Author Topic: Any HAMs out there? (Read 6989 times)

mvjr1904 · « **on:** May 20, 2014, 06:05:39 PM »

I know there are a lot of HAMs out there....
I meant to say, any Amateur Radio Operators out there?
Anyone set up a rig on a C14?

KK6LKX

Locksmith · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2014, 10:25:55 PM »

I occasionally set up a dual band handheld in a tank bag. Have an antenna permanently installed on the bike. Normally it is running aprs.

VA7RX

udoggie · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2014, 01:34:45 AM »

Yup. K9BEA.

I have a 2m/70cm dual band Quansheng HT mounted on the left handlebar via a Ram mount. (the one with 3 fingers on each side.)

Using the ducky right now, but have an antenna that I am going to mount on top of my givi top case sometime soon.

Connected to my autocom comm's system.

Works really well. I'd like more power, but don't know if I want 50w of power right behind my back, and I'm not sure that the electrical system can handle it...

Jeff

Outback_Jon · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2014, 05:36:13 AM »

KC2BNE

I've got a Yaesu FTM10-R dual band rig on my C10. Have to get a new antenna mounted though - last one fell off somewhere here in NY.

timsatx · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2014, 06:14:05 AM »

No, but I have often thought about getting my license. I occasionally start studying for it but have yet to finish.

mvjr1904 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2014, 06:41:24 AM »

I was studying off and on as my schedule permitted. When I learned that the question pool questions were going to change on 30 June 2014, I decided to hit the questions hard and take several stabs at the test before that date. I passed the test on the first attempt.

I bought a Yaesu FT60 on eBay. It came with a mic, 2 antennas and the RT Systems Programming Disc.

George R. Young · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2014, 07:12:32 AM »

Not a HAM, but my uncle was (VE2ALQ) and that provided the inspiration to get into electronics and Engineering.

Locksmith · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2014, 08:04:29 AM »

I have a FTM10-R as well. What idiot came up with the programming flow chart on that thing? It is the most difficult to program radio I have ever owned. Well, close to my icom dstar rigs!

Quote from: Outback_Jon on May 21, 2014, 05:36:13 AM

KC2BNE

I've got a Yaesu FTM10-R dual band rig on my C10. Have to get a new antenna mounted though - last one fell off somewhere here in NY.

MrSkydriver · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2014, 09:31:40 AM »

KG6PCW,

...have not used it for riding, use it for paragliding retrieve drivers.

Gregg

Outback_Jon · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2014, 01:19:25 PM »

Quote from: Rick on May 21, 2014, 08:04:29 AM

I have a FTM10-R as well. What idiot came up with the programming flow chart on that thing? It is the most difficult to program radio I have ever owned. Well, close to my icom dstar rigs!

Pick up one of those $50 dual-band Baofeng HTs on Ebay. Suddenly, the Yaesu looks easy.

Don't get me wrong, the Baofengs are great little radios for the money. Perfect for loaning out at events (work on FRS/GMRS/MURS freqs) and if someone doesn't return one, or it gets broken, you're only out $50. But if I even want to program in a single channel, I hook it up to the laptop.

Locksmith · « **Reply #10 on:** May 21, 2014, 01:47:07 PM »

I was helping teach a new ham clas at my local club. I brought 5 different hand helds with me (ok, I admit I have an addiction!). At the end of the class I gave a personal review of each. When I said I programmed a Baofeng from the keyboard (I have two. One yellow and one black) the old hams in the class were in awe.

I agree with you on the baofeng's. I wouldn't recommend one to anyone that could afford anything else.

Quote from: Outback_Jon on May 21, 2014, 01:19:25 PM

Pick up one of those $50 dual-band Baofeng HTs on Ebay. Suddenly, the Yaesu looks easy.

Don't get me wrong, the Baofengs are great little radios for the money. Perfect for loaning out at events (work on FRS/GMRS/MURS freqs) and if someone doesn't return one, or it gets broken, you're only out $50. But if I even want to program in a single channel, I hook it up to the laptop.

MrPepsi · « **Reply #11 on:** May 21, 2014, 02:24:44 PM »

Got my license as a kid, but never ended up using it.
KA7RTC

mvjr1904 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 21, 2014, 06:43:04 PM »

The RT System Radio Programming is the way to go.
I programmed over 75 repeater frequencies in about 25 minutes
I got the RT System with my radio and I'll buy it for my next rig too.
I'm looking at the FT857 but more likely I'll get the FT8900.
As always, I have restrictions..... both HOA and WIFE!

73

Locksmith · « **Reply #13 on:** May 21, 2014, 08:29:40 PM »

RT Systems is pretty good. You should give CHIRP a try. Free software and supports multiple platforms.

Quote from: mvjr1904 on May 21, 2014, 06:43:04 PM

The RT System Radio Programming is the way to go.
I programmed over 75 repeater frequencies in about 25 minutes
I got the RT System with my radio and I'll buy it for my next rig too.
I'm looking at the FT857 but more likely I'll get the FT8900.
As always, I have restrictions..... both HOA and WIFE!

73

mvjr1904 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 21, 2014, 09:15:08 PM »

Forgot to add this link.
I did call there Customer Support about an issue I was having. An older gentleman fully explained the solution to my problem, which was an operator error. He finished by saying "any more questions, just give us a call". Can't beat that for CS!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CorLMz0JHac

Outback_Jon · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2014, 03:27:44 PM »

Quote from: Rick on May 21, 2014, 08:29:40 PM

RT Systems is pretty good. You should give CHIRP a try. Free software and supports multiple platforms.

+1. Makes programming the Baofeng a breeze. CHIRP, plus a universal programming cable set off of Ebay ( like this one ) for under $10, and you can program a LOT of HTs.

timsatx · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2014, 01:58:48 PM »

Just because of this thread I went and downloaded a study guide to my Kindle Fire. I will just go over till I am comfortable then start taking some practice tests.

http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/ I used the PDF version from this site.

udoggie · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2014, 05:54:53 PM »

FYI, there's a good set of test/practice exams available at http://arrlexamreview.appspot.com/

Good luck! -Jeff - K9BEA

mvjr1904 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2014, 09:35:54 PM »

For anyone interested, I can email you the word documents I used to study. Just shoot me a PM.

The test changes on 30 June 2014, so these word documents will be no good after that date.
One document has the question and answers only. This is what I carried in my pocket and studied when I had a chance.
the 2nd document has all the questions and all 4 answer choices.

I made my own 3x5 flash cards. I wasn't going to pay $25 for something I could make on my printer.
Each card had a question and 4 answer choices on the front, I hand wrote the answers on the back

I did look at the PDF study guide. Looks tough and hard to understand.
Whatever method you use, I recommend you stick with the question pool questions. You're actually studying the actual test questions.
I scored 34 of out 35. Ohms Law was the hardest to learn, for me.

73

mvjr1904 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2014, 09:37:20 PM »

Here are both attachments

Just figured out how to add the attachments
If anyone wants the 3x5 card word doc, just ask and I'll modify this post and try to attach it

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Author Topic: Any HAMs out there? (Read 6989 times)