Modern Vespa

so I have two books on taking the Ham radio technician test. What I find a bit frustrating is they just teach to take and pass the test. I actually really want to learn the stuff, so does anybody have an online class or book that does that? thanks


larry

Search youtube for ham radio classes. I think Dave Cassler recently did a series on general and technician licenses.

so please excuse if this is a stupid question, but can a ham radio be used to call a cellphone and if so how is that done?

LarryMK- I would suggest you stay away from the excessively cheap "no name" radios coming into the country. My experience is that they are very difficult to program without a computer, software, and a connecting cable, and the audio, both tx and rx is pretty raspy. I have been looking at the new(ish) Yeasu FT5 handheld radio. Decent reviews and many reviews praise its audio quality. Hopefully, with Dayton Hamvention coming up May 20-22, there will be some decent promotions on radio gear showing up.

73

LarryMK. Yes, many repeater sites have (or used to have) what they call an auto patch feature, where you can bring up a dial tone and call any local phone number. The call is certainly not private, as anyone monitoring the repeater can hear either side of the conversation, and all business communications, except for true emergency situations, are not allowed on amateur frequencies by FCC regulations. Also, it is best not to use the auto patch to call anyone with a potty mouth.

thanks for the info

I am planning on taking my tech exam next week

Just FYI. I passed my Technician test and I am officially KK7EZD. Now should I go for the next level? I think I might but the test does look much more technical. Again completely NSR

Well done sir!

I had to hustle to get my General license (because of my employer at the time), so it was just more technical cramming and audio learning for the code test. The Technician class does open bands to you for usage, so try them out and see if you're keen on doing more than your license allows.

On the plus side, you can get a new and shorter callsign with a General class, if you want.

I kept my Tech callsign, since it was engraved on my employee badge. I was primarily working on the PC tech desk, so I figured more enthusiastic hams (who didn't know how to use the QRZ directory) would see a Tech sign and go find someone with a more important-looking sign to talk shop with and let me stay focused on my job. We also had to pay for new badges, so I saved myself a few bucks to boot.

EA3IAV here!
73!

Congrats!

If you enjoyed studying the technical material for the Technician license, go for the General. You might find you really like it. If not, you don't need to complete it. You'll absolutely learn something. Again, if you run into difficulties or have technical questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Miguel (N6UOR)

thanks again I bought a baofeng and now need to explore....and study


larry

Congrats on obtaining your amateur radio license. There is a wide range of activities within the hobby. Talking to others via FM, SSB or digital voice...Morse code (cw) my favorite is another cool way to communicate..also lots of digital modes...computers play a big part in today's ham radio
Programs like Parks in the Air (POTA) and Summits on the Air (SOTA) are great ways to combine qrp portable stations (mine fits in a small camera bag) with outdoor activities..hiking,camping,motocamping,etc
So many things to do, working satellites, kit building, contesting ,etc..I think you'll really enjoy!. YouTube channels abound..
Enjoy,
73 and peace, Byron N4TIZ

thanks and same to you on getting a scooter they are a ton of fun

larry
KK7EZD