We also talked about doing a group study day so that everyone can prepare at the same time, then take the test & get their license. So I'm proposing a study day for Sept 27th. If we have our CO FJ's get together that day, we can hopefully do the HAM training before that event. I took the test about 8 years ago, so I don't know how long the training will take, but my guess is that we can get you the info you need in about 4 hours. There will be some pre-preparation though. I'd like to do the study day even if we don't do our Meet & greet that day, so location could be up for discussion.
Please post up if you MAY be interested in this group study, or would like to help (Brian, MountainMan, SDLSatcom ). I figure we'll only need about 3 'students' to make this happen, but 10 or 15 would be even better! If you'd like to discuss why HAM may or may not be a good option for you, please use the threads above.
Once we get a few interested parties, I'll make an RSVP list & we'll start pushing some study materials your way.
I've got nothing against HAM (or HAM operators, who provide a great service domestically and internationally), but I think that a SAT phone is a much better option for emergency use, because it can be carried in your car (or on your body) ANYWHERE without the need for any special training or licensing.
It's a bit expensive ($1,400 for a new Iridium), but the prices are dropping and with an "emergency service" plan ($30 a month with no included minutes and charges of $1.39/min) or a prepaid sim card (typically about $150 for 75 mins good for a month) is within the financial reach of most of the people (as evidenced by the mods discussed) on this forum. So, if like me, you don't see becoming a HAM operator as something you'd want to do, check out the Iridium SAT phone as an option.
Just my 2 cents on the topic.
__________________
Marty
2007 Titanium Metallic Toyota FJ Cruiser
2006 Driftwood Pearl Toyota Prius Hybrid
2002 Island Blue Ford F250 4x4 7.3L TD SC LB Lariat
2002 Absolutely Red Toyota MR2 Spyder
I've got nothing against HAM (or HAM operators, who provide a great service domestically and internationally), but I think that a SAT phone is a much better option for emergency use, because it can be carried in your car (or on your body) ANYWHERE without the need for any special training or licensing.
It's a bit expensive ($1,400 for a new Iridium), but the prices are dropping and with an "emergency service" plan ($30 a month with no included minutes and charges of $1.39/min) or a prepaid sim card (typically about $150 for 75 mins good for a month) is within the financial reach of most of the people (as evidenced by the mods discussed) on this forum. So, if like me, you don't see becoming a HAM operator as something you'd want to do, check out the Iridium SAT phone as an option.
Just my 2 cents on the topic.
Cost is a big factor in that, HAM radio is cheap plus there are some other very cool benefits too it as well.
I spend most of my day dealing with satellites and am yet to be impressed with any service offered out there. I would love to have a sat phone in my truck with constant internet, but that service isn't practical yet (the company i work for spends over $500,000 a month on sat service). 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
Cost is a big factor in that, HAM radio is cheap plus there are some other very cool benefits too it as well.
I spend most of my day dealing with satellites and am yet to be impressed with any service offered out there. I would love to have a sat phone in my truck with constant internet, but that service isn't practical yet (the company i work for spends over $500,000 a month on sat service). 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
True. I can see how HAM can be a great hobby. It's just not for me.
I was mainly thinking of emergency communications. I researched the SPOT too and have opted the buy a MicroFix (updated version of the Terrafix 406) for a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). It's more expensive than SPOT to purchase, but there are no service fees. It can't do some of the things SPOT does (like report tracking), but I don't need that. Neither PLB can let you speak to a loved one or rescuer but a SAT phone can, which is why I'm including it in my emergency communications set-up.
I understand that it can be difficult acquiring a signal at times, but I didn't know there were any "dead spots." Iridium's system is supposed to be global, including the ocean. What system does your company use?
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Marty
2007 Titanium Metallic Toyota FJ Cruiser
2006 Driftwood Pearl Toyota Prius Hybrid
2002 Island Blue Ford F250 4x4 7.3L TD SC LB Lariat
2002 Absolutely Red Toyota MR2 Spyder
Brian: That's right, I forgot about that. I'll help Sunday
Everyone, can we please use this thread for those interested in this study day. There are PLENTY of other threads to discuss the merits of HAM & other comm options.
Thanks!
Very nice of you to put this together Shane..
The only thing I will offer is that folks can use downtime at home to take the practice test on the web and find out just what they need to study up on...
the tech test is very easy...
eham.com
qrz.com
and many other web based practice test....do it!
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enjoy,
1leglance
KE7NKP
Disabled Explorers
Helping the handicapped independently access the backcountry www.disabledexplorers.com
Voodoo Blue driver, night nurse, cigar smoker & all around happy camper
I'd like to participate. I don't know the tech side of HAM, but have experience with LE and emergency/SAR communication, so let me know if that might be helpful. I've put the 27th on the calendar and posted this info on the COTTORA site.
__________________
Eric Ross
Denver, CO
07FJC
“Can you do Voodoo like I do?”
“Not all who wander are lost…”
Last edited by fjcruzer123 : 08-20-2008 at 06:16 PM.
). I figure we'll only need about 3 'students' to make this happen, but 10 or 15 would be even better! If you'd like to discuss why HAM may or may not be a good option for you, please use the threads above.
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