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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 10 Jul 2012 03:57pm
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As a ham, I'm alwasy curious as to other members who are also hams.
73
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cman47c
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2012 10:24am
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I have been a ham since 1968. I also operate portable from my cabin from time to time.
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MikeOnBike
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2012 02:49pm
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Looking forward to operating HF from the cabin. Currently I use 2m to connect a couple of repeaters so I can call home when I'm working alone.
My wife is working on her license so she can stay at the cabin during the week when I have to work and still keep in touch.
73
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2012 10:52pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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My cabin is at 3500 feet and I am so close to a mountain with repeaters, I can almost throw a rock at it. I can get into it on 1 watt with a dead battery. Hey, trying to get my wife to get her call too.
Have her go here. Its all done online, adaptive program, advances at your speed.
http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/
I am a general, I am currently working on my extra class right now. I should be done in a few months.
I run a Yaesu 2m/440 in my truck and will chat with the locals when over at the cabin.
My HF rig is a Yaesu FT902DM.
I just recently picked up my late grandfathers call. He goes way back into early 30's. Was a radio man in the navy. WWI. Born 1900, went SK in 1992. I got my ticket in 93.
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2013 01:38pm
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just wanted to bump this to the top. I've had an interest in radios since I was a kid, but never really moved past that. I decided to finally order the ARRL book and at least get my tech ticket, and go from there. Wish me luck!
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 12 Aug 2013 06:02pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Old post, I am now an extra class and just got my grandson licensed over the summer. He went from no ticket, to a "technician" then 2 weeks later (this Sat) on the 10th of Aug, he took his general test and missed only 1 question. He had his tech license for less than 2 weeks. He is now an 11 yr old general class operator and he said next summer, he wants me to elmer him to do his extra. I bougth him a new HT dual bander, a new Yaesu FT1900 2 meter mobile and a new HF radio (Icom IC-718).
Dillo, I can direct you to all the info you need to be licensed. Consider hamtestonline.com, without a doubt, the finest program on the planet. I used it to get my extra class ticket.
Mike on a bike, get the obnline program for your wife, it will make it a snap for her.
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 13 Aug 2013 09:17am - Edited by: Dillio187
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I've been taking all the sample tests for a couple weeks now on hamtestonline and on qrz. I'm not exactly to the level of only missing 1 question (dang smart kids these days ) but I'm consistently 90+ percent.
I'm definitely thinking General class is the way to go. I'm sure the tech ticket will be easy, but 2m and 40cm seem dead around here, even in Minneapolis/St. Paul (been listening to local repeaters on a HT I was given)
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buckybuck
Member
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# Posted: 14 Aug 2013 07:14pm
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I'm not a ham, but I am thinking about getting at least a tech license.
My interest came in a roundabout way. I was shopping on Amazon for a weather alert radio, and somehow got steered to the $31 BaoFeng UV-5R radios being sold there. Hummmm, I thought, that's the same cost as a dedicated weather alert radio, and I can also use it to listen to local emergency radio traffic. It seems to work just fine for that. And then I got to thinking that it might be handy to get the tech license, just in case something SHTF happens and cell phone coverage goes out.
There's a very active Yahoo user group for this radio.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2013 12:15am - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
Reply
Quoting: Dillio187 I've been taking all the sample tests for a couple weeks now on hamtestonline and on qrz. I'm not exactly to the level of only missing 1 question (dang smart kids these days ) but I'm consistently 90+ percent.
If you are at 90%, you are ready, only need 75 to pass. The tech is a great start. The HF bands, require general and that is the most fun. I'm listening to 75 meters now, we have a group that ranges from 3 states, just rag chew in the evening.
What is your zip code, I'll point you to a test center.
My grandson is K G 7 E S K.
Ham radio operators are much more common. I enter my call in QRZ and at the bottom of the map, you see a link "explore on grid map" and it reveals all other hams around you. You'd be suprised at how many you have around you.
If you are not licensed, you will not be able to view much from QRZ or eham.com on the profiles.
Test will cost ya $15, and the license is free. And its good for 10 yrs.
I did field day this year at my cabin. This is where you take a station and set it up in a remote location. I used my cabin, ran on my Honda gennie. Supposed to be harsh conditions. I didnt have the heart to tell them I wasnt under an EZ up and sleeping in a tent, but setting on a dining counter in a nice warm comfy cabin. 
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2013 12:28am - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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Quoting: buckybuck I was shopping on Amazon for a weather alert radio, and somehow got steered to the $31 BaoFeng UV-5R radios being sold there
Bucky, my grandson picked up that exact unit, along with the better antenna, DC charge cord, remote lapel mic, software cable and he cant figure it out for programming and neither can I. I bought a new Icom V-80 for $125 and its top notch. You can program the 7 weather channels in your radio or it may have a weather alert also. I suppose once the Baofeng is figured out, it might not be bad little unit.
