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All About Ham
Radios Mark Adrian |
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(This article has been extracted from a letter Mark Adrian generously sent in response to my request for more info. Bill Oliver]
I first became aware of HAM radios by hiking with several DPSers who were using handytalkies similar to mine now. I was intrigued and investigated obtaining a FCC license. I went to a local HAM radio store and bought a $20 study guide published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) entitled Wow You're Talking." There are several classes of FCC Amateur licenses available. To operate in the two-meter band (146 MHz), you need at least a NOCODE Technician's license. It used to be you needed to learn and copy Morse Code at five words-per-minute. However, the law has recently changed and you don't need to know the code - hence the influx of 'new" HAMS. However, you still need to study some electronic theory and numerous FCC rules/regulations to obtain the appropriate license. Its not too difficult, and I diligently studied for about two months with the assistance of the above book.
When I was ready, there were/are weekly tests given here in San Diego (and I'm sure in LA too) by Volunteer Examiners - your local HAM store can give you info. The NO-CODE exam consists of two tests: one of 35 questions, the other 25. ALL the questions and answers are documented in the Study Guide. Once you pass these tests it takes about two months for the FCC to issue you a call sign (license). However, you can use the two months to survey and obtain equipment. I bought my Kenwood handy-talkie from a tax-free outlet in Las Vegas for about $300. You can get them cheaper, but I wouldn't drop below $200. Additionally, I purchased a $20 telescoping antenna (known as a Hotrod) that "improved" my radio's performance. That covers the political issue. Let me describe the technical aspects.
The two-meter HAM band transmits and receives in the 144-148 MHz part of the radio spectrum. The transmissions are Frequency Modulated (FM, as opposed to AM) and are usually low-power. My handy-talkie broadcasts at a maximum of 2.5 watts. There are two modes of transmission - SIMPLEX mode, which transmits and receives on the SAME frequency, and REPEATER mode, which transmits on one frequency into a device/machine (usually located on top of some mountain) called a repeater, which boosts the incoming signal's power and simultaneously rebroadcasts (from the widely "visible" mountain top) the signal on another frequency, typically 600 KHz above or below the input frequency - hence the term REPEATER. There are virtually countless repeaters in So. California and you may have to "wait in line" on a busy machine. However, priority is ALWAYS given to what is called Health and Welfare traffic, like an injured hiker. The only problem with utilizing a repeater is being in range. That is, you need near-line-of-sight radio 'visibility" with a repeater. However, radio waves do bend and reflect somewhat, but, this isn't always dependable. For us though, sitting on top of most any peak, we/I can virtually talk across the state - for example, I could talk into Las Vegas valley from the top of Mt. Williamson using the High Potosi Repeater. Additionally, some repeaters are linked to other repeaters. Also, with FM, near-phone-quality transmissions are the norm. Furthermore, some repeaters are equipped with what is known as an AUTOPATCH. This device, usually activated by a couple of touch tone keys on the handy talkie, will activate a dial tone into the phone system. You can then dial a phone number, which will be dialed by the repeater. Most autopatches cover a limited area, for example, the autopatch atop Palomar Mtn can only dial San Diego County prefixes. Also, you usually have to be a member of the repeater club that operates the repeater installation. A nominal fee is the norm. However, last summer, from the top of Mt. Abbot, I used a repeater in San Jose, where I had a "control operator' connect me with an AT&T operator who placed a collect call to my house in San Diego - a very long and high distance phone call. There are many other features/capabilities embedded within state-of-the-art handy-talkies that brochures, or your local HAM store can discuss with you.
I enjoy my radio, and also have a base station at home that is connected to my mobile two meter radio which gives me 50 watts to power. I can routinely talk into the LA area, and using the Keller Peak Repeater, can talk into Ridgecrest and occasionally Lake Isabella. 10-4!