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Cromulent

macrumors 604
Original poster
Oct 2, 2006
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The Land of Hope and Glory
I've just ordered the official Foundation license book in the UK because I've been interested in the subject for a long time and figured I'd give it a go as it only cost £7.

Are there any other ham radio people here? Perhaps with some tips for a newbie?
 
Are there any other ham radio people here? Perhaps with some tips for a newbie?
No ham operator but I've been intrigued by it.

Since I'm so socially awkward and unable to talk to people I don't know, its not really for me. Back in the 70s, the CB radio fad was in full swing, I had one. I did not talk to a single soul. I know my short comings.

Good luck on your journey, I've only heard good things about the ham radio community.
 
I've just ordered the official Foundation license book in the UK because I've been interested in the subject for a long time and figured I'd give it a go as it only cost £7.

Are there any other ham radio people here? Perhaps with some tips for a newbie?
My friend had a ham license and loved talking to people (other hams) all over the country. I imagine in the UK it would be similar with Europe. The ham community is a unique group fiercely dedicated to that medium. Sounds interesting!
 
Since I'm so socially awkward and unable to talk to people I don't know, its not really for me.

You are on a message board literally talking to people you don't know. ;) :)


Good luck on your journey, I've only heard good things about the ham radio community.

Yeah, when an EMP or solar flare takes out world communications, the ham radio operators will be our only remaining way to communicate.
 
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Oh I know, it’s weird, but typing on a forum and talking is completely different - at least to me
Yea it's something about the voice aspect. Although, I'd much rather go into a business and interact face to face than call them.
 
Yea it's something about the voice aspect. Although, I'd much rather go into a business and interact face to face than call them.

I would rather email them.

But I am willing to walk up and talk to just about anyone at anytime. It has been a constant source of embarrassment for my daughter. 😂

One time we were at the Love's Truck Stop in Williams, AZ getting ready to go up to the Grand Canyon. I had been filling the car and my wife and daughter come out of the store and see me talking to someone. So the daughter is immediately embarrassed and then I call them over. It was the son of my former HS wrestling coach. He was chaperoning his son's college wrestling team on their annual trip. Keep in mind we are 2,000 miles away from home.

So I introduce her to him and within a couple of minutes, a bunch of college wrestlers all come out of the store and my poor HS aged daughter doesn't what to do with all these college guys around. Well worth it. :)
 
HAM radio communication allows anybody to communicate with other HAM radio operators around the world, specially when Wi-Fi, SAT, and even commercial electricity aren't available. HAM radio operators have backup power (batteries, solar, and so on) in case of emergency. That's the reason why HAM is widely used in Taiwan and Asian islands.
 
HAM radio communication allows anybody to communicate with other HAM radio operators around the world, specially when Wi-Fi, SAT, and even commercial electricity aren't available. HAM radio operators have backup power (batteries, solar, and so on) in case of emergency. That's the reason why HAM is widely used in Taiwan and Asian islands.

I’ve always been intrigued by Ham Radio. I know a little bit regarding the use of FM or SSB. Is it true that skilled operators use the Stratosphere to bounce a signal up and down to communicate with an operator thousands of miles away?

Even on another Continent? I’ve heard stories.
 
I’ve always been intrigued by Ham Radio. I know a little bit regarding the use of FM or SSB. Is it true that skilled operators use the Stratosphere to bounce a signal up and down to communicate with an operator thousands of miles away?

Even on another Continent? I’ve heard stories.
I have heard the same, too. According to the article below (link) the powerful 1500-watt HAM radios can be used for extremely long distance calling, even space.
 
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So there are hamradio ops on this forum. The problem we have always have is there is not a lot of Mac, and especially iOS amatuer radio software. That is slowly changing. The is an iOS/Mac app that works with the iPhone, iPad, and the Mac computer, it is limited to ICOM radios, specifically the ic-705, ic-7610, ic-9700. and the ic-R8600 these radio have network connections. With these app's you could operate on of these ICOM radio with your Mac, or iPad, iPhone anywhere you are. de W7ITC.

MAC:

iOS:
 
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