HAM Radio

[CodeJockey]

73

KF5CKB

[FL450]

Handhelds and the 2m or .70cm bands can be a lot of fun and get you world wide access. Nobody here has mentioned IRLP. A growing number of local repeaters are able to link your radio to repeaters all over the US and world. IRLP ....internet radio linking project. In fact, there is an app for your phone now that will allow you to talk on IRLP repeaters using VOiP. Basically turns your phone into a ham radio. The app is called echolink and you have to send a copy of your license before getting access.

At some point after the Texas legislative session, I'd like to look into setting up an IRLP for TexasCHLforum. For non-Hams, we can't get dedicated frequency pairs, but if one of the major players will give us a node, it will be pretty much what I'd like to see available.

Chas.

I think we have enough Hams on the forum to make it worth while
N5KAC

[scottmeador]

At some point after the Texas legislative session, I'd like to look into setting up an IRLP for TexasCHLforum. For non-Hams, we can't get dedicated frequency pairs, but if one of the major players will give us a node, it will be pretty much what I'd like to see available.

Chas.

This would be an awesome feature!

KF5KGE

[Arride]

If you want to know how to soft-mod or play with your UV-3R see my site: http://www.sc3ne.com/baofeng-uv-3r-expa ... ification/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; -- by the way, never, ever broadcast unless it's an emergency unless you have your license. $15 to $25 + a local group found via Google should be able to help you out with that. You can get all 3 licenses at once if you've studied. Check out the charts and info on the http://www.arrl.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; site for more info.

[MolonLabe]

Where would a complete novice start with this? Ive been wanting to learn for ages. Best novice instruction book suggestion?

[Charles L. Cotton]

Where would a complete novice start with this? Ive been wanting to learn for ages. Best novice instruction book suggestion?

If you post this question on eHam.com or other ham boards, you'll get several different answers. I got my Advanced license in about 1977 and it was a bear of a test! Back then, we didn't have access to the question pool, so you had to actually learn the material.

I just upgraded to Extra a few months ago using Gordon West's book and the related testing software. The software allows you to take a simulated test or take all of the questions in any of the sections. I read the book once, then starting taking practice exams. If I had a problem with certain subject matter, I reread that part of the book.

Gordon's book covers all of the pool questions and it provides not only the answers, but at least some of the theory behind the question/answer. He has a great approach in that he combines all of the questions on a given subject matter in a section and this makes it much easier to learn the material. (Although the pool questions often repeat questions with slightly different wording, they are scattered throughout the pool.)

Here is a link to W5YI's website that sells Gordon's material. http://www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I got the Extra Class Book and software package, but I didn't see it on the current list. You will want to start with the Technician Class material. This is the package I'd suggest. http://www.w5yi.org/catalog_details.php?pid=71&sort=4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Chas.

[scottmeador]

[/code]

Where would a complete novice start with this? Ive been wanting to learn for ages. Best novice instruction book suggestion?

The wife and I took a class given by the North East Tarrant County Amateur Radio club. http://www.netarc.us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
We used the Gordon West Technican Class 2010-2014 book. It contains all of the test questions along with short explanations of the correct answers. :) http://www.w5yi.org/catalog_details.php?pid=69&sort=4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MolonLabe]

Thank you! I'm going to try and find a class, didn't even know they existed. Checking out the link now.

[MolonLabe]

Where would a complete novice start with this? Ive been wanting to learn for ages. Best novice instruction book suggestion?

If you post this question on eHam.com or other ham boards, you'll get several different answers. I got my Advanced license in about 1977 and it was a bear of a test! Back then, we didn't have access to the question pool, so you had to actually learn the material.

I just upgraded to Extra a few months ago using Gordon West's book and the related testing software. The software allows you to take a simulated test or take all of the questions in any of the sections. I read the book once, then starting taking practice exams. If I had a problem with certain subject matter, I reread that part of the book.

