Posted on 12/29/2004 8:46:24 AM PST by entreri
Well, there's no room for a rhombic in Manhattan, which is the Center Of The Universe, don'cha'know?
Grrrr.
73 de KC8DQH
You think the FCC would move that fast? Especially since there's no money involved? (viz. the FCC frantically shoving BPL down everyone's throats with great urgency)
Personally, I've been trying to get to five WPM for nine years now. A lot of it is insufficient practice, but it is not a trivial skill.
Well, there are Gordon West's Technician book and the ARRL's book "Now You're Talking".
The exam is a fairly short (35 question) multiple choice test. Some memorization is required - allowed frequencies, etc. Very simple algebra is also required. Ohm's Law - E = I · R - is about the extent of the math. An online exam practice page, using the actual questions, is at AA9PW.com.
With the Technician license, you can use all amateur frequences above 30 MHz. These VHF, UHF, and microwave bands will support primarily local communication, but with occasional continent-wide band openings and with amateur satellites you're not limited to just 10 or 20 miles either.
There are a whole host of radios appropriate for the new Technician. Big ham radio suppliers are Amateur Electronic Supply, Ham Radio Outlet, and Universal Radio. I've had good experiences dealing with all three.
Even before you get your license, I suggest finding a local ham radio club and going to a meeting if you can. Many clubs put on classes for the Tech license as well as the Morse code. The ARRL has a Club locator based on ZIP code.
...the only ... "embarrassment" at either hobby would have to be an insecurity-driven adolescent obesession with appearing "cool" to other adolescents. TIME needs to hire some grown-ups.
free dixie & 73s,sw
73 to you.
i do NOT trust either politicians OR bureaucrats as they act ONLY in THEIR selfish interest.period. end of story.
free dixie,sw
Yup, thats how I got started. Got an old Shortwave (for y2k lol just in case) and within 4 months I had my licence.
Not an embarrassing hobby to me.
73
Really? I hadn't heard one way or the other. I do know that a lot of people are selling the wind-up shortwave radios as "blackout radios" or "disaster radios".
Posted for all:
IT is really refreshing to know that there are so many "Freepers" that are also Amateur Radio Operators. As a group we represent a large factor in this media. Best regards to all "Hams". Bill K2AFE licensed since 4/1952
Also, keep in mind that nothing is inherently "cool". "Cool" is whatever people say it is. Since celebrities are usually the trendsetters in this country, if Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and Colin Farrell all admitted to being stamp collectors, then stamp collecting would probably be considered a "cool" thing to do.
CG, thanks loads for all of the information. I think I have plenty of homework/research to start now.
Hey, I built a Heathkit Shortwave radio on my wedding night, and I am NOT embarrassed about it. I collect stamps, too.
Check your local library and the local ham clubs for the books; some clubs have the study books for loan.
Nasty LTE sent to time.com. Extra class myself. One of the lines was, the day will soon come when MSM employees have to speak in hushed tones about their profession.
Cabover Pete with a reefer on
And a Jimmy haulin' hogs
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.