck). You can use it as is. After you find a niche for it and LEARN how to use it...
and get fined and go to jail? thanks!
You can get a bigger antenna for your car for more reception.
looks like it's got a big one already!
Next purchase is a mobile rig (radio) for your car.
why would you need a mobile rig? won't it work without it?
After that if you want to talk across country and around the world, it's up to you and you won't be asking if you need to have it anymore.
Amateur radio is like any tool - use it for as much or as little as you want!!!
Now then, if you want the bang and don't have the patience to learn how to use it, you can certainly hike in a more elemental fashion. No instruction needed for your hikes in case you get lost: wear lots of red or yellow, bring glittery things or mirrors for the helicopters, and don't skimp on water and things that will keep you warm.
I got the warm stuff, water, food, mirror (just got a signal mirror!) cardinal and gold attire down. and I don't think I'll get lost as I stay put on well maintained, well established trails. It's that getting bitten by that snake thing that's really got me worried. miles from a trail head, I mean what you're supposed to do is stay put in general, and what? slowly die? lol having a ham at that moment seems priceless. or if I break a leg. same thing, I mean often I am waaaaay off on these trails, alone, miles and miles after mile never seeing hardly anyone. just checking out spot, hams, plbs. etc. :2thumbsup:
ForestGal, your alum is all yours.... ;D
I didn't go to SC. ;D
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I ordered the Gordon West Technician book! :2thumbsup:
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You'll be hooked in no time. :)
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You'll be hooked in no time. :)
cool! im almost looking forward to be bitten by a snake!
ya know I've never seen a hiker with one... I've seen a few rangers have one or something that looked like one. maybe hikers carry them but they keep em inside their packs? you ever seen a hiker with one besides fg? or people other that people you know? ya know I just don't think they carry em, never seen conversations about them on the hiking boards.
think I'll be the only one. and maybe the only one who escapes because I had one! :2thumbsup:
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I need to correct myself.
It's perfectly legal to listen (recieve.) It's a great way to learn. It's illegal to transmit. You will learn how to legally transmit when you are studying for the test.
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I need to correct myself.
It's perfectly legal to listen (recieve.) It's a great way to learn. It's illegal to transmit. You will learn how to legally transmit when you are studying for the test.
shoot, now I have to buy one... ::)
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I laughed too, you said you weren't going to do that stuff! :laugh:
I'll put in more smiley's next time. I meant it just as a little rivalry poke in all good kidding and fun. I don't like nasty comments either which is why I haven't kidded with anyone but FG on the forum before because I thought it would deteriorate from fun to ill will.
That said, Goooo Bruins Sunday night!!! ;D ;D ;D
Btw, don't worry about what other hikers do. They may just have radios packed away. If they are simply ignorant of the capability of amateur radio, it doesn't mean that you have to be. Take the opportunity as a challenge. If after time, you decide it's not for you, there's always ebay and radios have a decent resale.
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I'll put in more smiley's next time. I meant it just as a little rivalry poke in all good kidding and fun. I don't like nasty comments either which is why I haven't kidded with anyone but FG on the forum before because I thought it would deteriorate from fun to ill will.
That said, Goooo Bruins Sunday night!!! ;D ;D ;D
Btw, don't worry about what other hikers do. They may just have radios packed away. If they are simply ignorant of the capability of amateur radio, it doesn't mean that you have to be. Take the opportunity as a challenge. If after time, you decide it's not for you, there's always ebay and radios have a decent resale.
It all depends how it works on the trails. I wish there were someone who uses one and has carried it across the remote areas and could report how well it worked. I'm 99 percent already convinced I'm gonna get one anyway. when the big one hits. pretty overwhelming reasons to have one even if I don't hike really.
don't forget, I have no clue about this stuff. isn't that obvious? :)
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http://www.artscipub.com/repeaters/ :2thumbsup:
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This website has the most accurate repeater information for the Southern Calif area:
http://rptrlist.w6jpl.ampr.org/
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It all depends how it works on the trails. I wish there were someone who uses one and has carried it across the remote areas and could report how well it worked. I'm 99 percent already convinced I'm gonna get one anyway. when the big one hits. pretty overwhelming reasons to have one even if I don't hike really.
don't forget, I have no clue about this stuff. isn't that obvious? :)
I've used my radio in a lot of canyons. It's waaaayyy more effective than a cell phone. And, as I said before, there are very easy ways to make it work better. The trick is to plan and test to see which repeater works for which areas. A tri band radio like the kenwood is deffinately the best way to go if you want to travel light but have a lot of options for communications. I have a similar radio to the Kenwood. I have the yaesu VX-6r. The Kenwood is better on 220 but the Yaesu is a little tougher and I've taken some pretty good spills on my mountain bike.
