Ham radio instructions...

[xpdishn]

Just got my license - KF7FHU - installed a Yeasu FT 8800 in the truck and started on the instructions. Not bad, it tells me how to operate each button and that stuff. But what it neglects, and it is not just these instructions but instructions in general for electronics, is to have a whole section at the end that says something like "Now that you have read the instructions, here is what you really have to do to actually use your equipment." Then have a section that tells you how to undo a screw up that has happened during programming. There is no elaboration of why you should do something or that if you don't do this thing, lightning will strike. Hope you get my drift.

I'm not bad mouthing Yeasu, it's just that their instructions is the latest in the line that really doesn't tell you what exactly you have to do to get it going.

 

[AKRover]

I noticed that with the instructions for my 857D too. I think they assume that you have some prior knowledge of how to operate a radio. You should figure out eventually, that's part of the fun.

 

[SunTzuNephew]

Just got my license - KF7FHU - installed a Yeasu FT 8800 in the truck and started on the instructions. Not bad, it tells me how to operate each button and that stuff. But what it neglects, and it is not just these instructions but instructions in general for electronics, is to have a whole section at the end that says something like "Now that you have read the instructions, here is what you really have to do to actually use your equipment." Then have a section that tells you how to undo a screw up that has happened during programming. There is no elaboration of why you should do something or that if you don't do this thing, lightning will strike. Hope you get my drift.

I'm not bad mouthing Yeasu, it's just that their instructions is the latest in the line that really doesn't tell you what exactly you have to do to get it going.

OK, so you have the radio installed, with good power and an appropriate antenna...

You're in So. Nevada, so try hitting a repeater. If near LAS, the Angels Peak repeater, 145.37 (-), 123 should work. That means you need to enter the VFO mode, program in 145.37, -600KHz offset and CTCSS tone 123.0 Refer to pages 21-23 of the e-manual (available on the Yaesu site).

Once you've done that, clear your throat, push the button on the side of the microphone and say "This is KF7FHU, Monitoring" and let go of the button. If you did it right, you should hear the repeater's tail end transmission....if so, Congrats! Perhaps a ham will even respond, and you can have a conversation.

If not, figure out what went wrong and try again. Or, find an Elmer to show you.

The Nevada ARRI has many repeaters listed at http://www.narri.org/

You can also search for ham repeaters las vegas or similar arguments.

Enjoy!

OBTW: While I have more Icom than Yaesu radios, I find that Yaesu has better instructions....

 

[damaged110]

i am in vegas and could help you figure it out if you like.

 

[gary in ohio]

This is another example of where having an ELMER to help you learn about ham radio comes in handy. While you can get a license without ever meeting a ham, there is a lot more to operating a radio than can be found in a users manual.

 

[xpdishn]

OK, so you have the radio installed, with good power and an appropriate antenna...

You're in So. Nevada, so try hitting a repeater. If near LAS, the Angels Peak repeater, 145.37 (-), 123 should work. That means you need to enter the VFO mode, program in 145.37, -600KHz offset and CTCSS tone 123.0 Refer to pages 21-23 of the e-manual (available on the Yaesu site).

Once you've done that, clear your throat, push the button on the side of the microphone and say "This is KF7FHU, Monitoring" and let go of the button. If you did it right, you should hear the repeater's tail end transmission....if so, Congrats! Perhaps a ham will even respond, and you can have a conversation.

If not, figure out what went wrong and try again. Or, find an Elmer to show you.

The Nevada ARRI has many repeaters listed at http://www.narri.org/

You can also search for ham repeaters las vegas or similar arguments.

Enjoy!

OBTW: While I have more Icom than Yaesu radios, I find that Yaesu has better instructions....

I think I have 1 repeater programmed in, but not real sure. Yesterday I did hear someone signing off the repeater. (I think that's what he was doing cause there were no more transmissions) Today should be the day to actually say something. A fellow at work is coming over today to help me out. He's probably the "Elmer" that every newb should have.

i am in vegas and could help you figure it out if you like.

Thanks for the offer and BTW what's your call sign?

This is another example of where having an ELMER to help you learn about ham radio comes in handy. While you can get a license without ever meeting a ham, there is a lot more to operating a radio than can be found in a users manual.