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2013 11:09am - Edited by: Dillio187
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the HT I was given is a UV-5R. I ordered the cable and have found it pretty easy to program. Use CHIRP, it's available for Windows or Linux. Trying to program it through the menu on the radio itself is an effort in futility!
I was able to listen in on a pass of the SO-50 satellite last night. I had a hard time copying all of their call signs, they come so fast. I'll have a notepad for the next time. The two I did get were hams from Iowa and Indiana. Pretty cool.
My zip is 55014, I'm pretty sure the Anoka County Radio Club does the testing every 2nd weekend of the month. I looked up all the ham licenses in my area, and there are a couple guys just on the next block. Maybe I'll go for a walk over there and say hi.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 16 Aug 2013 08:52pm
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Yes, there is a few:
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
PS, if you fail, pay another $15 and you can take it again. And if you pass, you get to take the next level test at no extra cost (General) and if you pass that, Extra. 
Exam Session
08/17/2013 | Cottage Grove MN 55016-2069
Sponsor: SEMARC
Location: Fire Station #2
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Exam Session
08/20/2013 | Chanhassen MN 55317
Sponsor: W5YI
Location: http://radiotestchanhassen.blogspot.com/
Time: 6:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Exam Session
09/14/2013 | Blaine MN 55449-8100
Sponsor: Anoka County Radio Club.
Location: www.ci.blaine.mn.us/_docs/directions.pdf
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Exam Session
09/21/2013 | Cottage Grove MN 55016-2069
Sponsor: SEMARC
Location: Fire Station #2
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Exam Session
09/28/2013 | Bloomington MN 55431
Sponsor: Bloomington Off/Emergency Mgmt
Location: City Hall-Police Dept.
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Exam Session
10/12/2013 | Blaine MN 55449-8100
Sponsor: Anoka County Radio Club.
Location: www.ci.blaine.mn.us/_docs/directions.pdf
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Exam Session
10/19/2013 | Cottage Grove MN 55016-2069
Sponsor: SEMARC
Location: Fire Station #2
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 20 Aug 2013 07:37pm
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thanks. I might not be able to take the test until October, the 9/14 test date is my birthday weekend and I'll be at the cabin! All the other ones are a pretty decent drive, but maybe I'll do it anyways...
I listened to the SO-50 FM bird today a couple more times today, I recorded the audio so I could go back and figure out the calls.
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 20 Aug 2013 08:06pm - Edited by: MtnDon
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The Baofeng UV-5's are good little radios for the money. Programming the unit manually has a learning curve though.  The genuine Baofeng cord is sturdy and the CHIRP software makes programming much easier. Also very useful when programming 2 or 3 or more units.
Accessory replacement antenna is a good idea and cheap enough.
I don't worry about dropping one of them as they are cheap enough.
Some great info online here on the baofeng UV's. There is a good user manual link there. Without a reference like that manual programming is a hair puller!!
(licensed since before there was the morse code free technician class)
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 20 Aug 2013 11:04pm
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I ordered another UV-5R to keep at the cabin, and it arrived today with a broken transmitter. Back to Amazon it goes!
I agree on the radio though, once I get a 2nd one that works! hard go go wrong for 32 dollars shipped. They make nice FM radios to listen to with an earbud too.
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 26 Oct 2013 04:06pm
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well, just thought I'd update here. I had some time this morning open up, so I drove to Bloomington and passed the technician and general tests all in one fell swoop. I'll keep studying and knock out the extra this winter. They said I should have my call next week.
I managed to pick up an old Kenwood TS-530S radio at a garage sale for a pretty good price, it came with an MFJ vertical antenna with a big coil on it, you adjust the band by moving the clip on the coil. Not a real high grade antenna but it has allowed me to listen in on 40 meters (this seems to come in really well on this radio for some reason) and a little bit on 80, 17, and 12 meters. All the websites say 10 meters is great right now, but I can't hear squat on the 530. I suppose I should order a modern digital transceiver for peace of mind.
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ErinsMom
Member
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# Posted: 26 Oct 2013 08:21pm
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The male nurse I work with has been into ham radios for years but life got in the way. The last few weeks, he has again got back into it. Travelled 150 miles or so to pick up a radio last weekend. Loves talking to people around the world.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 26 Oct 2013 09:00pm
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Dillio, congratulations! Nice work. The vertical, is it a base or mobile antenna? If you cant hear anything, I suspect its not tuned for the band. You might look into a nice auto tuner. (LDG is my favorite units)
If its not tuned, do not transmit. Get a good SWR meter or a forward reflected (cross needle) power meter. I like the Diawa CN-801
Did you get your call? What is it? Update your profile at http://www.qrz.com
73
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2013 06:41pm
Reply
Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech Dillio, congratulations! Nice work. The vertical, is it a base or mobile antenna? If you cant hear anything, I suspect its not tuned for the band. You might look into a nice auto tuner. (LDG is my favorite units) If its not tuned, do not transmit. Get a good SWR meter or a forward reflected (cross needle) power meter. I like the Diawa CN-801 Did you get your call? What is it? Update your profile at http://www.qrz.com73
I looked it up, it's an MFJ-1622, meant for apartments and stuff. I definitely want to get an auto tuner and an SWR meter too.
