Is it terribly hard to get a license in your country?
In the U.S., at least, the experience is roughly the same. I took my exam many years ago, but I was planning on giving a Tech license (the first license level) course this Summer and did a bit of research on how to get licenses these days.
The bulk of them are done online now through our VE orgs. License classes are fairly easily available, and I’ve heard of crash courses given during hamfests and field day.
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/
Now here is a phone for you…
Okay, so for a long time now I’ve wanted to put together an actual telephone and connect it with the ATA I bought when SDF rolled out its’ telephony VOIP service.
Has anyone here done this with a WE 302, specifically? It’s the model I’d love to have on my desk (I’d settle for a WE 500 if I had to…) The sets can be found on eBay (maybe questionable quality) fairly inexpensively right now and I have a bit of time to do something like this.
For those who have done a project like this: is there anything to watch out for? Will this model work with existing the VOIP service? (My ATA will work with rotary phones supposedly)
Nice setup!
I’ve been looking for an antenna similar to the one you have there (portable, easy set up/take down). Would you mind mentioning what it is?
I’d love to take my Icom-7000 on a field trip. 😀
I has the same problem too.
If i un reinstall the app on my smortphone, will my Work subscription be cancelled ?
Plz fox ASAP.
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.
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Please provide proof that you are not handyc.
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Careful with alcohol on keyboards! I used to have an original DAS Keyboard until I cleaned it with alcohol. :(
Lesson learned the hard way. I do miss that keyboard.
i tried that but window said that my windos mack address was an invalid
She's such a photogenic cat...
Aww. Give her some tuna (or her favorite treat)!
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!
Great review, @elb. But "brief"? Maybe to us academics... :D
I Canada turnip it off neither. Puck. Puck. Pick!