Any Ham Radio Operators on FHC?

Shoot. I'm glad you clarified that for me. I'm calling tomorrow and canceling my test date in July. That will give me a lot more time to watch videos, and read. Less stress too. It will give me something to do at night come winter.

 

Don't know the age range of your children.. But if you get into the hobby, this could be you someday.

 

I'm going to run to the store, then watch that. I have a feeling how it goes. My daughter is straight A kid who never studies jack. Not me. She remembers Bible Verses like none other.

 

Winter..


That's a little ways off I hope.


But I don't know what's "on your plate" for the summer.

I encourage you to check out websdr, and some of the links from my YouTube acct.

You might find it's not your thing, you might jump down the rabbit hole also.

But be warned.. the rabbit hole is deep

 

I miss the days where my brain was like a steel trap.


Kinda rusty these days.

But I guess that's one of the main things with this, it's something I was already interested in, and it feeds my mental need.

 

Chaz, according to the repeater book app we only have two repeaters in my area. one is 2m, the other 70cm about a half mile apart. 21 and 22 miles away. That would be a big limiting factor for just the technicians license right?

Also, which AARL handbook should I buy for study and charts?

 

Camber I purchased this ARRL Tech license manual.



NOTE: It shows they have none available right now, which seems odd.

If you order one online, ensure that the book ISBN is
978-1625950826

As some places will sell you the older version. The one I list is the appropriate one for the 2018-2022 Tech test cycle.

I also purchased this book (first actually)



It's less than the ARRL book, but not quite as comprehensive in my personal opinion.

But it will show you what you need to know.

ISBN is 978-0945053903

I am willing to loan you one or both books, as long as you return them when done.

I don't know what shipping would be, but can find that out if you are interested.

I'll attach the band chart that I keep on my phone.

Edit.. I'll attach one I keep for electrical as well

 

A chart that shows the number of test questions from each sub-element.



As you can see, there's 10 sub-elements with a varying number of test questions from each section.

 

You may have to make a better antenna, but you may be able to hit them with the stock antenna.

Without knowing your terrain better, I honestly can't say

 

Excellent! I bought the tech and general aarl manual late last night. found one for tech that was used on amazon. Thanks for the offer, I decided to purchase them in case my son wants to follow suit. I'll have the wife print out the charts for me to study when she gets home.

As far as terrain, There is range of mountains between me and the repeaters I mentioned. The elevation difference is about 1500 feet.

I found the website to look up ham operators in my area. I do know the two who are active. One guy lives about two miles away. Drove by his house this morning, but don't see any antennas anywhere. I'll catch him at the post office someday and pick his brain. I see he is an extra

 

I'm glad you started this discussion. Ham radios have intrigued me for years. Chazaroo has been filling his cranium with a boat load of info. Been a huge help to me! I was wondering what bands he can operate on in his autonomous zone? Does the FCC regs still apply?

 

Thanks Well Seasoned




I've been very active in my learning, as you've noticed.

Unfortunately I think I'll be waiting for a bit on Extra testing, as the new test begins July 1, and I'm not gonna be able to test prior to that. I still have some weak areas to brush up on, and I don't wanna rush into the test unprepared.

But, it's all good, I've got plenty to keep me occupied at the moment anyway.

I have a feeling Camber may be assisting in answering questions soon.

And, as he said, I also am very glad you started this thread. I feel like I've hijacked it a bit though.

 

Well, my autonomous zone is 22 acres of Southwestern NY. All bands are open, and FCC rules still apply.


As to your terrain there, you may still be OK with the repeaters, they are generally put at highest altitude, so I wouldn't rule them out.

Also, when you get your General license, you'll find that there are many ways to mess with your signal.

NVIS is something you will come across. It allows for using HF bands as a "local" area antenna rather than a distance (DX) antenna.

This will make sense to you soon.

 

I have a long way before helping anyone.

Yeah, I feel like I've hijacked the thread too. I should have PM'd Chaz with my million questions.

 

Good! Sounds better than pouring 7 yards of concrete for a base, just to slap a huge tower on.

 

I'm quite sure Well Seasoned is happy for the questions.

It is the nature of this site to help others.

You may always PM me.

But some of the questions you've asked are exactly the type of questions that beginners need the answers to.

Some may just not know that they need that question answered yet.

 

Well..


That tower at my friends house is 40' tall.
I'm gonna do my best to add another 20' at least.


By the time in done, I wanna contact anywhere I choose.

 

Nah keep your questions here, as there may be lurks watching the thread and you guys just might encourage others to join in.

 

Interesting, if you are interested.