View Full Version : Thank you, MJR HAMS!!
Rick and I picked up a Yaesu VX-6 this weekend! We have already found a few repeaters and have listened a bit to what we could find.
Can't wait to get our licenses and start talking!
And some software to start programming...
A sincere thank you to everyone who helped us out at the HAM meet-n-greet, along with the threads here on the site full of information to get us going.
We are looking forward to improved communications on the trails! Wooohoo! Let the geekery begin... :)
Old Fart
08-10-09, 09:18 AM
http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/yaesu_Template.cfm?yaesupage=ADMSVX6
I have RT's software for both my VX-5 and Steph's VX-170, works great.
6TY
USMC 0369
08-10-09, 11:38 AM
Are there going to be study groups for the test?
Thanks, Fart!
Nick - nooo, they make an app for that ;)
http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/yaesu_Template.cfm?yaesupage=ADMSVX6
I have RT's software for both my VX-5 and Steph's VX-170, works great.
6TY
Woo Hoo! Rick and Sarah are on their way!
I'm using the same software as Old Fart. I highly recommend it
ECV Jeep
08-10-09, 09:31 PM
Well now.........the HAMS are taking over. I happen to be a VE, so if there are other VEs on MJR perhaps we can arrange a testing session for our upcoming HAM friends. Just a thought.
USMC 0369
08-11-09, 09:07 AM
Nick - nooo, they make an app for that ;)
Damn Geeks... what ever happened to good ole fashioned flash cards and writing the answers on your wrist?
Thanks Roger!
Brian - that sounds awesome! We are currently looking for a testing site.
Nick - those were the good old days :P
Old Fart
08-11-09, 10:35 AM
In the good old days, y'all would be studying MORSE :)
ECV Jeep
08-11-09, 04:23 PM
In the good old days, y'all would be studying MORSE :)
Actually, I am working on my code now. My HAM mentor is big on using code for QSOs, so I am trying to get proficient.....it is not easy. I'm glad I did not have to do the old style 20 WPM that was required for an Extra license years ago.
ECV Jeep
08-11-09, 04:34 PM
I thought I would share with you the technique I used to study for the exams...it worked well for me.
Go to ARRL and download the complete exam pool for the exam you wish to take. Begin by reading each question, and then read ONLY the correct answer and highlight it. Do this for every question.
Begin taking practice tests online.
Re-read the question pool and correct answers only (especially your week subjects).
Take a few more practice tests until you are consistently getting 85%+ scores.
Take your license exam....you will pass!
Remember, if you are particularly weak on a subject area and having trouble memorizing the answers, you can skip it and make certain to do better on other parts of the exam. You only need to pass. You will learn good amatuer practice by getting on the air and working with others, not from the exam.
This works well for Tech & General license exams. The Extra exam requires a bit more study (it did for me).
I used hamtestonline and feel that it works very well, and really is not terribly expensive. No books or other study materials to buy.
Hope this helps!
I thought I would share with you the technique I used to study for the exams...it worked well for me.
Go to ARRL and download the complete exam pool for the exam you wish to take. Begin by reading each question, and then read ONLY the correct answer and highlight it. Do this for every question.
Begin taking practice tests online.
Re-read the question pool and correct answers only (especially your week subjects).
Take a few more practice tests until you are consistently getting 85%+ scores.
Take your license exam....you will pass!
Remember, if you are particularly weak on a subject area and having trouble memorizing the answers, you can skip it and make certain to do better on other parts of the exam. You only need to pass. You will learn good amatuer practice by getting on the air and working with others, not from the exam.
This works well for Tech & General license exams. The Extra exam requires a bit more study (it did for me).
I used hamtestonline and feel that it works very well, and really is not terribly expensive. No books or other study materials to buy.
Hope this helps!
Thanks a bunch!
I studied the same way Brian did out of a book I got at Radio Shack. I just studied the right answers and highlighted them. I passed the novice, tech, & code test all in one day. Big Bear hams sponsored the testing.
Like old Fart said, back in the good old days I had to learn the code. Geeze I hated it and saw no use for it. I guess I still don't! I know there's lots of old die hards that love it. All can say is enjoy, but it's not for me!
OMG what have I started?? :D
karstic
08-12-09, 08:44 AM
How's the application going for the club call sign?
SAR Jeeper
08-12-09, 09:57 AM
Actually, I am working on my code now. My HAM mentor is big on using code for QSOs, so I am trying to get proficient.....it is not easy. I'm glad I did not have to do the old style 20 WPM that was required for an Extra license years ago.
I'm also a VE. I also like code. I first got my Novice License when I was in 6th grade, and that was all we could use!
Old Fart
08-12-09, 10:16 AM
I know it sounds "elitist", but I always though the Code was a pretty good "filter" as far as weeding out the folks that were serious about the hobby. I know why we went away from the requirement - but the fact is we had way fewer "squirrel operators" (especially on UHF/VHF) when we had the 5wpm Novice requirement.
I'm also a VE. I also like code. I first got my Novice License when I was in 6th grade, and that was all we could use!
That's two - I'm counting! :D 6th grade - wow! That's pretty neat.
Doug applied for the call sign with Dave. I'll send him a PM and see how it went.
