Great idea. I'd like to get into Ham. What's the range without a repeater?
Connor
· 6 months ago
What’s the range without a repeater?
Depends on your equipment, really. For a handheld with a basic antenna, you'll probably average a mile or two outside (less inside a densely built city). Using a better antenna or more juice, you'll get a better range.
Jayce
· 6 months ago
matthiasj: it depends on a *lot* of factors, but what really counts is that you have a lot of control. Depending on the frequency you are using, you can fabricate or purchase different types of antenna to extend your range quite far. And most any port of this country has access to some repeaters. Your local clubs that help administer the tests will have a lot of helpful information about HAM in your area.
TuxGirl
· 6 months ago
I'll second the view that the test for the technician level is not too hard. In our area (Washington), a couple of Stakes from the LDS Church got together a class and out of the class, almost everybody passed the test (including a couple of children). During the class, we discussed every possible question for the test (there's a defined set of questions), then after finishing that, we went and took the test.
I would join one of the meetups, but unfortunately, I don't think my Yaesu handheld would be able to reach all the way to Utah. We have a multi-stake sign-in on a regular basis here, though.
~Erin (KF7BZH)
bcrockett
· 6 months ago
I've been thinking about HAM radio a bit lately-What's the cost and process for licensing like?
Connor
· 6 months ago
Locations and basic instructions can be found here. Other helpful info here.
Old Ham
· 6 months ago
Four things. Its just me but on the internet I prefer not to post my call sign. There are several call sign look-up sites that post your full name and address.
Of course, when on the air, hams must state their call signs.
Range is determined by power output, antenna characteristics and obstacles (buildings, mountains). I have made 2 meter (VHF) simplex contacts (radio to radio) of almost 100 miles with a 50 watt transmitter and a large directional antenna. Small 5 watt hand-held radios with factory antenna get about 5 miles. HF (high frequency) reaches around the world.
There is no privacy on amateur radio, repeater or not. Encrypted transmissions are illegal. Anybody with a good scanner can find you if you are on the air long enough.
Cost: Decent 50 watt 2 meter mobile $200 new. Car antenna $40. High gain directional antenna for home: $100. Look on KSL classified for used equipment. Portable hand-held radios are cool and fun to use but your first radio should be a 50 watt mobile.
Old Ham
· 6 months ago
To TuxGirl:
Many repeaters are linked together and can be remotely linked and unlinked to others. I have been on the air when Utah repeaters were linked from Las Vegas to Boise.
It gets very confusing though because you hear all the traffic from one end of the link to the other.
Well, it's chat time, and it appears that both repeaters are busy tonight (as are a couple others I've checked)...
Jayce
· 6 months ago
Yeah, ARES is running a check. We'll need to schedule another time.
Tyler
· 6 months ago
They are done now. Let's rock.
Connor
· 6 months ago
Tyler and I were able to connect briefly tonight, and was that Mike on the end as I was leaving?
Let's shoot for another chat so we can get a few more people. Does Saturday at 10am work for everybody?
From here on out, I'd like to schedule a quarterly chat so we can continue to practice, invite over others who may be interested or newly licensed, and expand the group a little.
Jayce
· 6 months ago
Yeah, I was listening too, never got my broadcast setting in correctly. Mike was listening for a while too.
As for 10am this Saturday, I'll be at the gun show :)
Tyler
· 6 months ago
Saturday is the ARRL (Ham) field day. My guess is that the repeaters will be busy. Next week sometime?
WVSanta
· 6 months ago
WOW what a great response you are having to this. It is great to see so many getting involved. 73 W4DMH
njbasecamp
· 5 months ago
Great article! I also have a question I too am looking for a solutions that does not rely on Cell or Land line communication for emergency purpose only. I live and work near Princeton NJ my Girl Lives with me but works in NY City two or three days a week (doctor). In case something happens in the city do you think we can get away with two hand held units using repeaters? it's about 50 miles line of sight. I have not used HAM before and am just getting an idea if it's viable.
thanks
David
· 5 months ago
As a newly licensed HAM looking for equipment - does anyone have suggestions of good places to look?
All Comments
Depends on your equipment, really. For a handheld with a basic antenna, you'll probably average a mile or two outside (less inside a densely built city). Using a better antenna or more juice, you'll get a better range.
I would join one of the meetups, but unfortunately, I don't think my Yaesu handheld would be able to reach all the way to Utah. We have a multi-stake sign-in on a regular basis here, though.
~Erin (KF7BZH)
Of course, when on the air, hams must state their call signs.
Range is determined by power output, antenna characteristics and obstacles (buildings, mountains). I have made 2 meter (VHF) simplex contacts (radio to radio) of almost 100 miles with a 50 watt transmitter and a large directional antenna. Small 5 watt hand-held radios with factory antenna get about 5 miles. HF (high frequency) reaches around the world.
There is no privacy on amateur radio, repeater or not. Encrypted transmissions are illegal. Anybody with a good scanner can find you if you are on the air long enough.
Cost: Decent 50 watt 2 meter mobile $200 new. Car antenna $40. High gain directional antenna for home: $100. Look on KSL classified for used equipment. Portable hand-held radios are cool and fun to use but your first radio should be a 50 watt mobile.
Many repeaters are linked together and can be remotely linked and unlinked to others. I have been on the air when Utah repeaters were linked from Las Vegas to Boise.
It gets very confusing though because you hear all the traffic from one end of the link to the other.
See this site: http://utahvhfs.org/snowlink.html
Let's shoot for another chat so we can get a few more people. Does Saturday at 10am work for everybody?
From here on out, I'd like to schedule a quarterly chat so we can continue to practice, invite over others who may be interested or newly licensed, and expand the group a little.
As for 10am this Saturday, I'll be at the gun show :)
73 W4DMH
thanks