Ham Licensing

[SariTimur]

Congratulatios Jeff

[roverhi]

Just passed the Technician Class Exam. It doesn't do me any good as I am a code dunce, don't have VHF and 10 meters is dead without the sun spots for voice. Am currently working up to speed for the General License which will give me all the priveleges that I feel I'll need. 20 meters is where it's at for long distance communication via voice. 40 meters is good for local nets like the Carribean, and Mexico. Probably won't use any of the other frequency bands though the General license gives me voice access to all of them. The only thing the Extra Class license does is give small additional band width primarily in 20 meters but don't think it's worth the effort. The additional knowledge required to get the Extra Class license certainly wouldn't be worthless but don't think it's must have knowledge and the additional bandwidth not all that useful.

The real benefit of getting your General License is access to long range Ham voice frequencies. You can call into the Marine Hame nets, get weather, help with any problems, and maybe even a phone patch. The equipment is downright cheap compared to the marine HF radios. I'll be up and running for less than $800. The radio can be used on the Marine HF freqs. in an emergency and, others have mentioned, the internet via Pactor Modem. Of course, internet access drives the cost of equipment up.

[TritonSailor]

As of 8 minutes ago, I'm an official General license holder, call sign: KB1SYV

WOO HOO!!!!


Jeff

[thatboatguy]

Congrats!

George

[Extemporaneous]

Is it possible for any of you Ham's to evaluate the material and format of the Online course at this link?
Online Basic Amateur Radio Course
I want to get my Ham license and am starting a ZERO in terms of Ham.
Online works for me at this point and in my current location.
If someone thinks there is a better online program, please let me know.

Thanks,
Extemp.

[TritonSailor]

Do you know if Canada has a different test and format than the US? If so, I wouldn't really be able to qualify that curriculum.

Jeff

[Extemporaneous]

Originally Posted by TritonSailor

Do you know if Canada has a different test and format than the US?
Jeff

Originally Posted by Extemporaneous

am starting a ZERO in terms of Ham.
Extemp.

Sorry, I have nothing but questions, no answers.

Extemp.

[TritonSailor]

Originally Posted by Extemporaneous

Sorry, I have nothing but questions, no answers.

Extemp.

Try here for info first:

Information for Those Starting Out In Amateur Radio

[TritonSailor]

It might not be widely accepted, but it is a cold fact for US amateurs anyway, to study the question pool for each level and you will pass. US has technician, general, then extra. We have available to us a question pool for each level. If you study and memorize the question pools, you will pass the tests. Worry about learning about the indepth stuff as you progress from there.

Jeff

[Extemporaneous]

Thanks Jeff.

Extemp.