No wonder kids aren't attracted to amateur radio

[N5KRC]

I was talking to a buddy of mine at work this morning, and he was telling me how he can't find any of these "ChatNow" things that his kids just must have for Christmas. He says they're all the rage, at least in his neighborhood, and his kids had to have them. He basically explained them to me as "walkie-talkies".

http://www.hasbro.com/chatnow/

I remember my first set of radios. Big, black, a telescoping antenna, a red morse code key on the front, and the morse alphabet on the back. And we had a blast with them.

Now look at these things. They resemble a cell phone, which I guess is just more hip these days to the younger crowed. Not only can they two-way with their friends up to 2 miles away (advertised, anyway), they can send text messages and even pictures! Each user has a 10 digit "buddy id", so you can direct your contact to one specific person, or a group.

No wonder it's hard to get kids in to amateur radio. They can whine to Mommy and Daddy and get a set of these. To rival what these things do out of the box, a kid in amateur radio would have to get licensed. Then, he'd need a radio. He'd have two options for text messaging: APRS or D-Star. Actually, D-Star would probably be a requirement, with the "buddy id"s and selective calling. He'd also need a digital camera/USB Cam and laptop connected to the radio in order to take pictures and then SSTV them over to their friends. The Kenwood TH-D7A has both APRS and SSTV capabilities, but still require the VC-H1 for SSTV, and there still wouldn't be the selective calling feature, and the cost would be several times over buying a set of these at $79.

While we'll all agree that there are hugh amounts of other reasons to get in to Amateur radio, the 7 to 10 year old down the street won't see those. It's "cool" for them to have a mock cell-phone that they can use in the neighborhood, at school, etc, and have all the same features as Mommy and Daddy's phones do.

They just keep making it harder and harder to make Amateur radio appeal to the younger crowds these days....but I must admit, these are cool! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

Scott, N5KRC

[KC7YRA]

People can't find these things? Thers about 500 sitting on a shelf at Target here in town. Have been for weeks. Don't think they have sold any. Wyoming must be really behind on this fad.

Brad

[WA2ZDY]

What other incarnations can FRS possibly take on?

[n2nh]

I think Wyoming is either ahead of the curve and smarter than the rest of us or teenagers there are over 2 Miles apart most of the time. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[K8ERV]

What is Wyoming ??

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[KE5FRF]

The key difference between that "toy" and real radio is that none of those kids have a CLUE as to how it all works. And they don't care to know. As long as the little button thingies work, they simply don't care. All neatly packaged for their use. We aren't doing a service to ourselves or our children.

[WA5KRP]

I can't help but chuckle at the evolution of toys. #In 1957 I was seven years old and we really did use two tin cans and a string. #When I was ten Santa brought me a pair of Allied Radio walkie-talkies that were good for a quarter mile. #That was a WOW.

Look how far electronics have come since 1960. #Those Hasbro "Chat Now" communicators are HT's with text messaging and can store images. #The Pentagon would have paid huge money for those in 1960. #Now they're merely toys.

Amazing.



WA5KRP
Texas

[AG3Y]

Quote[/b] ]Now look at these things. They resemble a cell phone, which I guess is just more hip these days to the younger crowed. Not only can they two-way with their friends up to 2 miles away (advertised, anyway), they can send text messages and even pictures! Each user has a 10 digit "buddy id", so you can direct your contact to one specific person, or a group.



I'm curious, what kind of range do these things actually have? I've been noticing advertisments for FRS-type handhelds with a 15 mile or greater range! Can they really get that? I don't know of many ham handhelds that will do that ( if any ) without a LOT of help from a repeater!

Seems to me that there are going to be a lot of disappointed/mad customers when they find out how useless these toys really are ! Just my own humble opinion !

73, Merry Christmas Jim

[KI4LZK]

My younger brothers and sisters (5,6,9) would prefer a regular old walk talky anyday. Oncein a while when I am listening to some of the code tapes I have my little sister (the five year old) sets in with and listens. Well the other day I was listening to a CW QSO on the air and she asked me "What does 't' 'w' 'o' spell joshy?" I about fell over. She heard it in one of the guys call sign.

