My intro.

[PSYS]

Hey everyone!

So, my name is Scott. 36 years old. Wisconsin. Been lurking for a little while and decided to register here on the forum. Lots of great information that I've pretty much been absorbed in for the last week or so. It's a bit overwhelming but interesting and fun, nonetheless.

I've been interested in amateur radio for a few years now. Never practiced the hobby and never studied enough to get my Tech license. What has made me the most intrigued by amateur radio is the ability to be self-sufficient as far as communications go. In a true SHTF scenario, I know amateur radio is an invaluable resource and it's knowledge I'd really like to be able to practice. What originally made me interested in amateur radio is watching the live feeds from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina on the major news networks. There were a couple of guys in particular who utilized amateur radio to help not only his own family, but many others, as well.

I found a used copy of the 2nd version of the ARRL book on eBay that I ordered and have also been reviewing the loads of practice material online. Looks like the local ham club in the area will be doing the next test session on June 18th. If I can get prepared enough by then, I want to attempt the exam on that day.

One question I do have is the relation between radio scanners and handheld receivers for amateur radio. Is a decent handheld VHF/UHF radio able to do what an analog trunking handheld radio scanner can....? Or am I way off-base here? I'm asking because I'm interested in getting a Uniden 346XT for scanning... but I don't want to drop that kinda cash on a scanner if I'm planning on getting my Tech license fairly soon. That being the case, I could apply those funds towards a decent VHF/UHF radio.

Thanks again for checking out my post.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

 

[KG4INW]

Welcome! I'm sure you'll find this hobby to be quite rewarding and enjoyable since you obviously have an interest in radio in general.

To answer your question, no there are no VHF/UHF ham radios out there that can scan trunked systems so you'll have to have both types of radios. The ham rigs will be able to receive conventional though so you can listen to weather radio and any public safety and business systems that are still analog FM, conventional (receive only of course).

Best of luck!

 

[IowaGuy1603]

Looks like the local ham club in the area will be doing the next test session on June 18th. If I can get prepared enough by then, I want to attempt the exam on that day.

Contact someone at that club and see if they would like to give you a hand getting ready................

One thing you will find out about hams is that they love to help others learn.

One question I do have is the relation between radio scanners and handheld receivers for amateur radio. Is a decent handheld VHF/UHF radio able to do what an analog trunking handheld radio scanner can....? Or am I way off-base here? I'm asking because I'm interested in getting a Uniden 346XT for scanning... but I don't want to drop that kinda cash on a scanner if I'm planning on getting my Tech license fairly soon. That being the case, I could apply those funds towards a decent VHF/UHF radio.

You will find that many hams have both transceivers and scanners! You can find a reasonably priced used scanner and then do the same for your first ham radio ...................then "upgrade" as soon as you are financially able...................enjoy both worlds!!

Welcome.........

Doug KC0LGB

 

[PSYS]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

I'll contact the local club administering the exam...

 

[hcpholder]

Welcome Scott! I am one who uses both handheld transceivers and scanners. A lot of the time I am listening to the ham frequencies just monitoring what is going on. Then if I want to join in on the conversation I just turn on the ham HT. I listened for over a year with my scanners before getting my license, and when I got my equipment I already knew area hams call signs and voices. That was a big help, since a lot of the time it is hard the first time picking up on call signs. I also jointed a club prior to getting my license to meet the locals, and they were great. Once again welcome,

 

[PSYS]

Welcome Scott! I am one who uses both handheld transceivers and scanners. A lot of the time I am listening to the ham frequencies just monitoring what is going on. Then if I want to join in on the conversation I just turn on the ham HT. I listened for over a year with my scanners before getting my license, and when I got my equipment I already knew area hams call signs and voices. That was a big help, since a lot of the time it is hard the first time picking up on call signs. I also jointed a club prior to getting my license to meet the locals, and they were great. Once again welcome,

Thanks for the reply!

I've been doing a bit of research and I did stumble upon a local club. I think I may join just for the sheer fact of being able to know others in the hobby in my immediate area.

I'll keep you posted!