Gordon's book covers all of the pool questions and it provides not only the answers, but at least some of the theory behind the question/answer. He has a great approach in that he combines all of the questions on a given subject matter in a section and this makes it much easier to learn the material. (Although the pool questions often repeat questions with slightly different wording, they are scattered throughout the pool.)

Here is a link to W5YI's website that sells Gordon's material. http://www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I got the Extra Class Book and software package, but I didn't see it on the current list. You will want to start with the Technician Class material. This is the package I'd suggest. http://www.w5yi.org/catalog_details.php?pid=71&sort=4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Chas.

$29.95! That is not as bad as I thought it would be. I think I'll start there and then try the software if I can make it through a few chapters. Thank you for the great start.

[cheezit]

w5yi as chas saud is a great spot.
Im sure ive also posted this up as well.
google aa9pw. he has done a buch and has free practice test's.
and somepoint ill go further up the ham ladder. just havent had a reason as of late.

[n5wd]

Where would a complete novice start with this? Ive been wanting to learn for ages. Best novice instruction book suggestion?

You might also look at the Ham Radio Instructor's student resources page: http://www.hamradioinstructor.com/guides.html. There are several packages there that are free. Gordo's books ARE great, but not the only ones out there.

73 Wayne N5WD

[n5wd]

At some point after the Texas legislative session, I'd like to look into setting up an IRLP for TexasCHLforum. For non-Hams, we can't get dedicated frequency pairs, but if one of the major players will give us a node, it will be pretty much what I'd like to see available.

Scott - do you mean that you'd like to have a common place where folks could link-into to talk with each other?

An IRLP node, such as the one I run at my house ( IRLP 3997) covers only small geographic area (if it's a simplex node like mine) or a bit larger area, if it's attached to a repeater.

To talk with someone from my node, I either link into another IRLP node (for node-to-node communications) or a reflector (for node-to-anyone-else connected to the reflector). For example, if you connect into the WinSystem's reflector (IRLP 9100) you're connected into a network of stations that are linked together, primarily in California, but with other stations around the world usually linked into the reflector as well.

BTW you can hear the WinSystem reflector via streaming audio at: http://www.winsystem.org/Downloads/Stre ... audio.html. It's fun to listen to at times - and it's never quiet 24 hours a day... well, maybe at 0400 Cali time it's beginning to wind down till the morning rush begins.

Anyway - ANY ham can set up an IRLP node if they purchase the controller card and join the system. IRLP keeps unauthorized stations (like non-licensed folks that often show up if you're using an Echolink system) by requiring you to use their hardware and software (the software is free, though a contribution is requested) - currently the US price for controller, software, shipping, and suggested donation is $188. Once you get the package all you have to add is the appropriate radio (IRLP requires you to access the system only by radio) and the cables to interface between the radio and controller card. Check out: http://www.irlp.net/ if you think you might be interested.

If you're looking for a reflector channel where all the IRLP folks in Texas could meet, then I might be able to help - I know the guys that run the IRLP 9450 reflector in Dallas, and they have channels that have not been dedicated to anything, yet.

73 Wayne N5WD

[OldCannon]

Funny thing: I began my military service career in Electronic Warfare. You'd think I'd have gone "Whole Ham" like all of my co-workers regularly did, but with two babies and VERY meager enlisted pay in Alaska, my money had to go to other things. Now that I'm officially in the "half century club," I might consider dusting off all that old knowledge I have and getting into this.

[jimlongley]

I bought Gordon West's book to prepare for my Advanced Class test about a hundred years ago, and found it riddled with errors (Gordon was just starting out) and sent suggestions for changes to him. Ran into him at the Orlando Hamfest a couple of years later and introduced myself, and at that time he still remembered me as being a pain in the rear.

de K5NRA

[XDgal]

The ARRL, the American Radio Relay League, is also a good source of information. http://www.arrl.orgThey are like the NRA of the ham radio world.

73
KE5KMS