Getting into HAM radio

MR.T. · Jan 22, 2020

I used to have a ham license, but I let it expire about 10 years ago.
But I want to get it back!

I do know my old call sign is still available.

? For Profreedomokie,
Can you give me a list of dates when any test days are & where to take it?
Thanks for any help

Poke78 · Jan 22, 2020

PJM said:
I am going to be getting my tech license in the near future, and wanted to know if there any other ham operators on this site? I am starting small with a 4watt handy 2 band, 2 meter and 70cm. Also getting the study manual for the licensing test and then will setup to take it,
Any others interested in this?
Thanks in advance.

Here's a date to put on your calendar: April 10 - 11, Green Country Hamfest, Claremore Expo Center. Licensing tests will be offered both days and there will be displays of both new and used equipment available for purchase. Several clubs will have tables where you can join up & meet some of the current members to ask questions. Website for the hamfest for buying tickets in advance and test session info:
http://www.greencountryhamfest.org/index.php This is the biggest and best hamfest in Oklahoma.

I highly recommend you plan now to continue to study after getting your Technician license to get ready for the General test. It has more rules to learn, formulas to use, technical questions, etc. Here's a really good online resource for study: www.hamtestonline.com This will get you ready to enjoy the annual Field Day event in late June where operators/clubs all over the US & Canada set up high-frequency stations to make long-distance contacts. Having your General license will allow you more operating privileges.

p238shooter · Jan 22, 2020

I am open to talking about Ham Radio if anyone wants to PM me. I am usually up late. Our Mayes County Amateur Radio Club (MCARC) in Pryor is raffling off a Henry Golden Boy 22 rifle, the drawing will be at the Green Country Hamfest Saturday. Great hobby, lots of good people with many different options to get into. We can talk when all other methods of communication are down.

yukonjack · Jan 23, 2020

John6185 said:
I've always wanted to get in Ham Radio but memorizing Morse Code dissuaded me. Now, I understand that Morse code is no longer required as of several years ago. I wonder what it costs to get into Ham Radio ...say with a starter outfit? In the fifties they had Heathkit and a few other companies, Oh, I wanted one of those rigs but I was poor and everyday poorer it seemed.

I was going for my Signaling merit badge in Boy Scouts in 1969.
There were two options Morse Code or Semaphore. After 2 months of trying to learn morse code my Asst. Scoutmaster suggested I try semaphore. Took me about 2 weeks and I passed the test.

TerryMiller · Jan 23, 2020

1966 at Fort Devens, Massachusetts for weeks of morse code training.

I got a Technician Plus license back in the '90's, but never really got too involved with the communications with the radios. Had 2-meter and a 10-meter radios. Did a little local stuff on the 2-meter, but never really hooked up the 10-meter. Let my license expire and sold both radios a few years ago.

DavidMcmillan · Jan 23, 2020

KE5ZJ, but I haven't been active for several years, but I still enjoy hearing about the hobby. My license is still current for another year or so.

Oklahomabassin · Jan 23, 2020

Cowcatcher said:
Here ya go:

https://www.okshooters.com/threads/ham-operators.270735/

You are good at the search feature. Lol

jstaylor62 · Jan 23, 2020

I had my Tech License in the 90's, KD5CFO. I enjoyed using the auto-patch to make local phone calls when I was running around. I also enjoyed listening to the storm spotters on 2 meter radios. I had a modified radio I kept with me when camping, fishing or hunting that would allow me to make emergency calls if needed ... but I let my license expire ...

LinearZero · Jan 23, 2020

KI5DAX, Technician currently thanks to p238shooter. I'll admit my job and family interrupt most opportunities I have to talk on the radio, but I have it on every day in the car and try to make the nets whenever I can. Looking forward to Winter Field Day...

FWIW, I bought 2 of those Baofeng UV-5R's and they are pretty horrible. I would recommend at least the F8-HP and replace the antenna immediately. It at least turns on and receives more than static, unlike my UV-5Rs. You get what you pay for.

docohm · Jan 23, 2020

MR.T. said:
I used to have a ham license, but I let it expire about 10 years ago.
But I want to get it back!

I do know my old call sign is still available.

? For Profreedomokie,
Can you give me a list of dates when any test days are & where to take it?
Thanks for any help

You can go here: https://www.qrz.com/ and look up your old call to see if it's in use by someone else now.
and you can go here: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session to lookup all exams near you.
73, Docohm ham since 1981.

Getting into HAM radio

MR.T.

Sharpshooter

Poke78

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p238shooter

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yukonjack

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TerryMiller

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DavidMcmillan

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Oklahomabassin

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jstaylor62

Sharpshooter

LinearZero

Marksman

docohm

Maximus Shooterist

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