Ham Radio

HAM Talk – First Radio Recommendations

~ grant.gallagher ~ 1 Comment

Author Michael Daly is a former Captain in the United States Marine Corp. He currently works at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Senior Enterprise Architect in Infrastructure Operations and previously was a Project Manager at the Defense Information Systems Agency at Fort Meade MD. He has been involved in military and civilian communications technologies for over 40 years and holds a GMRS radio license (WRDQ914), a HAM Radio Amateur Extra class license (KC2SBR), is an accredited Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Volunteer Examiner, an accredited ARRL Volunteer Emergency Communications Field Examiner, and currently is a volunteer radio operator with the Ocean County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (OCARES), the Ocean County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the ARRL Southern New Jersey Mutual Assistance Team (SNJMAT), and is a NOAA trained National Weather Service Severe Storm Spotter.

My first personal recommendation for the new HAM: get a Handi Talk (HT) DUAL BAND (UHF/VHF) portable to start. This is a radio that you can easily carry around, and it covers all the voice frequencies you’re allowed to transmit on as a Technician class HAM, in one radio. Most HTs are roughly the size of a pack of cigarettes and come with at least one rechargeable battery, so they’re easy to carry and convenient to use.

There are a number of manufacturers out there, and they all are worthy of your consideration. Prices can be very affordable (less than $30), but some of the higher-end portables can be upwards of $600. Most Dual-Band HTs also receive the NOAA Weather channels, so you can easily get the latest NOAA weather reports and Emergency Alerts.

My second recommendation: do not spend a fortune on features you may never use for your first radio. Try to find that midpoint balance between affordability and capability, within your own budget. Some features to consider are button layout, display, battery life, ease of programming, and internal features such as memory banks that can store your information on specific frequencies, stations, or repeaters to contact. The presence of such memory banks means that you do not have to manually enter that information every time, just once and save it.

My third recommendation: plan to grow into the radio you buy, but do not buy a bunch of high-end features you likely won’t use (at least initially). On the other hand, if the radio is too bare-bones you’ll quickly outgrow it.

My fourth recommendation: replace that factory antenna on the HT with a better after-market one. The factory antennas are called “Rubber Ducks”. They are short, flexible, and somewhat stubby. They do work, but for a few dollars more a better after market antenna will dramatically improve performance, range, and reception. For most HAMs, this is the first upgrade option, and most HAMs will agree it’s a requirement rather than an option. There are different connector styles so you need to be aware of which one your radio uses (although there are adapters for everything).

Consider buying new from a reputable dealer, this gives you a manufacturer’s warranty, and access to subject-matter experts if you have questions or run into a problem. That seller also has a vested interest to ensure you enjoy your purchase and learn how to use it properly.

With the current supply chain problems in 2022 there are spot shortages of chip components. You may find radios are out of stock temporarily. In addition, consumer demand is up due to recent concerns of social media’s filtering and censoring of information. A lot of people have recently taken an interest in HAM radio because of their concerns of being monitored online.

Be patient if the radio you want is delayed in shipping. Rather than say “buy radio “X””, we’ve looked at a few criteria for you to consider in supporting your HAM radio preparedness. Set your personal budget, consider how you think you’ll be using the radio and how frequently. Look for a balance between affordable price and useful features for your first radio, while allowing yourself a little room to learn and grow into the radio and its features.

The bottom line is that you do not have to spend a fortune to get started. Silver Tigers, can you suggest additional criteria you see as being useful?

“73!” from me, KC2SBR-Mike

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HAM Talk – Types of Radio

~ grant.gallagher ~ 1 Comment

Author Michael Daly is a former Captain in the United States Marine Corp. He currently works at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Senior Enterprise Architect in Infrastructure Operations and previously was a Project Manager at the Defense Information Systems Agency at Fort Meade MD. He has been involved in military and civilian communications technologies for over 40 years and holds a GMRS radio license (WRDQ914), a HAM Radio Amateur Extra class license (KC2SBR), is an accredited Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Volunteer Examiner, an accredited ARRL Volunteer Emergency Communications Field Examiner, and currently is a volunteer radio operator with the Ocean County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (OCARES), the Ocean County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the ARRL Southern New Jersey Mutual Assistance Team (SNJMAT), and is a NOAA trained National Weather Service Severe Storm Spotter.

