Ham radio help!!

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

I have had a hand held unit for a few months now and i used it to monitor my local precints and the weather during the hurricane, i love taking it with me and having the inside scoop on whats going on around the city, i also use them at work with co workers to communicate , what i cant do is figure out how to use repeaters, now i know you need a license so i intend on getting it , i really want to join the ham world and use my ham radio to communicate with other hams around the world as i travel, i love the ham system as it is sooooooooo much better than cb radio which to me is a public waste of time, i wanna see just how far i can go on this little radio.

I know of places that give the test but i dont know a thing about ham, is there anyone that can tutor me or teach me on the ins and outs of ham radios, i really wanna pass this test and start linking with repeaters and other hams out there , especially after this storm!!

 

[strgazr27]

Legally you need to be liscensed to use it.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

yes i know, this is why i need help bobby lol its killing me and the places i did find classes at want 200 bucks!!!!
meanwhile its 15 bucks to take the test !!! and its 35 questions and they no longer require morse code

 

[lnevo]

You can get books that have all the info. The subject matter isnt that hard for the novice exam...basic electronics, safety, and radio knowledge. There are free apps with sample tests too. I used to do a lot in high school. I passed the novice exam but failed the morse. I wasnt interested in the no-code technician license at the time since i wanted 10 meter. 2 meter is quite popular though and a lot of repeaters for it. I know they used to publish a list of all the repeaters, you can probably find listings online. You definitely do need a license and you are required to announce your call sign when using the repeater.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

www.qrz.com. Click on resources. Just to let you know once you're known by the locals cb is far from a waste of time. You just need to run enough power to be heard. A bunch of local cb'ers helped each other out. It just doesn't let you monitor frequencies you shouldn't be talking on anyway.

 

[strgazr27]

I was just going to tell you to contact Jimmy but I see he is on it....

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

hey inevo thanks for replying , i do know of a site where they post all repeaters and offsets and info needed for the repeaters . however i aim to be respectful of the fcc regulations as like you said i have to give my call sign when connecting lol and i have ham tech on my iphone and test myself frequently , and im ordering ham radios for dummies as well lol and now that the morse is out of the tests i think it may be a simple exam but the propblem is that im a hands on kind of guy and learn by doing it better than technical books and reads , so im hoping to find a local club to join and get help do you know of any? and thank you for replying i greatly appreciate it

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Yeah that site is great. You can do practice exams. I did and I found out something vitally important about myself.......I'm a dumb cb'er!!!!!

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Also, just so you know if you don't already they dropped the morse requirements to obtain a license

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

no jimmy i just want to correct myself about cb , i used to be on cb when i was younger and i had a moded cobra 148 gtl and i had a ranger unit on a pyramid phase 3 50 am amplifier i belive with a antron 3000 antennaset up and a silver eagle desk mic , i was big into it but it got really fowl with guys jumping through the roof whenever they heard a female voice say breaker!!!! lol but i wanted to always go for range and i found that higher frequencies had less riff raff and dating service appeal , i hope you get my drift, i just wanted a more respectable and serious angle and really loved the amazement of talking into the air and reaching people in different parts of the city and beyond!!

 

[lnevo]

Dont know any clubs..found this listing though.. http://www.hamdepot.com/states/ny.asp

If you can find where they are doing tests, then usually you can find the club sponsoring or performing the exam...

Sorry not much more help. Like i said, haven't been involved since HS.

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

No please any info is great help, I'm determined to get my license and operate on 2 meter bands , it's my new set goal!!!

 

[lnevo]

Lol...just be careful..its another hobby that sucks on your wallet and involves countless hours of DIY time and maintenance...

I used to love doing contests on the weekend and collecting call signs from people all over! It's definitely a fun hobby with a strong civic minded community!

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Thats what I need , a hobby for the winter , and another form of preparation !!