I can't transmit yet, no call as of yet. Hopefully next week.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:22pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
Reply
Dillio, get you this antenna:
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=D1-002677
Its a G5RV-LITE, is 67 feet long. Runs 6-80 meters. Grab an LDG auto tuner. That antenna can be set up as either a "dipole" layout, a V or even an inverted V. Get the center up around 35 feet (works great at lower levels) and it just a long thin black wire, no one will even see it.
With that antenna, you will be on the air instantly and talking all over the world.
I have that unit, I also run a vertical, its a GAP Titan DX88, works great on 10-80 meters, including the new 60 meter band.
My favorite daytime bands are 15, 17 and 20 meters. But 10 and 12 meters has been active lately. When 10 meters is active, 6 meters is usually up and running. I havent done much on 6 meters, but those who have, say its addicting. They call it the "magic band"
Here is a great tuner:
https://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/AT-200PROII-p2583.htm
A great cross needle power meter:
https://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/CN-801HP-p269.htm
When you get your call, set up your QRZ page, then I can get an email address, will make arrangements and maybe I can be your first contact. I'll send you a QSL card too.
QRZ is only visible to other ham members and you can only have one if you are a ham. So when you get your call, post it and I will look you up and drop you an email.
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basrijn
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:47pm
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Hi,
Another HAM here (VE7RIJ). In the few weeks that we have had the cabin I haven't to bring the radio out. Hopefully next time, since I'm really hoping for spectacularly low HF noise levels since there is very few people and no power lines
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:58pm
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thanks, when I get the call I'll let you know!
I also am wanting to setup my radio at the cabin. I have a lot more room for antennas there!
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2013 10:59pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
Reply
I have my field day/bug out crate I always take to my cabin.
Its always packed and ready to go on a moments notice.
Contains an MFJ mighty might power supply
Yaesu FT857D (this is 70cm-160 all modes)
G5RV-LITE antenna
MFJ auto tuner rated for 300 watts
Auto voice keyer (for contesting)
lots of patch cords, Diawa cross needle power meter and 100 feet of RG8XC coax, lots of Dacron rope, pulleys etc.
I have a tree already set up with rope in it at my cabin to drag up my antenna. I can be set up in about 30 minutes max.
But have a nice wrist rocket sling shot and painted orange 2oz cannon ball sinkers for shooting line in trees.
Listen for my 1A-EWA station on field day.
Dillio, I'm excited for ya!
73!
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basrijn
Member
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2013 11:46pm
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@toyota_mdt_tech
I have my IC-7200, small SDR and PSU mounted in a 19" audio rack. Very easy to transport, but had to much other stuff to do.. Next weekend however!!
Also hope to have a nice new Honda EU2000 /w propane conversion to provide some reliable power
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2013 01:56pm
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I'm already running my 'hobby room' at home from my 700 watt solar setup at home. When the batteries are well charged, I run other circuits at the house as well.
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Bevis
Member
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2013 07:41pm
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Ham here...Can't seem to find the time to go get my general. Just stood up a 65' tower on Saturday (saved it from the scrap pile, when I stopped in to see my friend) KJ4CIQ
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2013 10:26pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
Reply
Bevis, sign up for http://www.hamtestonline.com and you will be ready for your general in 2 weeks max, I guarantee it. Give it no less than 1 hour an evening. It cost the same price as the the ARRL study guide. They will refund your $$$ in 2 yrs if you dont make it. I used it for my extra class upgrade. Best program ever. Makes it super fun and super easy, and you can watch your progress and take exams along the way. Its interactive, so it knows your weak areas and concentrates on that.
And for our Canadian brothers, they have the Canadian version too.
I purchased a 50 foot tower about 15 yrs ago for $50. Its in sections, and its still stacked neatly in my back yard.
And a correction to my earlier post, my field day exchange info was a 1B-EWA, not 1A-EWA. We were on generator power. My Honda EU2000i in fact.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2013 08:59am
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Dillio, any call yet? 
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2013 09:02am
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Quoting: basrijn I have my IC-7200, small SDR and PSU mounted in a 19" audio rack. Very easy to transport, but had to much other stuff to do.. Next weekend however!!
VE, just north of me (Washinton) we should meet up on 80 meters some time in the evening. I some times will hang out with a group that call themselves the woodrats on 3.993 (usually 8-10pm if there is nothing good on History/Discovery channel)
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Dillio187
Member
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2013 10:06am
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech Dillio, any call yet?
nothing yet. You know how that govt works....slow!
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