azshtr Report post Posted February 25, 2009 I have not seen a thread discussing this so I thought I would throw it out... who here is a HAM? As some know, but all should, there is a great way to communicate from the outback called the HAM radio. If you would like more info please ask or please list your call sign if you have one. So to start the intro... I am KF7AJU, Dave, North Phoenix Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BowNut Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Glad you posted this I was just thinking about getting a HAM license the other day.My dad is a HAM.(KC7NOJ) I don't think he has been on for a while. Since he moved to Strawberry he has not been as involved as much. I know he takes his handheld on hunt with him mostly just in case he has any trouble out in the field. You never know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azshtr Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Glad to hear your interested. The more of us linked together the better. A Ham radio can hit a repeater (and/or another ham) from almost anywhere in the state. The license is easy and only $15, radios are about the same as a CB but much more powerful. Anyone else? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grizzly Report post Posted February 25, 2009 I am KE7IMZ but I am currently unable to use my equipment due to a pacemaker I had installed, the signal would interfere with my function. I have a truck mount and hand mount I may have to sell soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azshtr Report post Posted February 25, 2009 I am KE7IMZ but I am currently unable to use my equipment due to a pacemaker I had installed, the signal would interfere with my function. I have a truck mount and hand mount I may have to sell soon. Ouch thats a tough one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grizzly Report post Posted February 25, 2009 Do you participate on any of the daily nets? There used to be one I would get on every morning between 7-8 that would ask different trivia facts and everyone would put in a guess to see who was closest. I guess the repeater got damaged in a storm and I never found it again after that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azshtr Report post Posted February 25, 2009 I'm new to ham radio. I was convinced when I was hunting with my brother north of the Catalinas and he could talk to a friend in Tucson.There was no cell coverage and it was nice to be able to communicate. I have a radio in the Jeep and also picked up a handheld unit. That way I can use the handheld while hunting and set the Jeep to act as a repeater with more power. Wed at 8:15pm is the 4x4ham group on the Shaw Butte and Mt Ord repeaters. Subject is generally emergency contact information and offroading. Google 4x4ham for info. Mondays at 9pm on the same repeaters is the Maricopa emergency response group. Their subjects are how to use the system and beginners and very welcome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IHunt2live Report post Posted February 25, 2009 My father (Kc0rr i think) is and has been since I was born. He has been pushing me to do it but I just haven't had the time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azshtr Report post Posted February 26, 2009 qrz.com has the tests online. There are about 15 different ones for the technical class (base license) that all pick from the same pool of questions. If you just go through them repeatedly you can pass the test. Then just $15 and go take the test when its given in your area. Its not hard (heck I did it). You can pick up a ham radio for not much more than a good CB. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grizzly Report post Posted February 28, 2009 qrz.com has the tests online. There are about 15 different ones for the technical class (base license) that all pick from the same pool of questions. If you just go through them repeatedly you can pass the test. Then just $15 and go take the test when its given in your area. Its not hard (heck I did it). You can pick up a ham radio for not much more than a good CB. Or you can pm grizzly and pick up one of his for cheap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmer Negamanee Report post Posted February 28, 2009 Do you still have to be proficient in Morse code to get a HAM license? I looked into it as a kid (25+ years ago) and you had to pass a Morse code proficiency test and, if I remember correctly, with the novice license you could only use Morse code on the air. Since I could only really tap or understand "SOS", my conversations were limited (although it would have come in handy on the Titanic.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azshtr Report post Posted March 1, 2009 The morse code has been eliminated from the test. The base license gets you on the air with the most used frequencies. Do you still have to be proficient in Morse code to get a HAM license? I looked into it as a kid (25+ years ago) and you had to pass a Morse code proficiency test and, if I remember correctly, with the novice license you could only use Morse code on the air. Since I could only really tap or understand "SOS", my conversations were limited (although it would have come in handy on the Titanic.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grizzly Report post Posted March 2, 2009 Do you still have to be proficient in Morse code to get a HAM license? I looked into it as a kid (25+ years ago) and you had to pass a Morse code proficiency test and, if I remember correctly, with the novice license you could only use Morse code on the air. Since I could only really tap or understand "SOS", my conversations were limited (although it would have come in handy on the Titanic.) there are three levels of operator and you only need to know morse code for the highest level. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites