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Kirk
| | Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 11:40 am: | 
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Some of these posts I read are good, some make me laugh, some I just shake my head at. I wish there was some way, some magic word to convince some of you that joining the ranks of Ham Radio is not out of your league. I read posts about running amps and transmitting on frequencies outside the band plan area for CB....and I wonder...do those of you that do this think you'll never be caught? I'm not trying to preach here, but cmon fellas (and ladies), you know this is not right. Rules are rules folks! Wether or not you believe in the Govt. at hand, those are the rules. Anyway...really what I wanted to say is...there is SO MUCH MORE OUT THERE ON HAM RADIO!! You can talk to your out of State buddies all damn night on some bands....talk Overseas nightly....and never bother the neighbors running 1500 watts!! Never bother the neighbors??...well...yeah! Look at a frequency spectrum and see how many harmonics 11 meters carries on Publicly used frequencies.....I really feel for you guys. Your almost damned from the beginning. Not saying that Ham radio doesn't have it's problems...it does.....not saying you'd never bother anybody....it happens. But there are some really neat things that you CAN do in Ham radio that, by law, you cannot on CB. I guess all I want to really do here is encourage anybody who's remotely thinking they can't, that they can! We need more good operators and there are obviously many here. |
Biged
| | Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 8:41 pm: |
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Kirk,
I have thought about getting my ham liscence a few times and just never took the time to do it. At least I didnt say I never had the time. LOL. I just sold a Yaesu FT 890 about 3 months ago and listened to it quite a bit. Believe it or not, I never keyed up on anything but 11 meter, which you think about it is still illegal. Anyhow, yes it is fun, and there is alot more on ham, and it is more professional. I get so sick and tired of the way some people talk on ch. 19. It get rather rude when a woman gets on the radio. The only thing I have against ham is it really can get expensive. There is so much involved in a good setup. Yes, I have quite a bit of money tied up into my radios, but ham equipment is way more salty. And for a good reason too, that Yaesu was the best radio I have ever had, but it was just too much for what I needed. A guy at work was bugging me to sell it to him so I did. I got $650 for it with a desk mic. One of these days I will regret getting rid of it. Especially if I were to ever get my ham ticket. BTW, how do you go about getting your liscence anyhow?...Eddie |
Taz
| | Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 9:06 pm: |
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Kirk, some of us dont want to be a ham!
Me, the problem is that my dad never takes me!
Thing is, there is more hash and thrash allowed on cb than ham.
some of us just want to be good ol' cbers |
DeadlyEyes
| | Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 10:21 pm: |
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Re Kirk
Good evening Kirk. I agree with your post on many of the points you brought out. But we need to also remember that the Amateur People are much like the CB people. As a VE I have given a very large number of exams and find that most people forgo the code prefering to settle down for life in the VHF/UHF territory. So I would not bee too harsh on the CB people. If they are a person who is not comfortable with a bit of conformity then perhaps it is for the best that they enjoy their radio via CB. You have to admit that the FCC is much sterner with the Ham People when they break major regs. And if one decides to move into the ranks of Ham Op I will be more than glad to give the the required testing.
Signed /Alias DE from 5 land. |
DeadlyEyes
| | Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2002 - 11:40 pm: |
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Re Big....
To obtain an Amateur License is quite easy with the new changes that have take place. You do not need any code to get the first license. And the code requirement has been reduced to a single testing of only 5 words per minute if you wish to transmit voice in the HF region.
The easiest way is to join a study group but if there is no study group go to arrl.org and order their no code study manual. You can also get official study material at w5yi.org and believe it or not at Radio Shack. I would rather you stuck to the ARRL or w5yi though. Their material is usually upgraded almost immediately as the questions do change from time to time. It explains in general what ham radio is all about, what you can do and gives you all the questions and answers that will be on the test. Just read the book and go thru the questions as you are reading. Take your time there is no rush. If you have any questions do call the local ham club. Members are usually anxious to help budding hams get their first licenses and upgrades.
The test is a written test, multiple guess at that. The questions will be exactly as in the book and the answers as well but the order of the answers may change.
Each section of the questions and answers tells you the number of questions that will be asked on the topic.
The questions for the first license are definately not hard but you will have to do a little memorization of frequencies, rules and regs, etc.
I will tell you a little secret to passing the tests.
Hint one, a 100% is nice but not required. All you need is a 75% to pass. After that it is all gravy and icing. If you are able to get say 85% on a the sample tests (qrz.com) on a regular basis (10% offset for testing nerves) go for it.
Hint two, If a particular section gives you trouble pass it up and move on, at least for the time being. Come back later to pick it up if you need to. Take the pressure off to be perfect if you can.
Hint three, the night before you take the test do no heavy studying. Just lightly read thru the material to refresh what you know and in general get the big picture. If you need to touch up an odd thing fine but do not tire yourself out. Get a good nights rest, catch a good breakfast and just do your best.
Hint four, you can take the test again if you fail he fist one should the persons giving the test have a second version on hand.
Hint five, let the question be your guide. If you are having a little bit of a problem with a question /rembering the answer let the question point you to the answer. For example if the question has a number one and the answer is the only reply listed that has a number one. There ya go. Little tricks like this help to make passing the test easier.
Always remember if you do not pass it is not the end of the world. As you go thru the test you will remember what areas gave you trouble/things you were not too sure the answer was correct. Just go back and review those areas.
WHERE TO TAKE THE TEST....
Contact the ARRL at arrl.org thru their feedback for a list of testing locations, or you can get an identical list from w5yi.org or you can contact your local Amateur Radio Club.
If you have any questions or problems with the study questions please feel free to ask me for help. I may not be a college prof but I will do my best.
Signed
DE |
Kirk
| | Posted on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 9:20 am: |
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Great stuff here guys. Let me just clarify...I don't blame anyone for being a CB'er and wanting to stay that way. It IS fun....no doubt. All radio is (IMO). But there is just so much more honestly! I used to be a die-hard CB'er. I remember looking at my first AES book thinking..."I WILL NEVER understand all of this stuff! There's just too much here!" It took me about 2 years to realize that I personally wanted more than what I heard in my area. There aren't many locals I want to talk to even today. Most of the group I belonged to have died off (sad to say). But anyway...I just started listening, reading, trying to learn the basics. I still have a CB rig, but rarely get on it. I just simply prefer Ham radio and all I really want to do is incourage those who WANT to come into it. Please don't feel that I am bashing CB fellas. To each his own! 73 |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 9:39 am: |
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Kirk,
there have been many people on this board get their Ham licenses, but some do not want to. It has caused some great debates. Fortunately Copper and the forum masters make sure that both CB'rs and Hams are welcome here and neither get's bashed for their hobby.
After reading some real bashing of CB'rs at qrz.com, I think your going through a darn good approach to recruit new Hams here. I see some of your same ideals there, but the idea seems to get slammed by other Hams. I like your approach. Not all CB'rs are bad operators by far.
For what it's worth, many on this board are Hams already, and others stop by from time to time. Many "preach" (sorry, couldn't think of better word) the same line of the benefits of the additional radio spectrum, legal power, packet radio, etc. But most of all, they really "elmer" those that are thinking about getting their ticket, encourage a lot, and are extremely helpful. I have seen more support for those going for their tickets here than on many of the Ham websites. I'm sure you can relate. DeadlyEyes post above is a prime example. He took the time to post a lot of good information and is willing to follow-up with additional help. Most all of the Hams on this site do that, many are done via e-mail vice the forum alone. Bruce is one, a Ham for like 40 years who puts in lots of efforts by e-mail mentoring future Hams. He plays by all the rules and never encourages anything illegal. But you know what? I works!
I have chosen to get my ticket. I should have already taken the test but an unexpected business trip killed that one and the next test July 13, (I'll be on the road again and miss it). Next is July 27th, I sure hope I'm here. I've studied for months, smoke all the practice test on eham and qrz, just can't seem to be in the right place at the right time.
It was actually a harder decision than you might expect though. By getting that ticket means having to clean up and go 100% legal, no export radios, no magic boxes, etc. Lots of money and effort need to be need to be shifted in a different direction. This may sound crazy, but it's like your giving up some "freedoms" to go legal. It sounds strange but that was the hard part, the studying is easy.
I sure hope the Ham world is ready for me! I crack up when I see the "Amateur Extra vs General" ego fights, Code vs No Code Techs, "chicken Banders" he he he he he, sometimes you Hams really make me laugh. Ya'll sure can argue about nothing LOL! And by the way, I'm keeping all my legal CB equipment, will still talk it and not feel bad whatsoever. Look out world, here I come.... |
Honkytonkman593
| | Posted on Friday, June 21, 2002 - 7:49 pm: |
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hey guess what i am a cber and i love it!! oh yeah and i am a licensed ham n.... oh yeah like id put it here lol. anyway im sorry to say but ham radio has no real interest to most cbers like myself because you cant fool around on ham. heaven forbid you mention cb on a 2 meter repeater and the repeater gets turned off!! had it done twice. free speech haha..not. lets talk about 2 meter for example aropund new york. here we have the same 4-5 locals who talk same time everyday for like foreve on the repeater and if you can this is n.... listening then they dont say good morning they ignore you and keep on their conversation. same with 440 here and so on and so forth. if you say you are a no code well then they banish you to the far distant galaxy far away from other listeners...in other words they dont talk to you. if you dont have like 30 word per minute you suck and are a lousy person. or so it seems.
cb has and will always be my favorite form of communication. i like a challange. if you could talk everyday every hour to someone wouldnt that get boring??
heres the only reason to become a ham operator...it is to be able to buy linears for cb and have the legally in your house as a amatuer radio license holder.
HOWEVER ILL FREEBAND FOREVER!!
HONKY TONK MAN 593 out!! |
Grumpy8220
| | Posted on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 2:59 am: |
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HONKY TONK MAN 593 I must agree with you 100%, there are good and bad were ever you go. I have many operators who went ham and stayed others came back to cb because they did not feel they were welcome on ham. I for one have been a cb radio operator for 30 years and I enjoy my hobby very much. Were I live cb radio is much like it was in the old days were most get along and have a good time without all the •••••••• that goes on in some parts of the country. We all respect each other and help one another. This is what it is all about, not seeing who can out talk the other guy or make an ass out of someone that does not have the equipment you may have. I have thought about becoming a ham operator but for now I am happy just being a cb radio operator. Some guys just forget were they came from and that is a shame, some of us are still good operators that get a bad name. Now of days it seems you must run a 1000 watt amp or you are not in the with the gang, if this is the case I will just stay out of the gang and be respectful to my fellow opertors. You do not need that much power to talk around the country, I just wish that other cb'ers see it that way but alot do not. Be it cb or ham let's not forget to have some respect, this is the key to clean operations and alot of fun!!!
73's from GRUMPY |
jyd
| | Posted on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 10:01 am: |
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thats right alot of us dont want to be ham people,i want to be me,talk the way i want to,act the way i want.why dont we all just be a slave.thats what ham is to me to many rules regulations.you cant be you.if i want to call someone a azzhole i can.there is a ham operator down the street,he came down on regular frequencys.he told me talking on channel 19 was the most fun he had in years.next day he went and bought a whole set up for cb |
Alsworld
| | Posted on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 10:25 am: |
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Grumpy,
you are so right. CB is wonderful where I live, much like you describe from a long time ago. Only the skip brings in what everyone complains about and then I can hear and understand their gripes. I guess we may be the lucky ones.
HF intrigues me so hence I'm striking for my ticket (and even that code). Because of where I live, CB IS an enjoyable experience.
Maybe that's some insight for Kirk as well. I could not imagine living in a big city with all the trash on the airwaves. |
DeadlyEyes
| | Posted on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 10:56 am: |
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RE Taz ol bean....
Just curious, no tricks/no criticisms, just why don't you want to as they say in sports take it to the next level?
If it is too expensive just say so. Heck I will confirm openly that the ham gear is not cheap and that a fully complete station is beyond most peoples means (myself included). A half decent base radio alone can easily cost 2500 to 3500 bucks. So just curious why the stopping and not moving on up?? Like I said feel free to be honest as I definately not criticize any reply on any of my "Just Curious" questions. |
B1kshad0w
| | Posted on Saturday, June 22, 2002 - 7:28 pm: |
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We had a ham here start trouble and deadkey here. We looked him up and he is a no code tech. Right away everyone though, he must be from the cb, which we all know is true. Someone just doesn't get that kind of attitude and deadkey without learning it first. I used to be on the cb all the time with friends. All I hear now is older guys cussing and swearing all the time. Not my cup of tea. As far as ssb on cb goes, it's all for me. If it makes you happy do it. If someone was meant to be a ham, they will seek it out on their own. I personally believe in not pushing your values and ideas on someone else. |
Kirk
| | Posted on Monday, June 24, 2002 - 8:33 am: |
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Totally agree about "pushing"....like I've said before, I am NOT trying to push any values on anybody...enjoy! |
USA194
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 12:04 pm: |
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taz said "Me, the problem is that my dad never takes me!"
