Thanks for making this video. I will be taking my test in two weeks and am trying to understand some of the moving parts that make ham radio so useful. How to use a repeater is obviously one important component. Even thought these ideas are points of study on the test, it sure is nice to see how it is applied in real life. Thanks again,you helped me a bunch.
Thanks for the helpful info! I’m day 2 studying for technician and plan to go further (in time). My uncle is a Amateur extra ham(KC2OGR) always had a fascination with it so I’m now jumping in! Thanks for the video!
Great advice and demonstration Matt. Thanks. I got my Technician ticket on 4/4 and just upgraded to General on 4/27 and I am still new enough to VHF to be nervous. I do all of my programming through software so all of the offsets and tones are set automatically. That has been a big help. Thanks again for the advice. It has been a confidence builder.
Thanks Matt! This was very helpful, both for the technical info and also for reminding me that ham operators are most likely to be helpful rather than judgmental. Nicholas N1KOP out of Portland, ME
Without giving too much info: I am in Northeast Colorado by the big plains counties and will test end of this month for Tech. and will attempt General as well (looking to focus in on HF DXing). Pleasant surprise to come across a video w/ppl from Brighton and Castle Rock.
I scheduled my technician exam in March, got cancelled because of lockdown, scheduled one in April, cancelled. It's now may, I have one scheduled late number, hopefully I'll be able to take my technician, pass and take my general the same day! Listen regularly to my local repeaters, even have some netlogger contact with them,I just can't push that one button!
They are always booked when I've checked. I've made friends in a local meet through netlogger, one is a VE and keeping me updated. May even take general the same day.
So I tried the “monitoring” statement as suggested by you any many others. I guess I keep finding the jerks on Ham. I get back not a “hello” or call sign the response I get is “monitoring for what”!
Taking my technician exam on march 31st! Thanks for showing me this I probably wouldn't have known about the PL thing. I thought it was as simple as tuning into the repeater. I'll have I'll watch this again in a few weeks. I love my CBs but people on HAM seem a lot more civilized lol. On CB nobody talks to me in this area so I have to rely on DXing and skipping. Maybe I'll talk to you on air some day BIG RED 73S
Good information, however you refer a number of times to the CTCSS (aka PL) tone as a carrier, which it isn't. It's a low frequency audio tone added to your signal.
Very confusing on the Repeater Offset and Transmit portion. The repeater in my area, Arlington, VA, only shows "RX: 146.62500" and "TX: 146.02500" and the "Downlink Tone: 107.2 " and "Uplink Tone: 107.2". Cannot connect to the repeater.
5:30 It's like a key with a lock, but it's like the most simple lock in the world, since you're literally broadcasting the key to anyone listening and able to decode it. 😆
Nice job. But... 4:26: six HUNDRED kiloHertz, not six kiloHertz :-) Before that, though, you didn't explain WHY there is an offset in the first place. It might be blatantly obvious to experienced users or engineering types, but it isn't necessarily so to newbies. The reason is simply this: if the repeater transmitted on the same frequency as it listened to, it would hear itself talking and retransmit its own original output, swamping the incoming signal, and resulting in an awful, unstoppable howl. The choice of offset direction is a function of the overall "band plan", which allocates different areas of the band for different purposes. Here in Minnesota almost all of the repeaters with output frequencies in the low end - 145.11MHz to 146.985MHz use negative offset while almost all of them in the higher group - 147.0MHz to 147.39MHz use positive offset. To be more precise, check this out... www.smeter.net/slc/stations/vhf-amateur-repeater-input-offsets.php for more information. The "PL" stand for "Private Line", which is a trade mark feature of Motorola phones. In the broader sense it is a feature of "Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System ("CTCSS"), which Wikipedia describes well, so I won't. I suspect the term "PL" is still used over "CTCSS" is simply because there are less letters :-) The tones are in Hz, and are at the bottom of the audible range so as not to interfere with speech. Note that some repeaters have CTCSS tones for the output as well as the input. That's so that your radio can ignore anything on the output frequency that is NOT the repeater. Note: the published frequency of a repeater is always the output frequency. Note, too, that modern VHF transceivers handle the offset for you by means of an offset control. Those devices with memory remember everything for you, including CTCSS tones. I would encourage newcomers to look at repeaterbook.com, where they can find detailed lists of repeaters per state. Newcomers will also note that different bands have different offsets: 1.25Meters uses 1.6MHz offsets, and 780cms uses 5MHz. Lastly, a point of etiquette: it's a bit presumptuous to ask people to "Like" your videos, especially before they've listened to them :-)
Hello sir how do I use my baofeng radio to call other countries. Like using Allstars or echolink. Can I program my boafen to dothat without using a computer
New here.. new subscriber. Very 1st ham radio - handheld baofeng (uv-9r offshoot, it's actually a uv-98pro) I'm sure I could look all this up on google, but do I need to get licensed or certified before I can attempt to make my first contact with a local repeater? Follow-up questions.. what is a ticket, and how do I know what my call sign is? What type of trouble can I make for myself transmitting before I fully know what I'm doing? I'm really hoping these aren't ridiculous questions, and that someone could take a minute to reply. Thank you in advance!
Yes. You can listen all you want but must have your amateur radio license before you can transmit. Ticket = slang for amateur radio license Your callsign gets issued to you by the FCC after you pass your written examination. Find an examination session near you, or take it online. Google can help with this for you. Transmitting without a callsign is illegal and won’t be taken too kindly - and could get you fined.
It would really be nice if you explained exactly how to do the offset. I truly am starting to think that HAM is dead, My local repeater is crickets, no one returns my cq. Kinda sad how so many people across the country can pass the test but not use a radio.
