a serious question about the benefits of getting an Amateur license

[Freemor]

Ok a bit of history first. I've been into radio most of my life. Built my first shortwave radio from a radio shack kit back in the 70s that was also the heyday of the CB craze so was introduced to that from the radios my parents had. Way back then I started studying for my Amature license (this being back before they broke it into all the different classes they have now.)

I was doing well with the electronic theroy until I got to zenner diodes (to my younge brain they were just broken diodes. the whole purpose of a diode it to just go one way..) Anyway, then puberty and computers and life happened and the getting my amature license fell by the way side.

I've considered picking it back up and certainly now it's be much easier. I'd probaly breeze throught the lower licenses with just some brushing up (partly thenks to all that studying all those years ago) now that the requirements aren't quite what they were back then. But mostly the timing was never quite right.

Now with the advent of SDRs I find myself getting back into radios again. And so I am once again tossing around the idea of getting my amature license.

The stumbling block this time is.. I'm not seeing a clear advantage to getting it.

I chase skip on 11meters (yes the chicken bands) with a barefoot CB radio and have QSO'd to far flung places
My SDR lets me DX and explore the airwaves from 60hz - 1.7Ghz
I've pulled images from satellites, I've captured SSTV, DX short wave stations from the other side of the globe.
all that and more. I'm still getting my head around ALL the digital modes. (man, have things changed from when I had my first shortwave radio)
As part of all that I've listened to the various HAM bands. So I know what HAM QSOs sound like. and (and I mean this in a totally un insulting way so please try not to get hackles up). They aren't much different from what I get on SSB on 11meter CB. They fall into the same basic columns
People having very short QSOs because they are trying to work different far off stations
People having a longer QSO with radio friends
And the occasional twit (o.k. CB definitely has more twits. But there are a lot of good operators out there too)

Given all that I'm having trouble seeing what getting my license would add. more power sure. But I like the challenge of working QRP
More bands. True but that means more radios $$$ more antennas $$$ etc. and I'm just not sure the epense would be worth it to do basically what I do already on my CB.

It could be that amature radio just isn't a good fit for me at this point in my life. I like DX listening, and Finding new and interesting signals to explore and challenging my self with thing like pulling images from satellites. I enjoy skip chasing but for me the sporadic nature of the 11meter CB band is part of the fun.

It could also be that I'm missing something. and that is the reason for this long post. What advantage would I get (given all the above) from getting my amature license? I look forward to hearing people replies. because if there is someing I'm missing, I should know that before I make a decision.

73

 

[fog]

Honestly, part of it for me was just the challenge of passing the test and getting the license. I worked my way up to (US) Extra, but currently don't even own an HF rig. I don't think I've ever had a QSO on 220 or 900 MHz, but own radios dedicated to both.

I've also made friends I probably wouldn't have met if not for ham radio, which is maybe a slightly more compelling argument?

If you get into the digital modes, I don't think they're legal on CB here in the US, but I don't know about Canada. There are plenty of hams into QRP. I guess the other thing I'd add is that unlike my experiences with CB, most people with ham radio are actively seeking out DX contacts.

More bands. True but that means more radios $$$ more antennas $$$ etc.

Wait, is more radios and more antennas not the goal?

Honestly, if getting your license doesn't appeal to you, don't. But at the same time, except for the work put into studying (which for me was rewarding but YMMV) and a nominal fee for the exam and license, there's not much downside to having a license. You could keep doing exactly what you're doing now, but you'll have more options available to you.

 

[N1EXA]

Do it for yourself !

N1EXA Callsign Page

N1EXA personal biography

www.qrz.com

Pete N1EXA

 

[mmckenna]

and (and I mean this in a totally un insulting way so please try not to get hackles up). They aren't much different from what I get on SSB on 11meter CB.

While you may upset some hams with that, most of us would probably agree with you. I am by no means offended by your statement, and while it will vary from location to location and time to time, there are bad ham operators and there are good ham operators.

Given all that I'm having trouble seeing what getting my license would add. more power sure. But I like the challenge of working QRP
More bands. True but that means more radios $$$ more antennas $$$ etc. and I'm just not sure the epense would be worth it to do basically what I do already on my CB.

Sounds like you've decided what is right for yourself. I can't argue with that.

You get access to more bands. Different bands perform differently. More power isn't much of a draw as it doesn't take as much power as some think to do what most hams do. But all that does cost more money.

Sounds like CB does what you want, and there's nothing wrong with that. Don't feel pressured to get your ham license.

There are other radio services that you could look into if you need more than what you have now with CB:

GMRS gives you access to a handful of UHF channels that can be used simplex or with repeaters for family use. A good solution for many. It's not necessarily a good radio service for all hobbyists, but there are hobbyists on the band. An FCC issued GMRS license does not require a test and other than throwing some money to the FCC every 10 years, you have a radio service that you and your entire family can use under that license.

