PC software to listen to Ham stations.

[Nvberinger]

Came across RTL SDR dongle and software on YouTube and ebay...$20. Is it worth it?

[Jeepergeo]

Came across RTL SDR dongle and software on YouTube and ebay...$20. Is it worth it?

Get your tech license and then load op EchoLink for free. You can even transmit via EchoLink from a PC or Smartphone. You will need a ham license however...easy to get.

[Limeman]

How many hours estimated to prepare for the initial Technical License?

[Cincinnatus]

Get to the October Pacificon in San Ramon and do the ham-cram plus exam.

http://www.pacificon.org/

[Jeepergeo]

How many hours estimated to prepare for the initial Technical License?

Varies. I studied probably 16 hours. My son took a 2 hour class then passed the test at the end of the class. It all depends on where you are starting. No Mores Code, so easy these days.

[Wicked Pete]

I have a few, gave one to a friend as a birthday gift. Everybody's happy.

They work, I was surprised the Dongle has BETTER receive than my HF Rig.

[DolphinFan]

How many hours estimated to prepare for the initial Technical License?

I bought the book, audio book and downloaded the HamStudy.org app. I studied for 2 weeks with a full day session before the test where we went through the study material.
I skipped 3 questions, came back and answered at least one of the 3 questions, maybe 2, correctly, so, I think I got 33 out of 35 correct.
I'm listening to the Audio book for the General License this week, will review the book and take the practice tests Friday and Saturday, test for general is Sunday morning at 8 am.
If I had to estimate hours, I listened to the audio book, 45 hours, read through the text book, 4-6 hours, practice tests, 8-10 hours.
I spent approximately 60 hours over a 2 week period, not including the 6 hour class from 9am-3pm.
The test was very easy for me. I was the first of the group of 40+ to finish.

[RamsEye]

Came across RTL SDR dongle and software on YouTube and ebay...$20. Is it worth it?

I bought 2 a few years ago for listening(ham and local emt and sheriff dispatch)
Used one alot and really liked how you were able to identify a signal by the color and such, haven't used it in awhile( not so much laptop and monitor room in garage)

I used a Wilson 1000 magmount to receive and it worked great( it was placed ontop a rabbit cage hutch that had chicken wire for the whole top).