Ham Radio & Hiking

[RennMan]

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.

[SkierBob]

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. 

[Bob C]

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

More info on this form of navigation: 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

[SkierBob]

Where Mountain High North is located.

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.

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.

[SkierBob]

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.   

[Wrightwood]

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.

[SkierBob]

ok back on topic 

I just thought the wikipedia description needed some help.

[Wrightwood]

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.

[FIGHT ON]

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.

[lagomorphmom]

OK, FO, here's the deal, straight shooting, no !#$%#$ USC prejudice from me. 

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

[FIGHT ON]

I'm gonna get banned if I say ham again?  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? 
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? ) 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?  (those are SC shades btw...)

[RobertW]

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? 

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

[lagomorphmom]

[FIGHT ON]

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!

[Bob C]

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.

[FIGHT ON]

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...

Dude = Federal Communications Commission.

sounds spooky.

[Bob C]

I think I'm done with this conversation.

[lagomorphmom]

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.... 

[Tomas]

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.

[FIGHT ON]

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.