ECV Jeep
08-12-09, 10:31 AM
I know it sounds "elitist", but I always though the Code was a pretty good "filter" as far as weeding out the folks that were serious about the hobby. I know why we went away from the requirement - but the fact is we had way fewer "squirrel operators" (especially on UHF/VHF) when we had the 5wpm Novice requirement.
I tend to agree with this thinking. Besides lots of DXing is done using code, so if you want the full experience code is required. For the casual operator, or avid 4 wheeler or recreation enthusiast, I do not see any need for code.
Old Fart
08-12-09, 10:36 AM
I tried CW _once_ from my FJ-40, back in the mid 80's. Worked Field Day from Mt Pinos, wasn't much fun. When my wife was pregnant with Andy, she couldn't even get into the FJ-40 (gestational diabetic, she looked/weighed as much as a 767), so I took the passenger seat out, put a sheet of 3/4" plywood down and ran HF, 2M FM/SSB, 220, 440 and 6M radios (no multi band stuff in those days, all matching Icom's) :)
Have zero interest in mobile HF anymore - it cured me.
Dave_W6DPS
08-17-09, 08:35 AM
One thing that might be helpful is an occasion "meet and Greet", similar to the one Doug hosted, for the purpose of helping new hams with the technical stuff. Once you get your license, then what? We lose a lot of new hams simply because all the support you see is for passing the test. After you get your license you need to be able to actually use it.
Maybe an occasional M&G to discuss different radios and which you should get. Why are more expensive radios worth the money (or are they)? Why do I need 4 bands on the trail?
What antenna do I need? Where and how do I mount an antenna on my Cherokee/Wrangler/CJ/etc.? Maybe even a build session to make a roll-up J-pole or other easy homebrew antenna.
How do I talk to these people in this weird new language?
Knowing the theory is nice. Being comfortable with the practical applications is what makes ham radio useful and even fun...
A little help past the steep part of the learning curve can cut down on a lot of frustration.
Dave_W6DPS
ECV Jeep
08-17-09, 10:08 AM
One thing that might be helpful is an occasion "meet and Greet", similar to the one Doug hosted, for the purpose of helping new hams with the technical stuff. Once you get your license, then what? We lose a lot of new hams simply because all the support you see is for passing the test. After you get your license you need to be able to actually use it.
A little help past the steep part of the learning curve can cut down on a lot of frustration.
Dave_W6DPS
Now that sounds like a good idea. I am still sorry I missed the first M&G. I wiped out all the programming on my handheld, and re-programming the repeaters is such a frustration for me that I have continued to put it off. A little sage advice goes a long way.
Old Fart
08-17-09, 10:10 AM
LOL - why all of my current radios can be programmed from the computer. Hell, my RC transmitter programs from the computer :)
I like the M & G idea, I went to the first one and it was pretty good. It was kind of far away though. Since we are so spread out, we almost need to meet regionally.
Dave_W6DPS
08-19-09, 11:33 AM
I like the M & G idea, I went to the first one and it was pretty good. It was kind of far away though. Since we are so spread out, we almost need to meet regionally.
I wouldn't mind coming to a M&G near Lucerne Valley.
Especially the same day as a rocket launch and scheduled for "after the wind comes up"... ;)
Or even co-incident with a jeep run somewhere. Nothing like a real-life demonstration on the trail.
Dave_W6DPS
FishPOET
08-19-09, 11:36 AM
Bass Pro Shop seemed to be central. They have a meeting room upstairs and trails close by.
blackZZR
08-20-09, 07:44 AM
Back in the day, when I was on my first Ham experience and lived in Louisiana, I had a generals license and we did some serious Dxing by Cw. One of the things I really liked was we had a group and we would do field days using weird antennas. I think we were trying to see who could out do each other, Bed springs, Ladders, an aluminum boat, RR track, we tried anything that was metal and was not tied down. It was a blast and we usually were doing it CW. I moved to CA and did not renew my license so I had to take the test all over last year when I ran into a group that was into Ham, I was expecting to have to do code, I kinda laughed when they said they did not have code test anymore for any level. WOW. So anyway I also liked the filter it gave the licensing structure. I notice a lot of guys just go in for the FM. Anyway I thought about moving up to general but have been a bit lazy. I do still enjoy dancing the key a bit and the best frequencies seem to be for the higher license.
I like the M & G idea, I went to the first one and it was pretty good. It was kind of far away though. Since we are so spread out, we almost need to meet regionally.
Wadya mean "far away", it was only a few miles from my house. I just couldn't find it! Next time, everyone leave your cell phones on so that I can find you when I get lost. LOL!
Bass Pro works for me, only an hour or so from my neck of the woods. Less if traffic is good...except that I would have to take the 91, and traffic is NEVER good :-)
One thing that might be helpful is an occasion "meet and Greet", similar to the one Doug hosted, for the purpose of helping new hams with the technical stuff. Once you get your license, then what? We lose a lot of new hams simply because all the support you see is for passing the test. After you get your license you need to be able to actually use it.
Amen to that. I fall directly into that category. Russ spent 5 minutes with me at Rubicon Springs and I learned a ton.
Matt2001TJ
08-21-09, 07:14 PM
I happen to be a VE, so if there are other VEs on MJR perhaps we can arrange a testing session for our upcoming HAM friends. Just a thought.I think that is a great idea....Matt
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