Here is a repeater guide for the PCT. I think there might be one or two remote areas on that trail. ;D
http://www.qsl.net/aa6j/pct/calif.htm (http://www.qsl.net/aa6j/pct/calif.htm)
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why would you need a mobile rig? won't it work without it? I
FO, I did this same pattern of thinking, and even went so far as to get the cigarette lighter power supply, and an external magnetic-mount antenna.
The one and only trip I used it on, I had so many wires across my lap and the inside of the car, I vowed never to work that radio that way again.
I ordered the Kenwood TM-271A 2 meter rig the next week. Had it installed in the car within a month. It is SO much easier to work that way. Not the least of which is the additional power on mobile rigs. HTs are limited by battery power, and usually only put out 5 watts of power. Mobile rigs are between 50 and 65 watts.
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A tri band radio like the kenwood is deffinately the best way to go if you want to travel light but have a lot of options for communications.
say that again...
I have a similar radio to the Kenwood. I have the yaesu VX-6r. The Kenwood is better on 220 but the Yaesu is a little tougher and I've taken some pretty good spills on my mountain bike.
I think I get that yours is more rugged but what's the 220? a different frequency? band? thanks.
Here is a repeater guide for the PCT. I think there might be one or two remote areas on that trail. ;D
http://www.qsl.net/aa6j/pct/calif.htm (http://www.qsl.net/aa6j/pct/calif.htm)
I found a map that pinpoints all the repeaters,(i think) but it cost's money to view it. like a membership.
I talked to this old guy today, a random event, he said he lives in Joshua Tree, started to tell me he grows these purple rare plants and spends a lot of time outdoors. so I asked him and he has hiked a lot of the trails in the san jacinto gorgonio wilderness. said he is the founder of geo caching, still is active and doesn't hide items but does a virtual variation. Sullivan? think that's his last name. anyway I had to ask because he must know about ham radios. so I did. I asked him if he has a ham radio. he gave me a confused look and said. what's a ham radio? :o
this guy had got to be over 60 years old. "you must mean a satellite phone/radio". No a ham... you know, the thing that the rangers and sar carry with them. repeaters. hello! "no they carry satellite phones." ::) twilight zone for sure. I described the kenwood to him but he insisted that I was confused and it's repeaters are the satellites and bouncing off the atmosphere.
:'( very confusing.
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FO, I did this same pattern of thinking, and even went so far as to get the cigarette lighter power supply, and an external magnetic-mount antenna.
The one and only trip I used it on, I had so many wires across my lap and the inside of the car, I vowed never to work that radio that way again.
I ordered the Kenwood TM-271A 2 meter rig the next week. Had it installed in the car within a month. It is SO much easier to work that way. Not the least of which is the additional power on mobile rigs. HTs are limited by battery power, and usually only put out 5 watts of power. Mobile rigs are between 50 and 65 watts.
thanks, I called a salesman at http://www.aesham.com/ per robert w. and he said I could get an extra battery pack as a back up.
5 watts doesn't sound like much power. but if I only use it on a hike in an emergency it should still work adequately right? I mean what do the extra 45 to 60 watts effect? the volume? more time for sure but quality?
if you had a handheld in one hand and a mobile in the other, what would be the difference? Thanks.
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if you had a handheld in one hand and a mobile in the other, what would be the difference? Thanks.
1.5 lbs ;D
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1.5 lbs ;D
a moblie is only two lbs?
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Here's a brochure on one of the more popular mobile radios and it weighs 2.2 lb:
http://tinyurl.com/38we3hz
There's plenty of others available and they may vary in weight but should be similiar
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Here's a brochure on one of the more popular mobile radios and it weighs 2.2 lb:
http://tinyurl.com/38we3hz
There's plenty of others available and they may vary in weight but should be similiar
too bad car batteries weigh so much!
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say that again...
More bands = more repeaters which gives you more options.
I think I get that yours is more rugged but what's the 220? a different frequency? band? thanks.
220 is a band. Also know as 70cm.
I found a map that pinpoints all the repeaters,(i think) but it cost's money to view it. like a membership.
There are several free sites to view repeater frequencies. There is a list of local repeaters on the site we're on right now.
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I described the kenwood to him but he insisted that I was confused and it's repeaters are the satellites and bouncing off the atmosphere. :'( very confusing.
In a sense the "old guy" is correct. There are satellite phones, and the satellites act as a type of repeater. However that is a completely different conversation.
I have some experience in this area as well, but it is way different from amateur/ham radio...
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My kids and I took a 2-day class from Gordon West (over 10 years ago). My daughter was 13 when she got her license, so I'm sure you'll have no problem passing.
