UFoZS Aspiring Ham License Support/Study Group (aka Ham Radio for Dummies)

[majorhavoc]

With Lambykins receiving her shiny new Baofeng UV-5R courtesy of her generous Secret Santa, Z.O.R.G., I started thinking about the UV-5RA I bought several years ago, along with a Ham Technician's license study guide.  I never got around to actually preparing for and taking the (supposedly pretty damn easy) test.  And I understand Lamby also needs to get her license to transmit on her new HT. 

Ham is a super-valuable resource for prepping. Not only for back and forth communication with your group, but for contact with the outside world when everything goes to hell in a handbasket. 

Anyone else in the same boat - interested in getting into ham but not quite able to get started?  I know I could personally use the extra motivation that comes with being part of a group working towards the same goal.  I was thinking we get together periodically on Discord or Zoom (once or twice a month, maybe?).  Break the process down into easily digestible chunks and take it, together, one step at a time. 

Maybe even ask Blast or Z.O.R.G. or NT2C to serve as a "faculty advisor" to our group.

If anyone's interested in moving forward with this idea, let me know. 

[NT2C]

Want the easiest, most cost-effective way to learn what you need to pass the tests?  I can't recommend these folks too highly.  They are the best of the best.

https://www.hamtestonline.com/study.jsp

[NT2C]

I'll go one better, I'll give a gift subscription to the technician course to one lucky person picked at random from all those who express an interest here.

[Anianna]

I'm at the point of having a passing interest that is probably not enough motivation at this point to actually get into it, but maybe, possibly at some point, so I have questions. 

1. I understand the benefit of learning these skills for just in case the SHTF, but what, if anything, would I use these skills for now?

2. At any point in this process, learning or testing, would I be required to speak audibly to another human being? 

3. Is Morse Code still a requirement?  I'm pretty garbage at differentiating the audible dots and dashes.  

Want the easiest, most cost-effective way to learn what you need to pass the tests?  I can't recommend these folks too highly.  They are the best of the best.

https://www.hamtestonline.com/study.jsp

Ooh, it looks like they do progressive repetition (that's what I call it, I don't know if it has an official name) much like how Kahn Academy does for teaching math, which I liked way better for my kids than simple homework and tests.  Basically, you move on when you master a skill but it will bring it back up from time to time to ensure you remember it, but doesn't make you do it all over again so long as you do remember it.  Excellent learning technique, imo. 

[NT2C]

I'm at the point of having a passing interest that is probably not enough motivation at this point to actually get into it, but maybe, possibly at some point, so I have questions. 

1. I understand the benefit of learning these skills for just in case the SHTF, but what, if anything, would I use these skills for now?

2. At any point in this process, learning or testing, would I be required to speak audibly to another human being?

3. Is Morse Code still a requirement?  I'm pretty garbage at differentiating the audible dots and dashes.   

Want the easiest, most cost-effective way to learn what you need to pass the tests?  I can't recommend these folks too highly.  They are the best of the best.

https://www.hamtestonline.com/study.jsp

Ooh, it looks like they do progressive repetition (that's what I call it, I don't know if it has an official name) much like how Kahn Academy does for teaching math, which I liked way better for my kids than simple homework and tests.  Basically, you move on when you master a skill but it will bring it back up from time to time to ensure you remember it, but doesn't make you do it all over again so long as you do remember it.  Excellent learning technique, imo. 

That's exactly how they do it, Ani.

To answer your other questions:

1) Saves you from trying to learn them after the SHTF.  (and no way to get licensed then)

2) Yes.  License exams (except in remote parts of Alaska) are given in person.

3) The Morse requirement was dropped in 2007

[Anianna]

To expound a little more on 1, what do you do with yours, if anything, other than the weather stuff?  Beyond just being prepared, is it purely a social hobby? 

[NT2C]

To expound a little more on 1, what do you do with yours, if anything, other than the weather stuff?  Beyond just being prepared, is it purely a social hobby? 

I used to be quite a bit more active with the hobby, doing contesting (2011 Virginia QSO Party 2nd high mobile multiple operators, 2012 high mobile multiple operators), EmComm, public service (events like marathons, triathlons, road races, off-road races), DXing, and just social chit-chat.  It's also great for getting things like directions from locals when you're in an unfamiliar area and your GPS shits the bed  (guess how I know) and yelling for help when you're out of cell range.  There's also the more technical side, like working with satellites, TV, and doing things like moonbounce and meteor scatter comms, as well as a slew of digital modes and activities, including the internet over ham radio.

