Ham Radio & Hiking

[ChattyCathy]

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! 

[FIGHT ON]

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? 

[FIGHT ON]

she sure does hike fast!

[ChattyCathy]

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? 

[FIGHT ON]

Actually, yes, and back then I did go to her with my computer questions

exactly! 

-- 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!..  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.

[FIGHT ON]

Is this yer neighbor?

[SkierBob]

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.   

[FIGHT ON]

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!! 

[Jonesse]

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.

[FIGHT ON]

 

[Tomas]

It's good to see you're on your way to getting your ticket. Have fun 

[FIGHT ON]

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

[Toolman]

It's good to see you're on your way to getting your ticket. Have fun 

'bout time 

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....

73'
WB6K

[Tomas]

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

[FIGHT ON]

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

Ok I'll try.. which dohicky do I turn to tune in? It's all charged but never played with it yet. 

[Tomas]

I don't know, I don't have that radio. Look at your manual to learn how to use the VFO.

[Tomas]

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/

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.