Even though it doesn't feel like it (still can't talk yet) Rick and I both aced our HAM Technician tests this past Saturday. Can't wait to find ya'll on the air :D

Big thanks to the Victor Valley Amateur Radio Club for getting us through everything we needed to know!

Congrats to both of you!

Congrats! The test results should be processed and your new callsigns should show up on the FCC website on Thursday (provided the mail doesn't get delayed by blizzards back east).

Congratulations on your new tickets! What radios are you going to run mobile?

Yahoo!! Congratulations Rick & Sarah. Welcome to Ham Radio! Be talkin' to you soon!

(BTW everyone - they both passed with 100% - but you all know they are both very smart)

Congrats you guys!

Congrats!!!

Thanks everyone! We have a Yaesu VX-6 so far... and will get more stuff in time.

Russ, that's tomorrow! :D I checked the database today but nothing yet. I better get the handheld charged up! :)

Congrat's guys! Did you also take the next level?

Congrats!

de AB6YA

Two more here... Materdaddy & Matermomma are new licensed amateurs. We should be in the ULS database by next Friday! :D

Any suggestions on radios? Probably handheld/mobile to start. Preferably mobile, dual band with cross-repeat and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Congratulations!!!! I recommend starting with a mobile radio. Get with some of the local hams in your area and have them demostrate their radios to you. Make sure the softeware is compatable with your operating system.

Two more here... Materdaddy & Matermomma are new licensed amateurs. We should be in the ULS database by next Friday! :D

Any suggestions on radios? Probably handheld/mobile to start. Preferably mobile, dual band with cross-repeat and don't cost an arm and a leg.

Congratulations Mat and Tiff!!! When I got my license, I bought a Yaesu FT-8800, a dual band mobile with cross band repeat. With a dual band antenna, it came to just under $500. I programmed the transceiver memory by hand until I felt comfortable with the programming buttons, and then I bought a cable and downloaded the FTB programming software from the internet. I confess that I've had this radio for two years, but have yet to use the cross band repeat function.

My first antenna was a Comet, but it quickly broke when I snagged it on some tree branches, so I don't recommend it for off-roading. I'm now using a Larsen antenna. I lost the first whip on my Larsen when it snagged on trees, so now I make sure that the set screws for the whip are on TIGHT!

I recently bought a Yaesu FT-60, a dual band hand held. I also got an extra battery pack, 12v adapter, and mag mount antenna, so the total came to around $300. I chose that hand held because it is capable of 5 watt output unlike some others which are more compact but have less output.

I recommend you look at the equipment reviews at eHam.net
http://www.eham.net

Congratulations!!!! I recommend starting with a mobile radio. Get with some of the local hams in your area and have them demostrate their radios to you. Make sure the softeware is compatable with your operating system.

Thanks, I have a neighbor who has tons of equipment. Before learning about frequency bands, modulation types, etc. whenever he spoke it was greek. I'll definitely be chatting him up about his equipment. The reason I wanted input from Jeepers is because he drives an F250, and doesn't offroad. That means he's got tons of room (compared to a Jeep), and also never deals with the type of dust and abuse my radio will probably see.

Congratulations Mat and Tiff!!! When I got my license, I bought a Yaesu FT-8800, a dual band mobile with cross band repeat. With a dual band antenna, it came to just under $500. I programmed the transceiver memory by hand until I felt comfortable with the programming buttons, and then I bought a cable and downloaded the FTB programming software from the internet. I confess that I've had this radio for two years, but have yet to use the cross band repeat function.

My first antenna was a Comet, but it quickly broke when I snagged it on some tree branches, so I don't recommend it for off-roading. I'm now using a Larsen antenna. I lost the first whip on my Larsen when it snagged on trees, so now I make sure that the set screws for the whip are on TIGHT!

I recently bought a Yaesu FT-60, a dual band hand held. I also got an extra battery pack, 12v adapter, and mag mount antenna, so the total came to around $300. I chose that hand held because it is capable of 5 watt output unlike some others which are more compact but have less output.

