YotaTech Forums - View Single Post - <<Hams Check-in Here>>

Gator · 10-01-2007, 05:03 AM

There are many differences.

1. You have to have a license to operate a HAM radio
2. You don't get all of the cursing and drug deals going down over the radio
3. The FCC has CB radio's restricted to 4 watts which equals about 4 - 5 miles depending on terrain.
4. HAM radio's can get out much much further on their own and even further through the use of repeaters
5. HAM radio's are what the storm chasers use when tracking severe weather, so you get real time info even faster if you monitor those frequencies.
6. You can talk to the space shuttles while they are in orbit.
7. You can make phone calls with your radio via "autopatch"
8. You don't have to know morse code like in the past. They have no code licensing now.

The list really keeps going on, but those are some high points for the average person not familiar with radio frequencies and electronics. HAM radio operators also have clubs and gatherings such as "HAMfest" get together where they trade / sell equipment and set up mock situations to simulate communications breakdowns in emergency situations. It's all really interesting. It's the equivalent of our local off road clubs for those we used to call "Geeks" in school. (sorry HAM's trying to keep it real here) Only difference is that they play with really cool toys that could benefit all of us on the trail (radio communications, GPS, electronics, etc.).

10-01-2007, 05:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
Gator Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL. Posts: 232	There are many differences. 1. You have to have a license to operate a HAM radio 2. You don't get all of the cursing and drug deals going down over the radio 3. The FCC has CB radio's restricted to 4 watts which equals about 4 - 5 miles depending on terrain. 4. HAM radio's can get out much much further on their own and even further through the use of repeaters 5. HAM radio's are what the storm chasers use when tracking severe weather, so you get real time info even faster if you monitor those frequencies. 6. You can talk to the space shuttles while they are in orbit. 7. You can make phone calls with your radio via "autopatch" 8. You don't have to know morse code like in the past. They have no code licensing now. The list really keeps going on, but those are some high points for the average person not familiar with radio frequencies and electronics. HAM radio operators also have clubs and gatherings such as "HAMfest" get together where they trade / sell equipment and set up mock situations to simulate communications breakdowns in emergency situations. It's all really interesting. It's the equivalent of our local off road clubs for those we used to call "Geeks" in school. (sorry HAM's trying to keep it real here) Only difference is that they play with really cool toys that could benefit all of us on the trail (radio communications, GPS, electronics, etc.). __________________ Current Setup: 94 X-Cab 4x4 w/ 3.0, Auto, 1.5" BJS & Shackles, 33x12.5-15 BFG MT's, Detroit locker w/ 4.88 gears, ISR and Air Box mods. Future Mods: Armor, winch, 12v Air Compressor & tank. Lottery Mods: 4.3L w/ 4L60-E tranny swap, SAS w/ Detroit locker, Budbuilt Crossmember.