Edit: I meant HAM. Oops.
So, I have been trying to get more involved in my local rally scene, volunteering and all. It seems, rally events need HAM-licensed people to work in lots of places, and most of the 'cool' jobs. I got passed over for a spot in a sweep truck because I didnt have a license (or my own truck capable of pulling cars out of ditches)
My problem is, I have basically no experince with Radio, other than using a motorola every day at work, and searching the net gets a little overwhelming...
Anyone want to learn me HAM radios? Or have hints on where to start?
I thought they got rid of CB licenses back in, oh, 1974?
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/citizens-band-cb-service
Point: you cannot raise the output power.....LOL, that's the first thing my coworker did to mine.
Are you sure you don't mean ham radio? Most rally events have switched to 2m.
And no, CBs don't need licenses.
I went through this same thing back in December when I got my license. There are free study guides and tests online. I downloaded an app that helped alot. I did most of my studying in the can
I would also recommend contacting the Chief of Communications at your favorite local rally. They can point you in the right direction of what equipment is good for your area. Mine even helped me program my radio for SnoDrift
This website will help too
http://www.arrl.org/
Oh, okay. I can help!
First things first, study to get your Technician's license. This is an easy process, and I'd suggest picking up the plain english study guide:
http://www.amazon.com/Plain-English-Study-Amateur-Technician-License/dp/1466274212/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366158126&sr=8-1&keywords=ham+radio+plain+english
I skimmed this once, and easily passed the test. Oh, right, the test. To get your license, you'll need to go to a test location and take a short multiple-choice test. It costs about $20. Here's how to find one:
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
Once you've passed your test, submit your paperwork (your test administrator will most likely walk you through it all) and your call sign and license will come in the mail a few weeks later. Ta-da, you're a licensed HAM!
Your tech license will cover every band you'll need for rally work, so I wouldn't worry about progressing beyond that yet. The next step is installing a radio in your car/truck, as a handheld will most likely be woefully inadequate for rally work. What exactly will you be doing, what kind of car will it be going into, are you willing to drill a hole in your roof, and how much range do you need? FWIW I'd guess that your club is using the 2m band.
Oh, and I wrote a radio story that came out in the last GRM. It's worth a read if you're completely new to two-way radios, even though it is focused more on the road-racing side of things.
What's the total cost of getting a license? Is there an annual fee to be paid, or is it once and done?
Best entry-level unit for mobile applications?
Once and done, I'd guestimate I spent around $50 by the time you factor in study materials, time, gas to drive there, lunch on the way back, test fee, etc.
I'm rocking an Alinco DR-635T, but it's a little complicated if you aren't a nerd. I bought it so I could run cross band-repeat. I started with a Baofeng UV-5r, but for a mobile installation I've heard good things about this:
http://www.amazon.com/YAESU-FT-1900R-VHF-TRANSCEIVER-1900R/dp/B005A7GYKI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1366159368&sr=8-3&keywords=yaesu+mobile
In reply to Tom Suddard:
Thats the radio I have. I bought it here http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/1900.html
Yep, that's where I usually buy my radio nerd stuff. Good site!
I just got my license.....well technically not active yet. Tested last Friday for my technicians class license.its 15 bucks for the test/license. They let you take the next level license exam right on the spot for no additional charge. I wasn't prepared for that and failed that portion.
Exam prep was free. Go to qrz.com and take the free practice exams, learn that way, as its the actual questions. There are several free iPad and android testing apps. It was a span off of two weeks of practicing until the test. Had I known about taking the second level, I would have prepped for it, but it's not necessary for rally. The ham section at special stage has good info. Good luck.