I think I have some future hams on my hands. My other sister (9) was helping me log my contacts for the 10m contest last weekend.

[N5KRC]

Quote[/b] (AG3Y @ Dec. 14 2005,23:33)]I'm curious, what kind of range do these things actually have?
These radios are in fact running on the FRS band, but I couldn't find any specs in terms of output power. I'm sure, like with any other antenna/radio test done in a perfectly controlled enviornment with optimum conditions, it would/could get up to two miles. However, I'm sure two kids sitting in their bedrooms a few blocks away, with walls, trees, cars, and everything else in the way, they'll be disappointed.

Scott, N5KRC

[KD6NIG]

Definetely going to be a niche market for these, considering that cellphones do all of this-but of course there is that annoying monthly fee for those.

Probably viewed as a cheaper alternative.

My question is, though this is not ham bands so its honestly none of my business, but is it legal to send data (text/photos) over FRS, if these radios are in that band?

I thought FRS was FM only, but I could definetely be wrong.....

[N5KRC]

Quote[/b] (KD6NIG @ Dec. 15 2005,00:29)]I thought FRS was FM only, but I could definetely be wrong.....
From a technical standpoint, data can be transmitted in FM mode; Do it all the time with APRS and AX.25 packet.

From Title 47, Section 95.193 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.193.htm):
Quote[/b] ]Sec. 95.193 (FRS Rule 3) Types of communications.
(2) The FRS unit may transmit digital data containing location
information, or requesting location information from one or more other FRS units, or containing a brief text message to another specific FRS unit. Digital data transmissions must be initiated by a manual action or command of a user, except that an FRS unit receiving an interrogation request may automatically respond with its location. Digital data transmissions shall not exceed one second, and shall be limited to no more than one digital transmission within a thirty-second period, except that an FRS unit may automatically respond to more than one interrogation request received within a thirty-second period.

So, if I interpret that right, they are technically illegal as far as sending pictures go. Short text messages are apparently okay.

Scott, N5KRC

[WA2DYA]

What is a toy?

--- CHAS

[KD6NIG]

Quote[/b] (N5KRC @ Dec. 15 2005,10:41)]Quote[/b] (KD6NIG @ Dec. 15 2005,00:29)]I thought FRS was FM only, but I could definetely be wrong.....
From a technical standpoint, data can be transmitted in FM mode; Do it all the time with APRS and AX.25 packet.

From Title 47, Section 95.193 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.193.htm):
Quote[/b] ]Sec. 95.193 #(FRS Rule 3) Types of communications.
# #(2) The FRS unit may transmit digital data containing location
information, or requesting location information from one or more other FRS units, or containing a brief text message to another specific FRS unit. Digital data transmissions must be initiated by a manual action or command of a user, except that an FRS unit receiving an interrogation request may automatically respond with its location. Digital data transmissions shall not exceed one second, and shall be limited to no more than one digital transmission within a thirty-second period, except that an FRS unit may automatically respond to more than one interrogation request received within a thirty-second period.

So, if I interpret that right, they are technically illegal as far as sending pictures go. #Short text messages are apparently okay.

Scott, N5KRC
So in theory, they could use it for that, interesting.

So in a way, its ironic-FRS kinda has its own 'winlink' now that could step over a conversation, provided a kid chose to just do so. I'm guessing kids won't be taught proper radio ettiquete, so it will be interesting to see what kind of interference issues these will cause.

I wonder what FRS channel they will use.....now not just bleeps and other fun little noises and cursing, etc, but now the sounds of bursts of data too. What fun.

The scary thing is that after reading an articl on EHam suggesting monitoring of FRS channel 1 in emergencies, I put it into my scanner. It lasted all of 5 minutes, because I did hear kids using these radios, and one of them on there was cursing like a sailor. A later unlock for about a minute yielded 2 (I'm guessing) teenage girls discussing which of thier boyfriends was a better kisser.

