Any amateur radio operators?

[thehstrybean]

Since the FCC is going to drop their morse code requirement, I think it would be cool to get into amateur radio. I want to put one in my car (2001 Jeep Cherokee) because I travel a lot and want to be up to date on events. What are some good basic units and what all do I need? What are the basics of operating? I've heard that you can connect to the internet and place phone calls from a radio?

 

[thehstrybean]

Nobody?

 

[daveymark]

There have been FCC ameteur radio licenses w/o morse code for awhile now. It's only the General class that is just now going to have the morse code dropped. I took my Technician no code test ten years ago.

too bad you only want to get in because they dropped the morse code req.

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
Since the FCC is going to drop their morse code requirement, I think it would be cool to get into amateur radio. I want to put one in my car (2001 Jeep Cherokee) because I travel a lot and want to be up to date on events. What are some good basic units and what all do I need? What are the basics of operating? I've heard that you can connect to the internet and place phone calls from a radio?

..a 2 meter/70cm rigs are great traveling companions. check out Text for more info.

 

[slackwarelinux]

A great place to find information is eHam, they have lots of product reviews. In to get your license, you have to pass a test, with questions about the basics of operating, so that should hopefully come naturally. Pick up a study guide, and read it. The FCC releases the questions pool, which you can take as a practice test online.

 

[Flyback]

Can one learn a lot about waves, antennae, and the theory behind radio by going for their amateur license and doing some side projects (e.g. building some of the stuff?)

I've always wanted to learn the "how" behind it, and just get the license as an excuse to do so. I wouldn't use the radio to talk with people "just to talk" kind of deal.

 

[thehstrybean]

Are there antennas that are dual purpose, like Ham & CB?

 

[Raincity]

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
Are there antennas that are dual purpose, like Ham & CB?

Thats a big ten four good buddy.

 

[Raincity]

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
Are there antennas that are dual purpose, like Ham & CB?

DP

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
Since the FCC is going to drop their morse code requirement, I think it would be cool to get into amateur radio. I want to put one in my car (2001 Jeep Cherokee) because I travel a lot and want to be up to date on events. What are some good basic units and what all do I need? What are the basics of operating? I've heard that you can connect to the internet and place phone calls from a radio?

dude its not a CB. yes you can place calls from your radio but there are strict rules in doing so. also remember its a party line and people are listening.

pass your test first then we can talk about equipment.