Extra Class

[Astronomer]

Oooooh, this is a great forum section. I tested and passed all three elements this last Saturday, got the Extra Class license. Don't even have a call sign yet, but I'm looking forward to some great discussions!

 

[MaxPF]

Congrats on the Extra ticket

 

[3Hummers]

Congrats. I think we have a few generals and extras on here.

 

[MaxPF]

I still had to pass the code requirement when I got my Extra ticket. Mant hams think they should have kept that requirement, but I guess they figured the only hams that use it these days are those who do EME, QRP, and other weak signal work. Newcomers to those modes will learn it on their own and use it, while guys like me will have learned it, passed the exam, and forgotten most of it

 

[ncalphadog]

Congrats!...... post your call when you get it.

 

[LagunaH1]

Damn, that's impressive, all elements in one fell swoop? Congrats!!!!

I'm finding myself wanting to learn code. A big part of why I like HAM radio, is the idea of talking to places really far away. Morse code is probably still the best option for reaching stations *really* far away.

 

[MaxPF]

Damn, that's impressive, all elements in one fell swoop? Congrats!!!!

I'm finding myself wanting to learn code. A big part of why I like HAM radio, is the idea of talking to places really far away. Morse code is probably still the best option for reaching stations *really* far away.

One of the really cool projects you can build for QRP is the venerable Tuna Tin 2 QRP transmittier:

It's for true QRP work - the Tuna Can transmitter puts out a whopping 250mW. Yes, only a quarter watt or RF power! One guy on that page has worked all 50 states with his TT2

 

[prc]

Got my General Class back in '75, but never went any farther. Let it all lapse sometime back in the '90's

PRC

 

[LagunaH1]

Might be going off on a tangent but I've wanted to do an off-road T hunt for a while.

 

[Astronomer]

Call sign issued yesterday - AE5ZW

Not too bad phonetically, and it was cool to get an A sign right off the bat, but I've already applied and paid for a 2x1 vanity call.

In the meantime, I plan to install a dual band antenna on the H3 and use my Wouxun KG-UVD1P for both mobile and station use. I got my Ham because it is the only reliable form of emergency comms up here in the mountains. Cell phones DON'T work!

 

[MaxPF]

Nice :thumbs: My call sign is AD7JN. Any vanity call signs I liked were already taken, so I stuck with the Extra call sign.

Where abouts in New Mexico are you? There are some linked repeaters that go between AZ and NM.

 

[Astronomer]

I am in Weed, NM. Member of the Sacramento Mountains Radio Club. We have four local repeaters belonging to the club. It's close to Alamogordo, which has its' own active club. I'll look for the links you mention, where are you? Right now I'm only on 2m and 70cm, but I'm looking at "computerizing" to go from 160m to 6m. Still feeling my way, I'm a complete noob on Ham amateur.

 

[DJinCO]

Very impressive indeed! I need to study up just to get my general. I generally only talk to folks on a local chat 146.460. I haven't ventured out much beyond that. I have listened on the Colorado Connection repeaters but that's about it.

 

[MaxPF]

I am in Weed, NM. Member of the Sacramento Mountains Radio Club. We have four local repeaters belonging to the club. It's close to Alamogordo, which has its' own active club. I'll look for the links you mention, where are you? Right now I'm only on 2m and 70cm, but I'm looking at "computerizing" to go from 160m to 6m. Still feeling my way, I'm a complete noob on Ham amateur.

I'm in Mesa, AZ. The repeater I was referring to is the EAARS 145.21 (PL 141.3) 2 meter repeater on Jack's Peak just south of Silver City. It's linked to several in AZ, including one on Pinal Peak which I can hit from anywhere in the East Valley (aka eastern Phoenix Metro area). Not sure about the terrain between you and Jack's peak, but it's a pretty long haul from where you are...

There are also many repeaters that are linkable with VoIP using systems like Echolink, IRLP, and WIRES-II. I dont mess with them myself, but it is a way for two hams potentially anywhere on the planet to communicate with VHF or UHF, using the internet as the link between stations or repeaters.

Since you are new at this and may not understand how repeater linking works, the traditional system uses overland VHF, UHF, or microwave links to tie several repeaters together, which then basically act as one large repeater covering a lot of area. Most of these links are persistent, that is, the repeaters are always linked. Some are non-persistent and the link can be enabled or disabled by the ham using the repeater. Also, sometimes a mobile repeater will be linked in for special events. VoIP links use the internet, and are not usually persistent, i.e. they can be enabled and disabled by the ham using the repeater, and the user can choose what repeater (or station, node, etc. depending on the system) they connect to. It is also possible to do persistent VoIP connections between two or more repeaters, or to link them with other hard-wire communications technologies. It's all really cool stuff Still, for talking over really long distance I think HF is way more fun.

 

[LagunaH1]

HF is both very rewarding when it works and pretty frustrating when you are having issues with your gear.