I recommend you look at the equipment reviews at eHam.net
http://www.eham.net

The FT-8800R looks very tempting. That's my leading choice as of right now. So you said you've never used the cross repeat? Never park the Jeep somewhere, hike to a canyon and have the radio be your own repeater? If it ends up being that uncommon of a use, maybe I should go with the FT-7900R (looks like the 7800 was discontinued in favor of the 7900)?

I also like the idea of hand held, and $300 doesn't seem too bad for a dual band setup, although I have a feeling most of the time I'll use the mobile to contact repeaters on the echolink system so Tiffany can communicate with me from a computer at home!

I also appreciate the advice on the antennae. I've seen a lot of posts about mag-mount antennas, but it seems that's not too much of an option for a Jeep. I have a CB mount on my rear door (it uses the stock tire carrier bolts) that will soon be a double antenna mount for CB and Ham, so I'll need to look up antennas.

Are you using 1/4 wave or 5/8 wave antennas? I've read conflicting reports on both as for mobile use. It seems the 5/8 needs a bigger ground plane to operate properly, but a Jeep should be a big enough of a ground plane for that, right?

I have the FT-8900. Its quad-band. I am only using it in my Jeep now, so only for 2m and 440. I have used it for crossband repeat. I volunteer for a SAR team, and have set it up to act as a repeater when we were in tough area. Very handy to know you can reach it with a HT, and get out with 50w! :) If you are in an area with sketchy repeater coverage, you can have it running in your truck, and use your HT around the house! :)

Congratulations everyone on getting your ham tickets. It's hard waiting for your call sign isn't it?

I'd like to throw out an option you may not know about or have not considered. It may fall into the arm and leg category but I got the Kenwood D710A and have it connected to my GPS. It has built in capability for APRS, automatic packet relay system. Also does cross band repeating.

It will transmit my position from the GPS on a dedicated APRS VHF frequency where it is received by remote repeaters then it is placed on the internet. Other mobiles can also receive the information if they are appropriately equipped as well.

Once on the internet my position can be accessed and plotted on a map at the website http://aprs.fi/. While it ties up the VHF side of the radio, I can easily turn it on and off when I want to talk voice on VHF.

My wife can find my last location if I turn up missing. Also handy when she wants to know how close I am to home so she can start chilling the wine.

My last trip is plotted here: http://aprs.fi/?call=kr6rok&mt=m&z=11&timerange=21600. (http://aprs.fi/?call=kr6rok&mt=m&z=11&timerange=21600) Can you tell where I was?

Mike

Congratulations everyone on getting your ham tickets. It's hard waiting for your call sign isn't it?

Yeah, It's only been a day for me, and a week for Rick & Sarah. I can't imagine what it was like back when you had to wait 4-6 weeks for the FCC to send you a hard copy!

I'd like to throw out an option you may not know about or have not considered. It may fall into the arm and leg category but I got the Kenwood D710A and have it connected to my GPS. It has built in capability for APRS, automatic packet relay system. Also does cross band repeating.

It will transmit my position from the GPS on a dedicated APRS VHF frequency where it is received by remote repeaters then it is placed on the internet. Other mobiles can also receive the information if they are appropriately equipped as well.

Once on the internet my position can be accessed and plotted on a map at the website http://aprs.fi/. While it ties up the VHF side of the radio, I can easily turn it on and off when I want to talk voice on VHF.

My wife can find my last location if I turn up missing. Also handy when she wants to know how close I am to home so she can start chilling the wine.

Does look like a nice radio, but it is a little rich for my blood. What I wonder though is can I add a TNC (or something) to a Yaesu 8800/8900r if I get one of those, because the ability to have the arps working would be really cool. I might try to wait a little while longer to see if I can get enough pennies saved to get a radio like that Kenwood D710A. Thanks for the input!

My last trip is plotted here: http://aprs.fi/?call=kr6rok&mt=m&z=11&timerange=21600. (http://aprs.fi/?call=kr6rok&mt=m&z=11&timerange=21600) Can you tell where I was?