Haven't unlocked it since, but it IS there in case emergency strikes, for monitoring purposes http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KI4CIA]

Quote[/b] (KC7YRA @ Dec. 15 2005,07:59)]Thers about 500 sitting on a shelf at Target here in town. #Have been for weeks. #Don't think they have sold any. #Wyoming must be really behind on this fad.
I guess the folks in Wyoming are taking this "boycott Target" business serious. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif



Never had any walkie talkies when I was a kid, can't get dirty playing with those things ... (my mom claimed we were specialists in the field)

More likely it was because my brother was always taking things apart and Mom and Dad didn't have that kind of money to blow on something that might last for two hours.

[2E0GYD]

Quote[/b] (N5KRC @ Dec. 15 2005,17:41)]Quote[/b] (KD6NIG @ Dec. 15 2005,00:29)]I thought FRS was FM only, but I could definetely be wrong.....
From a technical standpoint, data can be transmitted in FM mode; Do it all the time with APRS and AX.25 packet.

From Title 47, Section 95.193 (http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/12feb20041500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2004/octqtr/47cfr95.193.htm):
Quote[/b] ]Sec. 95.193 #(FRS Rule 3) Types of communications.
# #(2) The FRS unit may transmit digital data containing location
information, or requesting location information from one or more other FRS units, or containing a brief text message to another specific FRS unit. Digital data transmissions must be initiated by a manual action or command of a user, except that an FRS unit receiving an interrogation request may automatically respond with its location. Digital data transmissions shall not exceed one second, and shall be limited to no more than one digital transmission within a thirty-second period, except that an FRS unit may automatically respond to more than one interrogation request received within a thirty-second period.

So, if I interpret that right, they are technically illegal as far as sending pictures go. #Short text messages are apparently okay.

Scott, N5KRC
quite true
ive transmitted sstv, rtty and psk31 in fm mode on 2 m
and works

the first radio i got was from about 6 years ago (i was 10), and they were small walkie talkies about 10 meters range and just below the 6 m band

i was amased by those, and that eventually lead to my interest in ham radio.

so who knows, this toy might amaze someone and eventually get into ham radio

73 de Rick 2E0GYD http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ad5td]

Quote[/b] (N5KRC @ Dec. 15 2005,04:00)]Quote[/b] (AG3Y @ Dec. 14 2005,23:33)]I'm curious, what kind of range do these things actually have?
These radios are in fact running on the FRS band, but I couldn't find any specs in terms of output power. #I'm sure, like with any other antenna/radio test done in a perfectly controlled enviornment with optimum conditions, it would/could get up to two miles. #However, I'm sure two kids sitting in their bedrooms a few blocks away, with walls, trees, cars, and everything else in the way, they'll be disappointed.

Scott, N5KRC
They put out a max of 0.500 watts. That's a 1/2 a watt. Range on these, even here in flat country is about 1/4 mile with NO obstructions. Using them in a car is darn near impossible.

[WA5KRP]

Quote[/b] (N5KRC @ Dec. 15 2005,11:41)]So, if I interpret that right, they are technically illegal as far as sending pictures go. #Short text messages are apparently okay.
Look closer at the ad. The Hasbro units do not send images. They can only store them.



WA5KRP
Texas

[N5KRC]

Quote[/b] ]so who knows, this toy might amaze someone and eventually get into ham radio

That statement just made my lightbulb go off. You buy these things, with all the neat-o bells and whistles, put a big red bow on it, and then put a element two study guide in their stocking.

An hour later when they're frustrated they don't work from one of the house to the other, pull the study guide out and hand it to them! They'll be much more proud of that text message or slow scan image, that work reliably, after working their way up to it.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N0KLT]

Quote[/b] (K8ERV @ Dec. 15 2005,09:45)]What is Wyoming ??

