Author Topic: HAM radio and being a good Samaritan (Read 18421 times)

RennMan · « **on:** Jul 08, 05, 08:27:57 PM »

I learned today firsthand how HAMs help the public at large...

While coming up Largo Vista on the way home, I was flagged down by a family in a GMC Suburban SUV. They had a tire blow out, and were trying to remove the lug nuts. The nuts were on very tight, and the shoulders of the nuts were starting to round over.

I tried to help, sprayed a little WD-40 on the nuts, but they wouldn't budge. Cell phones got a partial signal.

I got out my 2 meter radio, and called for some assistance using the Table Mountain repeater. Another HAM, KG6WRX, was able to contact a towing service, and between him and I, we gave directions to the vehicle, including licence plate and description.

While waiting for the tow truck, another local resident off of Largo Vista came to help. Russ, the other Samaritan, had to go back home a couple of times to get bigger breaker bars, but we all finally got the lug nuts off, and the tire changed, just as the tow truck arrived. We saved the family the tow charge, and spread some good karma all around.

I'm not relaying this message to show what a good guy I am, far from it. I was really impressed at how well the HAMs on the repeater worked together, all repeater traffic stopped until the situation was resolved, and everyone was satisfied.

Sensei told us in class that this was the way it is supposed to work, everyone working together to get the job done. I'm glad I was able to help in some small way, to make the day better for a family with a problem.

Thought you all would like to know the story.

Peace
Matt

artology · « **Reply #1 on:** Jul 08, 05, 11:01:58 PM »

Very cool, Matt.

KG6ZEU

Wrightwood · « **Reply #2 on:** Jul 09, 05, 07:53:45 AM »

Matt,
That's great!

Nolena · « **Reply #3 on:** Jul 09, 05, 07:55:10 AM »

clint · « **Reply #4 on:** Jul 09, 05, 08:29:23 AM »

I am discussing the next class with Capt. Bennett. The first slots will go to as many firefighters from 101s that are interested, Boston Bob is on the list, and I will put you two on as the next folks interested. Would love to have you both participate. To get started, order Now you're talking:

http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?category=What%27s+New&words=Now+you+are+talking&SearchWords.x=9&SearchWords.y=10

It's $19.95

and start to study.

Nolena · « **Reply #5 on:** Jul 09, 05, 08:39:33 AM »

Icy cold tendrils of fear suddenly grip my stomach!

Book? Study?

Anybody got a used copy we could borrow, or do we need to have one on hand?

RennMan · « **Reply #6 on:** Jul 09, 05, 09:26:01 PM »

Having at least one copy between the two of you would be a good thing.

And, thanks folks, just trying to help!

clint · « **Reply #7 on:** Jul 10, 05, 09:09:59 AM »

Nolena,

Just to drive more iciles of fear into your heart:

Achieving an Amateur Radio License is not like getting a CB license was years ago. The class I teach runs 12 to 16 hours in four sessions. Then there is a test administered by certified volunteer examiners. 35 questions covering rules and regulations, electronics, radio theory, operating practices, and RF exposure safety. If people are interested I will do one more session after radios are purchased to help with the practical matter of getting on the air.

A handheld radio costs $180.00 to $230.00 plus a few accesseries.

Wrightwood · « **Reply #8 on:** Jul 10, 05, 09:31:26 AM »

Kathy,
You can get a jump start on learning the stuff by doing online practice tests and it's free.

Go to the website listed below and take the Technician Class test.
After you've taken it enough times the answers will start to become familiar and your score will begin to go up.

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

With Clint's great classes, studying the book and using the online test I really don't see it difficult for most anyone if they really want to accomplish it.

Chesslike · « **Reply #9 on:** Jul 10, 05, 12:08:12 PM »

Took the practice test without cracking a book yet and got a 62.9% plus there were 3 more I should have gotten right if I would have taken my time and read the answers more closely. I think my chances of passing look promising.

Nolena · « **Reply #10 on:** Jul 13, 05, 08:21:55 AM »

Do you have to have a radio to take the course, or can you get one later?

clint · « **Reply #11 on:** Jul 13, 05, 08:31:37 AM »

You can get one later. In fact you can't transmit without the license so most folks wait to be sure they pass the test before purchasing.

Wildman · « **Reply #12 on:** Jul 13, 05, 02:05:01 PM »

Nolena · « **Reply #13 on:** Jul 13, 05, 02:17:07 PM »

Thanks!

Nolena · « **Reply #14 on:** Jul 13, 05, 07:43:19 PM »

When should I tell the spousal unit that he's taking the course with me?

Wildman · « **Reply #15 on:** Jul 13, 05, 10:56:45 PM »

Just before you get him into the Linnet Learning Center on the pretext that you are getting a Swedish breakfast.

clint · « **Reply #16 on:** Jul 14, 05, 10:17:03 AM »

No, no, no.... You point out to him, that Wayne Bennett is getting his license, and he works for the County!

Nolena · « **Reply #17 on:** Jul 14, 05, 09:11:28 PM »

Quote from: Clint on Jul 14, 05, 10:17:03 AM

No, no, no.... You point out to him, that Wayne Bennett is getting his license, and he works for the County!

Oooooo! Good one! That might work!

Chesslike · « **Reply #18 on:** Jul 25, 05, 11:10:58 AM »

So Clint, do you have a firm number of students for the next HAM class and will we be able to take Jack up on his generous offer of getting the books at a discount?

clint · « **Reply #19 on:** Jul 25, 05, 01:27:55 PM »

No I don't yet, but yes we will.

Author Topic: HAM radio and being a good Samaritan (Read 18421 times)

artology

clint

clint

Chesslike

clint

Wildman

Wildman

clint

Chesslike

clint