Finally got my ticket

A couple weeks ago, I had posted that I was a little disappointed with the ARRL having incorrect information on their website about local VE sessions. I had to travel to NJ on business, so I figured while I'm here I might as well see if I can find a local VE session. This past Thursday, I drove out to Tom's River, NJ and took all three elements. I did rather well on the Technician and General tests (only missed one for Tech and two for General). They offered to let me take the Extra exam as well, but I had only studied the Tech and General material. I wasn't in any particular hurry, so I went ahead and took the test, but only made 52%. My main hangup with the exams is that while I know a decent amount about electronics and RF theory due to my line of work (Ground Radio technician for the USAF), I didn't know alot of the amateur-specific stuff. Anyways, I should be receiving my call sign next week sometime, and hopefully I can get on the air pretty soon (gotta find a cheap radio of some sort first). I hope to catch some of you guys on the air sometime!

[W4INF]

Congrats!

[ad4mg]

Congratulations JBarnes, and welcome to the ranks!

Browse the Online Swapmeet here ... there are frequently good deals to be found on many types of radios, and most hams that post here are pretty honest and straightforward.

Put up the best antenna(s) possible, listen a lot, and enjoy! You'll never regret doing so!

Best 73,
Luke

welcome to AR, what type of radio do you have in mind? and then what frequencys and modes do you plan to operate or have you thought the far ahead?
N0BLM/6

[ke4ky]

very good....welcome

Thanks guys! I've been checking out the virtual swap meet on here as well as FleaBay (or E-Pay lol) but haven't found any great deals yet. Ideally I'd like to get my hands on a dual band 2m/440 HT or mobile to get me started. I've also been checking out some of the Kenwood and Yaesu HF rigs. I'll be operating on SSB in the HF bands for now since I haven't learned code yet, but I may learn code later on. I'll be kinda limited in my shack setup since I can't drill any holes in walls or ceilings and can't install an outdoor antenna (it's a rental house). I'm thinking I might be able to sneak a wire antenna into the attic though. On the VHF/UHF front, where I'm at right now there's roughly an equal mix of 2m and 440 repeaters, but I'll only be here for a few more weeks. Back in California, there seems to be quite a few more 440 repeaters, but there seems to be roughly equal amounts of activity between the two bands. I'm actually thinking about picking up one of those cheapie "Puxing" UHF HTs as my first radio to hold me over for a few months until my financial situation gets a little better and I can afford more toys.

[w2amr]

Welcome aboard , hope you enjoy the hobby.

[ka5piu]

Hello.

There are sevaral options for a cheap radio.
I like to buy older "junkers", radios that are right on the edge, as well as newer well worn radios.
I could care less if it looks original, as long as it works OK.
That means that for HF, the FT-101 is about as late a model as I might want.
But, for mobile rigs, a lot of times it is things like pots, and I will find something that will work.
I started by rebuilding telephones, both old and newer, so it is nothing for me to fabricate a bell box with a modern type 500 network and ringer coil, but good quality clock bells and clapper, and a nice wooden box, so that an early desk set can be used on modern lines, retaining the look and feel of a period piece, on a budget.
I see nothing wrong with a 300 set painted in whatever color, as this was common in that era.
With that in mind, look at the hamfests, ask yourself, how far can you go in rebuilding a radio, and go from there.
The more dog-eared the radio, the cheaper, but the more effort.
Try to avoid things like Collins and Drake, as normally the price will be quite high due to the name, but there are rare exceptions.

[w2amr]

Quote[/b] (ka5piu @ Sep. 22 2007,23:20)]Hello.

