HAM Radio Starter Kit - Information for Beginners

[erudne]

2 or more baofengs should be in everyone's war bag, if only to use as monitors

 

[John Gault]

Anybody available this morning for a radio check for a first communication on HAM new license....

 

[JackThompson]

Anybody available this morning for a radio check for a first communication on HAM new license....

From here:
<broken link removed>

Clackamas amateur radio repeaters
8 repeaters found at or near Clackamas.

= On-Air = Off-Air = Testing = Unknown


Frequency Tone Location County Call Use
29.6800- 162.2 Clackamas, Mount Scott Clackamas KR7IS OPEN
146.8000- 107.2 Clackamas Clackamas KJ7IY OPEN
146.9400- CSQ Clackamas, Mount Scott Clackamas W7LT OPEN
147.2800+ 167.9 Clackamas, Mt Scott Clackamas WB7QIW OPEN
440.3000+ 167.9 Clackamas, Mt Scott Clackamas KC7MZM OPEN
443.1500+ 107.2 Clackamas, Mt Scott Multnomah KJ7IY OPEN
443.4750+ 167.9 Clackamas, Mt Scott Clackamas WB7QIW OPEN
1291.0000- 107.2 Clackamas Clackamas KB7WUK OPEN

 

[Foreverlost]

Anyone considering using Amateur Radio and repeaters should purchase a ARRL Repeater Directory. They are produced just about every year with the latest info. Included within are the frequency offsets, CTCSS tones, etc,,,,,; everything needed to monitor and or transmit on amateur repeaters.

Foreverlost,

 

[JackThompson]

Anyone considering using Amateur Radio and repeaters should purchase a ARRL Repeater Directory. They are produced just about every year with the latest info. Included within are the frequency offsets, CTCSS tones, etc,,,,,; everything needed to monitor and or transmit on amateur repeaters.

Foreverlost,

I haven't purchased the ARRL Repeater Directory yet, but I do intend to.

I've found the information on Repeaterbook.com to be pretty up to date, and can have the most recent data as it's updated online. (Whereas when our local repeater went from No CTCSS tone to PL105 tone last year, the ARRL directory would be outdated once that happened.

I also bought RFinder for my iPhone (And downloaded Repeaterbook) for free.

Those can use your phones built-in GPS and give you a list of repeaters within 20 or so (User definable) miles of your current location. Great for getting connected to repeaters while traveling.

 

[John Gault]

I have a bunch of repeaters programmed into my radio already given to me by another ham. I was hoping to be more discreet and pick a private channel Adam still not sure if I have privileges on all of the repeaters loaded.. and I'm a bit Radio shy yet....

 

[ST Rider]

Congrats on getting your ticket, John! Here's one of many cheat sheets to know where you are and aren't allowed. http://www.arrl.org/frequency-allocations Also, arrl.org, eham.net, qrz.com are all places for more info. I've not had my general for a year yet, but I sure am enjoying the hobby so far.

 

[John Gault]

Hobby.....Crap, i can't afford another hobby

 

[Kruel J]

If you're still looking for a radio check I'm available now.

 

[Joe Link]

This thread deserves to be a sticky

 

[John Gault]

If you're still looking for a radio check I'm available now.

Thanks anyways, at work now.....

 

[pokerace]

This thread deserves to be a sticky

Thanks Joe

 

[RicInOR]

Morse Code.
May not be required ... but having a reference is not a bad idea.



https://goo.gl/x8xhfA




From our time watching Wheel of Fortune, we know we should memorize the most common letters (basic code breaking 101)

R / S / T / N / L / E

.-. / ... / - / -. / .-.. / .

 

[vvt4me]

Will one of the Baofeng radios work at all without programming? Could frequencies just be manually punched in? Or can they scan?

 

[JackThompson]

Will one of the Baofeng radios work at all without programming? Could frequencies just be manually punched in? Or can they scan?

Yes, the radios come with a little manual that shows how to enter frequencies, offsets and CTCSS codes and store them. It also covers scanning mode.

I'll post some updates on the main thread to cover scanning though. I've spent some time in that area and have some new insights to share.

 

[vvt4me]

And until I have a license, it's ok to solely listen, not transmit, correct?

 

[JackThompson]

And until I have a license, it's ok to solely listen, not transmit, correct?

Yep! I did that for about 6 months before I took my test. I was even listening in on a "Net" where they were having people check in, and gave a phone number or you could check in over the radio. I called the number and let them know I was monitoring but couldn't transmit. They said "Hi and Welcome and Good luck on the test!" over the net.

 

[ChiefStealth]

Yes, the radios come with a little manual that shows how to enter frequencies, offsets and CTCSS codes and store them. It also covers scanning mode.

I'll post some updates on the main thread to cover scanning though. I've spent some time in that area and have some new insights to share.

What "main thread" are you referring to?

 

[ChiefStealth]

The Cascadia Rising exercise is under way. There should be lots of radio traffic today (6/8). A good opportunity to test radio gear, scanners, SW receivers, etc.. Also, a good time to review your personal commo plan for SHTF.

 

[DigitalPanther]

I recently moved to the area from out of state.
I was in a ham club while there and have Joined OTVARC up here.
I have a Baofeng UV5R currently and a UV82L on the way arriving wednesday.

My UV5R still has my old repeater data from out of state in it. It has been almost a year since I programmed the image file. Does anyone local to Tigard/Portland area Have a UV5R CHIRP Image with all the local repeaters already listed that they would be willing to share?

Great Info in this thread!
Till anon,
73
-DP
AKA Michael
KK6YUR