Got a HAM set up for the shop

[Metal Twister]

I was loaned a Ham Base unit for use at the shop. I dont really know anything about them other than a license is required to operate it. And, Through repeater stations you can really reach out and talk to someone. My question is, does  mobile unit have enough power to reach the same repeater stations and talk back to the base unit? Another question is how much better is the reception with a ham than a CB if any? Any advantages to owning an mobile Ham Unit? 

[xjvaldeez]

you can hit a lot of repeaters with a hand held, which is about 5 watts...and is you use a mobile radio they have about 25 to 65 watts and a cb only has about 5 to 7 watts...and if you chase for anyone you should have a good 2m in your rig, and now they have over 100chs so you can put in all the repeaters on from socal...but first get your license, its easy and and need it like you said..i could save your life...it did me...here is a basic list of the repeater sites that you can use once you get your ticket
http://rptrlist.w6jpl.ampr.org/mylist_frame.asp?band=2+Meters&freq_from=&freq_to=&callsign=&location=&ocp=O&counties=%28all%29&Submit=View+List

[Metal Twister]

[http://rptrlist.w6jpl.ampr.org/mylist_frame.asp?band=2+Meters&freq_from=&freq_to=&callsign=&location=&ocp=O&counties=%28all%29&Submit=View+List
[/quote]

I had no idea that there were so many repeater stations just here in So Cal... why would you use one over another? do you just look for the closest one? Or do they work directionally?

[xjvaldeez]

it all depends on the coverage area...but I have most of socals programed in all my radios. I have used some down in mexico during some of the races. Now not all are open you can join clubs and they are linked to many cities and states so you talk to folks in vegas.

[jdjamul]

Anything new on the ham? Have you set it up yet.

[Metal Twister]

Before I even think about the ham Ive got to reinstall some insulation in the building before the rel heat arrives... and Ive got to set up two car lifts... and back off this computer a little!  ;D Then I hope to have enough time for fun stuff. ???

[Metal Twister]

Ok, Im ready to put up the antenna this weekend and hook her up Is there anyway I can check out how she works without a license? If I  key the mic will the Ham police swarm the building and haul me to the the ham holding cell somewhere? ~dots I already have to pay for a seat belt violation! ~oops ~hang

[xjvaldeez]

set it up and have someone there that has there ticket and give it a try, or pm me and I'll help ya out and show ya how

[dezertcrawlin]

Is the difference between a regular ham radio and a converted ham race radio just the frequency?  Because we talk on it all the time during races and testing

[Metal Twister]

Ok so I got the antenna up, the cable ran from the unit to the antenna. Power up the bad boy... And Nothing!!! So I put a 911 call into my good buddy Chuckers. He comes over to the shop with all his gages, meters,  and calibrating equipment and still nothing!   Next I guess we are going to try another cable and see what happens. I will post up what happens next. Thanks for the help and advice!

[xjvaldeez]

Is the difference between a regular ham radio and a converted ham race radio just the frequency?  Because we talk on it all the time during races and testing

Yes...you have done a "mod" to the radio and are talking in what is called a "business band". Basically 144.000-147.990 is the amateur bands "Ham". Anything above that you need a license for that frequency. Now there are MURS channels, here is a link about that and should answer all your questions about MURS, which is basically the Micky D channels, everyone is on them
http://www.provide.net/~prsg/murs_faq.htm

Now please beware there "Hams" that don't like what we do with the radios, me I have my ham license, and I would rather have you  have a 2meter (race radio) in your rig because the are far better then a 11 meter radio (CB).....and next week we will talk about Pl tones and repeaters ~punk ~helpsmilie...I joke but i am all was ready with my 2cents

[Metal Twister]

Man theres a ton of Ham stuff to know... upper bands, lower bands, am, fm, who uses what and when????? ??? ::) ???

[dezertcrawlin]

Is the difference between a regular ham radio and a converted ham race radio just the frequency?  Because we talk on it all the time during races and testing

Yes...you have done a "mod" to the radio and are talking in what is called a "business band". Basically 144.000-147.990 is the amateur bands "Ham". Anything above that you need a license for that frequency. Now there are MURS channels, here is a link about that and should answer all your questions about MURS, which is basically the Micky D channels, everyone is on them
http://www.provide.net/~prsg/murs_faq.htm

Now please beware there "Hams" that don't like what we do with the radios, me I have my ham license, and I would rather have you  have a 2meter (race radio) in your rig because the are far better then a 11 meter radio (CB).....and next week we will talk about Pl tones and repeaters ~punk ~helpsmilie...I joke but i am all was ready with my 2cents

I think the channel we use is like 152.25 or something.  I know it is 152. something tho

[Jerry Bransford]

Man theres a ton of Ham stuff to know... upper bands, lower bands, am, fm, who uses what and when????? ??? ::) ???

Yeah it can be a little confusing but it's not once you've done the little amount of study to get your entry level ham license which is called a Technician Class license.  You don't need to know Morse code any more, just the basics that you can learn in a day with a good Technician Class license course.  You're near San Diego, Ham Radio Outlet on Clairmont Mesa Blvd. just east of the 163 has several Technician courses for sale with Gordon West courses being outstanding since he uses a little humor to good effect.

Basically, repeaters are just gizmos to repeat what you transmit over a larger area since they are located on top of mountains with big antennas and more powerful transmitters, and then you listen to them repeat what other hams have said further away than you could hear them normally.  They work well and once you set up your radio to use them, you choose the repeater for the area you're in just like selecting your favorite radio station via a pushbutton.

Some repeaters are even set up so you can make phone calls through them if you're in a dead cell phone area which can be real handy when you're out in the boondocks.

Anyway, all that upper/lower/am/fm stuff becomes pretty simple and a non-issue once you get into it just a little. :)

Jerry
N6TAY

[Metal Twister]

Well we got a new antenna cable strung up to it and it looks like we are in business. My good friend Chuckers came by and tested the unit for me. It works great and now Ive got to spend a little time to figure out how I'm going to go about getting my license. Thanks for the help and info. on this.

[4x4grey88]

I tried to get my ticket but being so stupid I failed the test. It had more questions about repeaters then airwaves. I have been talking on radios (11 meters) for over 25 years and have talked all over the world but can't pass the Ham test.

I'll keep on trying though. maybe someday I'll a good ticket on the wall (instead of parking ticket  :D).

[StvDiego]

I tried to get my ticket but being so stupid I failed the test.

Oh come on, you're not stupid
 ~1eye

ok, well maybe, but still, you forgot to mention that you missed it by one question, not bad for the first time without studying, next time!!!