Ham Radio Class (Free)

[Grizhicks]

I just got my newsletter from the Midstate Amateur Radio Club and they
are having another one day Technician class, open to the public. The
date is Saturday August 11th. You can get the full details by sending
email to secretary@midstatehams.org I think they are going to be using
the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. So if you know anyone interested
in getting their FCC license for Amateur Radio, this would be a great
place for them to start.

 

[Balinor]

great

 

[hotfarmboy1]

Nice! I will definitely check this out!

 

[Davis0023]

This is a great class by a great group of guys. I did the February class took the test the same day and passed.
I got my call sign about 2 weeks later, then applied for my vanity call( letters I choose) about two weeks after that.

You can get the book( 25.00), take the class 8hrs( Free), take the test (15.00) and buy a inexpensive hand held radio 50.00. So for well under a 100.00 you have a 10 year hobby paid in full.

 

[GLOCKMAN23C]

Thanks for the link! I just sent an email to register for the class.

 

[straid]

It would be helpful if the city name it's being hosted in, was listed.

 

[Hammerhead]

Franklin, IN

 

[Justin Case]

You can get the book( 25.00), take the class 8hrs( Free)ou have a 10 year hobby, take the test (15.00) and buy a inexpensive hand held radio 50.00. So for well under a 100.00 you have a 10 year hobby paid in full.

^^^ Exactly what I did. Take a class and you won't have any trouble with the Tech test.

 

[GaryErrol]

Hi, my first post. It looks like I'll be taking the class and exam in Franklin in August. I've had a GMRS license for close to 15 years but have resisted getting a ham one because I really didn't have anyone else to talk to. I'm not into just chatting to chat. However in the last couple of years it keeps coming up and probably at some point our group is going to want most members to get a ham license so I think I'll be ahead of the game a bit. Also, I just purchased a Baofeng UV-5R radio and that has sparked my interest a bit more.

 

[indychad]

I'm signed up. Looking forward to it, should be interesting. Not to mention useful. Now, whats a good low end starter radio?

 

[PistolBob]

I'm signed up. Looking forward to it, should be interesting. Not to mention useful. Now, whats a good low end starter radio?

It depends on what you want to do with it.

CW? Digital Modes on HF? Ragchewing with the locals? Tracking? Participating in Emergency Communications? Becoming a Skywarn Spotter? The list goes on.

Tell a little about what you think your interest in amateur radio will be once you get your ticket (license).

 

[The Keymaster]

I'm signed up. Looking forward to it, should be interesting. Not to mention useful. Now, whats a good low end starter radio?

Many people start with 2 meter. It is the least expensive band to get started with in most cases. Do an internet search for 2 meter ham repeaters in your general area. If you have repeaters within 5-10 miles you can likely start with a 5 watt HT (handy talkie) and do very well. The cheaper imported versions of these with 5 watts of output can be had for less than $100.00. I strongly recommend getting a unit that comes with a programming cable, and software. Some hams dislike the imports. I have a couple, and I have had excellent results. I paid a little more than low end for them, but they work great. There are also ham swap sites where you can buy good used equipment at reasonable prices. Most hams are pretty reputable, but just like anything else, do your homework. There are sites that will allow you to read reviews of most equipment, and there are sites that will allow you to check a ham's reputation in transactions.

 

[browncofiddler]

Thanks for the info. I just sent an email to get more info. I'd love to go to it if the class hasn't been filled already.

 

[vedearduff]

i just sent an e-mail to reserve a spot in the class. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Tony7141]

This is a great class by a great group of guys. I did the February class took the test the same day and passed.
I got my call sign about 2 weeks later, then applied for my vanity call( letters I choose) about two weeks after that.

You can get the book( 25.00), take the class 8hrs( Free), take the test (15.00) and buy a inexpensive hand held radio 50.00. So for well under a 100.00 you have a 10 year hobby paid in full.

I'll be taking this class in August, already studying, What radio can I get for $50? Not sure that my budget will be that low, but it is nice to know that I can get started cheap.

 

[The Keymaster]

You can pick up a 2 watt Baeofong portable for around $50.00 on ebay. Whether 2 watts is going to get you into your local repeater, I cant say. On a good day I can get into repeaters about 15 miles away with my 5 watt HT.

 

[Grizhicks]

I would not buy the Baeofong; they are a piece of junk; for about $125 (or less) you can get a basic 2-meter hand-held (5 watt) from one of the major vendors (Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood or Alinco). -- Greg

 

[The Keymaster]

Keep in mind that the name on the product doesn't necessarily make it better, just more expensive. I agree that the Baeofong radios are not the greatest, but you usually get what you pay for. I bought a couple of the Wouxun HT's and was pleasantly surprised. I found them to be an excellent value. Something to look into also.

 

[PistolBob]

I just got my newsletter from the Midstate Amateur Radio Club, the class is getting some attention but they still have some room. Don't delay, August 11th will be here before you know it.

Midstate Amateur Radio Club

73

 

[PistolBob]

I would not buy the Baeofong; they are a piece of junk; for about $125 (or less) you can get a basic 2-meter hand-held (5 watt) from one of the major vendors (Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood or Alinco). -- Greg

Especially when you can get a rock solid dual band like the Yaesu FT 60R for about $150