Amateur Radio FAQ
- Thread starter K31
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HT operators -
I saw a few youtube videos about this amplifier make for HTs and gave it a chance. I hit a Frederick repeater from Westminster full quieting when normally there would be some hiss/crackle. My meter showed about 31 watts output (compared to the 4 to 5 watts radio output).
Output power is based on input power and runs on 13.8v.
https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-AMP-U25-Amplifier-400-480MHz-Compatible/dp/B07DPBQ9YW
There are several versions; I got the VHF version that supports analog and DMR.
I powered it with this which I normally use for the HT itself to save the batter wear-and-teat.
https://www.amazon.com/ALITOVE-Converter-Cigarette-Transformer-Refrigerator/dp/B078RZQ9WY
I saw a few youtube videos about this amplifier make for HTs and gave it a chance. I hit a Frederick repeater from Westminster full quieting when normally there would be some hiss/crackle. My meter showed about 31 watts output (compared to the 4 to 5 watts radio output).
Output power is based on input power and runs on 13.8v.
https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-AMP-U25-Amplifier-400-480MHz-Compatible/dp/B07DPBQ9YW
There are several versions; I got the VHF version that supports analog and DMR.
I powered it with this which I normally use for the HT itself to save the batter wear-and-teat.
https://www.amazon.com/ALITOVE-Converter-Cigarette-Transformer-Refrigerator/dp/B078RZQ9WY
For $150+ its a bad buy. I bought one a couple years back when they were close to $100. The cables are the weak link. I had to buy mulitple antenna adapter cables and mics. At that price point you are most of the way to a good used radio, even with DMR.
I had to add 2 adapters - one that came with it to swap genders for the coax out of the radio and one to convert the BNC on my roll-up slim jim antenna to SO-239/PL-259.
I don't count the cost of the radio itself because it's older. I've got too many wants, mainly an HF rig and I don't want to go cheap...er..."inexpensive." I'm torn between a Yaesu and Icom.
I don't count the cost of the radio itself because it's older. I've got too many wants, mainly an HF rig and I don't want to go cheap...er..."inexpensive." I'm torn between a Yaesu and Icom.
Yeasu or Icom doesn't matter at all. Look at the exact features of the models you are interested in and don't forget, in truth its your antenna and its placement that counts the most and not the transmitter.
Without a superior antenna a new Yeasu or Icom can't do any more than a rusty and dusty 50 year old Radio Shack or Heathkit unit
Without a superior antenna a new Yeasu or Icom can't do any more than a rusty and dusty 50 year old Radio Shack or Heathkit unit
A friend just mentioned he took the class/test "proctored", is this a thing?
Sorry if already mentioned, I've not read back too far. Guess I need to start studying ... again. Rationale - if this friend tells me too, I need to look into it. He also listens while reloading. Thanks
Sorry if already mentioned, I've not read back too far. Guess I need to start studying ... again. Rationale - if this friend tells me too, I need to look into it. He also listens while reloading. Thanks
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
In this context, "proctored" simply means the exam is supervised (as they all are), and he probably means he took the test in person vs online.
S.O.P. calls for three observers when administering exams, in addition to the VEs(Volunteer Examiners) working on scoring and other administrative duties as the exams are conducted
Our outfit has begun administering exams in person again and our next exam session is May 5th:
https://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/severna-park-md-21146
The Davidsonville club has an exam session scheduled for May 14th:
https://www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/davidsonville-md-21035-65
If you want to pass the exams by whatever method is available, you should study. If you are thus far unlicensed, I would suggest studying for both Technician and General, because there is a lot of overlapping material and you could likely pass both exams in one test session.
You might find this"Can't Fail" thread helpful:
https://www.ar15.com/forums/outdoor..._learning_basic_VHF_UHF_operations/22-646491/
Thanks, I’m not really sure what he meant , he is in CA. Also said he was surprised they let him talk on the radio without a license. Whatever that one means as well.
A licensee can act as a "control" operator allowing an unlicensed person to transmit as long as it doesn't exceed the limits of the licensee and the licensee has the ability to end the transmission if the unlicensed person strays outside of what's lawful.
Typically, amateur radio clubs have activities like Field Day where this is encouraged.
Link:
blm.gov BIG Motorola manual pdf
Probably more than you'll ever need to know, but its all in one pdf
blm.gov BIG Motorola manual pdf
Probably more than you'll ever need to know, but its all in one pdf
visual representation of a standing wave using a wave generation pool
Hamfest at Howard County Fairgrounds Today May 29, 2022.
