Beginning ham radio class tomorrow

[ni4ni]

A friend got me interested in Ham radio. I am a trained storm spotter for Skywarn and I am involved in Red Cross disaster programs, so I thought this would probably be a good idea for me.

Anyone here have a ham license? Any advice or pointers?

Thanks!

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: ni4ni
A friend got me interested in Ham radio. I am a trained storm spotter for Skywarn and I am involved in Red Cross disaster programs, so I thought this would probably be a good idea for me.

Anyone here have a ham license? Any advice or pointers?

Thanks!

Don't touch the antenna tips while transmitting.

Think of a Yagi Bear joke before you get to class. Trust me, they'll love it.

Wait until your instructor looks like he/she has to use the restroom and then ask how a duplexer works, and what exactly is a valve.

 

[Raincity]

Extra Class here, Just pay attention. Tech no code is pretty easy to pass.

 

[jagec]

I was going to get my ham license (even had an old Heathkit radio....hehe), but that was back when you needed to know Morse...considering that email was just starting to take off, it wasn't worth it.

 

[Yossarian]

I make a mean ham sangwich... and I know morse code.

 

[notfred]

Have fun arguing politics with old men. As far as I can tell, that's basically what ham radio consists of.

 

[Raincity]

Not all of us are old but your not far from the truth. The guys i QSO with nightly on 75 are always talking about the IRS.

 

[AmphibSailor]

I'm an Extra Class, too...I earned my Novice license in 1987 and worked up thru Extra in 1999 or 2000. I learned my code, mostly thru the submarine force. Good luck and have some fun.

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: ironwing

Originally posted by: ni4ni
A friend got me interested in Ham radio. I am a trained storm spotter for Skywarn and I am involved in Red Cross disaster programs, so I thought this would probably be a good idea for me.

Anyone here have a ham license? Any advice or pointers?

Thanks!

Don't touch the antenna tips while transmitting.

Think of a Yagi Bear joke before you get to class. Trust me, they'll love it.

Wait until your instructor looks like he/she has to use the restroom and then ask how a duplexer works, and what exactly is a valve.

British for vacuum tube?

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: ni4ni
A friend got me interested in Ham radio. I am a trained storm spotter for Skywarn and I am involved in Red Cross disaster programs, so I thought this would probably be a good idea for me.

Anyone here have a ham license? Any advice or pointers?

Thanks!

..go for it. I passed the Extra under the old structure..20 wpm CW. I don't use the code but will never forget the feeling of satisfaction passing those written exams and CW tests. Just don't fall off the roof when ya put up your antennas. My best HF antenna is a Alpha Delta DXCC dipole. It works on 80,40,20,15 + 10 meter bands. I've tried HF verticals and found them too narrow in bandwidth (CushCraft R7000) and the numerous traps and connections became a headache to maintain. I also operate on 2 meter,6 meter and 1.2 ghz..all FM. Even on 6 meters. (AR-X 6 CushCraft). Don't forget to support the ARRL.

 

[Raincity]

We should have a ongoing ham thread. I wonder if there is as many Hams here as over at ARS forum.

 

[The Stigenator]

i got my ham licence from India and had to know morse.. i believe the requirements have changed.. i need retake my HAM licence.. its handy to have.

 

[Raincity]

Originally posted by: TheGoodGuy
i got my ham licence from India and had to know morse.. i believe the requirements have changed.. i need retake my HAM licence.. its handy to have.

It's only handy if your going to be active otherwise your just lining the pockets of the FCC.

 

[fireontheway]

Amateur radio ethusiasts do it for the love of radio not just because it good to have one.