I Canada turnip it off neither. Puck. Puck. Pick!

Awesome that you’re interested in ham radio!

What can I (legally) do with this thing without a license?

Listen, mostly. Baofeng radios are typically sold as “Part 97” radios (FCC lingo for “Ham use only and requiring a license”), although there are some models which are actually “Part 95” which would be GMRS/FRS radios. The GMRS/FRS radio model would require a separate license for GMRS, although that one is essentially an application + fee payment. It’s also not nearly as broad as a amateur (ham) license.

Edit: I forgot that the Baofeng radios can also transmit on frequency ranges that are technically outside of the legal ham/GMRS allowed frequencies, like business communications, police/fire, etc. Be warned that even with a ham license there will be some things you aren’t legally allowed to do with this device. It’s definately not a toy.

Any pointers for learning the basics on this particular machine?

Again, it will depend on the model, but personally I find the Baofeng/Chinese model radios a giant PITA to use. They’re cheap, sure, but aside from using the programming cable they can be much more difficult to program/use as compared to the Japanese models like Yaesu or Icom.

I should read the manual cover to cover, right?

Sure, I suppose. :)

Looks like it’s easier to program from a computer, any tips on that?

I can highly recommend CHRIP as good programming software. It’s also open-source: https://chirp.danplanet.com/

The sysop is out to brunch and I can only accept proofs of identity through the telex fax printer or the 2600 baud disk modem.

~ Mrs. Edna Edison, Web 2.0 Master

Please provide proof that you are not handyc.

~ Mrs. Edna Edison, Admin

i tried that but window said that my windos mack address was an invalid

My suspicion is that because federation takes time to propagate, posting might seem "slow" for a while until the communities become more established.

Patience is key here, and with more use it'll get better!

Plus, those “You Will” commercials from the 90’s!

Will you be depressed that a dystopian future is coming? You will. And the company that will bring it to you? AT&T. ;-) (those commercials looked very cyber-punk)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=a2EgfkhC1eo&pp=ygUMQXR0IHlvdSB3aWxs

I’d love to build a 486-DX 66Mhz DOS gaming rig, but prices for retro equipment are through the roof right now.

This soundcard is pretty awesome, though.

Our kitty, Hemlock.

Incredible that aNONbbs ran on a laptop! Do we have an emulation/server set up with the old BBS software? It might be neat to use it...although who knows how much activity it would get these days.

Sexy

I’m in! Hi everyone.