Posted on 08/19/2017 5:37:59 AM PDT by canalabamian
My Dad was a HAM. He wired up a Vic 20 to do his Morse when his hearing was fading. He had a ton of fun.
Morse code is still worthwhile. I struggled for years trying to learn it, trying multiple software trainers, then found Code Quick and learned it in a day. I also used Ham University which I thought was great for practice test questions and practicing code. I paid for it but it’s now free to download on Cnet. When I was studying for my tech license I tried just about every free software that was available at the time, and these two were the best. You can do practice tests online, but Ham U. is customizable and I thought more user friendly. My 87 year old father does code competitions and proudly displays his framed certificate from a recent big win.
Another FR amateur here. I got in just as soon as they had the no-code tech available. Had several HAM friends and they were all on repeaters and using auto-patch, which was quite a deal back then. I convinced my wife to get a license, too.
Haven’t used the radio since I got a cell phone.
Ham here. Always fascinated by radio communications. Got technician then general license when 5 wpm Morse was still required. Morse lots of fun once you “get it”. Have a handheld which I only use basically for listening. Nice to have if/when balloon goes up.
AARL a wonderful organization and their website/publications are the place to start.
Morse code is no longer a licensing requirement. Having said that, it’s admirable that you want to learn it. There are plenty of Ham’s here on FR, I’m one of them.
Snake?
You're clearly "one of the smart ones" who's kinda wired for the hobby. It took me about 3 hours of study to pass my Tech and another 6 or so to pass my General.
Took my Advanced test once, missed by two questions and haven't tried since. That was at least three years ago now. Since the bands frankly suck lately, haven't bothered much studying again.
Check out Kenwood THG71.
Eham.net is a very good site for reviews among other things.
Yes. Kent Britain, WA5VJB, has written thousands of articles and created designs for cheap little antennas you can make for almost any product. Cheap yagis, preamp cookbook, etc. All are available at the link below:
http://www.wa5vjb.com/references.html
And he sells dirt cheap printed circuit board antennas, too, if you don’t want to make your own.
Not so much smart as very interested in it as a kid, but I was too lazy to learn Morse at 13, or even 5 wpm.
The problem was, it was at the same time I was discovering girls, so I had a choice, _ . _ . - _ _ . _ -, or chase puzzy.
Testosterone won out over technology.
Have a good weekend.
Because so many hams are retirement age and passing on, ham radio clubs often end up with donated gear from “silent keys” free to anyone who wants it. They periodically give it to new hams to keep the hobby going.
Like this?
Wifi Antennae Mod Install - Extending Wifi Range - AR Drone 2.0, Episode 41 HD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muL3nMa9Q1M
It was the fastest morse code key of the time. Light blue in color, horizontal key motion instead of the traditional vertical motion key. One side was the dot the other the dash instead of having to hold a key down longer for the dash. My older brother was the ham, I just hung out with him.
Don’t need code anymore ... just pass the tech, general, extra ... tests ... that’s all the licenses now.
My father was a ham, my husband is a ham, my 10 year old son became a ham. I decided in self defense I should become one. Hamtestonline.com is a great way to study. It works on your weaknesses. I have my general now, and might go for extra some day. I have also gotten my father’s call sign as my vanity.
Our group is very involved in all emergency situations.... from reporting weather to the local NWS to being called out to support communications for sheriff and fire depts after a tornado or floods. We also provide support for a number of local bike races and a cross state relay race.
It can be a very worthwhile hobby.
He has a 100' tower and actually shot an extension wire another 100' across his back yard and into the top of a pine tree to increase his signalling ability.
We run handheld here for SHTF situations. We are blessed with a great repeater network and a good local club.
>> still remember the cryptic test passages
Uh, no.
“[Bens] best bent wire” is notable because, when sent, has a rhythmic, almost musical sound.
“pack my [favorite] bag with twelve dozen Phoenician liquor jugs” is the same as “the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog” (albeit less well known). They both contain all letters of the alphabet.
Extra here, way down in 4 land.
ARRL, American Radio Relay League, Inc., is the major advocacy organization for the promotion of Amateur Radio and represents the interests of Amateur Radio before Congress.
Monitors any new laws that might infringe on the frequency segments allotted to Amateur Radio because many federal, state, and local governmental agencies might want to expand their frequency allotment by taking some of that assigned to Ham Radio.
ARRL provides much more for the Amateur Radio community. There is a nominal membership fee but I feel it is well worth it. Plus you get a good, informative and entertaining magazine,” QST “ each month.
Go to WWW.ARRL.ORG to see everything they offer for Amateur Operators.
73
>> Our group is very involved in all emergency situations... reporting weather ... support communications for sheriff and fire depts after a tornado or floods... [event] support.
BINGO, we have a winner!
Dead hobby? No. Amateurs cross the country are active as volunteers within ICS (the Incident Command System). Lots of free courses are available. The some of the ARES and RACES members can act like spoiled 8 year olds, but, overall, are a good first contact point.
The DHS AuxComm class is where ham radio meets public safety. Great program!
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