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo
It's what keeps Colorado from bumping into Canada. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N5KRC]

Quote[/b] (WA5KRP @ Dec. 15 2005,02:57)]Quote[/b] (N5KRC @ Dec. 15 2005,11:41)]So, if I interpret that right, they are technically illegal as far as sending pictures go. Short text messages are apparently okay.
Look closer at the ad. The Hasbro units do not send images. They can only store them.



WA5KRP
Texas
I stand corrected. It does state "Take pictures of your friends and store them in your buddy list". I apologize for misleading on that one.

So then, yeah, they are FCC compliant provided the kids are not firing off text messages every 20 seconds.

Quote[/b] ]So in a way, its ironic-FRS kinda has its own 'winlink' now that could step over a conversation, provided a kid chose to just do so. I'm guessing kids won't be taught proper radio ettiquete, so it will be interesting to see what kind of interference issues these will cause.
Interesting point. I just went back over the FCC rules for FRS operation, and no where does it say anything about harmful interference, although it does state that "You must share each channel with other users. No channel is available for the private or exclusive use of any user."

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (N5KRC @ Dec. 15 2005,12:59)]Quote[/b] ]so who knows, this toy might amaze someone and eventually get into ham radio

That statement just made my lightbulb go off. You buy these things, with all the neat-o bells and whistles, put a big red bow on it, and then put a element two study guide in their stocking.

An hour later when they're frustrated they don't work from one of the house to the other, pull the study guide out and hand it to them! They'll be much more proud of that text message or slow scan image, that work reliably, after working their way up to it.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
You hit the nail on the head. What is keeping "young people" out of amateur radio is not the morse code requirement. In fact removal of the requirement as a solution is really the best indicator we're so far off base. We're using something that meant something to us at 13 (hf access) and supposing it is the magic bullet for today. The magic bullet today are devices like ChatNow on Amateur Radio.

Take that device (or one like it) and put on Amateur bands with repeaters so kids (licensed) can chat free across town and you might just hook them. Who is more cool, the 2 mile limit kid or the kid that can chat across town?

[KI4LZK]

Quote[/b] (N5KRC @ Dec. 15 2005,15:59)]Quote[/b] ]so who knows, this toy might amaze someone and eventually get into ham radio

That statement just made my lightbulb go off. #You buy these things, with all the neat-o bells and whistles, put a big red bow on it, and then put a element two study guide in their stocking.

An hour later when they're frustrated they don't work from one of the house to the other, pull the study guide out and hand it to them! #They'll be much more proud of that text message or slow scan image, that work reliably, after working their way up to it.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Yeah, I remember my brother and I bought some FRS radios when I was about 12. The box said 2 -6 mile range, yeah right we where lucky to be able to get 100 ft. one of us on one side of the house and the other on the otherside.

[KA7RRA]

Quote[/b] (K8ERV @ Dec. 15 2005,08:45)]What is Wyoming ??
Wyoming Is one of the states in the United States

[k9cn]

Wyoming?

Well, why not?

[ai4ep]

News feature on cbs/nbc/abc tv ( I forget which one ) about the new KING KONG movie...and how theatre sales are down from last year ( really the past 3 years )...they said folks would rather use the movie money for video games at the local arcade...and take home the rest.

There are quite a few new movies out this week & next...wonder which will survive the test of time and which will be a flop ?

[kf6rdn]

Quote[/b] (K8ERV @ Dec. 15 2005,08:45)]What is Wyoming ??

TOM K8ERV #Montrose Colo
Rare DX? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[KI4ITV]

These radios look like "entry level cell phone bait" to me. The only intent of this toy is getting small children used to the design and feel of cell phones. A training tool, if you will.
I find it disgusting.
None of the designers intent has anything to do with radio, or the users knowing that it is radio.
Trey P.
ki4itv http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[WA5KRP]

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Dec. 16 2005,07:35)]These radios look like "entry level cell phone bait" to me. The only intent of this toy is getting small children used to the design and feel of cell phones. A training tool, if you will.
I find it disgusting.
Ya reckon NASCAR is behind slot racers? Caterpillar behind Tonka Toys?