Does your dad realize that technically, by providing you with the funds and assistance in setting up what, by your account, is a seriously illegal CB station, he could be cited not only for FCC infractions, but for contributing to the delinquency of a minor? Yeah, sure, the FCC has no teeth.....keep on thinking that. You've given enough information out on the board regarding your station for just about any FCC officer to drive right up, check your field strength and WHAP! Yer Busted!!!
You can do ALL of your studying at home for the amateur license, using the internet, a CW tutor program(free on the internet) and you were you to demonstrate to him that you are "ready", both on the written and CW portion, he would likely have no problem taking some time with you to go take the test. After all, he has obviously spent substantial resources helping you be a freebander. |
Phoneman
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 12:38 pm: |
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Everyone knows the FCC only chases operators that are causing serious interference. Let's be honest with everyone here that operates illegal equipment, the FCC isn't going to come after you unless you have someone complaining about you interfering with their equipment. There are two reasons for this 1) the FCC doesn't have the man power and 2) interference from cber's has gone downhill in the last ten years because there are fewer operators.
The message I think every ham should be sending is that it's easy to become a ham and you can do almost all the things you are doing now legally and much much more.
We muddy the waters with this "the FCC is going to come get you" stuff. For every one the FCC catches there are thousands that go untouched. Anyone who has been a cber for any period of time knows this and begins to question the truth of all your statements.
The truth is hams need the influx of new blood to keep their numbers up. The FCC is poised to take over as much bandwidth as business demands unless hams speak with one loud voice. That voice is currently dwindling because of the aging population of ham operators.
The older hams can try to keep it all to themselves but in doing so they are going to lose it for everyone. |
Phineas
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 1:43 pm: |
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I am a Ham, FRS, GMRS, MURS, and CBer. Its all radio to me. Frankly, there are good points and bad points of every radio service. It all comes down to people. Being relatively new to ham radio myself, I was very disappointed when I upgraded to General. All I use to hear was ...you got to get on 20/40/80 meters. Come to find out, those are some of the most abused bands in the whole spectrum!!! Everyone who can runs 1000 watts does, and if you are not 5/9 you may not even get a reply in a lot of cases. Sounds like channel 6 dont it :P
Anyhow, I encourage people whop are interested in amateur radio to listen to the band first through shortwave radio, or scanner to see if it is for you. I got in it for the homebrew aspect of radio mostly. This goes a little beyond just ragchewing.
As far as what Phoneman says about the older hams, he is absolutely right. The older hams act like they are running a country club...lol Then there is the ARRL....but that is another tread.
If you just like ragchewing, then it really doesnt matter what band you talk on. If you are into advanced activities, consider a ham license.
One last comment. The reason for the aging ham population is the same reason for the aging CBer population. Video games and the internet. These things give a person instant results with out thinking. Radio requires too much work by today's standards. People just dont raise their children with an ethic for work. People nowadays expect children to raise themselves. Most children that I see that are radio operators have parents that spend time with them, and get them interested. If radio dies, its all our fault as parents. CB or ham.
Phineas |
bruce
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2002 - 2:50 pm: |
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Phineas Interesting on your 80, 40 and 20 comments
I just started using them this last month and realy dont find as much problems as ive seen in the past.. still there are some. Your 100% correct the problem is vidio games computers and a aray of new things to do thats zaping old hobbies like radio , stamp collecting and model trains that as you correctly stated require a efford something a lot of kids are not willing to put out. When i got licensed almost 40 years ago as a 13 year old and went back later and got a tech license just as i turned 16 it was not uncommon to see people that age getting into the hobbie today few will even try ....and YES the ARRL is to blame. When all poles show the use of code pluming and few hams under 40 even using code what did they do MADE THE TEST HARDER! Now i got the right to bi... ive been a life member for at least 25 years. They will not understand the ITU which justified code as a universal way to comucate is very close to droping it too. Dont get me wrong i beleve in testing but let the test fit the real world. Im average age for a HAM and thats scary and taz is the age i was cutting my teeth in radio. Finaly the FCC is so caught up in politics that the limited resorces are not used th the fullest. O dont get me wrong even out Tampa Keystone cops will get you give them a reason ...Ask Fillipo ..... that idit gave them LOTS of reasons.
bruce |
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