Cathy
KF6EVA
Tracy
KF6RPX
I ordered the Gordon West Technician book! :2thumbsup:
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My kids and I took a 2-day class from Gordon West (over 10 years ago). My daughter was 13 when she got her license, so I'm sure you'll have no problem passing.
Cathy
KF6EVA
Tracy
KF6RPX
Thanks! normally I would agree with that but aren't the 13 year olds the ones who we all go to to figure out stuff on computers? ;D
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she sure does hike fast! :o (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCuGf21tGSc)
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Actually, yes, and back then I did go to her with my computer questions -- so the impressive thing is that I actually passed the test. This stuff was completely foreign to me - and I did it, so I'm sure you'll have no trouble.
Thanks! normally I would agree with that but aren't the 13 year olds the ones who we all go to to figure out stuff on computers? ;D
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Actually, yes, and back then I did go to her with my computer questions
exactly! :laugh:
-- so the impressive thing is that I actually passed the test. This stuff was completely foreign to me.
that's what I was saying, same here!.. :P but I gotta do it. hardly anyone (including me!) I see or hear about carries one or a plb or spot. including the ones who get hurt or die! (not me!!!) and every time it happens I say, duh! what a small price to pay to have saved your life! ::) i just hope it works well enough out on the trails if I need it.
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Is this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKd5hupXJVo) yer neighbor?
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thanks, I called a salesman at http://www.aesham.com/ per robert w. and he said I could get an extra battery pack as a back up.
5 watts doesn't sound like much power. but if I only use it on a hike in an emergency it should still work adequately right? I mean what do the extra 45 to 60 watts effect? the volume? more time for sure but quality?
if you had a handheld in one hand and a mobile in the other, what would be the difference? Thanks.
the extra wattage means more power (dbw). Your signal will go farther.
The difference is 10 dbw if the mobile is 50 watts. Actually ERP (effective radiated power) would depend on the antenna used.
If you carried a lightweight directional yagi while hiking ERP of the handheld would increase possibly equaling the power of the mobile.
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the extra wattage means more power (dbw). Your signal will go farther.
The difference is 10 dbw if the mobile is 50 watts. Actually ERP (effective radiated power) would depend on the antenna used.
If you carried a lightweight directional yagi while hiking ERP of the handheld would increase possibly equaling the power of the mobile.
I'll hook a wire to one of my hiking poles! or both!! :P
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If any of you guys need help characterizing your equipment I can help. I have access to various network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, power/VSWR tools, and antenna pattern tools (I do it for a living). I also teach introductory RF classes (with equipment visuals of the modulation to demystify things) typically for my new engineers/operators but I could easily adapt my classes for HAMs.
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(http://img.skitch.com/20110116-f5q957ettrtxu8f91fhxydqmut.medium.jpg)
:)
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It's good to see you're on your way to getting your ticket. Have fun :)
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It's good to see you're on your way to getting your ticket. Have fun :)
Thanks! check this out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtsglN8z_Zk
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It's good to see you're on your way to getting your ticket. Have fun :)
'bout time ;D
Funny... I also puchased my first HT before getting my license. Now you have a monetary interest and there's no turning back now. In a week you'll be looking for a test site near you.
Let us know when you get your call so we can move to another repeater.... ;D
73'
WB6K
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Hey Fight On, if you have the time you should set your radio to 146.385 at 8 pm. I think you'll enjoy listening to the rescue net on the Keller Peak repeater. There is a roll call followed by a round table discussion that has to do with search and rescue, outdoor safety, or disaster preparedness. You can probably wait until 8:30 to tune in and listen to the discussion.
Here is a link to their website.
http://www.socalrescuenet.org/home (http://www.socalrescuenet.org/home)
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Hey Fight On, if you have the time you should set your radio to 146.385 at 8 pm. I think you'll enjoy listening to the rescue net on the Keller Peak repeater. There is a roll call followed by a round table discussion that has to do with search and rescue, outdoor safety, or disaster preparedness. You can probably wait until 8:30 to tune in and listen to the discussion.
Here is a link to their website.
http://www.socalrescuenet.org/home (http://www.socalrescuenet.org/home)
Ok I'll try.. which dohicky do I turn to tune in? It's all charged but never played with it yet. :laugh:
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I don't know, I don't have that radio. Look at your manual to learn how to use the VFO.
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Hey Fight On, did you figure out how to listen to Keller Peak?
Tonight on the Outdoor Adventure net (Thursdays at 7:30 pm) they talked about different modes of communication. FRS, GMRS, and Ham radio, satallite phones, spot, and other beacons. I was at a meeting tonight so I only caught the tail end.
Here is a link to their website.
http://www.oausa.net/ (http://www.oausa.net/)
Next week they will be talking about IRLP, the Internet Radio Linking Project. It will teach you a little more about what your radio can do.