I've got the Elmer - see above. Hope to go on the air today.

I noticed that with the instructions for my 857D too. I think they assume that you have some prior knowledge of how to operate a radio. You should figure out eventually, that's part of the fun.

AKRover, I agree that part of the fun is learning the nuts and bolts of programming the unit. I guess there is software out there that one can use to input all the necessary data needed for you unit. Then download into that into the radio. That's all well and good but you wouldn't be learning how to program it.


Here's a question for everyone - Do you carry a notepad or something in your truck that ID's names to call signs? Does it matter? Or do you just use the scan mode to find others on the air?




--

 

[SunTzuNephew]

You might want to get a nifty manual for your radio...it condenses the instructions into a smaller, sometimes more understandable set http://www.niftyaccessories.com/Yaesu_cards.htm and scroll down to the 8800.

You learn peoples callsigns, like you learn their names...I don't really bother looking up callsigns too often.

I do have repeater guides. It used to be the little ARRL guide (nationwide) and the local So Cal paperback guide I'd pick up at HRO, but mainly I just download repeater lists from the internet these days, if I'm traveling. The ARRL book was never very complete (only ARRL coordinated repeaters, for one thing) and was expensive and out of date.

As far as programming goes, when you have 100 or more channels to program, each with receive frequency, transmit offset, CTCSS or DCS tone, power, and a variety of other options, the software becomes pretty handy. It's also nice if you ever have to do a CPU reset on the radio, which wipes all the memory - you can reprogram it in a minute or two instead of having to key in each of those parameters with a dozen keystrokes (and the chance to make a mistake which can cause a problem).

Have fun with your Elmer...

 

[Cabrito]

Sign up for the yahoo user group

One thing that helped me with my FT8800 when I first got is was the FT8800 Yahoo user group. Sign up and get all the help you need mostly from the FAQ's.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FT-8800R/


Nifty guides are a great thing to have along with you to.

One of the most annoying thing on the 8800 is the "wires" feature that is real easy to turn on without knowing it if you bump the knob. You will want to know how to turn it off. -

I always have a note pad with me to write stuff down when I need to remember it. I do it with HAM stuff all the time when traveling. I also printed out cheat sheets that I keep in the vehicles. One is for the radio with programing instructions, and one with local repeaters that has their location and settings. I laminate them so they stay clean and readable. I just keep them in the pouch behind the seat or between the seats. This has helped me a lot.

I second the opinion of learning how to program the radio in addition to using any software. You don't have the software when you are on the road so you need to know how to quickly enter repeater tones and offsets when you find new ones. You also need to know how to program them to memory on the fly.


Welcome to the hobby!

 

[damaged110]

call signe is KE7FII. there is a special event at AES this friday the local radio group is using the stores equipment for the event. you should stop by and see whats going on. you can meet all the club guys and ask some questions. and the guys at AES can help out with radio questions..
my offer still stands to help you out. i live off of rainbow and 95 look up my call sign and you can get the rest of the info...73

 

[xpdishn]

call signe is KE7FII. there is a special event at AES this friday the local radio group is using the stores equipment for the event. you should stop by and see whats going on. you can meet all the club guys and ask some questions. and the guys at AES can help out with radio questions..
my offer still stands to help you out. i live off of rainbow and 95 look up my call sign and you can get the rest of the info...73

I would be all over this if we were going to be in town. We are heading to The Maze Friday morning.

I have yet to send a real message. I did a simplex call when a friend of mine who helped me out. The problem is that I have it installed in my expedition vehicle that is not my DD. I drive it very rarely unless we're headed out to some out of the way place. This Friday will be the first time I will have been in the truck for any length of time. I am going to take the plunge and see if anyone will hear me on the Potosi repeater. I am really looking forward to learning and using this new technology (at least for me).

Damaged is there a special freq. you are on? If you're with your radio Friday morn, I'll try to contact you.

 

[damaged110]

i cant monitor the radio at work but i listen the the repeater on the hilton its the club repeater. i am in your neck of the woods at least once a month. i like wheeler pass and trout canyon. i would like to see your rig and you set up.