MURS makes some people happy. 2 watts, VHF, no repeaters, but with a good antenna it can do a lot for some people.

Shortwave, scanners and CB give you a lot of opportunities. Many of us get more enjoyment out of listening than transmitting. Nothing at all wrong with that.

It could be that amature radio just isn't a good fit for me at this point in my life. I like DX listening, and Finding new and interesting signals to explore and challenging my self with thing like pulling images from satellites. I enjoy skip chasing but for me the sporadic nature of the 11meter CB band is part of the fun.

Sounds like you found a part of the radio hobby that suits your interests. No reason to get a ham license if you don't want to.

It could also be that I'm missing something. and that is the reason for this long post. What advantage would I get (given all the above) from getting my amature license? I look forward to hearing people replies. because if there is someing I'm missing, I should know that before I make a decision.

73

Amateur radio can be fun, if you find the right part of the hobby and the right people to talk to. It's got a lot of options with different bands, different modes and different uses.
The technician class amateur radio license is not hard to get. Very basic knowledge is required, and you only have to score 70% or more of the 35 question multiple choice questions right. It's intended as a door opener license that lets you continue learning and having fun while you do that. The test is not hard, and I bet with your current knowledge and a bit of studying you could ace the test easily.

Radio equipment only has to be as expensive as you want it to be. Many do just fine with a basic radio and antenna setup. Best part is that YOU get to decide.

Whatever you do, don't let a bunch of ham operators pressure you into getting your license. That only makes them feel good. Do what you want. If that is sticking with CB and short wave, then nothing at all wrong with that.

 

[vagrant]

Just keep having fun on the RX end. Learning and then improving your skill set to decode digital modes will put you ahead of others already with an amateur license. Based on your post I expect the Technician exam may not be much trouble for you. There are practice tests online for free, as well as study guides. When I jumped from a Tech to a General license a month later, my wallet opened up to purchase additional gear I could now use. I only considered getting my Extra class license once as General really opens the barn doors.

For me it is a war where my transmitting gets in the way of my receiving hobby. I have to take precautions to protect my receive gear when I transmit. It is not hard to do, but one must be mindful.

Take you time. You'll figure it out. Perhaps the one thing you might enjoy is low power TX/RX digital modes. You could make your own transformer and with a wire create an end fed antenna that covers multiple amateur bands to handle it.

 

[Freemor]

Thanks for all the great replies.

If you get into the digital modes, I don't think they're legal on CB here in the US, but I don't know about Canada. There are plenty of hams into QRP. I guess the other thing I'd add is that unlike my experiences with CB, most people with ham radio are actively seeking out DX contacts.

If you stick to SSB on CB up around 27.385 there are quite a few operators looking for DX contacts. But that depends on the sproadic E and the solar cycle. Right now there is a lot due to us approaching the solar max. Usually in the mornings there days there is lots of UK and Europe operators looking for DX. Later in the afternoon the west coast comes on line and some South america. Sadly in the later morning/early afternoon the twit brigade is in full force on 27.385 so I'll QSY to 27.375 or the like.

GMRS gives you access to a handful of UHF channels that can be used simplex or with repeaters for family use. A good solution for many. It's not necessarily a good radio service for all hobbyists, but there are hobbyists on the band. An FCC issued GMRS license does not require a test and other than throwing some money to the FCC every 10 years, you have a radio service that you and your entire family can use under that license.

MURS makes some people happy. 2 watts, VHF, no repeaters, but with a good antenna it can do a lot for some people.

Here in Canada GMRS/MURS are merged into one system called FRS (Family Radio Service) that is not as fun as in the US. It is unlicensed which is nice but no repeaters allowed. no nodification of the unit allowed not even changing the antenna and the marketing is god awful with manufacturers listing theoretical ranges that one would only get mountain top to mountain top on the moon. I found and got a nice pair of 2 watt units. They have good range on the 2 Watt Channels but 7 of the 22 channels are hardware limited to .5 watt as per the spec. So one tries to avoid those. They easily cover the entire small town I live in. Haven't had a chance to test beyond that yet as I only got those recently.

For me it is a war where my transmitting gets in the way of my receiving hobby. I have to take precautions to protect my receive gear when I transmit. It is not hard to do, but one must be mindful.

I have that too. my CB antenna is very close to my SDRs antenna so I always unscrew the CB mic when the SDR is active and will disconnect the SDRs antenna when Using the CB. Especially as I now use a LNA in front of the SDR for my Satellite and ADSB fun. I dread to think of what 12 W PEP -> 6db LNA -> SDR would do to the poor SDR.