Bullfrog? Hammerdown? Cakewalk? I didn't zoom in at the "end", but out to JV.

Congrats!

I hope to join the ranks myself at some point!

Christian

Matermomma = KJ6FYZ
Materdaddy = KJ6FZA

We beat Rick & Sarah to the FCC's ULS database! :D

Matermomma = KJ6FYZ
Materdaddy = KJ6FZA

Unfortunately,We beat Rick & Sarah to the FCC's ULS database! They are so much more deserving. :D

I fixed it for you.


Congratulations to you both on getting your license! We're sure gaining a lot more Jeepin' MJR Hams.

I fixed it for you.


Congratulations to you both on getting your license! We're sure gaining a lot more Jeepin' MJR Hams.

Hey, what's that supposed to mean Roger? :P

They did pass their tests a week before us, and they have equipment already! I'm still trying to figure that out. I'll be on echolink soon hopefully (Their database isn't synced with the FCCs currently), and will be able to listen in for a while. I should be getting at least a 2m radio on the 19th so we can get on the air!

I wonder if it has anything do do with the VEs. Maybe they are lagging on the paperwork?

HAHAHA @ ROGER.... LMAO!

Yes, we are still waiting. Our VEs mailed them in, and I'm guessing Mat's e-filed. I guess that's what I get for living in the 'sticks :D

And no worries, I have spent many an hour this week refreshing the database LOL Do they have an app for that?

HAHAHA @ ROGER.... LMAO!

Yes, we are still waiting. Our VEs mailed them in, and I'm guessing Mat's e-filed. I guess that's what I get for living in the 'sticks :D

And no worries, I have spent many an hour this week refreshing the database LOL Do they have an app for that?

Yes they do. Well you can serarch QRZ. There are a few apps but I only use the free ones. =D

Congrats KJ6GAB KJ6GAC!

Congrats KJ6GAB KJ6GAC!
Thx :D Its cool that they're together!

Mike, that ARPS setup is pretty cool. I'm going to have to sit down with you at some point and learn up my HAMness. I've been a HAM for 2 years, but have not spent the time to learn it adequately. And, I'd like to tune my system. Last year I had a hard time picking up Russ while at Rubicon Springs.

I made contact with Roger today on Quartzite Mtn. My first transmission!
Thanks, Roger, and everyone on this board who helped get us to this point. You rock!

Hey Sarah, Congrats on becomming a HAM. Too cool that Roger was your first QSO. 73, W9ECV.

Mike, that ARPS setup is pretty cool. I'm going to have to sit down with you at some point and learn up my HAMness. I've been a HAM for 2 years, but have not spent the time to learn it adequately. And, I'd like to tune my system. Last year I had a hard time picking up Russ while at Rubicon Springs.

Hi Nathan,

I'm a newbie at this ham stuff, just got my ticket late last year. Been listening a lot and learning. The APRS was pretty easy to set up on my radio, but other than that it is the basics for me as well.

Mike

That's KJ6 "Great American Boy" and KJ6 "Great American Chick"

Hey Sarah, Congrats on becomming a HAM. Too cool that Roger was your first QSO. 73, W9ECV.
Indeed! He's such a great Elmer :D

...I confess that I've had this radio for two years, but have yet to use the cross band repeat function....


I finally got a chance to use cross band repeat last week. I was with two other hams and we were exploring the Tucki Mine area of Death Valley National Park. All three of us had hand held radios in addition to the mobile radios in our Jeeps. One of the hams stopped to explore the mine buildings while the other two of us continued about a mile to the end of the trail to a viewpoint overlooking Death Valley. As long as we were in our Jeeps, our mobile radios had enough power to communicate with the other ham's HT on simplex, but when we got out of our Jeeps, our HTs were masked by the terrain and our HTs didn't have enough power to communicate with the other ham's HT on simplex. So I pulled out the instruction manual and figured out how to setup my mobile for cross band repeat. I set my HT to transmit on 70cm simplex at low power, and my mobile retransmitted on 2m simplex at medium power. I was relieved when everything worked as intended and we were able to communicate with each other. Problem solved.

