Cellular Communications Issues

Got a few radios and antennas set up and used on a regular basis. Non grid-based power for all units...although I do need to see how the hf amp works on a generator

 

I started reading this forum..
All the info I had gathered focused on CB's and short range, unsecured comm's. And was from the 70's to the 90's.. I realized that longer range comm would be required and that led me back to something that I had wanted to do from childhood, Ham radio.. Read the ARRL hand book and picked up books on antenna's and now it's time to look to the test..
Then focus on computer/radio interfaces and the transfers of files via radio..

 

@ Dont - When you think you are read to take the test, keep in mind that there are several sites that have practice tests available, using the real questions you are likely to see. This will give you a reasonable idea of how well you may perform on test day. Also keep in mind that additional tests (provided you pass the first one) don't cost any more money in the same testing session, so there is no reason to not try the next higher class while you're there.

...and good luck on your exam!

 

@Dont - Welcome to the wide world of tweaking, tuning and being at the Sun's mercy. My biggest issue is getting a decent HF antenna and being able to reach out a little more than I can right now.

 

Have some more money to spend else where but will get started real soon..

 

The surgian and the physical therapy guys want to be paid...

 

Have an icom ic730 I picked up years ago, of course have not used it to transmit. And seeing how it covers the amateur spectrum well I'll will need to go for the higher class license..

 

During any major event cell lines are jammed/overloaded. Usually, but not always, if the towers are still up and working then using SMS (Texting) is a better option.

I have thought about getting my ham, but kids, wife, work, etc. are all competing for my time. Every now and then I'll take a practice test for the heck of it, just did now. Missed passing by 2 questions. Maybe with a little study I'd have it down. Need to see where the ham club in my area meets and go join 'em I guess.

 

I believe that it has.. Will have to make some antenna's and I am looking to up the license so I will be able to use the higher bands..

 

If you're looking at HF, the General is definitely within reach for one testing period (Tech & General). The Extra was a ball breaker, for me at least, mostly because I don't have a background in Electronics, Electronic or Electrical Engineering or Radio theory. I passed first time but it was after...probably 6 months of study and I still learn not just something, but a LOT every time I go back to that book.

I ended up really knuckling down and, in some cases, memorizing questions near the end because I didn't want to have to restart my studying when the new questions were released. I ended up taking my Extra on the last possible day before the old pool was retired. I passed by a fairly wide margin but while maybe 70% of the question topics (and a full 20% of the actual questions) were the same between General and Extra, there was just so much in there that was theory and stuff I flat didn't know before I started studying that it was tougher than I had figured it would be.

All in all, I'm glad I've got it.

 

Have long reasoned that when SHTF we will all need to have knowledge at hand that will allow us to not only rub two sticks together for fire, but to also repair that that has broken..
Was asked once, what does a preper need to know how to do? My respones was everything! One can not count on having the supplies nor the knowledge on hand to do everything.. However, along with the beans and bullets it would be prudent to learn as much as you can and stock the supplies to use.. Encourage others in your group to seek out knowledge as well and to help others learn.. I am sorry to have to confess that I am a math idiot.. However my interest in machining and other subjects requires a higher level of math.. I know someone who tutors math.. Seek out knowledge and be far better prepared..

 

You are correct.. Just looked at a picture of the unit.. Just goes to show that I have not used this rig much..

 

Worked during Katrina, 90% of the time.