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Started By
Message
re: Does anyone still use ham radios?
Posted on 8/24/14 at 1:17 pm to TigerTatorTots
Posted on 8/24/14 at 1:17 pm to TigerTatorTots
quote:
TigerTatorTots
Believe me, knowing what to do and passing the tests are two different things. Knowing comes from doing, so once you're licensed, you'll learn continually. I've been at it for 30 years, since I was 13. I still learn.
Passing the test is another. If anyone has mastered Tigerdroppings, you can pass the test. The hobby has seriously been dumbed down, to the point where an 8 year old memorized the pool and passed the highest license class. Not old enough to pay a fine for operating illegally, but old enough to memorize the book. There are those who would disagree with me. The knowledge is there, there are still smart hams. But because the tests are so easy now, there are a bunch that shouldn't and wouldn't have passed a test 30 years ago.
0
Posted on 8/24/14 at 1:20 pm to Kafka
quote:
Kafka
I just meant that you can't build a CW transmitter for Iridium from an old TV set. Old school hams built transmitters from just about anything.
Posted on 8/24/14 at 1:26 pm to GeauxxxTigers23
quote:
You think they'd have the time or resources to RDF HAM operators during a no shite SHTF situation?
That can and do RDF, quite routinely. They'll fine terrible operators, but it usually takes a good bit of bad operating before they get busy.
Posted on 8/24/14 at 1:39 pm to ChuckM
Not trying to hijack this thread, but I have a couple handi-talkies and a mobile radio for my Jeep.
Both of my handi-talkies also allow me to listen in on local LE, FD, and EMS frequencies. (I'm in a very rural area, so they haven't switched to digital.)
It's kinda nice to know what the local authorities are doing. It also adds to my entertainment on weekends, particularly after 10:00pm.
LC
Both of my handi-talkies also allow me to listen in on local LE, FD, and EMS frequencies. (I'm in a very rural area, so they haven't switched to digital.)
It's kinda nice to know what the local authorities are doing. It also adds to my entertainment on weekends, particularly after 10:00pm.
LC
Posted on 8/24/14 at 1:47 pm to prplhze2000
I've got a set that used to be my dad's. I've just been too lazy to get my license and see what I need to to to get it going. I fully intend to at some point though... it could be a useful asset to have if the grid goes down.
Posted on 8/24/14 at 5:50 pm to LongueCarabine
quote:
With that being said, if the government wants to RDF you, it's not going to matter whether you're licensed or not.
I'd be more worried about bandits in a SHTF scenario using RDF to find prepared households to raid than the government.
Posted on 8/24/14 at 6:06 pm to prplhze2000
Adam Curry is into to it. Cool stuff -- research it.
Posted on 8/24/14 at 6:34 pm to Volvagia
quote:
I'd be more worried about bandits in a SHTF scenario using RDF to find prepared households to raid than the government.
That's a legitimate concern. I guess I'd be leery of both, depending on the situation, of course.
LC
Posted on 8/25/14 at 7:29 am to ChuckM
didn't realize the walkie talkies had gotten so cheap.
Posted on 8/25/14 at 8:31 am to prplhze2000
I have a general class license. I haven't been active in quite a few years though.
Posted on 8/25/14 at 8:34 am to LongueCarabine
Just want to keep up with this thread. I have always been interested in getting into this. Always thought the cost was too expensive but apparantly it isn't. What costs are wwe talking about for a decent setup to get to distant areas?
Posted on 8/25/14 at 8:34 am to prplhze2000
Storm spotters
Posted on 8/25/14 at 8:42 am to ThatsAFactJack
Less than 500 with used equipment. You can even make your own antennas.
Posted on 8/25/14 at 8:49 am to BRgetthenet
quote:
They also do a thing where thy collect a receipt of transmission thing with everybody they've ever talked to.
Then hang it on the wall like a deer
My grandparents (who met during WWII because they were both radio technicians) did that. I thought it was pretty cool to see cards from the 1950s that had exotic places like Australia on them. You'd make contact with somebody and you'd trade cards by mail. Pretty neat to think that somebody in small town Mississippi could talk to someone else on the other side of the world if the atmospheric conditions were right.
They kept theirs in a box, though, not on the wall.
Posted on 8/25/14 at 8:56 am to Btrtigerfan
quote:
Less than 500 with used equipment. You can even make your own antennas.
Yeah its completely dependent on what you want to spend. My dad has a radio that he runs through an Oscilloscope that outputs to a 21 inch monitor that he uses. He also rigged up an antenna around the circumference of our property that hangs in the trees so he can talk further. He regularly talks to people here in LA and on the east coast from AZ.
I'm sure he's spent into the thousands on his setup, but he's an Electrical Engineer and all of his kids are out of the house so he has time for his hobby along with lots of disposable income.
Posted on 8/25/14 at 9:03 am to shutterspeed
My late father in law was all into those. They are kind of a cult like group but there are plenty out there. He lived in Montgomery and could fire up his big kickers and talk to Panama City Fl. That thing would change the neighbor's TV when he would fire it up. Needless to say, he got more than a few do-better letters from the gov't.
Posted on 8/25/14 at 9:10 am to prplhze2000
We have them at work for emergency situations. I have been asked if I want to be trained and certified. I have the study material and I will be given some equipmanet. Won't cost me anything so I may do it to do it.
Posted on 8/25/14 at 9:11 am to Crawdaddy
What do you do for work?
Posted on 8/25/14 at 9:12 am to GeauxxxTigers23
IT in medical.
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