HAM radio is presently experiencing a bit of a resurgence, judging by how many people seem to be taking exams to get HAM licenses. Between increased demand and worldwide supply chain issues, there are occasional shortages of HAM radios in 2022. Even in the best of times, the process of shopping can be frustrating for a new HAM. So many choices, so many features. Such a variety of price points.

When I bought my first HAM radio I had no guidance beyond “get an HT” (A WHAT?). I read everything I could find, shopped, relied on my previous experiences, read as many reviews as I could, I reached out to other HAMS I was meeting to get their opinions (much like asking gun enthusiasts which gun and caliber is best for home defense, you quickly discover every HAM has an opinion on a best “first radio”).

Looking back, I still basically picked my first radio almost at random. I got lucky and picked one that has met my every need over the last several years. The radio I selected is still in production, while other radios I considered at that time are now discontinued.

But for we Silver Tigers, there are some special criteria to consider, since we’re motivated by preparedness rather than strictly by hobby interests. You’re going to be looking for things related to long battery life, ease of use, reliability, and durability. A radio with several accessories available in the marketplace for future purchase is also important. My goal is not to tell you which specific radio to buy, instead I want to present for your consideration some factors as you shop, that will support your preparedness.

To begin, do we want a portable device, a mobile device (not the same) or a base-station? I would suggest to start with a portable. These are also called a “Handi Talk” or “HT” as a your First Radio, but let’s also get familiar with what else is available.

Generally, radios come in three styles, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Portables (HTs) are small and handheld. The power source is usually internal to the radio. Their prices average lower than the other two types I’m going to mention but some feature-rich handhelds can run hundreds of dollars, they transmit at low power (usually up to 5 watts) but with the right options can transmit many miles.

Mobiles are a little bigger, a little more expensive, have more features, and are a little more powerful. As the name implies, they initially were intended to be mounted in vehicles (although many people now also use them as Base Stations as well). They require an external power source such as an external battery or a 12V DC power supply, and transmission power can average in the 50 watt range.

Last are Base Stations. Even bigger still, more expensive, and more powerful. They require external power sources and typically also have multi band capabilities to transmit and receive on any possible HAM frequencies you eventually might use with more advanced licensing. They have way more features than you’re ready (or licensed!) to use at this point. These are typically larger and not very convenient to move around, and require an external power source of a 12V DC power supply. Because of their transmitting power on certain frequencies (HF, up to 100 watts) they can also be dangerous if used incorrectly.

In the next part about choosing a radio, we’ll talk about my specific recommendations. So, it’s “73!” from me for now (Best Regards in HAM-speak).

KC2SBR-Mike

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HAM RADIO – an Old, Proven Technology: 2 – Yes, there’s a test…

~ grant.gallagher ~ 4 Comments

Author Michael Daly is a former Captain in the United States Marine Corp.  He currently works at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Senior Enterprise Architect in Infrastructure Operations and previously was a Project Manager at the Defense Information Systems Agency at Fort Meade MD.  He has been involved in military and civilian communications technologies for over 40 years and holds a GMRS radio license (WRDQ914), a HAM Radio Amateur Extra class license (KC2SBR), is an accredited Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Volunteer Examiner, an accredited ARRL Volunteer Emergency Communications Field Examiner, and currently is a volunteer radio operator with the Ocean County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (OCARES),  the Ocean County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the ARRL Southern New Jersey Mutual Assistance Team (SNJMAT), and is a NOAA trained National Weather Service Severe Storm Spotter. 

Welcome back. Last time, we talked about the process for applying for your HAM license. This time, we’ll talk about actually getting it! This is where the fun starts – you have to study. The ‘Technician’ test is really very easy, provided you put in an hour or two a week of genuine study time. It’s a 35 question test and you must get at least 26 questions correct. Years ago there was also a requirement to be able to copy morse code at 5 words a minute, but that is no longer a requirement for any license.

