Any HAMS on CD?

[KTorak]

I'm looking to getting a HAM Radio Liscense to become apart of the Skywarn community. One reason is my interest in weather and another interest cool flashing lights when i can drive (assuming michigan state law allows it).

[Al Skierkiewicz]

DE WB9UVJ
Good luck on your test. There are several online practice sites to see how much you know. Check out QSL.com or just search for technician license.
If you are buying stuff, don't let the guys bluff you. Know what it is worth and remember the best deals take place on the last day. No one wants to haul it all back home, again.

[KenWittlief]

KG2ET, advanced class

but I dont have a station right now

a guy who lives about 1 1/2 miles from my house has his own little runway for his Cessna, so I cant put a tower up higher that 32 feet, which would be level with the powerlines. :c(

even with the ease with which we can now talk to people around the world on the internet, there is still something magical about talking to someone in australia or at the South Pole for an hour, with a 100W transmitter.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I neglected to add that I am an Extra Class.
Ken, I had no idea! What's a few feet among friends. Go vertical, the Butternut HF9V is a great antenna.

[Daniel Brim]

I do not have a licence, but I have used HAM radios before. I participated in last year's field day. One parent in the boy scout troop I am in was in an organization based on Catalina Island. We kicked butt at the field day, logging many contacts and coming in 2nd (I believe) in our group and 7th overall. What a fun time. Hopefully I can go again this year.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by DanielBCR

I do not have a licence, but I have used HAM radios before. I participated in last year's field day. One parent in the boy scout troop I am in was in an organization based on Catalina Island. We kicked butt at the field day, logging many contacts and coming in 2nd (I believe) in our group and 7th overall. What a fun time. Hopefully I can go again this year.

What's holding you back? Get licensed, get Radio Merit Badge. Hope you have thought about Electricity MB and maybe Electronics MB? C'mon Dan, if you worked field day you could have listened in on CW and got your code speed up. June is coming up.

[Daniel Brim]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

What's holding you back? Get licensed, get Radio Merit Badge. Hope you have thought about Electricity MB and maybe Electronics MB? C'mon Dan, if you worked field day you could have listened in on CW and got your code speed up. June is coming up.

Time is my biggest constraint. I have most requirements done for the radio merit badge (the last one before I get gold palm). I already have electricity; electronics I will have to look into. I actually don't know any code yet, but over the summer I will look into it.

So much to do, so little time
-Daniel

PS: Would it qualify me as a geek if I get a HAM radio licence before my driver's licence?

[Greg McCoy]

Originally Posted by DanielBCR

PS: Would it qualify me as a geek if I get a HAM radio licence before my driver's licence?

I did

KB9WTE - July 29, 2000

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by DanielBCR

Time is my biggest constraint. I have most requirements done for the radio merit badge (the last one before I get gold palm).
-Daniel

PS: Would it qualify me as a geek if I get a HAM radio licence before my driver's licence?

I am very proud of you, Daniel, gold palm coming up. What a spectacular achievement. Keep it up.
Geeks are the ones without Ham tickets. Once you have the paper you are an operator. Do field day (a great oportunity to bone up on operating skills and a chance to ask questions of the older guys) and then look for a hamfest and get your ticket. I know you can do it. Greg did and look where it got him.

[KenWittlief]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

What's a few feet among friends. Go vertical, the Butternut HF9V is a great antenna.

The first station I used had a 4 band vertical on the roof. When we put up a 2 band four element beam at the same height we really got spoiled (10 and 15)