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[martyn2005]

Hey all,

here's a 'non-astronomy' question (well almost).

Does anyone on the forum know anything about amateur radio? I used to operate a CB radio back in the 80's/early 90's and have recently had the inspiration to try the hobby again from the ham angle.

Now I don't want to offend anyone but I think that CB is pretty limited hence I picked it up quite quickly, Ham on the other hand is proving very difficult to understand. So if anyone has any info on the best frequencies, the best gear and where to find it or the most helpful clubs in the area I'd be grateful.

Why start one amazing new hobby when you can start two! ;D (Actually I hope they'll be connected down the line)

Martyn

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

I don't have any experience in the Ham radio area, but I know of two that do. Chicago Astronomer Richard and Chicago Astronomer Becky's husband Bill both are into it.

Perhaps they could shed light on this.

I was big on that in the 80's and I still have a CB in my Chevelle, I use the P.A. often!

I do listen in on shortwave radio from time to time, and like to hear the foreign broadcasts. I set my clocks by the Universal Standard Time atomic clock timekeeping on shortwave.....Tick....tick....tick...Beeeep.

But scary are the religious fundimentalists who preach all sorts of soldier-of-fortune and end of the world nonsense ...and even scarier is that they have followers!...

There is also a frequency on shortwave which escapes me, but that all that is said there are a series of numbers. Like 34...12...87...14...20. And stop, and restart...and goes on continually. No one knows what this is or the origin.

Time to wear my aluminum hat...

[Rocketman]

I use to talk on, and work on CB radios, they are limited indeed. I myself have been trying to listen to satellite transmissions as they pass overhead, but I haven't had any success yet because I don't have a good antenna.

I seem to recall something about listening to meteors on an AM radio?

There was one link to audio from Cassini as it orbited Saturn, eerily creepy, and violent. I guess you could say that I'm interested in stuff like that.

[stargazer]

Before I ask my husband I guess I need to know a few things.

1 are you planning on talking on the Ham Radio?
2 do you have a ticket?
3 what radio do you have?
4 if you have a radio what bands will it cover?

Yes I do know a little about it as I am working on my ticket. Im still working on the morse code stuff then I'll go after my tech/code then general.

Becky

[martyn2005]

Hey all,

Thanks for the replies.

Rocketman - that sounds like the sort of thing I'd be interested in too - eventually! I hope to learn about both subjects over the next few years (after all I'm a novice at Astronomy at the moment!) and then somehow tie the two together, if possible.

Stargazer - I'll try and answer your questions with my limited knowledge. I do intend to eventually talk on the radio, although I think there is a licensing procedure to go through first? I think that is what you meant by ticket? If so no, I don't have a license yet. Also I don't have any equipment yet so my query was literally one for advice on the first steps to take toward licensing and equipment purchase - obviously licensing first I would guess!

i have very little knowledge in this area and I don't want to rush out and get the wrong thing or take a wrong turn so any advice at all would be helpful - even good books to read or clubs to attend!!

Anyway thanks again for your replies, hope to hear more soon.

Martyn

[Rocketman]

A lot of people talk around here talk on two meters (144-148MHZ). I listen to them on my scanner.

There are several bands here. www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/allocate.html

I like to fly rockets, and I hope to one day use an onboard wireless video transmitter. Unfortunately this requires a license, it operates on 2.4GHZ. I've been meaning to check about getting a license also.

;D

[Peter Birren]

HAM RADIO and ASTRONOMY are a good mix. Every Thursday from 8:30-10pm, the SWAOG group <http://www.swaog.com> discusses astro using the DuPage Area Repeater on 145.25mhz. SWAOG = South West Astronomy Observers Group. We use the radio also to make group plans for viewing as well as talking on the way to the dark site.

Good news about getting into ham radio is that Morse Code is no longer needed. The license you'll need is the "Tech No-Code"; study material is readily available and on-line practice tests help reinforce the details. Cost to take the test is very minimal ($6.50?) and volunteer examiners are available throughout the Chicago area.

Peter - KB9SYC

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Peter!

How nice to catch you on the forum.

Ham radio is quite an interesting area and wish I knew more about it. How far can one communicate via ham?

[martyn2005]

Thanks for that info Pete, very useful. The SWAOG group sounds interesting and fun - when I get my license I may join you!

What do you think of scanners? Would it be a good purchase for an unlicensed beginner so that I could hear what goes on before I take the test? Didn't know if they are considered worth having or not. Also I could listen in to the SWAOG group I suppose?! ;D

Thanks again Martyn

[Rocketman]

Hey Martyn,

I know I wasn't asked for my friendly input, but I couldn't help but volunteer.

I myself prefer to listen, rather than talk. Internet voice works for me!

What do you think of scanners?

Personally, I think a good scanner is a good investment. However, it's only as good as the antenna allows it to be, that goes for anything in radio.

I once borrowed a friends Uniden BC350. I would scan through all of the bands from start to finish. I have to say that the 806-956MHZ band was the most interesting. I would pick up cellular phone calls. You'd be amazed at what you can hear, crackheads making drug deals, wives cheating on husbands, you name it.

If you are rolling in the dough, I would get the baddest scanner around. I'm talking one with a built in microwave, washing machine, outhouse, and a spare tire like this one. ;D

www.rigpix.com/yaesu/vr5000.htm

This sucker is loaded! Unfortunately, this sucker also requires that your wallet be loaded as well. Once again though, it's all in the antenna! There are quite a few articles on the net that provide instructions for making your own antenna.

Lastly I will add that it's better to have frequency coverage that you don't need, rather than to need it, and not have it.. in my opinion.

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Grady,

I know what you mean.

I have this multi-band scanner that looks like it was made in the '60's. I get cell, walkie talkie, aircraft, ssb, Sw High and low, LW, Mb, VHF High. Med and low...and others I can't even remember now. I strung an antenna between my chimneys to capture fainter signals.

I enjoy, during a cold winter night, just scanning and listening.

Quite cool...

[martyn2005]

Hey Rocketman,

I've only just seen your reply, I'm sorry! No problem I'm glad to hear from anyone, your friendly input was very much appreciated.

Thanks also for your comments on a scanner. I checked out your link and loved the scanner. Unfortunately the cash situation means a cheaper one will probably have to do!

Thanks again for your comments.
martyn