Step beyond CB.

[ScoutII]

I would get the tech license as that just takes a bit of studying and on-line practice tests to pass. I can post links if you need them.

I would go the route Gooseberry and xtatik mentioned.

For me I run a 2m 70cm radio as that what the local repeaters are setup for.
I very lucky to be part of a larger group that monitors the repeater that cover some very remote locations. (A repeater is just what you think it is, repeats your transmission, but over a larger area) You will also want talk a buddy into getting there license too. That way you have somebody you know to talk to and impress the Geek chicks.

As for help in the back county, common sense still applies. i.e be prepared and don't travel alone. The 2 meter radio in simplex ( thats no repeater) is still a 100 times better than a CB.
A friend broke his steering box last summer and I used my radio to let folks back at camp know we would be late getting back. CB would have never gotten there.

As for emergency's, I normally reach out to other HAM operators that might be in the area. If its life or death and nobody is on the repeater I can call 911 through something call auto patch. The repeater owner has it setup where you can call 911 using the key pad on the radio. You enter in a code and the number. Most repeater owners will let you become a member, which helps support the repeaters operational cost. Some offer full auto patch privileges, where you could call home or a friend to come get you out of the tight spot. Auto patch should be used for urgent needs only and there is no cell ph service. Also everyone within the repeater coverage area will be listening to your conversation:drool:

 

[DaveInDenver]

There's no harm in taking the general test after you're done with the tech test, and I don't think it costs much if anything extra.

When you pay the fee to take the tech test, you can give the general and extra a shot for no additional money. If you have to take the tech (or any exam) a second time you have to pay each time. So when you pass one, there is no downside to trying the next higher. Even if you don't pass you get at least one look at it anyway.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Back in 94 when I got my license, a novice would get you limited voice privileges on 10m. Not sure if that's still the case or not. At that time 10m was the only way you could do HF voice without getting a higher class license.

I was a Tech + novice, at the time I got my license Techs had no privileges below 30mhz (although they had ALL priveleges above 30mhz)

Did the FCC just do away with the novice license when they eliminated the CW requirement?

 

[ScoutII]

There are just 3 classes of license for HAM radio currently.
Tech:
General:
Extra:

Just a note, if you want to take more than the Tech, you should let the person know when your are registering. I did my Tech and General on the same day. Trying to do all 3 on the same day will take some studying. The Extra is 50 questions vs 35 for the other two.
All the question are published, so its not a secret.


This chart by the ARRL is handy to see what you can do.
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Hambands_color.pdf

Here a link to online testing. I like this one as you can set it to wait for correct answer. There are several sites out there too.
http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl
P.S> if you buy a book, note that a new tech book was just published, as new question pool was made for tech.

Link to the questions on the exams
http://www.arrl.org/question-pools

 

[xtatik]

Did the FCC just do away with the novice license when they eliminated the CW requirement?

No, the Novice license was dropped long before the code requirement. To add to your comment, when I was licensed as a Novice in 1974, there was a maturity date given, and you were required to upgrade to the General class license within that amount of time. If I recall correctly, it was one year. Things have gotten much easier for todays Hams.

 

[xtatik]

Just a note, if you want to take more than the Tech, you should let the person know when your are registering.

This is a good point.
I'll add that my VE group appreciates this and we'll allow people two shots at the testing. If you pass the Tech you can move on to the General. If you fail the Tech, you can take it again. But we usually won't hang out all day for multiple attempts at each. It's a volunteer thing.

 

[rusty_tlc]

The thing I like best about 2M is the range and clarity of the signal. Last week end I was on a trail run. On the way home I was 15 or 20 miles and a valley behind the rest of the crew. I was chatting with everybody else as clear as if they were sitting in the truck with me. One guy was only using a 4W HT with an external antenna.

There's no harm in taking the general test after you're done with the tech test, and I don't think it costs much if anything extra.

I would advise against this. I took all three test, and passed all three test, on the same day. (No I didn't just memorize the answers, I have 25 years of experience in electronics. Much of the material covered is stuff I work with on a routine basis. It took me a couple of months to learn the regulatory material.)

In retrospect I wish I had just taken the tech test and actually learned more about the HAM activity before I took the other test. When you get into it you find that HAM is as much a culture as the Expo community. There is a lot to be said for paying your dues. The test cost what? $14, if you want you can go back and get general and extra another day. You may find that the tech license is more than adequate for your needs, I know it is for me.

Just my 20/20 hindsight opinion.

 

[ScoutII]

But now you can VE a few sessions.

The test and the stuff you learn is good, but you need a class on your radio and some tips for sure.

I know for me, I just wanted the tech, but took the general and pass it. About 2 months later they needed Volunteer Examiners, but they needed people with an Extra license, so I took that test and the then the VE exam.
With my back ground it was not too bad. About a year later I had a chance at a job and need my commercial license. So I'm all licensed up, but the real world learning is where its at

Today I was 60 miles east of Sacramento and talking with a friend in San Francisco via a repeater, so 150+ air miles and it was very clear. I was using 5 watts on a hand held (HT) and 1/4 wave antenna. The ones that are about 16" long. Helps being up in the mountains.:costumed-smiley-007

 

[xtatik]

About 2 months later they needed Volunteer Examiners, but they needed people with an Extra license, so I took that test and the then the VE exam.
So I'm all licensed up, but the real world learning is where its at

Wow, Scout, I'd have never guessed....who's your VEC?, and what's your callsign?

 

[ScoutII]

AF Sunnyvale Ca

I'm sure on this forum people use some common sense and pack extra fuel, food, water when heading into the back country. Just being 15 miles off the main hwy can be a days hike depending on weather.

For me its nice to find locations where my radio will reach repeaters and see who is listening. The fidelity of the HAM over the CB is night and day. The thing is HAM radios can legally run more power which is great when you need to be heard.