New license questions

[Jake71]

I apologize if this the wrong forum. A few of my neighbors and I are thinking about getting our Technician license, but like most newbies we have a few questions.
1.) After obtaining our licenses, can we set our radios to ANY frequency with in the allowable bad and transmit on them? For instance, 145.123. Of course we would want to use a frequency that doesn’t interfere with anyone or any business around us.
2.) Can we transmit in digital mode with the frequency we choose?
3.) We have seen videos online of people using the cheap radios as repeaters. Is this legal?

 

[trentbob]

Best thing to do is go to the websites that offer instruction, some are free and some you pay for, you study and then take practice exams. Before you take the test you will be able to answer all of your questions yourself.

You've made reference to the 2 meter band, the frequencies will go in steps of 5. You're going to either go simplex which is direct communication on one frequency from Radio to radio or you're going to get on a repeater where your radio will transmit on an input frequency and it will be repeated on an output frequency. The most popular technician bands are 2 meters, 70 centimeters and 10 meters. Before you were to jump on a frequency you first have to make sure no one is using it and it is on an allocated band you're allowed to use. There is a certain protocol that you use, for example you have to identify your station every 10 minutes and at the end of your communication.

There are digital Communications available to a technician of course, DMR is becoming very popular, as is internet protocols.

Use your favorite search engine and look up ham radio instruction or sample ham radio technician test. You're going to need to know all the information you're asking about before you'll pass. Good luck.

PS... as far as the cheap radios I guess you're referring to the Chinese stuff. You can use them on the amateur bands. There's no rule against it but most hams don't use them others do. You can pick up a ICOM 2 meter portable for about a hundred and thirty bucks, that's pretty cheap. You might want to add some options that will up the price.

 

[GlobalNorth]

Traditionally, the bottom of the band is where CW, RTTY, etc. reside. There are segments where satellites reside. Simplex has an area, as do repeaters, digital, etc.

The ARRL sets the traditional band plans, but two meters is defined by regional and State choices.

The exam isn't really difficult, but you should research your area to see what the bandplan is, where the areas are that you want to work etc. Little enrages amateurs more than popping into an established data area, CW zone, etc. and having a new operator start a two person telephony chat.

As you study for the test, turn on a receiver from time to time to learn how it is done and follow best practices.

 

[nd5y]

Band plans (which modes used on which frequencies) are here:

Band Plan

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org

FCC rules, including frequencies and modes allowed, are at:

eCFR :: 47 CFR Part 97 -- Amateur Radio Service

www.ecfr.gov

Businesses are not allowed to use amateur radio so you if follow the rules you won't cause interference to any legitimate business.

 

[Jake71]

Best thing to do is go to the websites that offer instruction, some are free and some you pay for, you study and then take practice exams. Before you take the test you will be able to answer all of your questions yourself.

You've made reference to the 2 meter band, the frequencies will go in steps of 5. You're going to either go simplex which is direct communication on one frequency from Radio to radio or you're going to get on a repeater where your radio will transmit on an input frequency and it will be repeated on an output frequency. The most popular technician bands are 2 meters, 70 centimeters and 10 meters. Before you were to jump on a frequency you first have to make sure no one is using it and it is on an allocated band you're allowed to use. There is a certain protocol that you use, for example you have to identify your station every 10 minutes and at the end of your communication.

There are digital Communications available to a technician of course, DMR is becoming very popular, as is internet protocols.

Use your favorite search engine and look up ham radio instruction or sample ham radio technician test. You're going to need to know all the information you're asking about before you'll pass. Good luck.

PS... as far as the cheap radios I guess you're referring to the Chinese stuff. You can use them on the amateur bands. There's no rule against it but most hams don't use them others do. You can pick up a ICOM 2 meter portable for about a hundred and thirty bucks, that's pretty cheap. You might want to add some options that will up the price.

Thank you for the information and suggestions.

 

[Jake71]

Band plans (which modes used on which frequencies) are here:

Band Plan

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org

FCC rules, including frequencies and modes allowed, are at:

eCFR :: 47 CFR Part 97 -- Amateur Radio Service

www.ecfr.gov

Businesses are not allowed to use amateur radio so you if follow the rules you won't cause interference to any legitimate business.

Thank you