There are sevaral options for a cheap radio.
I like to buy older "junkers", radios that are right on the edge, as well as newer well worn radios.
I could care less if it looks original, as long as it works OK.
That means that for HF, the FT-101 is about as late a model as I might want.
But, for mobile rigs, a lot of times it is things like pots, and I will find something that will work.
I started by rebuilding telephones, both old and newer, so it is nothing for me to fabricate a bell box with a modern type 500 network and ringer coil, but good quality clock bells and clapper, and a nice wooden box, so that an early desk set can be used on modern lines, retaining the look and feel of a period piece, on a budget.
I see nothing wrong with a 300 set painted in whatever color, as this was common in that era.
With that in mind, look at the hamfests, ask yourself, how far can you go in rebuilding a radio, and go from there.
The more dog-eared the radio, the cheaper, but the more effort.
Try to avoid things like Collins and Drake, as normally the price will be quite high due to the name, but there are rare exceptions.
WTF?

[w1tdp]

Welcome to the ranks! I've had my ticket for about a year, so it's nice to be able to welcome the "new guy".

73

Tom

[KD7NUW]

Welcome to AR!! Retired AF Crew Chief hear. Hope they let ya put up an antenna!! Good luck

73
Bob

[n9yb]

Congrats indeed!

best 73
mike

[KC9ECI]

Quote[/b] (JBarnes @ Sep. 22 2007,15:16)]I'm actually thinking about picking up one of those cheapie "Puxing" UHF HTs as my first radio to hold me over for a few months until my financial situation gets a little better and I can afford more toys.
Don't throw your money away, they're junk.

[N9XR]

First of all, JBarnes, Congratulations!!! You should enjoy the hobby immensely or we will hunt you down and ask why.

Secondly, I purchased a couple of the Puxing radios, and here is my take on them:

They are not amateur radios, so they are not tailored around our preferences. With many regular radios, you can switch from 146.94 where it transmits down 600kHz to 147.33 MHz where it automatically switched to transmitting up 600 kHz. With the Puxing, you have to go into the menus and find the cryptic spot and change it.

The transmit audio on the receive side sounds beautiful. Very rich sounding to the listener on the other side.

The receive side has issues with the squelch. It pops loudly and many times the station you are listening to is just pops. You can hear better by pressing the squelch button and holding the squelch off while receiving the other station if it is weak. This is a definite issue.

Transmit power is measured here at 5.2 W.

Receiver is mostly quiet at 0.1uV.

The charger that was sent with the unit is a 220V only input unit so with 110V in, you don't have enough voltage to charge the radio.

The radio only charges in the provided cradle. No external power receptacle.

The antenna connector is a male SMA rather than the usual female SMA on the radio.

The radio range is 136.000 to 174.995. That is T & R. So when you get these, you must immediately set the transmit offset from the factory setting of 10 MHz offset to 0.600 kHz offset to keep from transmitting out of band. This is not an "amateur radio" and special steps need to be taken to assure legal operation.

I wouldn't say the radio was "junk" because they can serve a purpose. They do not have a nice "feel" like a Japanese talkie, but you are usually paying a lot less.

Lastly. I was interested in whether you were related to James A Barnes PhD?

http://www.ieee-uffc.org/freqcontrol/ja_barnes_im.jpg

[WS2L]

I remember the posting you made about that session you drove out to only to find it was either cancelled or not planned properly.

Anyway Congratulations on passing the Tech exam and welcome to Ham Radio. I hope that you enjoy many years of operating such as I have. Like others you will meet many interesting people and you will form lifelong friendships around the world.

[w2nsf]

Congratulations, JBarnes! ...and welcome to this great hobby.
Don't be too disappointed for not knowing "the amateur radio stuff" in your Extra Class test. I'd suggest getting to know the hobby a little before pressing on to Extra. There're a lot of operating courtesies, history, rules of thumb, etc. that come with just plain listening and talking with fellow hams on the air. And be sure to check out the book, "200 Meters and Down" by Clinton B. DeSoto to find out where we all came from. Once you've got some operating hours under your belt, then try for that Extra Class license again.
I think we extras owe it to the rest of the ham radio community to be good examples of what the hobby is all about, and gaining this experience only takes time. And it's not just about knowing your electronics.
By the way, we have a couple of things in common: I took my first three elements all at once and passed them (code, tech, general) one sweaty July VE session many years ago. And, I also am "retired" Air Force, four years active duty, followed by twenty-six years Dept. of Air Force Civilian (DAFC). My blood is "Air Force Blue." Keep 'em flying!
73
Jim

