Amateur Radio FAQ

Pinecone · Dec 8, 2013

I learned it enough to pass my Advanced code test (13 WPM). But don't use it, so I don't remember it.

I used a computer program that sent Morse and you typed what you heard. It would start with 2 letters (A and N), and added more as you got better.

Only issue was, I learned to type Morse as I heard it, not actually register on my conscious mind.

K31 · Dec 8, 2013

jpo183 said:
does anyone here know morse code? Ive been learning it and am through about 12 letters / numbers. There is a great tutorial on youtube by merryviking.

Are you using the Koch method? That seems like the best way to go.

Here's a description:

http://hfradio.org/koch_1.html

There is an on-line tutor program here:

http://lcwo.net/

And a downloadable program:

http://www.g4fon.net/CW Trainer.htm

jpo183 · Dec 8, 2013

K31 said:
Are you using the Koch method? That seems like the best way to go.

Here's a description:

http://hfradio.org/koch_1.html

There is an on-line tutor program here:

http://lcwo.net/

And a downloadable program:

http://www.g4fon.net/CW Trainer.htm

Thanks no but I will be restarting using this.

Shazam · Dec 8, 2013

I learned code with an Instructograph. Google Instructograph if like old technology. Also ARRL code practice transmissions and listening to cw qso's crowded 40M novice band. Hard to find much slow CW on the air anymore.

jpo183 · Dec 8, 2013

K31 said:
Are you using the Koch method? That seems like the best way to go.

Here's a description:

http://hfradio.org/koch_1.html

There is an on-line tutor program here:

http://lcwo.net/

And a downloadable program:

http://www.g4fon.net/CW Trainer.htm

Holy heck this is tough! The youtube tutorial was going slow. I got 100% on the first lesson (two letters) on the next lesson I did good then got floored by one group and tail spinned on the last groups.

I can see they are trying to use reflex instead of just memory.

FrankOceanXray · Dec 9, 2013

GRMS.

Got some new portables with the option alongside FRS.

I went online to see about the licensing and it seems they may do away with it. Is it worth the extra range?

K31 · Dec 9, 2013

FrankOceanXray said:
GRMS.

Got some new portables with the option alongside FRS.

I went online to see about the licensing and it seems they may do away with it. Is it worth the extra range?

I guess it would depend on what you want to do with it and how long you are willing to wait to see if the licensing requirement is going to be removed.

dblas · Dec 9, 2013

FrankOceanXray said:
GRMS.

Got some new portables with the option alongside FRS.

I went online to see about the licensing and it seems they may do away with it. Is it worth the extra range?

GMRS is a $75 fee for a 5 year license that will cover everyone at one address. It needs to be renewed every 5 years.

FrankOceanXray · Dec 10, 2013

dblas said:
GMRS is a $75 fee for a 5 year license that will cover everyone at one address. It needs to be renewed every 5 years.

It is cheaper to move in w/ K31.

Calling for a UHaul now.

jpo183 · Dec 10, 2013

I just wanted to drop in and post this. I dld cq100 tonight and for the first time spoke to people on the air. It was neat. Alot of the talk is just about nothing. Kinda neat. Talked to someone from Virginia and two guys from British COlumbia.

awptickes · Dec 10, 2013

Anyone selling an icom ic-718 or ic-7200?

About the pull the trigger on a 718.

K31 · Dec 11, 2013

jpo183 said:
I just wanted to drop in and post this. I dld cq100 tonight and for the first time spoke to people on the air. It was neat. Alot of the talk is just about nothing. Kinda neat. Talked to someone from Virginia and two guys from British COlumbia.

I'm amazed sometimes at the connections I find with other people I talk to.

K31 · Dec 11, 2013

FrankOceanXray said:
It is cheaper to move in w/ K31.

Calling for a UHaul now.

Good, there's some neighborhood punks who've been hanging out on my lawn.

K31 · Dec 11, 2013

The Anne Arundel Radio Club has announced dates for the Technicians and General license classes for early 2014.

http://www.w3vpr.org/node/839

(No word about a free radio as was donated in some previous classes)

ke3gk · Dec 11, 2013

jpo183 said:
It was neat. Alot of the talk is just about nothing. Kinda neat.

That's what us hams do - talk about nothing for most of the time. Weather, rigs, antennas, audio, give signal reports etc etc ...

ToneGrail · Dec 11, 2013

Pinecone said:
If you look at the two licenses back in history, it makes sense.

At first, the Tech was the next step up from Novice that added access to VHF and higher.

Later came the Tech Plus, which was the VHF and up without an HF priviledges and no Morse code test requirement.

In the days of the Tech, many people built and tuned their own HF radios. HeathKit was around, along with others. A good bit of technical knowledge was required to do this without causing problems.

In the VHF and up world, most people buy a radio, hook up 12V and an antenna and go on the air. So little technical knowledge is required.

Tech plus was never no-code. It was designation given to Techs who had passed the 5wpm Morse code test before they dropped it as a requirement for the Tech license. In 2000 they ceased issuing the Tech Plus license and started renewing them as Techs. However they still had HF privileges if they had the documentation on file with the FCC to prove they had previously held a Tech+ or Novice designation.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

Pinecone · Dec 12, 2013

Oops, you are right.

Tech Plus came about when they dropped the code requirement for the Tech.

It was a while ago.

Tac · Dec 12, 2013

I haven't had a chance to go through all the info yet, but I wanted to toss out a huge thank you as just last night I started looking at small handheld radios and considering dipping my toe into this. Thank you for taking the time to combine and post all of this!

jpo183 · Dec 12, 2013

I just ordered a beofung this morning and should have it by Monday or so.

chale127 · Dec 12, 2013

jpo183 said:
I just ordered a beofung this morning and should have it by Monday or so.

Great little radio, hope you ordered the programming cable...that's the only real PITA with those IMHO

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