There are many free resources on the Internet to help people study for the Technician test (there are also MANY that charge you money). I have found the free ones to be every bit as good as the one’s that cost money. It’s up to you.

I happened to use this one, but there are many out there. Under their resource tab they have study guides and practice exams using actual exam questions to help you get used to taking the exams and master the study material. There is a whole pool of 423 questions they draw from for the exams so it’s unlikely you will memorize the entire pool of questions and answers. The preferred goal is to learn the material so you can pass the exam.

You can also take practice exams that randomly ask questions, or you can take exams that focus the questions on specific topics. For me, I found working through a specific topic study guide and then taking an exam that focused on that topic really helped me. Then going back over anything I might not have a good grasp of, then taking the simulated exams where its set up like a real exam. That all helped me push my practice score up rapidly.

I also downloaded and used an app on my phone that did the same and anytime I had a spare moment I’d take an exam or study a topic. Your goal should be to consistently score above 80% on any practice exams. When you can do that consistently, you’re ready to take a REAL exam.

Where do I go for the exam? Years ago you’d have to travel to an FCC field office and sit for the exam, today many volunteer organizations offer the exams locally to you, so you no longer have to travel a long distance to sit for an exam. For example the Ocean County ARES (one organization I am involved with) conducts license exams at Robert Miller Airport in Ocean County every other month, but there are many other organizations through out the state. Its pretty easy to find a location, day and time convenient to you.You can go to the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) website and find a list of exams being offered in your area. Some exam locations allow walk ins meaning you just show up and take a test. Others require you to register before hand. Make sure you’re aware of the exam location you want to attend does allow walk-ins.

What do I need that night for the exam? You will need to bring the following with you on the night:

  • $15.00 cash or check made out to ARRL-VEC
  • A government issued photo identification – drivers license, passport, etc.
  • Federal Registration Number (FRN) from the FCC you previously obtained.

I also brought with me a few Number 2 pencils, a sharpener, an eraser (although many places will provide these as well).

Leave your cell phone in the car, you won’t be allowed to have it out for any reason during the exam and frankly cell phones going off are a distraction.

Take your time, answer each question. What will be different is that this real test is paper based, while all your previous practice exams were online. If you studied there will be no surprises. Those practice online exams you took will look identical to this paper exam. It’s multiple choice, so fill in and darken the little circle that corresponds to your answer for each question. There is no rush, I even took a moment when I thought I was done and just closed my eyes and relaxed for a few minutes. Then I went back and counted all the filled in circles just to verify I didn’t miss one. Don’t forget to check your answers.

When you’re ready, turn in your exam and it will be graded right there and verified separately by three volunteer examiners. You will know that evening if you passed or not. If not, you will be allowed to try and pass again that night. By all means try it again, there are different exams that pull different questions from the same question pool. Different exams means different questions.

When you pass you are given a receipt indicating you passed. It will take a few days to a few weeks for the FCC to process your exam paperwork and formally enter you into their record systems and assign your call sign. They used to mail you a paper license and I believe these days they send an email with your call sign. if you need or want a paper copy of your license, you can download it from that same CORES website where you got your FRN.

You’ll also be offered the chance of taking the next level exam that same evening, at no additional fee. It does not hurt to try even if you did not study for General. You passed the Technician already, so even if you do not pass the General exam that has no effect on your Technician. I have seen some people attempt and pass all three exams in one sitting. That’s quite an accomplishment if you can do it.

So now that was all Easy Peasy wasn’t it?? You passed and now you’re a HAM. You will have quite a satisfied feeling when the Volunteer Examiner tells you you’ve passed and you finally get your first call sign. It’s an accomplishment, be proud of yourself. Celebrate! You now have a skillset that will serve you and your family, and perhaps your community, in an emergency.

If you have any questions related to getting your first license, or just related to communications, please feel free to reach out to me, me at [email protected]. I hope to write a series of these blogs talking about specific topics of related interest such as how to select a first radio, other radio and communications technologies and when you might need each, Fox Hunting (Radio Direction Finding), Parks On The Air (off the grid operations), Building your own antennas, how to get power while your operating remotely, and other topics related to communications and preparedness.

