School me on hand held 2 meter radios (HAM)

TucsonJim wrote:

lynndiwagon wrote:
LOL, the FCC can't even find the bathroom, let alone an unauthorized handheld.

They may not be able to, but we amateur radio operators can and do.

Absolutely. If you don't I.D. or use someone elses call you will probably be reported by other amateurs. The test is easy. No reason not to get licensed.

Hey, I'm a HAM also. General class since I was 16....code and all. I was just making fun of the FCC.... WA5KLB.

lynndiwagon wrote:
LOL, the FCC can't even find the bathroom, let alone an unauthorized handheld.

as tusconjim pointed out...we are self-policing and take unauthorized use or even hams who are violating the rules very seriously. fox hunts to locate the violator are not at all uncommon with the violator's information turned over to the FCC.

As easy as it its today to pass the exam, there is really no good reason not to be licensed.

lynndiwagon wrote:
LOL, the FCC can't even find the bathroom, let alone an unauthorized handheld.

The FCC may not find an unauthorized handheld but the amateur operator who loves to fox hunt sure can.

Just ask the guy in CA who has to pony up $25K for his unauthorized use of the bands.

lynndiwagon wrote:
LOL, the FCC can't even find the bathroom, let alone an unauthorized handheld.

They may not be able to, but we amateur radio operators can and do.

lynndiwagon wrote:
LOL, the FCC can't even find the bathroom, let alone an unauthorized handheld.

They didn't have any problems finding some of the "underground" FM stations in early-mid 90's. I ran a 5 watt FM station briefly in college that had a 5-7 mile range. I think my saving grace was a nice PLL transmitter and filter that kept any spurs off the corporate stations. They shut down many stations nation-wide before approving the LPFM license.

Check out aesham. Ham stores through the US. Alinco also makes a decent hand held. HRO also sells ham equip. Also Texas Tower. When I camped in remote areas I used a home made twin lead J pole attached to RG58 coax. Sling shot over a high tree limb. Works very well. Google twin lead J pole. Very easy to make. I could get into a repeater very easy.

Ham test is really easy now. Multiple guess. Just a few basics. No more code.

LOL, the FCC can't even find the bathroom, let alone an unauthorized handheld.

Good luck on your quest for an amateur radio and license. But don't stop at just 2 meters, You can use longer wave lengths for some truly long range communication. Just remember to get a license first, and to operate in the bands that your license allows.

Just to reiterate, the fines and penalties for operating in the amateur radio bands without a license are substantial. Typically in the $7,500 to $10,000 range along with confiscation of your equipment. Amateur radio operators are self policing, and will report violators to the FCC for investigation and prosecution.