Russ,

I'm regretting the fact that I did not buy a radio that can cross band repeat. I didn't think I would ever need it. Since I made the purchase, I reserected my old Kenwood handheld. I now realize what a great feature that is.

Live & learn...

Hey Russ! That's great! My new home base station has that feature... it will go between the office and the jeep. Haven't had the time (patience) lately to try setting up the xband repeat yet, but what a nifty feature.

Sarah, If you set up your base station in the cross band mode, you can be anywhere in the house or yard and talk on the hand held. It would have been perfect for Rick in the kitchen last night!

We have a Yaesu VX-6 so far... :)


Do you like the VX-6? I was probably gonna buy that very soon. My other dual band HT is taking a dump.

Sarah, If you set up your base station in the cross band mode, you can be anywhere in the house or yard and talk on the hand held. It would have been perfect for Rick in the kitchen last night!

????? What was Rick DOING in the kitchen last night????

HAHAHAHAHAHA.. Russ... he was eating, of course! :P

I love the Vx-6, but then of course, I know no other. Once I got the hang of what the buttons do, I don't even need the manual for basic operation (something I wasn't expecting) including switching freq's, setting the tone, squelch, memory access, etc.

P.S. We got the x-band repeat set up, and wowie! that's neat!!

I moved (http://www.radioing.com/hamradio/callareas.html). I'm now in Kentucky (KY), Virginia (VA), Tennessee (TN), North Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC), Alabama (AL), Georgia (GA), or Florida (FL). I choose FL. Miami to be exact. Home of my Miami Dolphins! :D

MaterD4DDY is now WD4DDY...

Did you get some say in your HAM Handle? WD4DDY? so right now you exist in several different realities at once?


Why change your HAMdle?

HAHAHAHAHAHA.. Russ... he was eating, of course! :P

I love the Vx-6, but then of course, I know no other. Once I got the hang of what the buttons do, I don't even need the manual for basic operation (something I wasn't expecting) including switching freq's, setting the tone, squelch, memory access, etc.

P.S. We got the x-band repeat set up, and wowie! that's neat!!

Even before you answered, I went out and bought it. I like it. I like the wide-band receive. This is my first dual band that does not have dual receive, so that will take a little getting use to!

I bought the programming software and cable. The cable works with my VX-170 also, so thats cool. I went ahead and got the software and cable for my FT-8900. Since they are all from RT Systems, I can copy and paste freq. from all my radio's.

Even before you answered, I went out and bought it. I like it. I like the wide-band receive. This is my first dual band that does not have dual receive, so that will take a little getting use to!

I bought the programming software and cable. The cable works with my VX-170 also, so thats cool. I went ahead and got the software and cable for my FT-8900. Since they are all from RT Systems, I can copy and paste freq. from all my radio's.

The VX-7R has dual receive.... return policy? :D

Did you get some say in your HAM Handle? WD4DDY? so right now you exist in several different realities at once?


Why change your HAMdle?

After being issued your sequential call sign you can apply for a 'vanity' call sign.

I changed my HAMdle (I like that) because I didn't really like my sequentially assigned one. Most people get something they can easily make an easy-to-remember acronym for. N6 U Just Missed, KJ6 Great American Boy, KJ6 Great American Chick, my wife's KJ6 Fix Your Zipper. The best I could come up with for FZA was Frank Zappa Aficionado... so I decided to apply for a vanity sign.

With a technician license you can apply for a 1x3 call sign (beginning with prefix N, K or W), or 2x3 call sign (beginning with prefix letter K or W). They do not limit your number which is based on your region.

Some reading: http://www.arrl.org/vanity-call-signs

I'm in the process of doing a vanity call now...I'm going to vanity my old Novice call of KA6OPX. Been wanting to do this since I got my KG6DFH call 9 years ago.

Unfortunately, the VX-7 was slightly out of budget.