WA5KRP
Texas

[K6BBC]

Kids are not attracted to ham radio for several reasons. First and foremost, they are unaware of its existence. In days gone past, the electronics middle and high school geeks would gravitate to the hobby – often by exposure in electronics classes. Now, there are far too many other avenues they can use as an outlet for their interest. And, the days of building cool electronic from the ground up are no more. Nobody really builds their own computer; they just buy built components and assemble them. Secondly, ham radio was once on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. The corporateization of world markets has put an end to this. Innovation mostly emerges from highly financed labs and think tanks. Thirdly, the hobby has grown old and tired, mostly as a result of the lack of innovation and insertion of new blood. The ARRL has failed miserably attracting new members to the hobby. The code should have been dropped years ago – but that is another discussion.

Ham radio needs a revitalization plan. I suggest when the code debate ends this April, we all get on it.

bbc

[KI4ITV]

Quote[/b] (WA5KRP @ Dec. 16 2005,07:15)]Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Dec. 16 2005,07:35)]These radios look like "entry level cell phone bait" to me. The only intent of this toy is getting small children used to the design and feel of cell phones. A training tool, if you will.
I find it disgusting.
Ya reckon NASCAR is behind slot racers? #Caterpillar behind Tonka Toys?


WA5KRP
Texas
I guess I did kind of come off like that.

Kids and cell phones are a sore subject around my house.
LOL
Thanks for raining me in.
Trey P.
ki4itv http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ad5td]

Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Dec. 16 2005,07:34)]Quote[/b] (WA5KRP @ Dec. 16 2005,07:15)]Quote[/b] (KI4ITV @ Dec. 16 2005,07:35)]These radios look like "entry level cell phone bait" to me. The only intent of this toy is getting small children used to the design and feel of cell phones. A training tool, if you will.
I find it disgusting.
Ya reckon NASCAR is behind slot racers? #Caterpillar behind Tonka Toys?


WA5KRP
Texas
I guess I did kind of come off like that. #

Kids and cell phones are a sore subject around my house.
LOL
Thanks for raining me in.
Trey P.
ki4itv # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Mine daughter did 3800 minutes one month, I cut her off cold. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[W4LTM]

3800?!? Sheesh... I don't like anybody enough to talk for that long.

Around here we can't figure out the whole text message on the phone thing. Why not just push speed dial and say "Hi how are ya, want to go to the mall?..." Seems a lot quicker and more personal.

My daughter says that unless you do it you would not understand. I guess we get to look forward to cell finger carpal tunnel now.

never ceases to amaze me...

73,
Matt

[U]

[KI4MSB]

I am 11 and I just pased the test about a week ago, and enjoy ham radio more than I would one of those Chat Now things. Ham radio is muuch more interesting and fun.

[K0RGR]

Yes, our cellphones came with such a high limit on text messages I thought we could never reach it, but my daughter did the first month we had them.

My question is: "How cheap are they, and how hard would it be to move them down into the 440 Mhz. band?" It would be cool to have a unit that would do text messaging on UHF, and if they're cheap enough, I would be willing to buy two of them if there's no way to make them work on a 5 Mhz. repeater split, do T/R switching, etc.. With an external antenna, even the typical 300 mW on these units can achieve a decent range if you have a fairly clear shot. From my house on a hill, I can easily talk to the XYL when she goes to Great Wal of China Mart, about 5 miles away, using these 300 mW FRS toys.

Or, how hard would it be to adapt the text messaging functions to a real HT? Of course, if it has the text messaging capabilities of a typical cellphone, it's only about 1 quarter step above worthless anyway.