[w2rdt]

Quote[/b] (JBarnes @ Sep. 22 2007,13:16)]Thanks guys! #I've been checking out the virtual swap meet on here as well as FleaBay (or E-Pay lol) but haven't found any great deals yet. #Ideally I'd like to get my hands on a dual band 2m/440 HT or mobile to get me started. #I've also been checking out some of the Kenwood and Yaesu HF rigs. #I'll be operating on SSB in the HF bands for now since I haven't learned code yet, but I may learn code later on. #I'll be kinda limited in my shack setup since I can't drill any holes in walls or ceilings and can't install an outdoor antenna (it's a rental house). #I'm thinking I might be able to sneak a wire antenna into the attic though. #On the VHF/UHF front, where I'm at right now there's roughly an equal mix of 2m and 440 repeaters, but I'll only be here for a few more weeks. #Back in California, there seems to be quite a few more 440 repeaters, but there seems to be roughly equal amounts of activity between the two bands. #I'm actually thinking about picking up one of those cheapie "Puxing" UHF HTs as my first radio to hold me over for a few months until my financial situation gets a little better and I can afford more toys.
Welcome Mr. B This is a fascinating hobby.
I have a new Icom-IC-V82 HT. It is 2 meter
with 7 watts output. Very decent unit.
When you get your call sign and if you are
interested, let me know.
russelld65@windstream.net
Take care--Russ==KC2RKO

[KI6JUW]

I've only had my ticket about 4 months and have found joining a club to be a big help. I've gotten tons of good advice and help, they also sold me an old Kenwood TS-120S and matching power supply for only $200 to get me started and at the end of a meeting took the time to help me build my first antenna.

[N3ATS]

Congrats! Welcome to the club!

If you need anything, feel free to ask!

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! Looks like we have a few retired military guys here, makes me feel right at home!

N9XR, thanks for the heads-up on the Puxing radios. They seemed to be getting pretty good reviews over on Eham, but I'm glad you pointed out some of the strange engineering. I could probably make it work, but I will be keeping an eye out for something better. At about $80 to my door for a brand new radio, it's kinda hard to pass up tho. As for Dr James Barnes, no relation that I know of, but there's always the possibility he could be a distant cousin or something http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

W2NSF, Thanks for the book suggestion. I'll be sure to check that out. As for the Extra exam, honestly I'm surprised I did as well as I did. Even if I had made it, I would still be sticking around the VHF/UHF frequencies for a while till I got the feel for AR.

Everyone else, again thanks for the welcome, I think I'll have a lot of fun on the air!

[ka5piu]

Hello.

I, also, had a time of it, finding a testing site.
My effort was to upgrade.
Turns out that some people have issues with Arab speaking people, and, to that end, the Amateur Radio test, like the driving test, can now be given in Arabic.
We now have about 200 Arabic speaking hams in Houston and an equal number across Texas.
And, what was ment by getting ratty radios.
That beaten up rig that nobody wants at the hamfest or estate sale is what I look at, if it is cheap enough.
If it is just cosmetic damage, I never have an issue, I will simply refurb' and repaint, as needed.

[kc9kow]

Welcome tohe Amateur Radio world where it's all RF all the time, and it never gets boring!

Avoid Echolink like the plague! Stay with real radio, and you'll find all the enjoyment you can handle!

Maybe i'll hear from you in the HF bands whjen I get my General. Welcome again!

[n2cfj]

Now you have to change your login name to your call and update your bio so we know more about you. It's easier to razz someone if you have background information. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

But seriously, welcome!

