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Does anyone know if there is an existing net in DFW for CHL folk? If not, is there any interest?

AlaskanInTexas wrote:Does anyone know if there is an existing net in DFW for CHL folk? If not, is there any interest?

I don't know of one. Now that I'm getting a little breathing room with the trial of the range case over, I'm going to look more seriously into an IRLP link for that and other purposes. I'm going to get a repeater pair on 70cm and try to get a channel on a reflector.

Chas.

Charles L. Cotton wrote:

AlaskanInTexas wrote:Does anyone know if there is an existing net in DFW for CHL folk? If not, is there any interest?

I don't know of one. Now that I'm getting a little breathing room with the trial of the range case over, I'm going to look more seriously into an IRLP link for that and other purposes. I'm going to get a repeater pair on 70cm and try to get a channel on a reflector.

Chas.

That sounds great. Glad to hear you are getting some breathing room . . . I am headed the other direction with some trials.

Why does having a radio net seem like a good idea?

At least on the internet, someone has to look for sites of interest. With radio, everyone who can hear it does so.

I'd be apprehensive about exposing our discussions to the amateur world at large, knowing the ahh, errr, uhhh, eccentricities, of some of our ham brothers and sisters. While a great many of us are of the same mind about 2nd Amendment issues etc, there are others, perhaps a substantial number, of other folks who don't feel up to troubling us here on the web but might be overwhelmed by temptation to bicker, argue and worse on the air.

I'm not sure if it is a good idea or not for having a HAM net for this forum, but I have been interested in becoming a HAM operator...

How would one get started? (Before I start to google-fu it)

mewalke wrote:I'm not sure if it is a good idea or not for having a HAM net for this forum, but I have been interested in becoming a HAM operator...

How would one get started? (Before I start to google-fu it)

There are a number of different methods and resources for study material, but I highly recommend the Gordon West book and computer testing program. I got my Technician license about 1975 or so, then upgraded to Advanced in 1977. We didn't have test questions then, so you had to read and actually learn the material. I just upgraded to Extra a few months back using Gordon's book and software. It was a breeze compared to "the old days."

Gordon's books group the test pool questions in a logical order, then gives a short explanations of the theory relevant to that group. This is much better than materials that only give the questions and answers. You actually learn something with Gordon's book, rather than merely trying to memorize answers. Here's a link: http://www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Chas.

I've been a HAM for over 30 years. My only concern with this type of net, be it on VHF/UHF repeater or HF, is I am not a fan of letting people know about my firearms. There are lots of people with scanners that listen and with a call sign put out you can easily track down their address via the Internet.

Other than that, I think any discussion of hobbies is a great use of the airwaves which don't get near the utilization they used to. They are definitely a target for losing them if they are not used as spectrum is at a premium now.

mewalke wrote:I'm not sure if it is a good idea or not for having a HAM net for this forum, but I have been interested in becoming a HAM operator...

How would one get started? (Before I start to google-fu it)

Licensed for 54 years here.

Find the ham club in your area. There are probably several. Many are volunteer examiners, and some offer licensing classes in conjunction with the testing. The best thing is you make contact with experienced operators who can help solve the many mysteries of getting station up and "on the air."

The ARRL has lists and contact info on affiliated clubs.

QRZ.com has a searchable by city and zip code database of licensees to help find others near you. Knock on doors.... Most are friendly and helpful if you are. QRZ.com also has a practice test area where you can practice with actual questions. When you get good scores on these, you know you are ready.

Keith B wrote:I've been a HAM for over 30 years. My only concern with this type of net, be it on VHF/UHF repeater or HF, is I am not a fan of letting people know about my firearms. There are lots of people with scanners that listen and with a call sign put out you can easily track down their address via the Internet.

You have a crepe myrtle on the corner of your house, have or had a white bench on your front porch, and take good care of your lawn...the Internet isn't much safer than the open air waves.

AlaskanInTexas wrote:

Keith B wrote:I've been a HAM for over 30 years. My only concern with this type of net, be it on VHF/UHF repeater or HF, is I am not a fan of letting people know about my firearms. There are lots of people with scanners that listen and with a call sign put out you can easily track down their address via the Internet.

You have a crepe myrtle on the corner of your house, have or had a white bench on your front porch, and take good care of your lawn...the Internet isn't much safer than the open air waves.

Nah, that's the neiohbor's house. I spoof their address so the black helicopters will hover over it.

Seriously, I am not too worried about those that know how to use technology to find info, it's the dumb criminals that use the stolen scanner to hear you talking that I worry about more.

Keith B wrote:

AlaskanInTexas wrote:

Keith B wrote:I've been a HAM for over 30 years. My only concern with this type of net, be it on VHF/UHF repeater or HF, is I am not a fan of letting people know about my firearms. There are lots of people with scanners that listen and with a call sign put out you can easily track down their address via the Internet.

You have a crepe myrtle on the corner of your house, have or had a white bench on your front porch, and take good care of your lawn...the Internet isn't much safer than the open air waves.

Nah, that's the neiohbor's house. I spoof their address so the black helicopters will hover over it.

Seriously, I am not too worried about those that know how to use technology to find info, it's the dumb criminals that use the stolen scanner to hear you talking that I worry about more.

Can you use a PO box for the ULS information? Or does it have to be a physical address? That would help get around the issue.