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MustangGlocker wrote: ↑Fri Jan 11, 2019 3:44 pm

RoyGBiv wrote: ↑Fri Jan 11, 2019 8:49 am

Flightmare wrote: ↑Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:42 am https://w5wx.net/2018/12/28/texas-legislature-sb43/

Couldn't find a better post to put this under. Looks like Senator Zaffirini has filed a bill that would change the "texting while driving" law to outlaw ham radio operation while the vehicle is in motion. This would definitely affect Skywarn storm spotters/chasers.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll share with our local teams as well as the folks at National Weather Service in FTW.

ETA: I wonder whether Skywarn/RACES would fall under the "authorized emergency... vehicle" exemption.

Hey Roy. I'm a member of the NWS radio desk team. I have a meeting with them tomorrow and can also bring this up with the team.

Thanks

Flightmare wrote: ↑Fri Jan 11, 2019 1:42 am https://w5wx.net/2018/12/28/texas-legislature-sb43/

Couldn't find a better post to put this under. Looks like Senator Zaffirini has filed a bill that would change the "texting while driving" law to outlaw ham radio operation while the vehicle is in motion. This would definitely affect Skywarn storm spotters/chasers.

locke_n_load wrote:Hello all, I'm in humble/atascocita (NE Houston) and I have a baofeng handheld with an upgraded antenna. I scan my local repeaters, but have only heard real communications on ham day... Is this normal? I guess I need to tune in on days with scheduled chatter.
Taking my tech exam Saturday.

mdubtx wrote:Thank yous all around!

RoyGBiv wrote: I've got beacoup $$ invested in Yaesu digital rig, but still prefer my Pofung HT for everything except when I'm on RACES weather watch.

RoyGBiv, I got my Tarrant County RACES card last month. Time to get a mobile rig to get in there with. The Yaesu digital mobiles have really been calling me. But, too many of them. LOL The FTM-100DR will do. But, the 400 has the looks. And then, there's the 991A that needs to come live at my house...

And oh, I'll be "needing" the 857D.

And, then... And, then... LOL

mdubtx wrote:Well, I am now as over-licensed as I can get. Passed a level 4 test tonight to upgrade to Amateur Extra.

And, I'm still running with only a Chinese HT and mag mount antenna.

Dear ARRL Member:

There are few times when I have needed to reach out directly to you for your help. This is one of those times.

The American Red Cross (ARC) has asked ARRL for assistance with relief efforts in Puerto Rico. In the nearly 75-year relationship between ARRL and ARC, this is the first time ARC has made a request for assistance on this scale. Hurricane Maria has devastated the island’s communications infrastructure. Without electricity and telephone, and with most of the cell sites out of service, millions of people are cut off from communicating. Shelters are unable to reach local emergency services and people cannot check on the welfare of their loved ones. The situation is dire.

How can you help?

1) Volunteer. ARC needs up to 50 radio amateurs who can help record, enter, and submit disaster-survivor information into the ARC Safe and Well system. There are very specific requirements and qualifications needed for this deployment; for instance, familiarity with Winlink, an Amateur Radio license of General class or higher, and previous experience in disaster response. Deployment will be for up to 3 weeks (at ARC expense). If you would like to be considered for deployment, please complete the following online ARRL form, which asks for your qualifications and skills: Volunteer Deployment Form

...................

cheezit wrote:

RoyGBiv wrote:

txyaloo wrote:
Baofeng has several waterproof HTs. They're ~$40.

I've only seen single banders (+FM) in a water resistant configuration. Nothing similar to the UV-5R. UHF+VHF+Display.
Got a link?

Yaesu vx7r is submersible as well.

txyaloo wrote:
Baofeng has several waterproof HTs. They're ~$40.

locke_n_load wrote:

RoyGBiv wrote:

locke_n_load wrote:Ordered a UV-5R with data cable for $33 from amazon yesterday, will be here tomorrow. First jump into ham. Look forward to listening to the police/fire department frequencies until I get my technician's license.

Around here (Fort Worth area) the police use a digital trunked system, not compatible with that radio. I'd need an expensive scanner to listen to the PoPo here, or you can download a phone app called "Scanner Radio" and listen via a smartphone, assuming your local area is being rebroadcast.

Hopefully harris county is a little more old school... thanks for the heads up though.

locke_n_load wrote:Ordered a UV-5R with data cable for $33 from amazon yesterday, will be here tomorrow. First jump into ham. Look forward to listening to the police/fire department frequencies until I get my technician's license.

bblhd672 wrote:

bblhd672 wrote:Just ordered this one and a USB programming cable. The description says it has an "improved" antenna, so I didn't order another one until I get an idea how well this one that comes with it works.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MA ... pldnSite=1

Got my new radio last night (gotta love Amazon same day delivery!). Didn't get home till 10:30 so haven't done anything with it but unbox and skim the manual. Lots of new terms/acronyms to learn!

It's been 35 years since I was Radioman in Navy, but hopefully some of that stuff I learned is still recall-able in my brain!

the BF-F8HP maintains full cross accessory compatibility with all previous UV-5R accessories

TexasJohnBoy wrote:Y'all, I don't need another hobby. Quit it!

bblhd672 wrote:What would be good equipment to get started with? Preferably mobile (handheld) first, then base station (home).

But I have the same questions....

carlson1 wrote:I do not have a license and do not know where to even start this process. My handheld is also a Baofeng, but I will have to check for the rest of the information. It has never been opened yet.