Greaser, what can I help you with?

This link is for the ARRL which is the largest organization for amateur radio operators. A great deal of info is available.

http://www.arrl.org/

Ill definitely check that link out Ray thanks as far as help i guess just are there any noob mistakes I can avoid?

Yep I have the better antenna and programming cable on order as well BC thanks good to know I didn't waste the money on them not that they were much.

Make sure that you are familiar with the FCC regulations. The FCC is not lenient with rule breaking by amateurs. Do not transmit outside of your frequency limits or use more power than you are allowed. Find some repeaters in your area and listen to the good operators. There are many amateur public service organizations devoted to disaster services. Skywarn was established by the National Weather Service and uses amateur radio operators to warn of severe weather. The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) is run by the Department of Defense to provide communications for the Military to complement their communications. We operate outside of the Ham frequencies with MARS call signs. Ham radio encompasses many different activities. That link I posted shows a lot of things hams can do. For me, I still remember the first time I talked to a ham a couple of states away while transmitting through a satellite using my HT and a hand held antenna. Or the first time I listened to my signal being bounced off the moon. Great fun.

LOL ok thanks I will make sure I really check out that website,




and keep in mind that moon men can hear me.

My main reason for wanting to learn it is for emergency coms with family and friends. I hear it is easier to track than a cell phone is that true or just to scare the F.N.G.s?

I think cell phones are easier to track. If you are using a 5 watt radio like the one you bought on 2 meters without a repeater involved, the signal is basically line of sight.

That was my thinking being it is only traceable when transmitting.

KD8UVX tech here

Nice GD I will be joining the ranks soon. I got my radio it seems good to go although there is very little radio traffic in my area.

Hey Grease, PLEASE give a sitrep on the radio once you get it set up. I am Assuming (Yeah I know) you will key in weather alerts and other freqs.

Will co Skunk

Thanks Grease.