When HN users recommended it
2 HN users recommended this between 2018 and 2019, in 2 comments.
20072026
Each tall tick is one HN user's first recommendation. A short tick is the same user again. Click a tick to jump to the comment.
2 HN users recommended this between 2018 and 2019, in 2 comments.
Each tall tick is one HN user's first recommendation. A short tick is the same user again. Click a tick to jump to the comment.
I haven't made contact with ISS, or many contacts at yet, but getting a Technicians license and getting on the airwaves really pretty straightforward.
I studied for maybe 2-3 weeks (a chapter a day) and paid $15 to take the test back in October, 2 weeks later I was in the FCC database and made my first check-in on the Alaska Morning NET[0] via a local repeater on a $60 triband handheld[1].
Now I'm looking to develop these skills and put them to use with my local emergency response teams in Portland, OR.
The Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node (BEECN)[2] program is specifically about aiding in emergency service coordination in the event of the a major earthquake in our area, and the Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NETs, our local CERT) also utilizing ham radio for emergency service coordination in the event of a communication breakdown.
I definitely encourage anyone with interest in these subjects to get a license.
Hope to eventually make contact with some HNers, till then - 73, KI7QXO
[0] http://arcticserver.com/alaskamorningnetmain1/
[1] https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-UV-5X3-Watt-Tri-Band-Radio/dp/B...
[2] https://www.portlandoregon.gov/pbem/59630
Even better, get your ham license before you need it, and practice getting on the air with emergency nets and just to chat with fellow hams.
Any HN regular should be able to study for a few hours and pass the Technician test. This gives you access to all the VHF and UHF frequencies that are often used in emergency communications. A bit more study and you can get the General license, which lets you use more HF (potentially longer range) frequencies.
Here is a good place to start:
https://hamstudy.org/
Many hams start with a cheap Baofeng handheld. These sell in the $25-60 range. Here's one I have and recommend - it's at the high end of that range but has several improvements over the cheaper ones including a better antenna:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01J2W4JUI/
Ham radio has been popping up on HN a lot lately. Besides emergency communications, there are a lot of interesting things you can do once you get your license. Feel free to holler with any questions!