Get your HAM License!!

[spincycle]

sdlsatcom previously said:

... For the time being the Spot Messenger is my solution. When sat service is reliable (CO has a very large amount of dead spots) and affordable that will be added to my truck. HAM radio has some very cool things that you can do with it too, it's not all about emergency communications. Turns out it's a fun hobby too

Yep, a fun hobby, affordable, easy to get into at any level, etc.

I have everything BUT a satphone in my rig: FRS, CB, VHF/UHF HAM, HF HAM, plus the aforementioned SPOT device. With that combination, I'd feel comfortable going just about anywhere in North America.

The fact that HAM isn't just a single technology, single device kinda thing makes it waaaaaay more useful for real-world use.

I encourage everyone to use BOTH a good CB radio with a well-matched (low SWR) antenna *AND* get a ham radio, handheld or otherwise. Between those two, you're going to be in good shape pretty much anywhere.

(and for you HAMs that are General - take a look at the "Buddipole". Just got one from a family member as a gift, and it'sfreaking AWESOME for DX work, and since we're often wheeling at high altitude - imagine a Buddipole on top of Imogene and the resultant signal angles...)

[spincycle]

rotorhed1 previously said:

I will be taking my test in Durango mid October. Also just joined the Totah amateur Radio Club.

Here's the kicker.... in early October I will be in Denver for 4 days of training at the company HQ. Just up the road is a Ham Radio Outlet. So I think I'll pick up a new HT and antenna. Looking at an ICOM or Yaesu tri-band.

Just be aware of the fat that the HRO outlet in Denver is staffed by.....some, welll..."crusty" old guys, who probably never use anything other than CW.

[rotorhed1]

Thanks for the tip.

[sdlsatcom]

spincycle previously said:

Just be aware of the fat that the HRO outlet in Denver is staffed by.....some, welll..."crusty" old guys, who probably never use anything other than CW.

you should try being me in that place , service isn't number one for sure

[MountainMan]

lol! Ya the HRO guys are oldies, but aint too bad, they did give me a bunch of HAM stuff to bling out my Radio Communications booth that I am in charge of for the Highlands Ranch Preparedness fair. BTW - here is the site and its open to the public, lots of good info about preparedness in general, you might want to swing by...

Preparedness Fair

[fjcruzer123]

Well, I now have a conflict. I've been asked to teach that weekend on the western slope, so I likely will have to opt out of the HAM class. There is also this cool thing in Moab and I can't do either!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Need Volunteers for Project in Moab, Utah

Tread Lightly! is seeking volunteers to help with a project in Moab, Utah on National Public Lands Day-- Saturday, September 27...

The project will take place at the Kane Creek trailhead staging/parking area, which serves many popular BLM trails, both motorized and non-motorized. The area receives heavy use by ATV and motorcycle riders, as well as jeepers and mountain bikers. Unfortunately it has become unorganized, often congested, and is seeing damage from unregulated use.

On the volunteer work day we will be building and installing a new kiosk that will contain information on safety, responsible use, BLM rules, maps, and brochures. We will also be repairing some range fence and erecting a sign or two. And, we will likely need volunteers to do a thorough clean-up of the staging area and trails. Moab Friends-For-Wheelin' are organizing this event with the Bureau of Land Management.

MFFW will provide lunch and trash bags. Please bring gloves and plenty of water.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008

Time: 9:00am

To sign up: Please RSVP by emailing monica@treadlightly.org or calling 1-800-966-9900 as soon as possible.

Work site meeting place directions: Drive south through Moab on Main Street, and turn right on Kane Creek Blvd at the McDonalds. After about 0.7 miles, bear left at the "Y". Continue for another 3.75 miles. At this point, the road changes from paved to gravel. After a couple hundred more feet, you will see a large dirt parking area on your right. This is the worksite.

This project is part of Tread Lightly!'s program called HUMMER's Recreation Rescue, which is funded by HUMMER. For information on this program, please visit Tread Lightly - Home.

Your work will be very appreciated! Please help us make a real difference in the health and accessibility of Moab's incredible trails!

Thank you!

Monica Clay
Communications and Marketing Manager
Tread Lightly!
298 24th Street, Suite 325
Ogden, UT 84401
phone 800.966.9900
fax 801.621.8633
Tread Lightly - Home

[fjcruzer123]

Fabjunkie from COTTORA would also like to participate.

[MountainMan]

I am a little quiet these days cause I am working up in Seattle for the next 8 weeks spinning up a new project, then i will be back and more talkative. The project is with the XBOX team, building a new LIVE experience, very cool gig.

anyway, just wanted you to know that i have not fallen off radar...

[BriansFJ]

shane4x4 previously said:

That's an awesome tutorial Brian, I'll use that to create our training slides

Yeah, I wish they had General class stuff. I'm thinking about upgrading so I can get down into the HF range for a really long distance sense of security...

[rotorhed1]

BriansFJ previously said:

Yeah, I wish they had General class stuff. I'm thinking about upgrading so I can get down into the HF range for a really long distance sense of security...

Hey Brian... Brian here.

Ya I want to get my General Class too. HF sounds like a great thing to have.

Early October I will be passing thru. Got a week of training at the head office in Denver. Got me a hot date with Susan over at the SO.

She wants me ( wants me to go away).