Quote[/b] (n2cfj @ Sep. 23 2007,20:52)]Now you have to change your login name to your call and update your bio so we know more about you. It's easier to razz someone if you have background information. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

But seriously, welcome!
I'm planning on it http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Should get my call sign sometime within the next 2 or 3 days I think. Once that happens, I'll go ahead and update everything all at once. One funny thing is that when I took the exams, I showed up at the testing site in NJ, in a car with PA plates (rental), with a NC driver's license, a TX phone number, and a CA address. Wonder what area my call sign will be assigned to? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[kl7aj]

Congratulations! Now your first assignment is to find a local experienced ham who can be your elmer. This is so crucial if you want to keep interest in the hobby. Keep progressing!


Eric

[N6KX]

Good luck, OM! #And the most important thing to remember about ham radio is... enjoy!

Howie N6KX #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Just got my call sign today! I am now KI6LWI. How do I go about changing my forum login name?

[al2i]

Congratulations on the Potassium Iodide OM.

[K0RGR]

Welcome, Mr. Barnes. I always have to say Hi when I see the Barnes name - I'm a descendent of Sylvanus Barnes, who fought in the Revolution. His father, Robert, was in the French-Indian War and owned property in Frederick, MD. in the early 1700's.

When you get tired of SSB - give the digital modes a try on HF. I think everybody should start off on a non-voice mode, for several reasons.

First, you're less likely to experience problems with interference to other people's entertainment devices with PSK31 than you are with SSB or even CW. This is because PSK31 is a constant-carrier mode, with relatively little variation in the strength of the signal. Most of the time, if there is interference, people won't even recognize it as such.

Also, PSK31 does require a lot less power to establish successful communications. I have a 2 watt radio that I use on trips, and I've made lots of contacts from INSIDE motel rooms with an INDOOR antenna. If your modern 2 watt radio causes interference, it is absolutely NOT your problem.

You may want to consider an FT-817 in place of an HT. It makes a great 6-2-UHF walkie talkie, but you also get a decent HF receiver and 2-5 watts of RF in all modes, everywhere. It's not that much more expensive than a dual-band HT with accessories, and it will do a much better job of filling in for a mobile rig than an HT, because it has enough audio output to be heard in a car, and it has a handmike. You can get a 35 watt 2 meter amp for it for under $100 if you want a really good mobile.

SSB can be a little intimidating for newbies. With the digital modes, nobody can yell at you!

All you need to get on PSK31 is a SSB rig and an interface, which you can either build yourself or purchase very inexpensively. I like the BUXCOM RASCAL for a cheap and simple solution. If you buy a second radio cable for your two meter rig, you can use it to do packet radio and APRS there too. On HF, you can use any of these soundcard interfaces to do a wide variety of modes, including Slow Scan TV, RTTY, and packet.

Then, once you're a seasoned HF operator, it's time to get on SSB.

Quote[/b] (al2i @ Sep. 26 2007,12:48)]Congratulations on the Potassium Iodide OM.
That's pretty funny, I would've never thought of that! I keep wanting to say "Get your kicks, with KI6" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Quote[/b] (K0RGR @ Sep. 26 2007,12:53)]Welcome, Mr. Barnes. I always have to say Hi when I see the Barnes name - I'm a descendent of Sylvanus Barnes, who fought in the Revolution. His father, Robert, was in the French-Indian War and owned property in Frederick, MD. in the early 1700's.

When you get tired of SSB - give the digital modes a try on HF. I think everybody should start off on a non-voice mode, for several reasons.

First, you're less likely to experience problems with interference to other people's entertainment devices with PSK31 than you are with SSB or even CW. This is because PSK31 is a constant-carrier mode, with relatively little variation in the strength of the signal. Most of the time, if there is interference, people won't even recognize it as such.

Also, PSK31 does require a lot less power to establish successful communications. I have a 2 watt radio that I use on trips, and I've made lots of contacts from INSIDE motel rooms with an INDOOR antenna. If your modern 2 watt radio causes interference, it is absolutely NOT your problem.

You may want to consider an FT-817 in place of an HT. It makes a great 6-2-UHF walkie talkie, but you also get a decent HF receiver and 2-5 watts of RF in all modes, everywhere. It's not that much more expensive than a dual-band HT with accessories, and it will do a much better job of filling in for a mobile rig than an HT, because it has enough audio output to be heard in a car, and it has a handmike. You can get a 35 watt 2 meter amp for it for under $100 if you want a really good mobile.