[ad5td]

Quote[/b] (KI4MSB @ Dec. 16 2005,09:16)]I am 11 and I just pased the test about a week ago, and enjoy ham radio more than I would one of those Chat Now things. Ham radio is muuch more interesting and fun.
You go!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Welcome to Amateur Radio! I'm going to the Lexington Aircraft Carrier tomorrow to teach Radio Merit Badge to 25 scouts. I hope some want to do the same as you did.

[KC0KBH]

I'm a ham, and I am a kid, and hate cheap consumer electronics like that.

[KC5SAS]

Quote[/b] (K0RGR @ Dec. 16 2005,16:25)]My question is: "How cheap are they, and how hard would it be to move them down into the 440 Mhz. band?"
It wouldn't be hard at all. They are already in the neighborhood.
FRS 01 462.5625
FRS 02 462.5875
FRS 03 462.6125
FRS 04 462.6375
FRS 05 462.6625
FRS 06 462.6875
FRS 07 462.7125
FRS 08 467.5625
FRS 09 467.5875
FRS 10 467.6125
FRS 11 467.6375
FRS 12 467.6625
FRS 13 467.6875
FRS 14 467.7125

Steve
RACES Officer
Iberville Parish, La

[W5NIG]

My wife's niece was staying with us for several months earlier this year and I remember she had over 5000 text messages in one month. That just blew my mind, lol.

[KC0TJR]

I'm 13, and have to put up with seeing a lot of people flashing their new cell phones at school, so it's a bit of a peeve...

If a kid at my school (with a few exceptions) actually cares enough to know how a walkie-talkie works, I'd be fairly suprised. (To be honest, I wouldn't want most of the kids from my school on the air) I don't think a "ChatNow" will pull kids away from ham radio-They couldn't care less anyway, this is just another object of "bling". Most kids these days have cell phones, so I doubt with the fad of text messaging these will sell much.

Ham radio is for people who want to learn what goes on behind the keypad, not just what's on the display. If a kid's interested enough, they'll get their license and add to the hobby. If they're already addicted to "txt msging", they won't care less.

[WA2ZDY]

Just remember who won on Letterman in the morse vs text messaging contest.

I use text messaging. It's convenient for me to send short messages to my son and my wife to read at their convenience when having to answer the phone would be a bad thing. And I can send them from the web rather than ruin my fingers on the phone keypad, so it's not so bad.

Cell phones in school. My 13 year old keeps his in his pocket. I've told him he will lose it the first time I get a call from school about it. But I trust him to act responsibly with it. And if he NEEDS it, he has it. And since he is often there for after-school activities, I never need to worry about him getting left with no ride.

Funny thing here in NJ (where lots of things are "funny.") It's illegal for a person under 18 to have a pager during school hours, but not a cell phone. I suspect Columbine had something to do with that though too.

[KI4ITV]

Quote[/b] (KC0TJR @ Dec. 16 2005,17:21)]this is just another object of "bling". Most kids these days have cell phones,
lol...
"Ring Bling"


"If you don't think too good, don't think too much."
I really like that one, KCOTJR!

73,
ki4itv

[KC0KBH]

Quote[/b] (KC0TJR @ Dec. 16 2005,16:21)]I'm 13, and have to put up with seeing a lot of people flashing their new cell phones at school, so it's a bit of a peeve...

If a kid at my school (with a few exceptions) actually cares enough to know how a walkie-talkie works, I'd be fairly suprised. (To be honest, I wouldn't want most of the kids from my school on the air) I don't think a "ChatNow" will pull kids away from ham radio-They couldn't care less anyway, this is just another object of "bling". Most kids these days have cell phones, so I doubt with the fad of text messaging these will sell much.

