Issues Making first Ham Radio Contact

[TexTAC]

I tried about 25 times to get a response today using several local repeaters and a new FT-60. Been saying "This is #callsign, monitoring (or testing, etc.)" ,,, But no luck. I think I have the repeaters programed correctly because I inputted directly into the scanner using software which automatically downloaded data off repeaterbook. The CTCSS, repeater shifts, and +/- settings all appear correct both in the software and when I check the settings in the radio. The repeaters are all within 2-10 miles from me. Any suggestions on what I am doing wrong or is it just no one wants to talk to me? Was a real bummer.

Edited to add: Also, I know I am transmitting because I can hear myself on the input repeater frequency using my other scanner. I cannot hear myself on the output repeater frequency.

 

[TexTAC]

One more item to add. Occasionally, it seems like I receive a short auto msg from the repeater immediately after I transmit (basically the repeater transmits it’s callsign or ID). Does that mean I actually connected to the repeater and just no one is responding to me?

 

[AJAT]

One more item to add. Occasionally, it seems like I receive a short auto msg from the repeater immediately after I transmit (basically the repeater transmits it’s callsign or ID). Does that mean I actually connected to the repeater and just no one is responding to me?

Yes, it sounds like you are reaching the repeater. A lot of repeaters are not very active.
Keep trying. Look up the repeater on the internet see if it is owned by a club. They may have a net on it once a week or month.

 

[wtp]

i always say,.
listen, listen, listen.
get to know who uses the repeater and how things go.
saying "testing" might not get a response.
calling someone that is one the radio by name will usually get a response.
even "who is this" is an answer.
i remember a repeater in new jersey tha was busy all morning and no one in the afternoon.
i could hear shout outs and no response, i was not a ham at the time.

also if the scanner is too close you might just be overloading it and hear that.

 

[TexTAC]

How often does a repeater auto message you back when you reach it? First time only, every hour, etc? I’ve only had that happen twice (I think on different repeaters).

 

[mmckenna]

How often does a repeater auto message you back when you reach it? First time only, every hour, etc? I’ve only had that happen twice (I think on different repeaters).

You should hear squelch tail each time. Some repeaters have a 'courtesy tone' that will beep when you stop transmitting, and you'll hear that on your receiver.

If you've only heard it twice, it's possible you were not getting a clean/clear signal into the repeater. If you were using this with the antenna on top from inside a home or car, that may not be enough. You should try standing outside in the clear where you have a unobstructed line of sight to the repeater.

-Might be a good idea to find a local ham that can help you out. Especially someone that actually knows the local repeaters and can double check your setup.

Edited to add: Also, I know I am transmitting because I can hear myself on the input repeater frequency using my other scanner. I cannot hear myself on the output repeater frequency.

You need to listen to the repeater OUTPUT. The repeater input isn't telling you anything other than there is clear communications between your FT-60 and your scanner. You also need to be well away from your scanner, as the transmitter will overload the scanner and you may not hear anything at all.

 

[N9PVW]

The repeater must identify it's call sign every 10 minutes.

 

[TexTAC]

Just had a successful transmission on one of the nearby repeaters! They said my signal was scratchy but at least now I know my equipment is functional. Also, the advice about listening for the squelch trail gives me some more confidence I am reaching some other repeaters.

 

[RBMTS]

I agree with WTP. Listen, then be a more specific with what you want to do. A suggestion would be to say "This is NxAAA looking for a radio check. Is anyone around?". You are more likely to get a response from a good-hearted ham. Once you get to know some of the hams, you can say hello to them at a different time when you hear them on the air (and start to blend in, becoming a regular).

Keep in mind that some people just don't like conversing with others that they don't know. Some don't want to get involved in long conversations with newbies. Some hams have what I call the "Mr. Ed Syndrome" (won't talk unless they have something to say). So don't be surprised if no one answers. Try a different repeater. Another suggestion is to call during drive times (work commute times or noon/lunch times).

Good luck with making the contacts. It will happen, just give it time.

 

[WA0CBW]

It may be that you have barely enough signal to bring up the repeater but not enough to hold the repeater (as evidenced by reports that you were noisy into the repeater).
BB

 

[trentbob]

Since you do have a portable, maybe some mountain top CQing? . Don't know your terrain but hop in the car and go to the highest point closer to the repeater tower to call your CQ. Just a thought to see if things are working.

