Posted on 01/02/2012 10:46:48 AM PST by Professional Engineer
A lot of preppers are talking about Ham radio as a communications system during and after an SHTF event. The ability to listen and even talk with people vast distances away in real time is powerful tool.
For a very long time I’ve wanted to get an Amateur Radio license (“Ham”). For one reason or another I never undertook the study and the test. Until now. I have just passed my Technician’s license exam! (as of writing this) While it will still be a couple of weeks before I get my official station call sign, I’m very excited and already preparing for the next step of licensing. In this article I will walk you through the details of exactly how to get your first Ham radio license. It isn’t a hard process but can be a bit confusing and I didn’t find any one source that clearly listed it all.
(Excerpt) Read more at thesurvivalmom.com ...
Does one have to get a license if only listening?
I used to have mine (25 years ago) but stupidly let it lapse. I was terrible with morse code. I understand thats not a requirement anymore though.
Congrats! Now, get moving on your General ticket!
After years of delay I got mine a few years ago. We have a small group of like-minded hams scattered across the region and regularly practice voice and digital communications, mostly without relying on infrastructure (e.g. repeaters) that are out of our control.
As I understand it, you do not need a license to listen.
Considering the nature of the 0bamunist regime currently in power, I would not even bother with a license when purchasing a transmitter/receiver, just DON’T transmit until the SHTF, if a truly global/regional disaster strikes, the Feds will very likely be trying to shut down any loose cannons on the airwaves, licensed or not. If they already have your personal information from applying for your ticket, you’ve made their job that much easier. I don’t advocate transmitting without a license, however at this stage I find it more useful to listen and sort through the information coming over the receiver.
Pinging the SWL/HAM/DX list
Powerful tool indeed.
In fact so powerful, during World Wars the United States Congress suspended all amateur radio (Ham) operations.
Anyone may listen.
“Does one have to get a license if only listening?”
Nope.
Just get your self a General Coverage Shortwave radio and listen to your hearts content.
Shortwave is what got me interested in HAM.
kb2zlz
No you don't. Those who indulge this way are called short wave listeners (SWL). Mylife does this.
Many countries require X years of SWL experience in order to sit for license exams. Nice filter for the rif raf, methinks.
Congratulations! Yes go ahead and get your General ticket. I have been making great contacts from Chile on 20 meters and Alaska on 10 meter FM! 73 N7LRG.
Good info!
No. Short Wave Listening (SWL) is a very popular hobby. You can listen on any Ham band, as well as on foreign short-wave bands, police, fire, aircraft, pizza delivery, etc. There are some frequencies on which you may not listen, such as cell phones. However, most commercial short wave receivers block out those prohibited bands, so you needn't worry about inadvertently eavesdropping.
I’ve been licensed for 23 years. In that time I’ve made ONE on-air CW contact, and have the card to prove it. Hi Hi.
My first long distance contact was right after I got my ‘General’(15 years ago).
Johannesburg, South Africa.. on 12 meters..
I earned my Advanced ticket many years ago. I would have kept it too, but the lure of the Extra sub-bands called.
The Governor replied in a disgusted tone, "No, we don't need to deal with ham radio operators..."
Yeah, their just citizens, and outside of jamming them, it's hard to completely control them.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.