Off Grid Gecko
Well-Known Member
While contemplating telemetry and tracking for upcoming builds, I've stumbled over and over on the hurdles of getting a solid radio setup in a small package for a good price. Let's face it, a radio transmitter isn't exactly complicated by today's standards, but to set one up for purpose on a budget, a HAM license seems a necessity.
I have a friend with a HAM who has agreed to help on "the project," but about two weeks ago I decided that I would check into it. To my surprise I found out that:
--No morse code requirement (though I've been learning some for fun now that it isn't required for the License)
--No FCC evaluation. The ham community has volunteers who can administer the test and actually WANT you to get your license. The testing process is much less stressful than in days of yore.
--No need to memorize resistor color bands, IC serial numbers, or transistor types. There is still some technical knowledge needed, but it's much less than I expected. I have a background in physics and I expected much more on electromagnetic field theory and components.
--Cheap to enter. I ordered an HT setup for $45. Not the best, but enough to play on the radio a bit.
--Tons of free study material online. Along with wiki pages for specific topics, I drilled the test questions and watched YouTube vids on the subject matter. Didn't need to buy a book, but it would probably be better for most to have everything in one place, so the books would be a good idea.
Today was test day. I scored 30/35 on the Technician exam and did even better (31/35) on the General. In about 10 days I'll be listed in the FCC database as a General class HAM and I'll get my callsign! Having a good bead on EM theory from my school days helped, but I'm convinced that just about anyone can get their HAM Technician license these days with some time and effort. I didn't believe this for a long time, and always thought you had to have some strong electronics tinkering skills to qualify. At one time I did have resistor codes and IC chips memorized, but that day has long since faded. The test is about $15 and you have to wear a mask.
Overall the whole proceeding was a good experience. I was really nervous about the General because I knew I had 25 questions nailed, but 26 are needed to pass. The first examiner snuck me a thumbs up after passing my test to the next guy. I could feel the tension around me melt away like a foot-thick layer of putty. I thanked them all for volunteering their time to administer tests and came home with my paperwork. Currently in the plan is building a small transmitter from scratch that I can tether to an Arduino circuit to broadcast my callsign, temperature, etc. from the rocket in flight and on the ground as a homing beacon.
Radio makes sense for everything I'm doing right now, rocketry and otherwise. I'm glad I finally cast off the stigma and looked into it. There is still a lot to learn, but I have the freedom to proceed through several stages of radio stuff with little to no red tape, so long as I continue coloring inside the lines.
Any other HAMs around? I know you're out there. I've seen your posts, hehe. I'll be looking for you on the airwaves once I figure out the local repeater network and get some better gear.
For anyone who has the same hang-ups I had about the process. Check it out. Look up Ham Radio 2.0 on YouTube (his vids helped me a lot) and check out the ARRL website.
I have a friend with a HAM who has agreed to help on "the project," but about two weeks ago I decided that I would check into it. To my surprise I found out that:
--No morse code requirement (though I've been learning some for fun now that it isn't required for the License)
--No FCC evaluation. The ham community has volunteers who can administer the test and actually WANT you to get your license. The testing process is much less stressful than in days of yore.
--No need to memorize resistor color bands, IC serial numbers, or transistor types. There is still some technical knowledge needed, but it's much less than I expected. I have a background in physics and I expected much more on electromagnetic field theory and components.
--Cheap to enter. I ordered an HT setup for $45. Not the best, but enough to play on the radio a bit.
--Tons of free study material online. Along with wiki pages for specific topics, I drilled the test questions and watched YouTube vids on the subject matter. Didn't need to buy a book, but it would probably be better for most to have everything in one place, so the books would be a good idea.
Today was test day. I scored 30/35 on the Technician exam and did even better (31/35) on the General. In about 10 days I'll be listed in the FCC database as a General class HAM and I'll get my callsign! Having a good bead on EM theory from my school days helped, but I'm convinced that just about anyone can get their HAM Technician license these days with some time and effort. I didn't believe this for a long time, and always thought you had to have some strong electronics tinkering skills to qualify. At one time I did have resistor codes and IC chips memorized, but that day has long since faded. The test is about $15 and you have to wear a mask.
Overall the whole proceeding was a good experience. I was really nervous about the General because I knew I had 25 questions nailed, but 26 are needed to pass. The first examiner snuck me a thumbs up after passing my test to the next guy. I could feel the tension around me melt away like a foot-thick layer of putty. I thanked them all for volunteering their time to administer tests and came home with my paperwork. Currently in the plan is building a small transmitter from scratch that I can tether to an Arduino circuit to broadcast my callsign, temperature, etc. from the rocket in flight and on the ground as a homing beacon.
Radio makes sense for everything I'm doing right now, rocketry and otherwise. I'm glad I finally cast off the stigma and looked into it. There is still a lot to learn, but I have the freedom to proceed through several stages of radio stuff with little to no red tape, so long as I continue coloring inside the lines.
Any other HAMs around? I know you're out there. I've seen your posts, hehe. I'll be looking for you on the airwaves once I figure out the local repeater network and get some better gear.
For anyone who has the same hang-ups I had about the process. Check it out. Look up Ham Radio 2.0 on YouTube (his vids helped me a lot) and check out the ARRL website.