Going in head first: Ham License

[ccarley]

I've finally made the decision to get my Ham Radio license. After my last trip to Yosemite, and listening to the CB all the way back, I decided I needed something better.

I currently have a nice CB setup in my Suburban:

A Midland 5001z radio, and a Radio Shack 64" whip on the back bumper. The radio is nice & clear, and can get plenty loud with the windows open on the freeway. We were able to hear folks as far away as Washington State while we were on a mountain, which was fun to listen to. Once off the mountain though, the class of people talking (in range) degraded quickly. It was nice however to be able to use the CB from vehicle to vehicle while driving, as our traveling partners had a handheld unit in their rig. I carry a handheld from Midland while out as well.

I'm going to look at a Kenwood TM-241A radio that is on my local craigslist this weekend. A friend of mine at work gave me a nice antenna, however I am hoping that my current antenna may work with the new radio, if I install a duplexer. I'm going to be researching my options, but I really like the antenna mounted on my bumper; it's a good length, and out of the way.

For our travels, I'm probably going to invest in a couple of handheld units as well; they seem to be of reasonable price, and if they work better than the handheld CB, I think they will be worth it, should the need to use them arise.

Well, it's back to the books for me! Next I need to find either a class or a test session.

Clay

 

[gary in ohio]

I'm going to look at a Kenwood TM-241A radio that is on my local craigslist this weekend. A friend of mine at work gave me a nice antenna, however I am hoping that my current antenna may work with the new radio, if I install a duplexer. I'm going to be researching my options, but I really like the antenna mounted on my bumper; it's a good length, and out of the way.


Clay

Your CB antena isnt going to work with the 2m radio. A duplexer can split a single antenna to two radio's but the antenna must be usable on both. Your CB isnt.

 

[ntsqd]

You're after better comms, don't handicap your effort by trying to use existing equipment where it was not designed to work. Start fresh with 2 Meter intended parts.

 

[James86004]

A lot of folks in our club have both CB and 2 meter radios and they have a separate antenna for each radio.

FWIW, my 2m handheld works better than my vehicle mounted CB in terms of clarity over distance, as long as I am outside the truck when I use it.

 

[skip44]

You may want to check out HamTestOnline as a study aid for the test. The books are great for learning the theory etc. but HamTest Online got me through the test with 100% in 9 days of study. (I have no affiliation with HamTest, I just found it very helpful to me)

 

[ccarley]

Thanks for the replies!

I finished the ARRL Technician book over the weekend, and did indeed pick up the Kenwood TM-241A radio.

It is a 2 meter only rig, and when demonstrated from the previous owner, got awesome reception. I'm looking forward to getting my license & using this soon. Looks like I'll be able to take a test on October 2nd.

I suppose I can use this antenna on my roof; I'll be researching options for sure. With an already tall vehicle, adding an antenna to the roof is going to be super tall. I'm not even sure where I'm going to mount the tranciever though; under the dash may work because of it's compact size, but I'm not sure if I'll like it there. The CB can't go under the dash, it's too big, but that would be a nice spot for this unit.

Thanks again,
Clay

 

[ccarley]

Alright, I've been studying hard, and recently even got the new study guide for this year. Taking online exams, and doing well too.

Saturday is my first opportunity to take a test, and I'm excited!

I also convinced my wife to take the class later in October. She is getting excited about it as well, after listening to the radio for a while, and learning about RACES etc.

Clay

 

[xtatik]

Good luck Clay!

 

[Charlie56]

Alright, I've been studying hard, and recently even got the new study guide for this year. Taking online exams, and doing well too.

Saturday is my first opportunity to take a test, and I'm excited!

I also convinced my wife to take the class later in October. She is getting excited about it as well, after listening to the radio for a while, and learning about RACES etc.

Clay

Good luck on the test.
Also, don't hesitate to listen in or check in to our local club's weekly net. Come on by the monthly club meeting as well. There is a lot of great people who can help you out there as well. More information at:
http://www.sonomacountyradioamateurs.com/

 

[ccarley]

Thanks everyone!

I took the Technician test this morning, and passed no problem. So, the VE's decided to give me the General test as well. I haven't studied or even looked at the General class book; but they said it was free anyway, and wouldn't detract from my current grade.

I failed that test of course, only 20 correct. So, on my way home, I picked up the General Class book as well as the pocket guide of repeaters.

Next week I should have the mag mount for my NMO antenna, so by the time I actually appear in the FCC database (or get my license in the mail), I might have my Kenwood TM-241A 2-meter rig installed in my Suburban! Great timing too, as in a couple of weeks I'm headed back to the Lost Coast (Usal Beach) in Nor-Cal, with some friends.

Clay

 

[ccarley]

Good luck on the test.
Also, don't hesitate to listen in or check in to our local club's weekly net. Come on by the monthly club meeting as well. There is a lot of great people who can help you out there as well. More information at:
http://www.sonomacountyradioamateurs.com/

Charlie56,

Thanks for the info. I have been tuning in for the past couple of weeks, listening to 147.315 as well as some other stations in the evenings to see what is going on. Maybe next Tuesday (not this coming Tuesday) I might be able to check in for the first time! The VE session I was at today was hosted by the sonoma county amateurs, and I must say they were all very friendly people. Great group to have around here, for sure.

Not sure if I'll be able to make any meetings in person, as I have been working 12 hour days regularly this year. I'll see what I can do though!

Clay

 

[ccarley]

The FCC must have worked quickly!

I'm now Clay, KJ6KPS !