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HAM RADIO – an Old, Proven Technology: 1 – Applying for a License

~ grant.gallagher ~ 3 Comments

Author Michael Daly is a former Captain in the United States Marine Corp.  He currently works at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Senior Enterprise Architect in Infrastructure Operations and previously was a Project Manager at the Defense Information Systems Agency at Fort Meade MD.  He has been involved in military and civilian communications technologies for over 40 years and holds a GMRS radio license (WRDQ914), a HAM Radio Amateur Extra class license (KC2SBR), is an accredited Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Volunteer Examiner, an accredited ARRL Volunteer Emergency Communications Field Examiner, and currently is a volunteer radio operator with the Ocean County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (OCARES),  the Ocean County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), the ARRL Southern New Jersey Mutual Assistance Team (SNJMAT), and is a NOAA trained National Weather Service Severe Storm Spotter. 

I thought it would be helpful to everyone as an initial pair of articles (intended to be first in a series of HAM radio related articles) to give an introduction to how in 2022 one actually gets a HAM license. If you’ve never been licensed (or even if you previously held an older Novice license) and are considering licensing now, I’d like to walk you through the current process. It is fairly simple, it’s not a mystery, and it should never be intimidating. Despite some of the cryptic jargon HAM Radio is actually a fun and interesting hobby with valuable real-world skills that we all would want and need if an actual emergency occurred. So, let’s get going.

Why bother getting a license for such old technology? Communication is a vital component of safety, security, and preparedness in the 21st century. Our modern connected world with smart phones and the Internet has amazing capabilities when they work. These might practically overload us with information, but they give us a global reach to communicate almost instantly. However, if an event occurs that interrupts, disrupts, or destroys the infrastructure that supports all that modern communications, you’re instantly cut off – figuratively and possibly literally. What then? HAM radio provides a modern solution rather than an old solution; the tech has kept up with the times. In fact, many radios today are amazingly capable and physically no larger than a pack of cigarettes.

In such a scenario where real world events are disrupting our world, maintaining situational awareness is vital to allow you to make sound and timely decisions. These decisions may well affect you and your loved ones, and those decisions can only be as good as the information you have to work with. The goal is to make good decisions that result in a good outcome for you. It is better if such decisions can be made proactively because you have good information, available in a timely manner. Your goal should not be to sit idly and wait for circumstances to force you to be constantly reacting to the world and events around you under duress. A HAM radio can give you that connection to vital, timely information, and other people, when all else around you has failed.

Such timely information could be things such as getting the latest status of Red Cross shelters around you when you need to evacuate. It would be desirable to know before you travel to, and arrive at, a given shelter location whether its full and people are being diverted elsewhere or that other new shelter locations are opening up. You can get current weather reports from NOAA. You might need to contact authorities because you need rescue assistance. Maybe you want to email family outside your affected area and let them know you’re safe? Or perhaps you need to send or receive digital data such as electronic documents or images?

HAM radio can facilitate all of these things, even when the Internet and cell phones are completely dead. This “old” technology has actually kept up with the times and several things you do with a cell phone or the Internet you can do with a HAM radio. That is where HAM radio fills a critical niche in your personal safety and preparedness plans.

So what are these HAM licenses and which one do I need? As a simple overview there are three levels of licensing: ‘Technician’, ‘General’, and ‘Amateur Extra’. While you do not need a license to passively listen, you do need one to legally transmit in most situations. Basically each license grants you increasing privileges on various different operating frequencies and different modes of operating. ‘Technician’ is the first, introductory license; for most people this is really all they’ll need. It gives you the ability to talk on shorter range UHF and VHF frequencies, reach out to other HAMs directly, receive NOAA weather reports, and most importantly, reach out to local repeaters which greatly extends the range of your radio.

