HAM radio license... Benefits?

[PRyker]

I had been considering a CB radio for my truck for a while but because I was so sickened by the idiots that I heard on a friends CB I am having second thoughts. People were using poor language, talking over each other and just generally being obscene and mean. I have kids and there is no way they are going to hear that garbage.



So... I am considering a HAM radio. I have 7 years of electronics background and actually have a commercial FCC license (General Radio Telephone Operators License) from when I was working on broadcast circutry so the electronic portions of the test would be no big deal for me.



But is there any value? Will I be able to talk to local drivers on VHF? Do license holders follow the rules (i. e. no profanity, respect for others... )? I drive a few hours a day and think it would be beneficial if I could talk to drivers that drive the same highways that I do.



There is a test coming up this Saturday morning and I am sure I would have enough time to prepare as I have already studid the book for the entry level license. Seems very simple. Thoughts?



Phil

 

[TSpecht]

I have a technician class amateur license, and I've found that UHF and VHF usage is sort of hit and miss. Sometimes you'll find all sorts of activity, and sometimes you'll be hard pressed to find anybody. Chances are most of the users are not local drivers, although it's always possible you might find some if you're lucky...



For things like reports on the local speed traps and so forth it's not the best thing to use, but most of the time HAM's generally don't mind advising you on a good place to eat, or any of that other good stuff... If you're looking to have a nice clean conversation the HAM radio side of things is typically the way to go, although there's more rules that are somewhat essential to abide by. There's technically the same rules on the CB side of things but that's so anonymous these days it's less likely to be enforced than the HAM side... You could always keep a VHF/UHF and CB radio in your vehicle and get the best of both worlds, just fire up the CB when you need traffic info, and turn it off the rest of the time...



If you want info on what the local constabulary is doing and other types of traffic information, the CB is still your best bet, despite it sometimes being overrun with halfwits who don't understand the concept of decency. You'll find idiots anywhere you look though, including some in HAM radio, just like in all things.

 

[dalton4]

Phil, know what you mean concerning the CB gutter talk that keeps popping up. The CB is best for keeping up with road info/conditions. The way to protect the kids is by using an earphone. When you plug it into the CB it will cancel the radio's speaker. Now you have private CB reception and the wife and kids are protected.



The Ham set still has its place and may be a worth while add on for you. I've also thought about going 2-meter band along with the regular CB.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I've been a licensed Amateur radio operator for 45 years - and have maintained reliable contact with my circle of Ham friends scattered all around the USA on a daily basis, both when we are traveling with our RV, or from home.



Dunno what your specific wants/needs might be for radio contact if it is some sort of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, Ham radio is hard to beat - but requires those you wish to contact ALSO be FCC licensed. The same goes for communication with non-mobile friends...



If simply keeping alert to road conditions is your goal while traveling, CB is hard to beat - if you stay on the recognized channels normally used for that purpose.



A quick, cheap and easy alternative for car-to-car communication, is the easily obtained FRS radios - they have excellent range, require little/no licensing, and are so cheaply effective that many of my Ham friends use them instead of the more expensive Ham frequency radios!

 

[Will24]

What Gary said...





-Will KB3GOF

 

[jandtjil]

I just turn my cb on when I need to. Once I am out on the road the banter usually seems better, you can talk to over the road drivers(other sane indivs), find out prices of fuel ahead, construction. It will give you a chance to talk to your kids about profanity, decency that is for sure.



JJ

 

[Rotty]

ditto on gary.

kd4kiy



Mostly much cleaner language. It can be more technically challenging, if you want (ie more frequiencies and many different bands).

I am the no code tech while my wife is the extra. I still do all of the technical issues, installation and tune up but she is the one who likes the mobil HF communications.

Ham's work frequencies for low MHz to multi GHz. Your choice, but different privilages with the different liscences.



The exams are not hard with a couple hours of studying.

For the code challenged (ME) it was not a priority. The minimum liscence does NOT require code. You do not need a PhD to take the tests. And they are offer all of the time in many different areas. Find a local ham and they should be able to tell you in a jiffy of when and where the next test is or at least who you can get in contact with.



Good luck and let us know what you decide.