I did a search, but there's been no mention of HAM radio on the forum in quite a while. I'd be willing to bet that more than a few of us are licensed operators, some may even be active lol. I got my Technician license last April, and upgraded to General a couple months later. I started working HF at the end of July, and have REALLY gotten into POTA (Parks on the Air). Anyone else active? Are there any regular nets associated with Appleseed? I missed the 13 colonies event this year, but I've already gotten a "Worked All States" cert. from POTA, so I'll be sure to hit that one next July!
Shoot, Move, Communicate!
Guns & Hoses
W5IED
https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/k4m-battle-of-kings-mountain-k4y-battle-of-yorktown-special-events.929772/
I just stick to GMRS. No tests, $70 for a decade, covers everyone in the household. Very handy for skiing in Colorado and around the farms. Though at this point cell service on the mountain is pretty good. Still handy down at the farms.
I sold my mobile HF rig several years ago, but am looking to get more active on the bands. Right now all I have is a 2m Icom at the home QTH. Really liked working mobile HF, longest call was Switzerland from Virginia, helped a guy get his Worked All Counties award.
Dave
KG4OIJ
Slowly studying for the technician exam! GMRS seems more active in my area, repeater coverage is impressive in Western Washington. Radio mostly gets used on Forest Service roads (when CaptainRebop isn't accidentally broadcasting Taylor Swift's new album) and we've enjoyed using KD events as an excuse to break out the radio equipment for comms with the Line Boss while downrange.
The guy who is doing these special events has a wealth of knowledge available..I'm going to use some of this next time I tell the story of the Battle of Kings Mountain! https://www.qrz.com/db/K4M
I've only been active on HF since I got my General license in July, but man, I jumped in deep...already worked all states in the US except Hawaii, and all provinces in Canada. I've also made contacts with people in Switzerland, Barbados, Cuba, Germany, Italy, and Japan...all from a 100w radio, a 12v battery, and a wire hung in a tree.
Anyone interested in DMR? We could set up a dedicated Appleseed talkgroup on something like Brandmeister.
I do DMR, our local club has a repeater and I've set up my own hot spot as well. A weekly or semi weekly net could be fun!
Quote from: Iborche on September 25, 2024, 05:33:35 PMSlowly studying for the technician exam! GMRS seems more active in my area, repeater coverage is impressive in Western Washington. Radio mostly gets used on Forest Service roads (when CaptainRebop isn't accidentally broadcasting Taylor Swift's new album) and we've enjoyed using KD events as an excuse to break out the radio equipment for comms with the Line Boss while downrange.
https://hamstudy.org/ is a great resource for test prep. I say test prep and not studying the material because it lets you work your way though the question pool and gives you metrics on your ability to answer the test questions from that pool.
I had my tech for along time, used Hamstudy to get my General and Extra in one testing session. Just by brute force memorization of the answers to the questions. The mobile version works very well on a phone and a bit of time each day lets you see all the questions and take lots of practice tests.
That said, GMRS is much more popular in the off-road / Jeep circles I run in and my HF rig hasn't been powered on in a long time.
Quote from: Iborche on September 25, 2024, 05:33:35 PMSlowly studying for the technician exam! GMRS seems more active in my area, repeater coverage is impressive in Western Washington. Radio mostly gets used on Forest Service roads (when CaptainRebop isn't accidentally broadcasting Taylor Swift's new album) and we've enjoyed using KD events as an excuse to break out the radio equipment for comms with the Line Boss while downrange.
It was ONE TIME! Also, a cautionary tale to remember to turn off VOX whenever you're done messing around with digital modes...
I have my General license but don't really use it. My 5W HF radio doesn't do SSB very well, but it's great for FT8. My radios get the most use at a KD target line when we can radio back to the Line Boss and have them send a runner with more staples :sos:
Watching what's going on in NC and east TN reinforces the need for the amateur radio community. Absolutely horrible what's happened over there.
Quote from: Iborche on September 25, 2024, 05:33:35 PMSlowly studying for the technician exam! GMRS seems more active in my area, repeater coverage is impressive in Western Washington. Radio mostly gets used on Forest Service roads (when CaptainRebop isn't accidentally broadcasting Taylor Swift's new album) and we've enjoyed using KD events as an excuse to break out the radio equipment for comms with the Line Boss while downrange.
