Thanks for the info and resources Chaz, I will check them out. I know Ham can't/won't totally replace most of our regular coms, but I can imagine many scenarios where the cell network ceases to function (overloaded or cut/blocked). If Ham could allow families/friends/folks to communicate it would be invaluable and potentially life saving. If you wouldn't mind amusing me for a moment... Using some folks in this thread..if you, bigfrank and Joseph Valenti wanted to regularly talk, could you have a certain frequency and time set, and talk to each other? (Assuming all three of you were licensed to be on whatever freq.) Also, Ive seen you and others say they weren't licensed to use certain frequencies. How does one get in trouble for being on the wrong frequency? As in how is it proven/reported/monitored etc that you were on the wrong frequency? Wondering if there's computers that track everything, or "hall monitors"? Or is it just a honor type system?
You're very welcome, I do enjoy the hobby, and encourage others to at least see if it's for them. I've got Well Seasoned to thank for giving me the "nudge". But, the end goal is taking care of family, friends, and neighbors. But if someone is not used to the equipment, it's not necessarily of much use. Yes and no. No-one "owns" a frequency, but there's nothing stopping us from coming up with a time and frequency range to talk. If the established frequency is not in use, we're good. Otherwise we'd have to use an alternate frequency. There are established "net's" (networks) that do get together frequently on certain bands. I've found these operators to ne quite welcoming. Each license class has allowed frequency ranges they may operate in. There are monitors, however, the FCC is the only one that has the force of Law to enforce the rules. And, it seems that the budget isn't there to enforce the rules on the ham bands. I'm certain that if someone was causing interference with military or commercial interests, the FCC would be obliged to investigate, and fine/prosecute. But in many ways it seems like amateur radio may be the "new" CB bands.. who knows. They once required testing for the 11M frequencies that were allocated to Citizens Band radio. Overall, I would say "don't transmit unless licensed to operate on the band." There are operators that do enjoy triangulating rogue stations. I'm not to that level, but have a good understanding of the methods involved. They call these " Fox hunts".. and it's a way to practice signal location. Fox hunt 1..
FYI programing something like the UV5R is a PITA if you use a mac. The Chirp program wont' open. Still trying to figure it out.
Can you use another operating system just to set it up? I don't recall seeing any mac version, but maybe radioditty has one?
I have an old dell laptop with XP on it but the stupid drivers are messed up and it's not finding the PORT for the USB cable. Radioditty's driver isnt compatible w mac
Hmm well I found something that might help MAC OSX TIPS: MacOS users must install the KK7DS Python runtime before the application will execute. This only needs to be installed once. OS X support is limited to Intel architecture. PowerPC is not supported. Chirp.app is unsigned. With default security settings, you will need a special procedure to run it: Application Security in 10.9. More useful tidbits can be found at MacOS Tips. Software – BaoFeng Radios
I had the exact problem with windows. I needed to use a local hams computer since it was so confusing at the time. I don't recall the YouTube channel but there was a video that covered that very issue. Worst case scenario you could manually add local frequencies, i hear it's a little difficult, but might be worth learning in these times we're in. Radioreference.com should have your local frequencies on it.
Sorry to read that. It's a royal PITA when the tech fails us. Well, I'm signed up for a test date of 2/20 to take the Extra exam. Will be studying a good bit between now and then. Best part.. test is FREE Bad part, gotta drive 2 hrs to Rochester, NY Got with my friend I tested with last year, he says he's up for testing that day as well. If nothing else, we have 2 hrs to quiz each other on the way to Rochester.
BCB, how tech savvy are you? I know CHIRP will run under Linux, and you can make a USB or CD image to boot Linux without messing with your regular OS. Just a thought.
Been doing some study, and getting better test scores. But.. on a test of 50 questions, I wonder how I managed an 81.63% score. Test date is set, I will be testing on 2/20 in Rochester NY.
Thanks WS I am thankful that you brought the subject up, I'm really enjoying the hobby, and the learning.
If you bought the cable that cost like 10 bucks, you will likely never get it to work right. The cable with the good chip set built in cost 25-35 bucks and works great. Having said that, I don't use a Mac.
This is what I used to pass my tests. Passed both tests first time. General with a 94%, and the Extra with an 84%. Yeah, you have to pay for it, but it worked better for me than the free online sites. HamTestOnline - Study for your Ham Radio License Exam
Changed my call again, hopefully for the last time. Wanted a 1x2 call since I have my Extra now. They are hard to come by and you have to get drawn from a group of whoever, or how many people puts in for the call. My new call is K6WI Also picked up some new gear. Ameritron 811H amp (used and doing some stuff to it) MFJ 259C antenna annalizer (used it great shape) MFJ-891 Giant SWR/Watt meter (new) and a cool new sign with my call and name on it. Will get a photo or video of it up here soon. On edit: link to sign below...
Not sure if it helps, I was in the process on my computer and did something wrong (I was using a step by step video suggested here). I ended up getting out my laptop and tried again and I had some success.
No I bought the $25 cable with the authentic chip. It's my mac that's the problem. It wont launch the chirp program. I should have it programmed this weekend (using someone else's computer).
