TexasCHLforum.com

knotquiteawake wrote:I just got licensed last weekend! Passed the Tech and General License in one attempt.

For now I've just got a Baofeng and a mag mount antenna in the car. Its really limited, I was just barely tapping the Sachse Radio Clubs Repeater last Wednesday night from my place in Rowlett (about 2 miles). I'm working on getting all the parts needed to build a j-pole out of 3/8th aluminum rods. Maybe Santa will get on board this year and get me a Yaesu mobile unit with ~50Watts if i'm really lucky.

Really looking forward to eventually saving up enough to get a HF rig.

RoyGBiv wrote:Just took/passed the Technician test this week. Didn't study for the General, but took a shot at it anyways (no extra cost) and scored 23. Unfortunately you need a 26 to pass . I'll probably study a bit over the next few weeks and retake the General next month, while the Tech material is still fresh.

Ordered an Alinco DJ-V57T HT today, should take delivery next week some time.

I've never been particularly interested in amateur radio before, but I just completed our local CERT course and it became clear during class that having HAM capability would be a big advantage to communicating with the team, so, I took the plunge.

If you are interested in self study, there are many ways to go about it. I got handed a free copy of the "Technician License Course" book authored by Stu Turner. It includes access to online study and test material at HamRadioSchool.com. The book is about 200 pages, written for a non-techie. I spent maybe 5-6 hours total reading the book and taking the online quizzes. I do have a background in science and some electronics experience as well, so, the underlying radio and circuits concepts part was pretty easy. I think a non-science/tech person could easily pass the test with only a little more time spent studying. You only need 26/35 to pass, so, even if you're not great with the tech stuff, it's only a portion of the test. If you are at all comfortable with science (basic physics) and basic circuits, there's no reason you have to take a more elaborate teacher-instructed course for the entry level Technician license, unless you just prefer to do it that way. IMO, YMMV.

Just waiting for my call sign and equipment now.

MadMonkey wrote:Any recommendations on a relatively inexpensive setup for home? My dad used to have an awesome base station but it was sold off after he passed on.

I'm pretty much using my license for video equipment on my RC planes and multicopters. I really need a radio.

Rather do a non-handheld first. Just something to get my feet wet. I've had my license for about 12 years but still haven't owned a radio

jimlongley wrote:K5NRA - first licensed in 1955, let that one expire, licensed again in 1964 as a Tech, let that one expire, licensed again in 1971 and have been continuously since then. Finally decided to upgrade to Extra when I found out it was going no code, just so I could be one of the last of the dinosaurs.

SRO1911 wrote:Yes-ish...I passed my tech this past saturday, just waiting on a call sign now. Been on the CB since I could stand in the seat and reach the mic.
Founded the Key City Patriots almost a year ago - and comms has been a recent topic...so a bunch of us just said why not..and went and got licenses.
Now I have 3 weeks before the next test session - lots to study for general.

JALLEN wrote:I'm looking forward to getting back on the air soon. I've been refurbishing a shed on the property into a workshop/reloading area/ham shack, slowed by weather and the ravages of old age and decrepitude, but it's getting there. I have antenna restrictions to deal with, so I've been plotting and scheming about that. The original idea to put up a multiband HB vertical has morphed into what is likely to end up an inverted "L." The BigIR will stay in the garage for now as it is mechanically and electrically complex, a lot of moving parts; simple is better for my purpose!

I have a TenTec Omni VI+ and a 706GMKII right now, and I'm thinking about going into the world of SDR with one of the Flex radios. Before I moved I visited a ham in San Diego with all three of the then existing models, and his demonstration was very impressive. I'm not sure how I would handle a radio without knobs. I worry about the "old dog, new tricks" phenomena that afflicts me more and more these days. I had such a hard time with the 706, a button masher's paradise! Many times I wished I had my "C" line back!

Mike1951 wrote:

Mike1951 wrote:Got the study material. No test imminent.

Passed Technician in June 2013.

Passed General and Extra in September 2013.

On a related note, I've spent so much time reading ham related lists that I've been absent from this forum for six months.

lrpettit wrote:You can change my vote. Received my call sign yesterday. Too bad I don't have a radio!
KF5UOE

AlaskanInTexas wrote:Just got my ticket Tuesday - KF5TTV. Don't really know what I am doing, but still having fun with it.

JALLEN wrote:W6OGC here, first licensed as KN5VET in 1959. I've built antennas, worked DX, edited a book, "DX IS!" with my brother, been an EC, Secretary/Trustee for a 1000 member repeater club, T-hunter, handled phone patches to VN in the '60's, met Barry Goldwater, been a VC of the ARRL, of which I am a life member.

I am antenna-less at the moment due to the hopefully impending sale of the house so I can come home. One vexing issue in buying our new home there is the pervasiveness of antenna restrictions.