Let the rest of us "Ham's" know what you purchased with your $2000.00. This way we can salivate a little.
73's
Bernie KD2JYU
I used to have that exact Heathkit! KB4DVI
I started with a "Star Roamer" receiver kit first.
I had my Novice license and was ready for the General but couldn't quite get my code speed up to it.
NOW I understand the license is for life >:(
I feel ripped off.
Those were fun days though.
Don :)
Hi Don,
I was WA6ZHL.
It's never too late. Especially with all the natural disasters lately, Ham Radio may come in handy when all the cell phones and land lines go down.
Yeah, Morse code. To me, that was about one step up from learning smoke signals. Still working through the Extra Class questions. Once I get to about 85% to 90%, I'm going for the real thing. (Takes min. 74% to pass, meaning you just have to be "average")
Morse... it's why 98s make cra**y 05s.
You're certainly right about being handy during a disaster situation.
The thing I did like about Morse code was that with a good antenna you could really talk anywhere with just flea power.
On the subject of testing, do you have to go to a test center? Is it online? How is it done today?
When I got my license another Ham did it for me. I think (bad memory) that higher levels had to be done by the FC*.
Except that my skilz are somewhat antiquated I could probably pass general with a minimum brush up.
Don :)
Used to be you could get a Novice or Technician Class ticket by taking the test proctored by a local licensed Ham. To get a General or Advanced ticket, you had to appear in person at an F Cee Cee facility, found only in major cities. At the time I got my Technician license, that would have been San Francisco,130 miles away. They did have a Conditional license you could test for locally through another licensed Ham, that had similar priviledges to a General.
Nowadays, the testing is held in most communities and takes place frequently. Most local Ham Clubs actively participate. Head over to the ARRL website and enter your ZIP code to find places and dates in your area: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
There are 2 ~ 3 per month within 25 miles of my area. The testing sites are supervised by three licensed ham radio operators holding a General-class or higher license. Cost is cheap, $15. After all, Ham radio is supposed to be non profit :)
(Funny to find that eF C C is a banned word here, LOL)