 

[popnokick]

When you are calling and expecting anyone to answer, the first thing you say should NOT be your callsign. In fact, you shouldn't be saying your callsign until near the end of your transmission (and then maybe more than once). But, but, but.... EVERYBODY says "This is W1XYZ listening" or "[your callsign] monitoring for a call". Isn't it the law that I have to say my callsign first? (NO, it's not.) "So popnokick I don't get it... why shouldn't I say my callsign at the beginning of my transmission when I'm looking for a reply?" There are a multitude of reasons... let me see if I can cover a few of the major ones NOT to say your callsign in the beginning of your call-up -
- When you first start transmitting on a quiet repeater or frequency there's a very good chance other stations weren't listening to the first part of your transmission (the part where you said your callsign). They had other noise nearby, were talking to a spouse or someone else in the room / car, didn't have the radio turned up, had another radio on and were listening to that radio and not you... the list goes on and on.
- Many hams listen on scanners, or with their radios in scanning mode. It takes a moment for the scanner to stop on the frequency / repeater you just activated. And if the scan stop doesn't happen until a couple of seconds into the transmission.... you just guaranteed that anyone scanning has missed your callsign.... because you announced it in the beginning of your transmission rather than near the end.
- With repeaters... and particularly digital voice modes... the first second or two of your transmission may not be picked up while the system and any bridges or links come up and begin transmitting. I've lost count of the times I hear, ".... and listening for a call. (kerchunk.... carrier drops)".
Now you're thinking, "Alright wise guy... what should I say?" Some examples -
- "Monitoring the (xxxx) repeater and listening for a call, this is KnXXX. KnXXX mobile on (repeater name) and looking for a call."
- "Just turned on this new radio and looking for an audio report [and if you're on DMR do this using Parrot rather than asking for a "radio check"] this is WnXXX."
Note that in each example above the callsign comes near the END of the transmission.... by which time you not only have given the repeater and any network time to fully activate its transmitter(s), but also have the ears of your intended audience. You've given them time to say to whomever is in the car (or house) with them, "Excuse me" or "Shh... hold it a second" and to reach over and turn up their radio to hear your call. The next thing they want to hear is your callsign, but if you've already said it in the first part of the call-up..... they may just turn the radio back down again and say to their local conversation partner, "Sorry.... thought I heard someone I wanted to talk to. Now where were we?"

 

[hill]

I would try in mornings or afternoons when the repeaters have the most use with people monitoring when going to work. Also see if any of the local repeaters have any nets during evening with some maybe occurring in the mornings.

If you signal is not that good into the repeater other hams may not be able to receive you well enough to talk with you. A higher power radio than a handeld also works better for the first radio, as it's able to access more repeaters with a better signal. I going to bet at least one of your local repeaters is in a good area for you to get a good signal into it. Just because you are close to a repeater you may still not get into it well with something blocking your signal like the terrain.

If you have any local ham radio clubs around your area should try to attend their meetings. After other hams know you they are sometimes more willing to have a QSO with you on the repeater.

 

[mass-man]

Repeaters in the DFW area are little used. Sad but true. Your FT60 1.5 watts may make it tough to reliably access a repeater except for ones very near you. I would say get your mobile config working and drive around and see who you can talk to, but not today! Way to nasty outside even for that.
When you do get out, try the Carrollton machine on 145.210...a great group of folks and someone is listening all the time.

 

[WB9YBM]

How often does a repeater auto message you back when you reach it? First time only, every hour, etc? I’ve only had that happen twice (I think on different repeaters).

if the auto message is an ID, once every ten minutes and ten minutes after the final transmission.

 

[WB9YBM]

Yeah, repeaters are pretty dead here in the Chicago area, too. Try monitoring during morning and evening drive times, and see if you can find out about nets in your area that you can check in to.

 

[AK9R]

The repeater must identify it's call sign every 10 minutes.

Only if it's been used. If nothing else has caused the repeater to transmit, it can sit quietly all day long.

Your FT60 1.5 watts...

If his FT-60 is only transmitting with 1.5 watts output, then he has it set to something other than high power or the radio is defective. The FT-60 is rated for 5 watts output.

 

[TexTAC]

I have it set for high power which is 5 watts on the FT-60. It has middle (2 Watts) and low (0.5 Watts) power settings but I don't know when I would ever use them since 5 Watts doesn't seem to be very powerful.

 

[nd5y]

I have it set for high power which is 5 watts on the FT-60. It has middle (2 Watts) and low (0.5 Watts) power settings but I don't know when I would ever use them since 5 Watts doesn't seem to be very powerful.

Antenna height and location have much more effect than transmit power.
If you are weak and noisy into a repeater with 2 watts then increasing to 5 watts probably won't help much. That's a difference of only 3.97 dB.

 

[TexTAC]

Believe it or not, I think part of my problem was also user error by having the mic too far from my mouth. I’ve made several more contacts today and was told my signal was good after I started putting the mic about 2 inches away (as opposed to about 6-7 inches). I also think my timing and overall approach was initially off too. And yes a better, higher antenna is in the plan. I appreciate all the sound advice.