So you'd like to be an amateur radio operator...

**Wolf** · 08-02-2008, 08:35 AM

Since there is so much interest in amateur radio and so many new hams popping up on here, Here's some info for everyone looking to get involved.

If you want to look up where an amateur operator is located in this fine nation and you find the FCC lookup system a bit daunting, just hit up QRZ.com and do a callsign search. If you are a ham, you can also add a profile to your callsign in QRZ - which is the most often used callsign lookup tool.

QRZ.com

Also, a great place for gear reviews and information is eHam.com.

eHam.com

Here's an online live sample test site for all FCC Amateur exams so you can see what to expect.

HamTestOnline™

When you're ready for the real thing, check here to see where the nearest test is scheduled.

ARRL Exam Search

Lastly, I have the following books I'd happily loan out to folks that would like to study for their assorted amateur licenses...

I also have a whole slew of other great reads I'd be willing to loan anyone - including...

I'd love to see the whole FJ community get licensed and share this wonderful hobby. It goes paw-in-paw with FJ activities really. I am a certified examiner, so if I can round up a couple other examiners, we could even set up ARRL-sanctioned testing. Anything I can do to help in this area, count me in.

Hope to catch you on the airwaves!

Howls,
FJ Wolf
N1WLF

**greywolf** · 08-02-2008, 10:37 AM

Cool !

I use to be a HAM but let my license slide. VE6JDP

I use to teach the basic and advance courses in the Calgary area. I still have my 2 meter mobile unit and am thinking of getting my license back and installing the radio....hey Wolf to Wolf howling communications....LOL.

Cheers

FJ-Piper · 08-02-2008, 10:52 AM

Great info... Oh am I allowed to post in this thread or was it supposed to be for wolves only.

**1911** · 08-02-2008, 03:26 PM

Quote:

FJ Wolf previously said:

I'd love to see the whole FJ community get licensed and share this wonderful hobby. It goes paw-in-paw with FJ activities really.

+1

I just got back from a large "work day" at a new ORV park not far from where I live. There must have been at least 100 4WD vehicles there, probably more. The folks without even CB's were always looking for someone or something, and asking someone with a radio what was going on, etc. Those with CB's could at least get warning of broken Jeeps on the trails, obstacles and etc. but it is so noisey and the range sucks. I had both a CB and my 2m radio in my truck - it was my first time out with both, but WOW what a difference! Those very few of us with Ham radios enjoyed crystal-clear conversation all the way across the park and way beyond. The difference has to be heard to be believed. Take it from a brand-new operator, the Technician test is not that hard and it is way worth it! Also, you can get a great basic 2m radio for a little more than a cheap CB. It would be unbelievably great if everyone in your trail group and/or road convoy had amateur radios.

**Lost Cosmonaut** · 08-06-2008, 05:03 PM

My father and I are seriously considering HAM. Any tips? Gear recommendations? I plan on having a full scanner along with a HAM radio to go with my CB. I prefer full-featured stuff (for instance, my CB is a Uniden PC78ELITE which has every knob you can imagine and picks up impressive range), and I don't mind putting big gear in my truck

- Patrick

TIT-CRUISER · 08-06-2008, 05:08 PM

FJ Wolf, thanks for your contribution to this forum! There is so much to learn with this hobby it is helpful to have more experienced Hams and even Ham Wolves, such as yourself to get us up to speed.

BoBoNel · 08-06-2008, 05:09 PM

i have just GOT to get on the ball and do this. more and more folks are going this mode of communication on the trails.

check out www.OAUSA.NET (outdoor adventure USA) its the new and improved adventure4x4 site and they do ALOT of ham stuff, weekly chats, etc. anyone into ham will like this site alot.

SVTim · 08-06-2008, 05:34 PM

Excellent start to a wonderful thread! Ham Radio is really ideal for 2-way communication. CB is really annoying in my area because of all of the trash you pick-up (especially once you reach the top of a mountain).

This is making re-think testing for my Extra. I remember taking the Advanced years ago (when I was 15 or 16) and it took 6 tries. Guess I'll start that back up again since I am done with college.

**Wolf** · 08-06-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Lost Cosmonaut previously said:

My father and I are seriously considering HAM. Any tips?

Awesome! It is always easier when there is more than one studying for the exams. I convinced a packmate to join me in my ham radio pursuits and it was great. We hooked up every night for a week and pounded the books, test exams, etc. It was a blast! Then, we popped in and threw down Tech and General in one fell swoop. Studied some more and popped our extra a couple weeks later. The "HamTestOnline" link above was fantastic BTW for really hitting everything home before the big exams. So the best thing you can do - is to definately get your father involved and make it a family thing!

Quote:

Lost Cosmonaut previously said:

Gear recommendations? I plan on having a full scanner along with a HAM radio to go with my CB. I prefer full-featured stuff (for instance, my CB is a Uniden PC78ELITE which has every knob you can imagine and picks up impressive range), and I don't mind putting big gear in my truck.

Ok, if you like the feature-rich gear, then there are two means by which to nail this one. Do you want to go for your General and higher and do HF long-distance communications?

If so, I highly recommend the Yaesu FT-857D ($700). It will do VHF/UHF and all HF bands as well. Couple that with a YAESU ATAS-120 antenna on the Bandi Mount (enlarged hole for a UHF mount) would be a killer package that will keep you set for a long time.

If you'd like to start with VHF/UHF only, then by all means, go for a Yaesu FT-8800R ($350) dual-band rig and a diamond dual-band antenna on a Bandi. It is solid, has a remote-mount face that you can put anywhere, and even does cross-band repeating. Now what that means is you can then buy a little 5-watt UHF handheld radio, and key up near your FJ - and your 8800 will then repeat your signal out the VHF side at its full 50 watts for longer distances! How cool is that!

Now, if you want to keep your CB as well, I'd say throw a Firestik on the Bandi mount, then mount your choice of ham antenna on the roof using a through-roof NMO or UHF mount in that nice open area in front of the stock roof-rack. Dropping a headliner and drilling holes is scary as hell, but it will make a WORLD of difference, trust me. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, I recommend finding a local two-way radio shop (ask your local police or fire folks) and have them do it. They can drop a headliner and pop in an antenna for you no sweat usually for under $100. Be sure to see a sample of their work tho... buyer beware as always.

Edit to add: You might even try mounting it to your front bumper. That may be another possibility.

Believe me when I say - Amateur Radio is just as addicting as FJ Mods.

Howls,
FJ Wolf

**Wolf** · 08-06-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

TIT-CRUISER previously said:

FJ Wolf, thanks for your contribution to this forum! There is so much to learn with this hobby it is helpful to have more experienced Hams and even Ham Wolves, such as yourself to get us up to speed.

Anything I can do to help! Count me in. It's a great hobby and it's really fantastic to see lots of new young blood taking an interest!