Just got a ham radio!

[surplus-addict]

And now I need to get a license I'm super stoked.

So, these last few weeks I've been reaaaally interested in ham radios, and I purchased a Baofeng UV-5R (if you're wanting an inexpensive, durable truck/car HT consider these, they're only $29 right now) and all the trimmings to go with it (less than a Benjamin for basically everything a budding ham should need, I'm quite happy).

I'm now looking to get my Technicians and General license in one shot, and while I have questions about the license I have other questions, specifically about WHAT THE HECK IS WITH THE ACRONYMS.

I understand that they all have a meaning, but.... GEEEEZ! There's so MANY!
Is there a guide online for that? A list of them?

Basically, what I need now is just proper nomenclature for radios and a how-to-speak-ham guide.
Any and all help is appreciated, and I soon hope to join the ham ranks

[peterabbits]

I got my technicians license a few weeks ago. Got the radio shortly after. And.....I have yet to use it for anything other than a scanner.

[surplus-addict]

I got my technicians license a few weeks ago. Got the radio shortly after. And.....I have yet to use it for anything other than a scanner.

Well get on and talk for Pete's sake!
Find a repeater with some rag chew going on and give it a whirl!

[Merc1138]

I actually renewed my license a couple of years ago, off the top of my head they're good for 10 years at a time? Haven't used my HT in over a decade.

Yes there are repeaters, yes I know how to use the thing, I just can't ever get interested in "nerding it up" on a ham radio. Hardly anyone uses the things and as I recall back when I did use it for a bit, the bulk of the conversation on the repeaters was about what radio gear you have.

Nice to have in an emergency sure, but unless you want to start fiddling with custom antennas, seeing how far you can send and receive CW, etc. you're probably going to get very bored with it, very fast.

[Ninask]

Outstanding
great addition to SHTF gear
N

[speeedracerr]

If you have facebook, check out "the B.A.R.N." (Baofeng Amateur Radio Network) lots of info for the UV5R

https://www.facebook.com/groups/100428610134991/

[Brianguy]

Is it delicious?

[jonc]

Nice !!!
I hade 1 from 93-03
Talked to lots of people

Loved it

[Kurus214]

73's OM,

http://ac6v.com/73.htm

[surplus-addict]

I actually renewed my license a couple of years ago, off the top of my head they're good for 10 years at a time? Haven't used my HT in over a decade.

Yes there are repeaters, yes I know how to use the thing, I just can't ever get interested in "nerding it up" on a ham radio. Hardly anyone uses the things and as I recall back when I did use it for a bit, the bulk of the conversation on the repeaters was about what radio gear you have.

Nice to have in an emergency sure, but unless you want to start fiddling with custom antennas, seeing how far you can send and receive CW, etc. you're probably going to get very bored with it, very fast.

I intend to become one of those geeks, so I should be good heck, the guys I was listening to last night were talking it up about guns and just random chit chat: this may be fun!
Yeah, the licenses last 10 years, with free renewal.
You'd be surprised how any people use these things now, I counted 60 individual people on my local repeaters last night. Lots of fun lively talk, I wish I could have joined.

If you have facebook, check out B.A.R.N. ( Baofeng Amateur Radio Network) lots of info for the UV5R

Thanks! I'll check it out!

Is it delicious?

Absolutely. While I know some people prefer turkey radio, I like my ham.

Nice !!!
I hade 1 from 93-03
Talked to lots of people

Loved it

I have a feeling I'm gonna like it a lot :E

73's OM,

http://ac6v.com/73.htm

Thanks for the link!

[billofrights]

About 15 years ago I had a neighbor that was really into it. He invited me over, showed me all the radio gear, and when I asked what he used it for he said it was to "work" other operators, just to have made contact. Seems like a silly hobby to me, but I'm sure when the SHTF those guys will be useful. Still goofy, but useful.

[surplus-addict]

About 15 years ago I had a neighbor that was really into it. He invited me over, showed me all the radio gear, and when I asked what he used it for he said it was to "work" other operators, just to have made contact. Seems like a silly hobby to me, but I'm sure when the SHTF those guys will be useful. Still goofy, but useful.

Yeah, some guys have really, really big set ups and they really only use it to make global connections/convorsations, just to say that they've talked to someone.
And you're right: come the 'habbening', they will be very helpful. At the least I think everyone who buys ammo, food and water for possible emergencies should also buy a small handheld ham and get a license: you can be completely set up for only $50-$75. There's no reason NOT to.

[Kodemonkey]

73s.

I've been a Ham for 25 years. I haven't been active for a decade at least, but I did pick up some of those Baofengs. They are hard to beat price wise and you can tune them to FRS and use them to talk to the neighbors in a natural disaster. Check out to see what nets run in your area and just check in with them. They will notice the new call and reach out to you.

If it is one thing I have found with Hams, they are overwhelmingly friendly and helpful.

[Kodemonkey]

Yeah, some guys have really, really big set ups and they really only use it to make global connections/convorsations, just to say that they've talked to someone.
And you're right: come the 'habbening', they will be very helpful. At the least I think everyone who buys ammo, food and water for possible emergencies should also buy a small handheld ham and get a license: you can be completely set up for only $50-$75. There's no reason NOT to.

Used to work field days in the 80s, that was before cellular and it was a lot of fun. Now, it is so commonplace to be able to reach anyone anywhere it isn't as fun for me.

I can't agree more that it's good to get a license and have some equipment. I used to be in RACES (Now I think it is CERT). I did volunteer work during the Northridge earthquake. Back then the different agencies couldn't talk to each other because they were on different systems. They were very appreciative with our ability to cross traffic and be liaisons for different municipalities. We helped coordinate with Emergency services for the Red Cross.

Mostly they have all the technology to do that themselves now (cell phones). However, if the cell networks go down... It's amazing how the VHF and UHF repeaters seem to always work in crisis.

[njineermike]

I've been considering HAM, especially if SHTF. My family has been talking about doing this so we can stay in contact in the event of an emergency that drops all cell communications like an earthquake or tornado.