What class etc. ???

Budog · #1 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 10:40 PM

I am interested in getting into HAM Radio. My main interest is a mobile unit for my Jeep. I want to volunteer for radio operations/communications during disasters, searches and radio operator for checkpoints at off-road races etc. What class etc. would you guys recommend? My budget is limited, but I am willing to save up to accomplish this...

Budog.

zz0468 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 08:41 AM

Find a local, established amateur radio club that conducts classes and training sessions. A lot of cities are sponsoring amateur radio clubs, with the intent on having them perform those sorts of activities that you mention, and have the added benefit of legitimacy in the eyes of local government. That's where I would start looking first.

Since public service is your motivator for getting licensed, getting involved in a club where that's what they do is probably the best way to start. Try looking at the ARRL web page arrl.org. They can direct you to local clubs.

elk2370bruce · #3 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Budog

I am interested in getting into HAM Radio. My main interest is a mobile unit for my Jeep. I want to volunteer for radio operations/communications during disasters, searches and radio operator for checkpoints at off-road races etc. What class etc. would you guys recommend? My budget is limited, but I am willing to save up to accomplish this...

Budog.

If you are interested in emergency communications, begin by contacting your county emergency management office. Many of the EMCOMM amateur operations are on vhf and uhf frequencies so begin with your Technician License - the entry level license. Use either the ARRL or Gordon West exam study guides and you'll pass the 35 multple guess test the first time around. You can always upgrade to the General class if you get bitten by the nasty, sneaky, old ham bug.

More questions, shoot me an e-mail.

C138Kaysone · #4 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 08:05 PM

sometimes you take the general test for S&G's if you pass your entry level, im working on getting that soon so im back into studying and waiting for next month to come around.

Good luck

gcgrotz · #5 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009, 10:08 AM

I agree, study for the tech and general and take them both. You might surprise yourself.

There are some very good VHF mobiles and handhelds out there for not a lot of money, not much more than a couple of good date night dinners.

Budog · #6 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 12:27 AM

My Son met with Gary KE7MQF today. I was supposed to go but am at home sick as a dog... Gary set us up with the study materials we will need to take our tests. I am looking forward to digging into the material and getting ready to take my test.

Budog.

N467RX · #7 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 02:30 AM

Nice. The test is no big deal (but you'll be extremely nervous and excited), just read the book because you might overestimate your current knowledge, I read the book for an hour a day for a few days and that was enough to pass, from there it took about a week to get my callsign.

Budog · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 05:43 PM

I have read the Gordon West Technician License book through once. Since then I have taken numerous practice exams and have been scoring 33 or 34 out of a possible 35 each time. I don't take the exam until July 1st. so I am going to continue to study. I am only going to take the Tech License test at this time and then will then start studying to take my General License some time after that.

Budog.