Time: 7 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. - premises MUST be cleared by 4 p.m.
TALK-IN on WA3DZD Repeater (146.16/146.76, 223.16/224.76, and 449.0/444.0) Pl 107.2
Plenty of good food and drink will be available. Provided by Lions Club
MFMA Hamfest is An ARRL sanctioned Hamfest
Suggested Admission Donation : $10
Website:
Time: 7 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. - premises MUST be cleared by 4 p.m.
TALK-IN on WA3DZD Repeater (146.16/146.76, 223.16/224.76, and 449.0/444.0) Pl 107.2
Plenty of good food and drink will be available. Provided by Lions Club
MFMA Hamfest is An ARRL sanctioned Hamfest
Suggested Admission Donation : $10
Website:
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
Ham Exams next week:
Tuesday, June 7, 5:45 PM
American Legion Post 175,
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park
Pre-registration info:
https://sites.google.com/view/mmarcveteam/pre-registration
Note that the FCC is now charging a $35.00 license fee. We do NOT collect the fee at the exam, we will send successful exam results to the FCC for the candidate and they will have 10 days to pay through the FCC site. This fee does not apply to upgrades.
Tuesday, June 7, 5:45 PM
American Legion Post 175,
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park
Pre-registration info:
https://sites.google.com/view/mmarcveteam/pre-registration
Note that the FCC is now charging a $35.00 license fee. We do NOT collect the fee at the exam, we will send successful exam results to the FCC for the candidate and they will have 10 days to pay through the FCC site. This fee does not apply to upgrades.
gamer_jim
Podcaster
Tau Herculids meteor shower tonight with peak about 1AM EDT June 6.
Article on how to work meteor scatter:
Article on how to work meteor scatter:
Well i took the Tech test online the 29th, passed (35/35, i'm a bit anal about testing i guess). I paid as soon as i got the fcc email Friday (7/1). ULS is showing payment pending so i'll have to wait till tuesday i guess since monday is a holiday (for it to clear and then get my call sign). I've started to study for General now. I have 2 Baofengs, a UV-5B that i bought a while back just to listen in and then the GT-5R. Doubt i'll get a lot of hardware or ever go to Amateur extra. Too many hobbies that take my time and money it's just that i've wanted to get my Ham license since my Father had talked about wishing he had gotten it way back when.
I'll stop rambling now.
I'll stop rambling now.
gamer_jim
Podcaster
Congrats!
Usually there is no extra hardware for extra. If you buy your HF rig in the US it will allow transmit on all amateur bands. If you have your general then you'll need to mind what frequencies your on. If you have your Extra then your good-to-go.
Get plugged in with your local ham club and ask lots of questions.
E.Shell
Ultimate Member
Congratulations, MD_Rick_O!
Ham Exams next week:
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
5:45 PM
American Legion Post 175,
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park
Pre-registration info:
https://sites.google.com/view/mmarcveteam/pre-registration
Note that the FCC is now charging a $35.00 license fee. We do NOT collect the fee at the exam, we will send successful exam results to the FCC for the candidate and they will have 10 days to pay through the FCC site. This fee does not apply to upgrades.
Ham Exams next week:
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
5:45 PM
American Legion Post 175,
832 Manhattan Beach Rd
Severna Park
Pre-registration info:
https://sites.google.com/view/mmarcveteam/pre-registration
Note that the FCC is now charging a $35.00 license fee. We do NOT collect the fee at the exam, we will send successful exam results to the FCC for the candidate and they will have 10 days to pay through the FCC site. This fee does not apply to upgrades.
- Jan 31, 2009
- 3,285
Congratulations. Antennas are everything in this business, radios not so much.
Thanks all, i'll see how long it takes to feel good about general and look at Extra if not too long. I'd definitely go to an in person test next time so thanks for the Ref E.shell. I think i looked at extra a while back and it didn't look as easy and Tech & General.
Any good free study material for Extra???
Any good free study material for Extra???
hamstudy.org in study mode
You are correct, its more difficult. More electronics, more math and most of all MORE questions.
The General test has significant overlap with Tech. Scoring 35/35 you could have studied for and passed both.
You are correct, its more difficult. More electronics, more math and most of all MORE questions.
The General test has significant overlap with Tech. Scoring 35/35 you could have studied for and passed both.
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