Ham radio is for people who want to learn what goes on behind the keypad, not just what's on the display. If a kid's interested enough, they'll get their license and add to the hobby. If they're already addicted to "txt msging", they won't care less.
Nearly everybody at school has a phone. Except me and a few others. Really, I don't care about a cell phone with service. I have the 'collection, which consists of about 30 old cell phones, all free or under $5. I only paid for 2 or 3. None have service, and haven't had it for at least 5 years. Normally I carry my pager around, but that has no service, but I get weater forecasts on it for free. I remember in 6th grade some kids had phones. My younger brother, also a ham, said kids had phones in 5th grade. Ridiculous. I got my dad and brother into the hobby, and they both got their licenses about 2 years ago. There is one kid at school who is a friend of mine who really wants to get his license. I think he would really enjoy ham radio, and I offered him a free HT if he got his license. The ht: A Standard HX240 UHF commercial HT I got 8 of for free. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (KC5SAS @ Dec. 16 2005,20:38)]Quote[/b] (K0RGR @ Dec. 16 2005,16:25)]My question is: "How cheap are they, and how hard would it be to move them down into the 440 Mhz. band?"
It wouldn't be hard at all. They are already in the neighborhood.
FRS 01 462.5625
FRS 02 462.5875
FRS 03 462.6125
FRS 04 462.6375
FRS 05 462.6625
FRS 06 462.6875
FRS 07 462.7125
FRS 08 467.5625
FRS 09 467.5875
FRS 10 467.6125
FRS 11 467.6375
FRS 12 467.6625
FRS 13 467.6875
FRS 14 467.7125

Steve
RACES Officer
Iberville Parish, La
That would be a newsworthy event. Put them on an amateur repeater and publish the process to movr the frequency from FRS. Wonder if they are PLL or xtal?

[KC0KBH]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Dec. 17 2005,03:37)]Quote[/b] (KC5SAS @ Dec. 16 2005,20:38)]Quote[/b] (K0RGR @ Dec. 16 2005,16:25)]My question is: "How cheap are they, and how hard would it be to move them down into the 440 Mhz. band?"
It wouldn't be hard at all. They are already in the neighborhood.
FRS 01 462.5625
FRS 02 462.5875
FRS 03 462.6125
FRS 04 462.6375
FRS 05 462.6625
FRS 06 462.6875
FRS 07 462.7125
FRS 08 467.5625
FRS 09 467.5875
FRS 10 467.6125
FRS 11 467.6375
FRS 12 467.6625
FRS 13 467.6875
FRS 14 467.7125

Steve
RACES Officer
Iberville Parish, La
That would be a newsworthy event. Put them on an amateur repeater and publish the process to movr the frequency from FRS. Wonder if they are PLL or xtal?
Could depend on how expensive of a model.

[KE5FRP]

I'm also a kid, but unlike the other "kid hams" here, I'm completely fascinated by cell phones. From a completely technical standpoint, though. It's incredible how they work- the network systems are works of geniuses. They are really sophisticated. I can't get over them...
I don't own one though. No need. Just a waste of $$. Literally EVERYONE has one at my school (except for me), and as ohters have said before, no one cares how they work (again, except for me. My second favorite website's HowStuffWorks.com. I LOVE learning exatly that- how stuff works. Next step is to start homebrewing using some of the stuff I've learned- that should be REALLY fun!).
It is true that kids don't know the amateur radio even exists. I've been trying to get the word out, and there's one guy who has taken some interest in it. Most others ask more of what it's about (after I get done explaining that it's not an FM broadcast station, because apparently no one understands there's more to radio spectrum besides that), then loses complete interest in what I'm telling them. Personally I don't care, they can go back to their cell phones. I don't want them on the air. Another suggested "one of those 14-mile walkie talkies from Wal-Mart" instead of my "suped up walkie talkie" (obviously really doesn't get what it's all about- tried to explain it. then gave up).
As far as 2+ miles (or even 10+ as GMRS advertises) with 1/2 a watt, sure you could. IN OUTER SPACE. For ordinary operations, heck no.

[KC0KBH]

My favorite site is Ebay. Ahh, all the hours I have spent buying all kinds of things off Ebay. Mainly electronics. I got my chainsaw off Ebay, and a fuel pump for my four wheeler. Last week I bought the fuel pump and a Standard hx241 vhf ht. I also got a really good deal on my calculator for school there.