SSB can be a little intimidating for newbies. With the digital modes, nobody can yell at you!

All you need to get on PSK31 is a SSB rig and an interface, which you can either build yourself or purchase very inexpensively. I like the BUXCOM RASCAL for a cheap and simple solution. If you buy a second radio cable for your two meter rig, you can use it to do packet radio and APRS there too. On HF, you can use any of these soundcard interfaces to do a wide variety of modes, including Slow Scan TV, RTTY, and packet.

Then, once you're a seasoned HF operator, it's time to get on SSB.
Thanks for the info. I'm not too familiar with PSK31, so I'll have to look into it a little more. The FT-817 looks like a nice radio, but a little out of my price range at the moment. I was thinking about picking up something like an Icom IC-T7H for now, just to get me on the air on 2m/70cm, and maybe in the next couple months an older HF rig, possibly even a "boat anchor" type rig. I'll check out the digital modes tho; looks like a lot of fun to be had there http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[n2cfj]

Congratulations. I am sure one of the moderators will be more than happy to help you change your name to your call.

[w2amr]

Quote[/b] (K0RGR @ Sep. 26 2007,12:53)]Welcome, Mr. Barnes. I always have to say Hi when I see the Barnes name - I'm a descendent of Sylvanus Barnes, who fought in the Revolution. His father, Robert, was in the French-Indian War and owned property in Frederick, MD. in the early 1700's.

When you get tired of SSB - give the digital modes a try on HF. I think everybody should start off on a non-voice mode, for several reasons.

First, you're less likely to experience problems with interference to other people's entertainment devices with PSK31 than you are with SSB or even CW. This is because PSK31 is a constant-carrier mode, with relatively little variation in the strength of the signal. Most of the time, if there is interference, people won't even recognize it as such.

Also, PSK31 does require a lot less power to establish successful communications. I have a 2 watt radio that I use on trips, and I've made lots of contacts from INSIDE motel rooms with an INDOOR antenna. If your modern 2 watt radio causes interference, it is absolutely NOT your problem.

You may want to consider an FT-817 in place of an HT. It makes a great 6-2-UHF walkie talkie, but you also get a decent HF receiver and 2-5 watts of RF in all modes, everywhere. It's not that much more expensive than a dual-band HT with accessories, and it will do a much better job of filling in for a mobile rig than an HT, because it has enough audio output to be heard in a car, and it has a handmike. You can get a 35 watt 2 meter amp for it for under $100 if you want a really good mobile.

SSB can be a little intimidating for newbies. With the digital modes, nobody can yell at you!

All you need to get on PSK31 is a SSB rig and an interface, which you can either build yourself or purchase very inexpensively. I like the BUXCOM RASCAL for a #cheap and simple solution. If you buy a second radio cable for your two meter rig, you can use it to do packet radio and APRS there too. On HF, you can use any of these soundcard interfaces to do a wide variety of modes, including Slow Scan TV, RTTY, and packet.

Then, once you're a seasoned HF operator, it's time to get on SSB.
He might also try AM. Lots of fun, especially using old radios that glow in the dark. REAL radios. Plus, AM is so much better on the ears than narrow, crappy sounding side band.

[KC8OZJ]

Congratulations sir on getting the license! I am retired Air Force Reserve.
Hope to here you on the bands.

73 #John.

This should be hear on the bands.

John.

Looks like my login name got updated last night. Looks like I'm all set up for life on the 'zed http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ad4mg]

Quote[/b] (KI6LWI @ Sep. 28 2007,06:58)]Looks like my login name got updated last night.Congratulations on the callsign! Use it wisely! You will never regret your efforts.

Quote[/b] ]Looks like I'm all set up for life on the 'zed http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
You may, on the other hand, live to regret that! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Just keep it all in context!

73 - Luke