I am investigating ham radio as a hobby/skill and would appreciate any recommendations or relevant input from Nostrland.
#ham #hamradio
Discussion
I just stick to MURS and CB, fuck an FCC license
I think my interests are currently deep enough that I'd have to do the license (it seems anyway). I will look more into CB and MURS though.
Bought a radtel ut900 and not yet unboxed. Its like one of my browser tabs but in physical form. Id be happy to tag along with you in learnings
Define what you want to achieve with the radio before going any further. If you just want entertainment there are many cheaper and easier ways to do it. If you want to reach specific people at specific places or have a SHTF communication plan that is good to specify.
Emergency uses are definitely an interest (among the top). I have a co-worker I'd like to speak with, but I'm also interested in the technology in general.
Look up S2 underground and the JS8Call protocol. It is a digital mode where each computer/radio is like a relay node. Works really well on lower power and with lots of interference. You can also reach the whole US for less than 1000USFiat. I actually listed a kit for sale on the Nostr marketplace to do this but it is going for low price point. Legally it also requires a General License to do HF. What does your buddy have for radio equipment?
I'm unsure of what he has specifically, but I am reaching out to find out more.
Let me know. I struggled trying to find info because some Hams think they are keepers of the holy Grail and won't help you until you pass an arbitrary test that doesn't teach you how to set up and operate a radio. The test is just to make sure you follow government rules to use "their" airwaves and there is a bit of basic electrical safety also.
FYI, 
Thank you for the attempted zap. Apparently strike and amethyst combo have a 100 sat minimum unless sending strike to strike.
Weird.
Yea. I reached out to strike and they said they don't have any limits. Maybe I messed something up setting up my amethyst app. I'll have to go check.
I suppose I want to transmit rather than just receive. To what level is still beyond the scope of my understanding. It feels like something I'll want to go all in on though because of how interested I am right now. That's usually a sign of a successful endeavor for me. Basically, I'm game for spending a lot of time and money going deep if you have those sorts of recommendations.
How far do you want to reach and who will be receiving your transmits and what is your budget? Do you have room for a 40 to 60 foot tall antenna or do you have room to stretch a wire out 150 ft? Do you want to do voice or do you want to treat it like a relay node and use digital?
I would suggest buying a cheap walkie talkie like a boafeng GT-3WP. Then look up the frequencies of your local ham repeaters on repeaterbook.com and listen in for a while. If you can hear people that you want to talk to, pursue getting a technician license.
Then go to http://websdr.org/ and a find a HF receiver and listen in a to hear whats going on on the ham HF bands. If you feel the urge to jump in and talk, pursue getting a general license.
I have been hamming for 12 years, feel free to hit me up if you have any questions.
I work with someone who turned me onto it, so I have a real life person I'd likely communicate with. I'm also interested in emergency use cases. Definitely considering licensure. At least the lower levels to start.
Well there you go, then it's really just a matter of defining the geographic area that you want to be able to communicate with, picking the appropriate technology and jumping through the regulatory hoops. In general, VHF simplex is good for up to 30 miles, HF with 100W and an nondirectional antenna will get 500 miles most days and thousands if miles on good days, HF with a power amplifier and a directional antenna will get out worldwide most days.
Worldwide sounds really cool. Thank you for the suggestions
GMRS is ham lite, 1 license covers your family. There may be repeaters in your area which is more to learn, closer to ham, and gives you more coverage than murs or FRS. Hamstudy.org when the time comes to get your tested license.
I know many will recommend a Chinese radio first, I'll buck the trend and say a used Japanese radio. I haven't hit the PTT on a baofeng once since I got my VX-6r. The yaesu also has wideband receive for listening only outside transmit frequencies. That means more situational awareness ability from a prepper perspective.
Nice! I've always favored Japanese tech. They do good work.