Sent from my GT-P1000 using Tapatalk

 

[crank]

I still had to pass the code requirement when I got my Extra ticket. Mant hams think they should have kept that requirement, but I guess they figured the only hams that use it these days are those who do EME, QRP, and other weak signal work. Newcomers to those modes will learn it on their own and use it, while guys like me will have learned it, passed the exam, and forgotten most of it

Fantastic Asrtronomer, Congrats!
I tried to get my Extra (many years ago) and blew it on the code. The written was easy. I was pretty good at 13 WPM but the extra speed pretty much put the cabosh on the ticket.
So do I hear that right????? There is no code requirement for Extra now? Do you still need to go to a testing facility or hamfest for the test?

 

[crank]

One of the really cool projects you can build for QRP is the venerable Tuna Tin 2 QRP transmittier:

It's for true QRP work - the Tuna Can transmitter puts out a whopping 250mW. Yes, only a quarter watt or RF power! One guy on that page has worked all 50 states with his TT2

I BUILT ONE YEARS AGO! It was a pretty cool project. Made a few contacts with it. The Xtal was a pain, but later on I built a VFO to work with it. That brings back memories!

 

[LagunaH1]

There are no code requirements anymore for any class of license, but you DO have to go to a VE test facility wherever that is in your local area

 

[crank]

There are no code requirements anymore for any class of license, but you DO have to go to a VE test facility wherever that is in your local area

TNX LagunaH1. I might look into that. It would be nice to get the Extra, but I'll still have that code barrier thing hanging over my head. I'll still have to try and beat it.

 

[Astronomer]

I'm in Mesa, AZ. The repeater I was referring to is the EAARS 145.21 (PL 141.3) 2 meter repeater on Jack's Peak just south of Silver City. It's linked to several in AZ, including one on Pinal Peak which I can hit from anywhere in the East Valley (aka eastern Phoenix Metro area). Not sure about the terrain between you and Jack's peak, but it's a pretty long haul from where you are...

There are also many repeaters that are linkable with VoIP using systems like Echolink, IRLP, and WIRES-II. I dont mess with them myself, but it is a way for two hams potentially anywhere on the planet to communicate with VHF or UHF, using the internet as the link between stations or repeaters.

Since you are new at this and may not understand how repeater linking works, the traditional system uses overland VHF, UHF, or microwave links to tie several repeaters together, which then basically act as one large repeater covering a lot of area. Most of these links are persistent, that is, the repeaters are always linked. Some are non-persistent and the link can be enabled or disabled by the ham using the repeater. Also, sometimes a mobile repeater will be linked in for special events. VoIP links use the internet, and are not usually persistent, i.e. they can be enabled and disabled by the ham using the repeater, and the user can choose what repeater (or station, node, etc. depending on the system) they connect to. It is also possible to do persistent VoIP connections between two or more repeaters, or to link them with other hard-wire communications technologies. It's all really cool stuff Still, for talking over really long distance I think HF is way more fun.

Jack's Peak is part of the NM Megalink, so if I had something a little more powerful than this 5w HT, theoretically we could make a QSO. I'm working on getting something more powerful, just trying to decide whether to go mobile or station for my first big purchase. I suppose I should get mobile first, since emergencies on the road is why I got the ticket in the first place. Actually, the only reason I took the General and the Extra was because it was free at the time if I passed the Technician. So I figured, WTH....

 

[LagunaH1]

A good mobile radio is a great investment. When you shop around, maybe look for one with a detachable control panel, such as a Yaseu FT-8800, this gives you a lot more options for installing it and make it look nice in the very limited space in the H3. If you do go this route, remember that you will likely need an external speaker but those are around 10 bucks so that's easy enough.

 

[Kurt]

I swung by one of the HAM Radio Outlet locations in Burbank when I was out on lunch break. I replaced my missing Yaesu FT-250 handheld. I'm going to reinstall my 2800 for the next trip.I picked up one of the ARRL License Manuals so I'll get around to getting my Tech or General in the next month.

 

[Portager]

I got my Ham because it is the only reliable form of emergency comms up here in the mountains. Cell phones DON'T work!

I beg to differ. IMHO the most reliable form of emergency communication from anywhere on the planet is an Iridium phone. The most affordable but slightly less reliable emergency communication is Ham radio.

 

[Kurt]

I agree with that, I'll reach for my Iridium 9555 before using my Yaesu to call for help in remote areas

I'm tempted to pick up a used old Globalstar handset for when Globalstar finally gets their **** fixed with the new birds they are launching over the next few years. For $50-100 why not.

 

[Portager]

I'm tempted to pick up a used old Globalstar handset for when Globalstar finally gets their **** fixed with the new birds they are launching over the next few years. For $50-100 why not.

For a land vehicle I guess you could do that. Although, screwed up companies rarely change their striped. Compare their coverage maps and pick the one that works best for you. http://www.satstar.com/support/coverage-maps . Iridium is the only truely global system. Globalstar works on land and close to shore.