FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Get your Ham Radio License Now!

Ham radio is much more useful, especially over long distances, than either CB or FRS radios. Getting started in Ham radio is getting much cheaper.

Taking the test is pretty cheap, $20 to $40, depending on where you take it. There is a Ham Cram session Saturday, 2/16, in Stockton. If you cannot make it to Stockton, look on the internet for a "Ham Cram" session in your area. I am taking my 11 year old son there to take the test. It is easy. If anyone want to meet there, let me know.

You do not need to study or know anything about Ham radio to take the test. The session consists of a 6 hour review (memorization) session and then you take the test in the afternoon.

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4854986395

PBnFJ told me about a decent, Chinese made ham Radio that is now availabe in the US for about $42 from Amazon.com or a bit more from some other stores.

http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-136-174-400-480-Dual-Band/dp/B0...

This is not the easiest radio to use but it is cheap. I have learned how to use it pretty well and am willing to help out those who go this route. A programming cable for it is less that $10 and the software is free to download and use.

So that is less cost than some CB radios. I have one of these radios and was able to talk to someone about 30 miles away. They also work far more reliably than other types of radios.

The goal is to get more people on the Ham frequencies on trail runs, it makes a better communication tool.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by GHOST on February 10, 2013 at 9:26pm

I need to do this. Hmmmmmmmm

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Permalink Reply by Revoked on February 11, 2013 at 8:46am

I will have to be on the look-out for the next one, think I am doing Apple Seed that weekend!

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Permalink Reply by DWH on February 11, 2013 at 10:22pm

I heard someone talking about that this morning on WD6EJF.

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Permalink Reply by DWH on February 12, 2013 at 7:35pm

I am in Placerville, but I listen to several repeaters on my way to work, including that one. I have not tried checking in.

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Permalink Reply by PRS TiFJ on February 13, 2013 at 8:24am

Can you post the Frequency, offset, and tone. I generally listen and talk on ICW, 147.195, But my commute is pretty short so I dont get a lot of air time. I have a TM-V71A so I can have another repeater on the other side.

AG6I