The input here has been helpful and helps me be at peace with being where I am. I think part of the mulling the HAM license is that has always felt like a bit that was unfinished? lost? something like that. Might be time to let that go and just enjoy where I'm at.

Thanks to all. and to any future replies. I'll definitely keep reading this thread if it stays active.

 

[mciupa]

Here's a Canadian on-line link: Online Basic Course | Annapolis Valley Amateur Radio Club
Flip the menu at "Name" for the proper order.


I'm mulling upgrading to the Canadian Advanced certification (like US Amateur Extra), much for the reason N1EXA said

Do it for yourself !
Pete N1EXA

 

[APX8000]

"a serious question about the benefits of getting an Amature license"​

Ummm, you can listen to old people talking about their ailments maybe ???

 

[Freemor]

"a serious question about the benefits of getting an Amature license"​

Ummm, you can listen to old people talking about their ailments maybe ???

I am "old people" So I can find that without the help of an antenna

 

[N1EXA]

"a serious question about the benefits of getting an Amature license"​

Ummm, you can listen to old people talking about their ailments maybe ???

Thats Why I Use FT8

Pete N1EXA

 

[alcahuete]

If you like DX, there is no better place than ham radio. Yes, you're working DX now on CB, but what about at night? What about when the solar cycle minimum comes around again?

I can (and do) work DX 24/7, 365 days a year, solar cycle be damned. But then again, if you're in to chasing sporadic skip, that might not interest you.

 

[Freemor]

If you like DX, there is no better place than ham radio. Yes, you're working DX now on CB, but what about at night? What about when the solar cycle minimum comes around again?

I can (and do) work DX 24/7, 365 days a year, solar cycle be damned. But then again, if you're in to chasing sporadic skip, that might not interest you.

Good point and definitely something to consider. I'll be sure to add that fact to the mull pile.

 

[prima19rider]

Got my lic. Because it was on my bucket list of accomplishments, do not need it. I Don’t think you need it. Enjoy the hobby your way. My opinion.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

It could also be that I'm missing something. and that is the reason for this long post. What advantage would I get (given all the above) from getting my amature license? I look forward to hearing people replies. because if there is someing I'm missing, I should know that before I make a decision

I see you are in Canada. If you ever vacation in the states, you could run into trouble using a scanner receiver in a vehicle in some states. In many of those states, an amateur radio license is the get out of jail free card. Do check specific state laws before travelling.

 

[Freemor]

I see you are in Canada. If you ever vacation in the states, you could run into trouble using a scanner receiver in a vehicle in some states. In many of those states, an amateur radio license is the get out of jail free card. Do check specific state laws before travelling.

Thanks for the heads up on that.. But as my current "scanner" is an SDR I doubt that I'd be using it in a vehicle. Plus my wife would never go for me attaching my Tram 1411 discone to the car, even with as cool as that would be.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Thanks for the heads up on that.. But as my current "scanner" is an SDR I doubt that I'd be using it in a vehicle. Plus my wife would never go for me attaching my Tram 1411 discone to the car, even with as cool as that would be.

I am trying to install a small GMRS mobile in wife's car. She does not want an antenna. I bought a super magnet that is the right size for an NMO mount, so plan to "stick" a UHF 1/4 wave on her roof to see if she even notices it there. I doubt she will.

 

[N1EXA]

Thats Why I Use FT8

Pete N1EXA

FT8 Is King Richard Free !

Your not going to work the world with a few watts on FRS GRMS or The New Wonder Weapon - FM CB !

Ive had more fun with FT4 and FT8 or Working the ISS on 2M/70Cm .

Been doing it since 1985- The Ham Ticket opened the doors for A few Jobs over the years and Breaks the Ice in Interviews !

If you have to ask do I need a HAM ticket then you dont really need it !

Pete N1EXA

 

[JimD56]

"a serious question about the benefits of getting an Amature license"​

I just got my Ham Ticket in 2020 for ONLY 2 Reasons:
1) I'm a Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic and always have had mobile Motorolas or handheld scanners in the car with me, so when I retire soon I still have the right by Florida law to have those items in my car with my ham license.

2) Hurricanes in Florida are "a thing" and the Ham Community is strong and fierce when the SHTF. Florida Statewide SARNET is very active during Hurricanes and all the Repeaters have generator backups and the antennas will withstand Cat 5 winds, and the coming zombie apocalypse.

 

[a727469]

Many good answers. For me it was the “bucket list” answer along with both a feeling of accomplishment plus knowing that I would always have a simple, legal way to communicate in most cases to people who shared a similar interest. Do I use it much? No, but like many things, it’s good to have!

 

[K5MPH]

Dont let other hams Define the hobby for you Define it for your self.......