I am getting my HAM license plate in the mail soon. Its like a personal plate but dosn't cost any extra.

I am getting my HAM license plate in the mail soon. Its like a personal plate but dosn't cost any extra.

Correction. :devil: Renewal doesn't cost any extra. There's a 1-time $21 fee. I'll be ordering my plates for the truck (Jeep already has MATRDDY) as soon as I get the new vanity call sign paper FCC license in the mail.

Mat (and Tiff), I just checked the FCC Callsign database and it appears that WM0MMA is available :)

QRZ.com database shows my new call.

I am no longer KG6DFH,
but now I'm KA6OPX.

This was my original Novice Call that I received in the 6th grade. Something even a little cooler, I found my original log book! I just wish I could find my old QSL cards!!!

Wonderful, I just now finally memorized your other call sign :D

I figured:
Operator Prefers X-rated is easier to remember than
Dumb Fat Ham.

:)

Mat (and Tiff), I just checked the FCC Callsign database and it appears that WM0MMA is available :)

Without doing enough research, Tiffany submitted an application with your suggested WM0MMA. Unfortunately, it was denied saying the sign was unavailable... I couldn't figure out why since it doesn't show up in the FCC license database.

Today doing a little more research, I found out that the WM prefix is part of "Group X" which you cannot obtain using the vanity program:

http://www.arrl.org/vanity-call-signs (See the section titled "Choices not available").

where did you guys get your ham license? was it expensive? I am interested in learning about that stuff I have never seen how ham radios work. seems really cool though

where did you guys get your ham license? was it expensive? I am interested in learning about that stuff I have never seen how ham radios work. seems really cool though

There's already a few informative threads here about the topic.

Like this one (http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17108) which has some useful links, tips, etc. from some new hams, as well as many who have been licensed for years.

This one (http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14226) has some good information as well.

If you still have questions, or need help, post up!

great thanks

woohoo
passed my Generals exam today, next to get my extra:wave:

woohoo
passed my Generals exam today, next to get my extra:wave:


Congrats!!!
When I went to take the Extra exam...I drew the lucky straw. I seriously did not have to use my calculator once! I aced it!

Now to get on HF!!

Steve
KA6OPX

I know what you mean, I actually got a lucky draw on test also, I had to figure out 2 items on the calculator and everything else was easy, I missed 3. I was doing the online test this week and decided that it was a crap shoot, if you got the wrong draw on test you could be seriously screwed.
I am going order the extra book next week and start studying up for that now

I repeat...."Now get on HF!" :)

Actually, my two favorite bands are 6 and 10 meters. BOTH are open to Tech class using SSB. All of 6, and 28.300-28.500 on 10 meters. 28.400 is hot-spot.

Yesterday on 6m I spoke with Wyoming. Yesterday on 10m I spoke with British Columbia Canada and today I spoke with Texas. A simple vertical on the roof will suffice. My furthest SSB contact on 10m (which is closest to 11m CB) has been Africa.

Best of luck on your Extra!!!

I will be getting back into CW
I had 75 countries contacted QRP when I dropped 20years ago my goal is to hit the ton old school CW. Pat of my bucket list. You know you have bout with cancer, and suddenly these old goals are important again.

Congrats Crash & Chris!

I'm also getting back into CW. I want to get good enough to make some contacts during Field Day. 75 DX's....that is excellent. When I was in 7th grade, in English class, we had a project to make a book. My buddy (fellow ham at the time) did a book on Ham Radio. One of my comments in the book is, "I'm tired of talking to Japan...they're so easy to contact!" However; with our latest propagation, I haven't heard a Japanese station in a while!

New call sign...

N1DUG

I dig it man! :D

New call sign...

N1DUG

Congrats Dug!

N1DUG
i
c
e


Nice One Doug

New call sign...

N1DUG

Cool!

Because, to be honest I could never remember the other one...

Dave_W6DPS

New call sign...

N1DUGCool Doug,...the vanity thing is nice. ....KB6MAT...