Chris
NES Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2005
- Messages
- 14,108
- Likes
- 9,795
I have fun with my license. Usually just logging into the message traffic nets. But it is the emergency use that I love to dabble in.
For example, I can get a strong cell signal in my basement, but during the aftermath of the ice storm, the local cell was out. But, the 2 meter and 70cm repeaters in Marlborough were still up and both have an autopatch (phone line hookup) that I used from time to time to let family know we were ok.
Also, since I've become a member of the local CERT team, I've programmed up all my gear to link/replace the local emergency repeater. I have already built a j-pole that can replace the town's repeater and take over if the tower is lost.
I freeband all my equipment so that I can use any mode in any band as needed.
Heck, there are some nice cheap Chinese radios that allow easy emergency radios
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007F...ile?redirect=true&ref_=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
With the proper programming cable and software, you can easily create a great emergency radio. I was surprised just how great these are for the price. I use them on my GMRS license when we camp or are at a ski area. Far outperform FRS radios and are almost always without other users. But I have other channels programmed to use ham bands or my local CERT frequencies.
At just $50 a pop, I can keep one around for everyone in the house. The kids love playing with them and they know that they are not allowed to change the channel.
I used my ham experience to develop the first packet radio system for the Mt Washington Observatory and the AMC back in 1989 so that the summit could send regular weather updates and relay search and rescue operations.
When I was active in a 4WD club, we used ham radio to coordinate outings and even set up parts runs to rescue people who broke something. This was before cell phones were very common.
I remember commuting to Waltham in the late 80's and participating on the active .64 machine there.
Yea, ham is a lot of fun.
Sent from the bottom of my bowl of Cheerios.
For example, I can get a strong cell signal in my basement, but during the aftermath of the ice storm, the local cell was out. But, the 2 meter and 70cm repeaters in Marlborough were still up and both have an autopatch (phone line hookup) that I used from time to time to let family know we were ok.
Also, since I've become a member of the local CERT team, I've programmed up all my gear to link/replace the local emergency repeater. I have already built a j-pole that can replace the town's repeater and take over if the tower is lost.
I freeband all my equipment so that I can use any mode in any band as needed.
Heck, there are some nice cheap Chinese radios that allow easy emergency radios
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007F...ile?redirect=true&ref_=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
With the proper programming cable and software, you can easily create a great emergency radio. I was surprised just how great these are for the price. I use them on my GMRS license when we camp or are at a ski area. Far outperform FRS radios and are almost always without other users. But I have other channels programmed to use ham bands or my local CERT frequencies.
At just $50 a pop, I can keep one around for everyone in the house. The kids love playing with them and they know that they are not allowed to change the channel.
I used my ham experience to develop the first packet radio system for the Mt Washington Observatory and the AMC back in 1989 so that the summit could send regular weather updates and relay search and rescue operations.
When I was active in a 4WD club, we used ham radio to coordinate outings and even set up parts runs to rescue people who broke something. This was before cell phones were very common.
I remember commuting to Waltham in the late 80's and participating on the active .64 machine there.
Yea, ham is a lot of fun.
Sent from the bottom of my bowl of Cheerios.