PNW Appleseed Hams and All interested parties!
Mi Amigos, you all are in luck! I've been a ham longer than y'all been alive! Got my Extra a few years ago, and I believe you and I should get together some time, talk radios and liberty, play with some knives, drool over guns, and I can help you with some tricks to pass that first VE exam.
We might also char some meat and you can help me with Instructor stuff... sound good??
I've been known to do something with radio.
From time to time.
Regarding DMR, I'm actually just diving into that now. Bit of a learning curve but I'm making progress. If an Appleseed talk group is set up, please include me.
Quote from: AF5US on October 02, 2024, 05:45:52 PMI've been known to do something with radio.
From time to time.
Regarding DMR, I'm actually just diving into that now. Bit of a learning curve but I'm making progress. If an Appleseed talk group is set up, please include me.
Absolutely! Who do we talk to around here to get a new sub group started?
I just got into FT8, just in time to have my signals get obliterated by the solar storms, yay! I also really am interested in POTA, especially since my knee surgery, I can hike again!!
I should have know that a bunch of people interested in Liberty would have a good chance of being ham enthusiasts too!
Mike aka BandAid
73 de N5BLU
N5BLU QRZ Page (https://www.qrz.com/db/N5BLU)
Quote from: Mike AKA Bandaid on October 03, 2024, 01:47:58 AMQuote from: AF5US on October 02, 2024, 05:45:52 PMI've been known to do something with radio.
From time to time.
Regarding DMR, I'm actually just diving into that now. Bit of a learning curve but I'm making progress. If an Appleseed talk group is set up, please include me.
Absolutely! Who do we talk to around here to get a new sub group started?
I just got into FT8, just in time to have my signals get obliterated by the solar storms, yay! I also really am interested in POTA, especially since my knee surgery, I can hike again!!
I should have know that a bunch of people interested in Liberty would have a good chance of being ham enthusiasts too!
Mike aka BandAid
73 de N5BLU
N5BLU QRZ Page (https://www.qrz.com/db/N5BLU)
I don't have a clue how to get a talkgroup assigned...only got licensed this April and upgraded to General at the end of July!
Quote from: Guns&Hoses on October 07, 2024, 04:56:50 PMI don't have a clue how to get a talkgroup assigned...only got licensed this April and upgraded to General at the end of July!
Nice congrats! Took me about 15 years to decide to buckle down and study and get my General. Then got injured at work, and was off on OJI leave for about 10 months, and decided to use the time for something useful, and got my Extra.
Now if I can just convince the HOA to let me put up a 70' tower...
I intentionally avoided an HOA
BUT - I'm pretty sure that I remember learning that HOAs are prevented, by federal law, from creating Amateur Radio restrictions that are otherwise safe & legal.
Might want to look into that.
Quote from: AF5US on October 09, 2024, 06:01:58 PMI intentionally avoided an HOA
BUT - I'm pretty sure that I remember learning that HOAs are prevented, by federal law, from creating Amateur Radio restrictions that are otherwise safe & legal.
Might want to look into that.
You may have just become my hero! Diving into that tonight!!!
I just have my technician license and primarily use it to do weekly checkins with some other groups I am associated with.
I have a Baofeng RD-5R DMR, but have yet to do much with it. I can not reach the only DMR repeater in the area from my house. I bought a local hotspot, but it is just collecting dust in my office. I would appreciate any mentoring on this radio, as digital is the future.
Just ran across these guys, might want to check them out.
Big emphasis on patriotism and country.
They are running active weekly nets here in East Texas on 2m.
https://amrron.com/about/
https://www.qrz.com/db/K4Y
Quote from: AF5US on October 09, 2024, 06:01:58 PMI intentionally avoided an HOA
BUT - I'm pretty sure that I remember learning that HOAs are prevented, by federal law, from creating Amateur Radio restrictions that are otherwise safe & legal.
Might want to look into that.
I'm pretty sure that I remember seeing this too.
WØGRB
Anyone else work 13 colonies this year? I got a clean sweep on SSB plus the Philadelphia bonus station WM3PEN, almost got all digital as well, but missed one. Did get a confirmed qso on ft8 with the French bonus station, never could get great Britain on any mode.
