Ladies and Gents,
The subject of C/Bs gets brought up every so often and is debated whether or not folks still install and use them. But, not many mention too much about HAM radios. I know and understand that the use of HAM radios requires a license as, I have one. I've had it for 8 years and have dabbled only a small amount in it. But, from my short experimentation with HAM so far, mostly at home with a small hand held handy talkie but, also a tad bit of use of a mobile unit in one of my vehicles, I've found it to be considerably stronger in signal and capabilities.
There's all kinds of technical reasons why they perform better and I won't go into them now. But, this post is primarily for those who have experience with HAM radios, maybe use them from RV to RV while traveling and or, also my use them in say, Jeep to Jeep while venturing off road. My level of license is TECHNICIAN and, there are two levels higher.
For those of you that care and or, are wondering, the higher the level of license, the more frequencies you can use, different ranges, and a whole lot more.
While traveling in groups, even two or more, C/Bs in the past have been outstandingly helpful and, whether or not I (and anyone I may travel with, on or off road)migrate over to HAM radios for the same basic communications, remains to be seen.
For anyone interested, acquiring the first level of HAM license is phenomenally simple. There is no longer (and hasn't been for quite a few years)a requirement to know Morse Code. There are classes all over the U.S. that are one day classes and, at the end of the session, you take your 35 question test and, are issued your license. The folks that volunteer for teaching and helping administrate those sessions are outstanding people.
Anyway, just wondering, just how many might already be using HAM radios for coach to coach, Jeep to Jeep type communications and how do you like it vs the old "C/B" stuff?
Scott
The subject of C/Bs gets brought up every so often and is debated whether or not folks still install and use them. But, not many mention too much about HAM radios. I know and understand that the use of HAM radios requires a license as, I have one. I've had it for 8 years and have dabbled only a small amount in it. But, from my short experimentation with HAM so far, mostly at home with a small hand held handy talkie but, also a tad bit of use of a mobile unit in one of my vehicles, I've found it to be considerably stronger in signal and capabilities.
There's all kinds of technical reasons why they perform better and I won't go into them now. But, this post is primarily for those who have experience with HAM radios, maybe use them from RV to RV while traveling and or, also my use them in say, Jeep to Jeep while venturing off road. My level of license is TECHNICIAN and, there are two levels higher.
For those of you that care and or, are wondering, the higher the level of license, the more frequencies you can use, different ranges, and a whole lot more.
While traveling in groups, even two or more, C/Bs in the past have been outstandingly helpful and, whether or not I (and anyone I may travel with, on or off road)migrate over to HAM radios for the same basic communications, remains to be seen.
For anyone interested, acquiring the first level of HAM license is phenomenally simple. There is no longer (and hasn't been for quite a few years)a requirement to know Morse Code. There are classes all over the U.S. that are one day classes and, at the end of the session, you take your 35 question test and, are issued your license. The folks that volunteer for teaching and helping administrate those sessions are outstanding people.
Anyway, just wondering, just how many might already be using HAM radios for coach to coach, Jeep to Jeep type communications and how do you like it vs the old "C/B" stuff?
Scott
mowermech wrote:
As for vendors, google HRO or AES. They both have stores nationwide. If there is no store close to you, they will gladly send you a catalog, and will accept online or phone orders.
Yep,
We had/have an "HRO" or, Ham Radio Outlet in San Diego. We called it the "Candy Store". They have so much Radio gear, antennas, cable, do-dads, and just about every thing under the sun that has anything to do with HAM radios. We don't have much over here in Lake Havasu though. That's ok, My little HT (Yeasu VX-170) is all I can handle right now. Later, when I go for General, we'll see about getting a good mobile unit.
Scott
down home wrote:
All we have s GMRS radios and the range in a city is a bit over a mile. Not acceptable.
Have hand held CB and Teaberry, in coach. Handheld is next to worthless.
I have been considering a couple of handheld 2 meter radios, initially and a base unit later with patch to telephone.
Use to be along time ago in a far distant galaxy Radio Shack was the go to place for Ham equipment. Nothing today. That's the problem finding a store that is knowledgeable and has Ham equipment.
I have found some small concerns with one or two 2 meter radios and fire and rescue stuff with prices of two grand, for tow handhelds.
What I need is, if I ever go hunting again a unit with a 40 mile range with not much probability of repeaters, around here. Cell phones don't work a quarter mile beyond here, at RxR tracks.
Perhaps a 2 meter with VHF for Canada, and or ten meter.
How much power can be hand in a handheld?
Is there a catalog or store that handles Ham equipment with information on what is needed and does not cost a few thousand to get into?
In most hand held 2 meter radios, you're looking at max of 5 watts. As for mobile units for your car, 25/60/65/75 watts and more is the norm. Don't know what your "Concerns" with 1 or 2 meter handhelds and, I also don't know about the fire and rescue stuff as we used 800MHZ stuff on our department.
Scott
dstock50 wrote:
Go Ham 10/11 or 6&2, they will help you out in case of need, did Charleston SC to Petaluma CA with Heath-kit mobile, Base was HT-32, Sx101, Th-4 triband/w vertical for 40 meters and a pair of 250's for boost
Sure glad you know what you're talking about 'cause that's all GREEK to me.
Scott
