I feel this is needed as there are the same posts being written time after time, and if this is up we have a reference to send the same new comm questions too. Guys if you have any constructve input, sections of the craft you have more knowlege in etc, jump in. Id really like to keep the BS out of this thread so its a good reference for new guys.
First, why HAM? Its just a bunch of old guys playing with radios, right?
WRONG. HAM is what ALL the emergency services in this country use as a backup during emergencies. Because the normal radio system most municipalities use is dependant on the grid to power the repeaters, they all go down at once when there is no grid power. So, the volunteer EMCOMM operators come in with thier equipment and before you know it, the fire and po po have comms again.
OK, I know the next question, what does that have to do with me?
Easy. If you were in the military and ever wanted to know the scoop about whats going on, there were 2 people you asked. The first was the CO's driver, who was hit and miss. The second and more reliable was the commo guy in the back of the CP, who knew more than god about everything. And in the civilian side that guy in the CP is a local ARES/RACES volunteer with his portable radios set up and operating. And if you are a local HAM with a call sign, you can switch on and dial in, to get real time information about everything going on in your area. First hand, right now, just by listening.
So what do I do? Is it hard? What about Morse code, Ive heard that is hard?
What you do? Another easy question to answer.
Buy these 3 books, and nothing else.
Ham Radio for Dummies
ARRL Tech Class Licence Manual
ARRL General Class Licence Manual
A lot from here on in this thread wont make much sense until you at least browse the books and learn what terms are and how they apply. So get the books, its a max $50 total for a pile of info YOU need. Google is great, but is too random for beginning information. It will confuse and frustrate you so take the advice if you are new and start here.
You will thank me.
Buy nothing else, you will have wasted your money. Get licenced, as you are going through the books you will learn a lot. And you will learn a lot about what you dont need or want but is good to know.
It isnt hard, Tech can be done in a day, and using the QRZ practice exams online, General isnt bad either. Its takes effort.
Morse?, no longer required for any licence in the US.
First, why HAM? Its just a bunch of old guys playing with radios, right?
WRONG. HAM is what ALL the emergency services in this country use as a backup during emergencies. Because the normal radio system most municipalities use is dependant on the grid to power the repeaters, they all go down at once when there is no grid power. So, the volunteer EMCOMM operators come in with thier equipment and before you know it, the fire and po po have comms again.
OK, I know the next question, what does that have to do with me?
Easy. If you were in the military and ever wanted to know the scoop about whats going on, there were 2 people you asked. The first was the CO's driver, who was hit and miss. The second and more reliable was the commo guy in the back of the CP, who knew more than god about everything. And in the civilian side that guy in the CP is a local ARES/RACES volunteer with his portable radios set up and operating. And if you are a local HAM with a call sign, you can switch on and dial in, to get real time information about everything going on in your area. First hand, right now, just by listening.
So what do I do? Is it hard? What about Morse code, Ive heard that is hard?
What you do? Another easy question to answer.
Buy these 3 books, and nothing else.
Ham Radio for Dummies
ARRL Tech Class Licence Manual
ARRL General Class Licence Manual
A lot from here on in this thread wont make much sense until you at least browse the books and learn what terms are and how they apply. So get the books, its a max $50 total for a pile of info YOU need. Google is great, but is too random for beginning information. It will confuse and frustrate you so take the advice if you are new and start here.
You will thank me.
Buy nothing else, you will have wasted your money. Get licenced, as you are going through the books you will learn a lot. And you will learn a lot about what you dont need or want but is good to know.
It isnt hard, Tech can be done in a day, and using the QRZ practice exams online, General isnt bad either. Its takes effort.
Morse?, no longer required for any licence in the US.