Next up is ‘General’, and this gives you more privileges on UHF and VHF frequencies. It also adds some additional HF frequencies, which allow you to speak to people farther away. The highest and most advanced license is ‘Amateur Extra’. This last one basically is “everything” an amateur HAM can do. However, for the majority of people, that first Technician license will meet the majority of your communications needs. The licenses must be taken and passed consecutively, so you must pass Technician before you take General, and you must pass General before you take Amateur Extra. You can’t just skip over Technician to get to one of the advanced licenses.

Okay I’m convinced I want to be a HAM. What do I need to do? So, if you are a first time test taker or have not yet gotten one, you’ll need to obtain a Federal Registration Number (FRN) from the FCC prior to testing. You will not be able to take a license test without an FRN.  Registration for an FRN is done online at the FCC’s Commission Registration System (CORES) website. It only takes a few minutes to get one.

The FCC also requires a valid mailing and email address in order to obtain an FRN. By obtaining an FRN, your name and address become part of the public record at the FCC. If you would prefer not to have your home address be part of this public record, you could use a post office box number or work address as an alternative. You are expected to update the FCC whenever your mailing address is changed.

OK – so go get your FRN, and tune in again for part 2!

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Reaching out with Ham Radio.

~ grant.gallagher ~ 3 Comments

Author Todd Ellis balances his work life with community volunteerism.  A Critical Infrastructure communications expert, Ellis helps design systems for rail, bus and airports and was awarded two related patents.  After hours, Ellis is an Auxiliary Police Officer in his local township, teaches firearm safety courses, is an adult Scouter and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.  Ellis and his wife Stacey reside on their uniquely sloped property known as Leprechaun Hill in southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Internet is a wonderful tool for people to communicate with each other via e-mail and websites. Newer technologies like video conferencing have moved from the business world to everyday use. Different video conferencing platforms like “Microsoft Teams” or “Cisco Webex” or “Zoom” are great, but contact has to be pre-arranged; rarely will you bump into someone online for a chat. It also requires good data speed or bandwidth, and reliable connectivity.

There are some older communication technologies that need reconsideration. One method is amateur (or “ham”) radio. The term “ham” started in the 19th century when telegraph stations using Morse code had poor technique – they were said to be “ham fisted”, and the term stuck. The wonder of ham radio is that it does not require an internet connection, and ham operators are located worldwide, so it’s a great way to make new friends all across the globe!

So, how do you get started? It’s a little technical. People must take a test as stipulated by the Federal Communications Commission (or the federal agency in their own country abroad) and receive their license to operate. However, if you can figure out how to set up a computer and run programs, you’re probably technically minded enough to pass the test.

Once licensed, hams can buy two-way radios and talk to one another both locally, and over long distances. Generally, your capabilities are limited to your interest in the hobby, how much physical land you own, and your bank account. Some radio equipment is very cost-efficient and good for using around town. Some people have erected small radio towers or erected large antennas that allow reliable communications worldwide. Most find a place in the middle that allows for high enjoyment with moderate cost and effort.

Ham radio operators come from every walk of life. Everyone from truck mechanics to physicians have come hams. Some of the more famous people who have been licensed hams include Senator Barry Goldwater and King Hussain of Jordan. However, the most important folks are those who use their radios during emergencies to provide communications where no communications infrastructure exists. Case in point, amateur radio has certainly been in use across Kentucky during December’s awful tornado event. Following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, ham radio was the only method to reliably connect with those in the affected area.

Those who have limited mobility or other disabilities enjoy the hobby. It’s truly gratifying to know about people who have made friends in other countries without ever leaving their home. Radio allows people to broaden their horizons who otherwise would have been limited to their immediate surroundings. It’s amazing to finally meet someone face-to-face without ever realizing they were physically handicapped. In one memorable situation, a young man who professed to have “a map in my head” really did – he had memorized directions from listening to taxi dispatchers and had effectively memorized a map of a city. However, being completely blind, he had never actually “seen” a map, yet he provided cheerful assistance to anyone asking for local road directions.

The hobby also causes one to use one’s brains! Cognitive decline happens faster with those who put their brain in neutral; having a somewhat technical hobby can help keep you sharp. Making new friends along the way is certainly a terrific side effect!