Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Passed my Technician and General class exams today!

Now to get the gear for the HF bands.

Good for you! Congratulations!

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Check albemarleradio.org. Last I looked, someone was selling a ts-430 for more than I can swing atm but they were also willing to come down some for new hams.

Get with me later for a small-ish NVIS antenna for 40 and 80.

Oh... Almost forgot. CONGRATS!!

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Oh... Baofeng uv-5r... 30 bucks on amazon and you'll have a not too shabby 2m/440 ht

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Congratulations!

Jim
K4REL

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

good job. Now to get the shack setup.

Hopefully you've got a local elmer to help guide you if not there is lots of help out on the net. But sometimes it nice to be able to sit next to someone else when you are learning.

Nice! I've been meaning to do that to just haven't gotten around to it.

Jakeiscrazy wrote:Nice! I've been meaning to do that to just haven't gotten around to it.

The technician test isn't too bad, learn a little bit of electronics, a few FCC rules, and some operating behaviors.

1 hour a day for a few weeks and you should be able to pass the test.

Or just bang on the practice tests until you pass every time. Tech is a pretty low bar to jump, but that in no way diminishes those that have gone through the effort.

For those considering a ham license as the op has, go ahead and try the general test at the same time. It can't hurt and you will be good to go on so many more bands.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

For those who are interested in getting their license.

Here is a link for free downloads for what you need to know for the exams.
http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/

There are free apps for I-phone and Android as well.

I have my Dad's Collins 75A-4 receiver and an HT at the moment.
Next getting an antenna for my truck.
Have a vertical for my ahem.. shack.

DW... I have 2 HF rigs I want to sell. IC-746PRO and a IC-745. Also have a Heathkit tuner SA-2060A.

PM me if you want to take a look at them.

Ordered a mobile rig for my truck along with dual band antenna.

Joined ARRL as well.

Waiting for tubes and capacitors to arrive for my Collins 75A-4 restore project.

73'
KK4VVC

Just got my 2x Baofeng UVR-5R+'s yesterday. I plan on having them primarily for SHTF, but may use them on GMRS and start studying for the Tech exam. DW44VH, thanks for the link!

dontreadonme wrote:I plan on having them primarily for SHTF, but may use them on GMRS and start studying for the Tech exam.

Sounds like you are new to radio, and might not be aware, but that's not a type 95 accepted radio, so it is not to be used on GMRS. That radio is only licensed for transmit on the ham bands.

jdonovan wrote:That radio is only licensed for transmit on the ham bands.

Yep, I just finished reading the specs v. FCC....no matter...I got them primarily for access to Ham. I've located my nearest test and have compiled quite a bit of the practice tests and study guides....so I'll start studying this weekend.

jdonovan wrote:That radio is only licensed for transmit on the ham bands.

Meant but forgot to add a thanks for the heads-up!

no worries. Wasn't sure if you knew about what was/was-not permissible. If one chooses to ignore the rule, you should at least know it exists.

Not a lot of enforcement on the 'personal communication' service bands these days, so the risk is low.

...but.the fines are steep.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

jdonovan wrote:no worries. Wasn't sure if you knew about what was/was-not permissible. If one chooses to ignore the rule, you should at least know it exists.

Not a lot of enforcement on the 'personal communication' service bands these days, so the risk is low.

I'm glad you put this up. Something a lot of people don't realize is, with all the rules and regs the FCC put in place, the two most important one are...

1.) we are self-regulated
2.) in an emergency, forget everything you just read, because the rules no longer apply