Has anyone either purchased or played with the new Baofeng DM-32UV? I would like to hear some feedback on the radio before I buy a pair.
https://www.baofengradio.com/products/dm-32uv
KN4ZSA
Quote from: Prescott on August 13, 2025, 12:49:19 PMHas anyone either purchased or played with the new Baofeng DM-32UV? I would like to hear some feedback on the radio before I buy a pair.
https://www.baofengradio.com/products/dm-32uv
I haven't played with that one. I did just get the Btech UV-Pro, I'm really liking it. APRS with Bluetooth TNC, and the app is awesome. Full programming control through the app on my phone with no wires.
I would love to get my license someday. I got into radios as a kid. Grandmother always had a police scanner running in her kitchen which first introduce me to the concept. When I was around 12-13 years old my Mom got me a CB radio. My handle was "Attitude" and boy I had one at that age. ;D
I use to love talking all the lingo and shooting the Sh*t with truckers. Mom made sure I was safe and told me to never share any personnel info like my real name or address. Closet thing you could get to an internet chat back then. LOL
Someday I'll get it. Probably should do it sooner than later.
HAM and CB are significantly different. CB is very easy these days, it no longer requires a license. HAM has been narrowed to three license classes, Technician, General and amateur extra. Lots of youtube videos, APPS and the old fashioned way, BOOKS> to help one along. I have the General license. I bought the book for AMEXTRA but one look at the math and i was OUT.....
Quote from: Prescott on August 13, 2025, 12:49:19 PMHas anyone either purchased or played with the new Baofeng DM-32UV? I would like to hear some feedback on the radio before I buy a pair.
https://www.baofengradio.com/products/dm-32uv
I'd bought the Bao UV-5R awhile back. Seems nice. I did buy an upgraded antenna and also a 'battery pack' that would use 2AA batteries.
Never did get the license as just too busy. All I played around with was basic functions although it capable of a whole lot more.
This is supposed to be a great resource for Baofeng radios:
https://brushbeater.store/collections/the-guerrillas-guide%E2%84%A2
If you're interested in getting your technician license or upgrading to general or extra, Hamstudy.org offers FREE test prep that is excellent, and a means to actually take your test over a zoom call. I used it to upgrade to general, highly recommend!
Quote from: scuzzy on August 14, 2025, 04:43:02 PMQuote from: Prescott on August 13, 2025, 12:49:19 PMHas anyone either purchased or played with the new Baofeng DM-32UV? I would like to hear some feedback on the radio before I buy a pair.
https://www.baofengradio.com/products/dm-32uv
I'd bought the Bao UV-5R awhile back. Seems nice. I did buy an upgraded antenna and also a 'battery pack' that would use 2AA batteries.
Never did get the license as just too busy. All I played around with was basic functions although it capable of a whole lot more.
This is supposed to be a great resource for Baofeng radios:
https://brushbeater.store/collections/the-guerrillas-guide%E2%84%A2
The Baofeng UV 5R is the gateway drug!!
Quote from: Guns&Hoses on August 14, 2025, 05:56:11 PMIf you're interested in getting your technician license or upgrading to general or extra, Hamstudy.org offers FREE test prep that is excellent, and a means to actually take your test over a zoom call. I used it to upgrade to general, highly recommend!
Zoom? Heck I didn't know that. One of the hold-ups was the drive to the nearest city which isn't close by.
Quote from: Guns&Hoses on August 14, 2025, 05:56:11 PMIf you're interested in getting your technician license or upgrading to general or extra, Hamstudy.org offers FREE test prep that is excellent, and a means to actually take your test over a zoom call. I used it to upgrade to general, highly recommend!
Thank you for sharing!
I used hamtestonline.com to study for both tech and general; paid version to get all the bells and whistles.
I thought it was really quite easy.
If you do it, study up for both tech and general and if you pass the tech, you get to try the general at no extra cost that day. Actually, if you pass that, you can also try the extra, again, at not extra cost.
With hamtestonline, I was able to get a 34/35 and a 35/35; don't remember which was which. I tried the extra and got like 27/50. :))
Best I can do is GMRS and Restricted Radiotelephone license for pilots...
KD2ZVV
Great skill to have, though I must admit, I'm not on the net much.