[NT2C]

[majorhavoc]

If I do get around to getting my Technicians license, I'm getting one of those mugs.

[Z.O.R.G.]

I just saw this thread (Thanks NT2C!) so sorry for not chiming in earlier.

I'm working on putting together a few threads on getting licensed but want to do my research as several things have changed in the past few years.  For example, online testing changed quite a bit during COVID and I think anyone may be able to take the exam online now.  I want to make sure the info I put up is accurate, so give me a bit.  Feel free to PM me with any questions or if you want help.

To expand on NT2C's answer to Anianna's question there are several activities outside to just making contacts, contesting or chatting (rag chewing) that you can participate in without have to live in the PAW/SHTF.

ARES/RACES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) are disaster preparedness/response organizations that support tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.  Cellphone and repeater towers typically don't do all that well in a hurricane, so a few local hams with crank-up towers and repeaters can provide communications to 1st responders pretty quickly.

SKYWARN is a national network that supports the national weather service.  It was originally started in Oklahoma as a tornado early warning network. 

MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) is a DOD network that supports the Army and Air Force (the Navy-USMC program closed in 2015).  Historically they provided the backbone for moral calls for deployed troops.  Now they are more operations oriented.  They have their own special set of frequencies outside of what's licensed for amateur radio and you usually need to have your radio modified to be able to transmit on them.  MARS is also the only way you can legitimately use encryption as a ham.  

Fox Hunting is kind of like a scavenger hunt.  Someone hides a transmitter (usually a handheld) and people used directional antennas to try to find it.  

[NT2C]

ARES/RACES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) are disaster preparedness/response organizations that support tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.  Cellphone and repeater towers typically don't do all that well in a hurricane, so a few local hams with crank-up towers and repeaters can provide communications to 1st responders pretty quickly.
 

Eh?  Say what now?  Listen, I've done ARES comms for all three of those and I just want to be clear that we never, not even once, gave any support to any tornado, hurricane, or earthquake.  We did give communications support in the aftermath, usually to the emergency responders, but also to the general public.  Even something as simple as a few dozen cars piled up into each other on I-95 quickly can overload the local cell towers, making it impossible for people to reach friends or family for assistance.  BTDT doing phone patches with other area hams.

[majorhavoc]

I, for one, welcome our new Tornado/Hurricane/Earthquake Overlords ...

[Ever (Zombiepreparation)]

I just want to be clear that we never, not even once, gave any support to any tornado, hurricane, or earthquake. 

[Z.O.R.G.]

We did give communications support in the aftermath, usually to the emergency responders, but also to the general public.

Poorly worded on my part... Dam it Jim, I'm an Engineer not an English Major...

[Lambykins]

Just saw this thread....
I have already started watching youtube videos and reading online articles.
Really, really thinking this may be a fun hobby and also useful post-apocalypse!
So, I'll remember to take notes!

[NT2C]

Just saw this thread....
I have already started watching youtube videos and reading online articles.
Really, really thinking this may be a fun hobby and also useful post-apocalypse!
So, I'll remember to take notes!

If you're serious, I'll get you a gift subscription to the technician course at HamTestOnline

[Lambykins]

Just saw this thread....
I have already started watching youtube videos and reading online articles.
Really, really thinking this may be a fun hobby and also useful post-apocalypse!
So, I'll remember to take notes!

If you're serious, I'll get you a gift subscription to the technician course at HamTestOnline

No...let me do this at my slow plodding speed for now.
I am still working WAY too many hours to get heavily involved. Should be shorter hours come April.
I hope.

[Z.O.R.G.]

Just saw this thread....
I have already started watching youtube videos and reading online articles.
Really, really thinking this may be a fun hobby and also useful post-apocalypse!
So, I'll remember to take notes!

If you're serious, I'll get you a gift subscription to the technician course at HamTestOnline

My local club has a deal that anyone who gets a license gets a Baofeng so they can get on the air.  I'd be willing to consider that for here as well.

[NT2C]

Just saw this thread....
I have already started watching youtube videos and reading online articles.
Really, really thinking this may be a fun hobby and also useful post-apocalypse!
So, I'll remember to take notes!

If you're serious, I'll get you a gift subscription to the technician course at HamTestOnline

My local club has a deal that anyone who gets a license gets a Baofeng so they can get on the air.  I'd be willing to consider that for here as well.

Beat me to it. 

I think I'm going to make it a policy that UFoZS.com will pay for the technician study course for anyone looking to become a ham, and give free radios to those who pass.  I may even expand this to other prep-related skills, like a free first aid kit for getting certified in basic first aid, etc.