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I'd like to compose a list of ALL the HAMS on the board (and other boards I'm on). Part of an effort some of us are talking about to promote Amateur Radio for use in off road hobbies.

I'll start:
KC0KWO - Colorado Springs - 2m/70cm - Shane W.

Kg6foj

KC0*** Littleton, CO

Shane, do you use the CoConn (http://www.colcon.org/repeaters.html) machines?

I haven't, but once I get my mobile installed - I will
:)

Ke7ext

been using cb's for a while, but growing interest in 2m. I'll be watching to see what kind of turn out you get.

My dad is kd4pqs, but he doesn't wheel anymore.

KD7ZKB Western WA

I have my rig in my Astro (the command van) currently, considering getting another for the toy

73
Chris

sorry to thread hijack, but what exactly is the difference between a HAM and a CB?

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.).

hmm.... and you get a ham license from the county courthouse, right? or is there somewhere special to go? i have a CB in the garage with a 800w linear that im not sure works, but i think if a cop were to see it he'd be kinda suspicious

They have designated testing areas in or near your city. It's not really a government sponsored type thing where you can just go in and pay for a license. You actually have to pass a test to get licensed. The test looks to be mostly electrical and radio frequency theory. I have actually started studying some of the materials so that I can take and pass the test. Any further detail would really need to come from someone who is already licensed. It would be nice to hear from someone with a 2m (Tech - No Code) license about some of the details.

yeah. thanks

And there endeth the thread, so come on Hams, speak up ( or is it a secret?)

I know here in the UK to get a Ham licence, you needed to take some very technical tests and exams, and be able to build your own base station antenna from scratch( as they didn't used to sell them off the shelf)

During the Falklands war, the Hams fed info around the world that would otherwise not have been available, therefore saving British lives, and I'm sure that goes for a lot of other conflicts around the world too.

There are a couple of Hams on my home forum;

http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/index.php

Some of the Hams I came across in the '80's (when I was a spotty teen cb'er) were quite snobbish towards us, but I guess you can't blame them really, as they have to do a lot of work to get a licence and are regulated, and a lot of cb'ers at the time were comeplete *ssholes.

Where do you get information on HAMs? I want to study for taking a test. I think HAM would be good in Baja, but do you need central access points?

Try here:

http://www.eham.net/newham/howtobecome

Oh well, looks like it wouldn't work in Baja legally, eh? :(

Anyways, this is some techhie stuff right here. I am still reading. Great info, thanks!

HAM Radio T4R
 

Chris K7AZ signing on to the Forum. Would like to hear/see info/stories on installing and use of HF/VHF/UHF radios in a 4Runner. Hope is is easier than my old Explorer.

kf6ezz

i used to be a turkey, now i'm a ham

Call
 

N8VKF - Bucks County, PA

KE7AXC

Seattle