Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: mvjr1904 on May 20, 2014, 06:05:39 PM

Title: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: 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
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Locksmith 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
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: udoggie 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
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: 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.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx 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.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: mvjr1904 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.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: George R. Young 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.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Locksmith 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!

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.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: MrSkydriver on May 21, 2014, 09:31:40 AM
KG6PCW,

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

Gregg
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Outback_Jon on May 21, 2014, 01:19:25 PM
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.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Locksmith 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.

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.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: MrPepsi on May 21, 2014, 02:24:44 PM
Got my license as a kid, but never ended up using it.
KA7RTC
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: 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
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Locksmith 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.

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
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: mvjr1904 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 (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CorLMz0JHac)
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Outback_Jon on May 22, 2014, 03:27:44 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 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-USB-Programming-Cable-for-Motorola-Kenwood-Baofeng-Icom-Handheld-Radio-/251413197315?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Coaxial_Cables_Connectors&hash=item3a8964f203) ) for under $10, and you can program a LOT of HTs.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx 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/ (http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/) I used the PDF version from this site.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: udoggie on May 23, 2014, 05:54:53 PM
FYI, there's a good set of test/practice exams available at http://arrlexamreview.appspot.com/ (http://arrlexamreview.appspot.com/)

Good luck!  -Jeff - K9BEA

Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: mvjr1904 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
 

 
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: mvjr1904 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
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: udoggie on May 24, 2014, 12:06:26 AM
For what it's worth, here's my radio "stack" on the Concours.  -Jeff

(http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/xx320/udoggiephoto/2012%20Concours/moto_dashboard2_zps09576637.jpeg)
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx on May 24, 2014, 01:15:14 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

The 3x5 card doc would be cool. Isn't that about 350 questions?
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: mvjr1904 on May 24, 2014, 01:23:46 PM
I made a 396 page document, 1 card per page.
I printed 25 - 28 cards at a time.
396 cards for all 396 questions

2 web sites I used to help study at home.

http://www.eham.net/exams/ (http://www.eham.net/exams/)
http://www.hamwhisperer.com/p/ham-courses.html (http://www.hamwhisperer.com/p/ham-courses.html)
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx on May 27, 2014, 08:35:51 AM
So did you print on actual 3x5 cards?
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: mvjr1904 on May 27, 2014, 10:36:49 AM
I printed all the cards. I went to the Dollar store and bought 2 - 200 cards packs for $1.00 each.
I formatted the doc to fit on an index card, made a few test runs, started to print

FYI. Try to memorize the answer so you can recognize it from the other choices.
On the actual test, the correct answer "might not" be the same letter answer choice that is on the study guide.  Only a few are like that.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Outback_Jon on May 27, 2014, 02:24:36 PM
I went to the Dollar store and bought 2 - 200 cards packs for $1.00 each.
Ya think?  (http://forum.cog-online.org/Smileys/FantasticSmileys/nananana.gif)
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: datsaxman@hotmail.com on May 29, 2014, 02:02:32 PM
K1ECR

We work as referees at bicycle road races...Yaesu HT hooked into Autocom.
Been thinking about putting a 50W+ dualband rig in the trunk...just because.


saxman
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Outback_Jon on May 29, 2014, 07:01:46 PM
K1ECR

We work as referees at bicycle road races...Yaesu HT hooked into Autocom.
Been thinking about putting a 50W+ dualband rig in the trunk...just because.
The Yaesu FTM-10R body fits REALLY nicely on the rear fender, just behind the C10s battery box.  And the head unit fits really nicely on the plastic piece that surrounds the ignition switch and the top of the triple tree. 
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx on October 15, 2014, 01:59:32 PM
Ok, so it's a little bit old, but it seemed a more appropriate place to post instead of creating a new thread. I am now following up on my testing. On Nov. 1, I will go to take my test. I am undecided yet if I will try for General. I have started studying so we will have to wait and see. I did buy me a Baofeng UV-82 and programmed it for a few local repeaters and the national simplex 146.52 and what is described as a local simplex. Not much activity out there. Luckily where I work they have a nice HAM club with some really nice equipment. As a member I would have access to it pretty much any time of the day.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: mvjr1904 on October 15, 2014, 03:16:46 PM
Good Luck with your upcoming test. 
I used : http://www.eham.net/exams/ (http://www.eham.net/exams/) to help study for my Tech.
I passed the Tech and tried to take the General test.  Too much new and different info on the General test.  I guessed on almost all of the questions, and I didn't pass.

The PAPA and Win System have a lot of activity.
QRZ is a popular web site for Ham's.
I'm not endorsing the below links, just passing on some sites I found helpful.

73

http://www.eham.net/exams/ (http://www.eham.net/exams/)
http://www.papasys.com/ (http://www.papasys.com/)
http://www.winsystem.org/index.html (http://www.winsystem.org/index.html)
http://www.qrz.com/ (http://www.qrz.com/)
http://www.arrl.org/ (http://www.arrl.org/)
http://callook.info/ (http://callook.info/)
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx on October 16, 2014, 07:31:49 AM
I have been using the No-Nonsense Study Guide by Dan Romanchik, KB6NU. It is very nice. Actually, just as I typed this, I am thinking about taking the next test on the 18th at 1300 hrs. Probably not the General though as I haven't spent much time studying on it.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx on October 18, 2014, 01:59:08 PM
Took my Technician Class test today. Passed it with missing 2. Should have my callsign next week.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: mvjr1904 on October 18, 2014, 02:18:40 PM
Congrats on passing and welcome to the club!!
Did you attempt the General?   
Hopefully you'll join a local club and meet an Elmer who can help you and explain this whole radio and antenna world.  There's a who lot to learn than just the test.

I have been able to receive other Hams from as far as Japan and the UK with just my FT-60 and J Pole antenna just 15 feet off the ground.  I hope you have the same success.

73,
KK6LKX
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 18, 2014, 02:43:25 PM
Took my Technician Class test today. Passed it with missing 2. Should have my callsign next week.

 :thumbs:
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx on October 18, 2014, 03:20:36 PM
No, I didn't try the General. I have barely studied for so I know I would not have passed. We do have a club at work but the one person I have been talking to is retiring soon. I know for now I am only going to deal with 2 meter/440 so I will see what I want to do.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: gPink on October 18, 2014, 03:32:14 PM
:thumbs:
If VirginiaJim took up ham radio would his call sign be VirginiaHam?
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: udoggie on October 18, 2014, 03:45:21 PM
Congratulations!

 -Jeff  k9bea
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 18, 2014, 04:27:44 PM
If VirginiaJim took up ham radio would his call sign be VirginiaHam?

 ;D
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Cholla on October 20, 2014, 03:53:10 PM
It would be KPIGSOOOOIE!

Wait....thats Arkansas.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: timsatx on October 24, 2014, 12:32:17 PM
Just received my call sign, KG5ELA. I am so happy. Now to work on my General.
Title: Re: Any HAMs out there?
Post by: Outback_Jon on October 24, 2014, 08:01:27 PM
Just received my call sign, KG5ELA. I am so happy. Now to work on my General.
Congrats.  Go for Extra!