Are you hearing the repeater kickback after you unkey? Is that repeater the only one you can get in to? Some repeaters are indeed dead, others are clicky where people listening will only talk to certain people they know, while others are more oriented for public service. All depends on your local area.
Just got my tech. Finally figured out how to manually config the wouxun kg-uv6d and save freq’s by name. Whoof! Going to cycle through a few local repeaters tonight and try and make first contact! Just getting the kerchunk was a relief!
Just starting to get into amateur radio and have some questions. So with repeaters, their purpose is to increase the TX and RX distance of your radio and allow you to overcome obstacles? So say that you wanted to talk to a friend in Vail, CO, is your conversation going to be on 146.670 and 146.070 Mhz? Doesn't he likely need to use a repeater, as well? And if so, what if his local repeater is a different frequency? Lastly, if you are using a repeater and conversing, aren't you preventing others from using the repeater?
Great questions, Don. Yes, a repeater is built around the idea of using line of sight to a much higher antenna location (the repeater) to increase the coverage area/range over which you can use your radio. If I’m using a repeater to talk to a friend in Vail we’re both transmitting on 146.070. Our audio will be “repeated” and broadcast on the output frequency (146.670), but anyone within direct radio range (simplex range) of either of us will hear one side of the conversation on 146.070. And yes, we’d both need to be using the same repeater otherwise we couldn’t hear one another. There is in exception to needing to be on the same repeater. We have what are called “linked repeaters” meaning they repeaters are in different geographic regions and using different frequencies but are tied together. This is usually accomplished using microwave transmitters or through the Internet. In the case of many repeaters all linked together we could be on different repeater frequencies, but within the same repeater linked system. Yes, using a repeater is a first-come, first-serve unless someone has an emergency, that always has priority. However, when chatting about various topics it’s not uncommon to have stations you don’t know pop into your conversation with their own comments. Think of it like a verbal Internet chat room. Repeaters today are generally not very busy so “tying” up a repeater really isn’t an issue.
Morning sir! Any tips for someone very interested in obtaining their license as soon as possible, books or websites to use. Look forward to hearing back and getting on the air. Kyle Golden, CO.
What if the Tone for the repeater has two values? A repeater in Evergreen CO says 103.5/127.3, in/out. I have the Baofeng UV-5R and it looks like you can only input one.
I just got my first radio. I'm pretty experienced using my marine vhf but this is so much more complicated. I'm so lost. No clue what I'm doing. Not going to transmit until I feel more confident. For instance. How do you get a call sign? Do you have to get an FCC license to be able to transmit on open frequencies?
HAM radio wasn't too difficult to figure out. After watching some videos and doing some reading, it took me all of one day to set up my radio, and make contact on a local repeater. Granted I have some background in IT so understanding electrical components and frequencies was a bit easier. Truthfully I am not yet licensed, and I have only made contact through radio check, and used a fake callsign. I know that's not great but I was super eager to see if my equipment was set up correctly. I'm very excited to get my license and will be taking the test next Tuesday. Looking forward to making my first legal contact lol, I hope I'm not incriminating myself.
I just ordered my first ham radio, a Baoseng BF-F8HP, it is on its way in the mail. I also ordered a study guide for the technician class license, No Nonsense Technician Class Study Guide by KB6NU. this will be my first time doing anything with ham. I have used sw radios before, though. I am excited but the basic circuitry and some of the math is daunting to try to have to memorize. Any advice for studying for the license?
Kinda late but baofeng makes a dedicated GMRS handheld. It is unlawful to use a ham radio like the UV5R for communications on other services. Nobody will ever find out, but I thought you should know.
Very new to HAM here. Thanks for the video. I'm in Utah and want to contact family members in Nevada, North Dakota and North Carolina. Would I have to contact a local repeater to send a message to their local repeaters? Or would I have to contact their local repeaters directly (which doesn't seem possible given the earth's curvature?). I also only have a 5watt hand radio and will get my license next month when I can take the test.
Many ways to go about it. You could use HF (1 MHz - 28 MHz) frequencies to contact them, but it would depend on atmospheric conditions as to whether you could make contact. This involves a General class license, expensive radios and large antennas outside. Using a handheld you could just use it with a hotspot in your house. Think of a hot spot as a miniature repeater liked you’d find on a big radio tower. Your digital handheld radio talks to your hotspot. The hotspot sends it over the Internet, and it comes out on the other end via a repeater or hotspot that you’re family is using. Look into DMR and the Brandmeister network. If will allow you to talk around the world with just a handheld radio with the help of the Internet.
@@K0LWC Thank you for your help. Is there any way to contact out-of-state via analog transmission only on UHF or VHF? I've got a Baofeng UV-5R and a Yaesu FT-60...or am I trying to play in the major leagues with little league equipment? lol. The purpose behind this is if Internet and cell phones go down we have an alternative method to communicate, an "old-fashioned" analog way.
The only way that’s possible is using the Internet as a “backbone.” To accomplish it without relying on other networks you would need to step up to HF radio equipment. Check out EchoLink. If there are repeaters in each area that are EchoLink enabled you could do it, but again, you’re relying on the Internet to make it work.
Hi, a very new newbie here(like just started studying yesterday). I’m using online study materials and trying to understand repeater offsets. From my materials, I understood repeater offsets on a 2 meter band is +/- 600 kHz. I noticed you said 6khz? Is there something I’m not quite getting? Thanks in advance
TraceurDoc1, yup! Very observant for a newbie! You have it right, KL0WC misspoke. Six hundred KC = .6 Megahertz. Congrats! In fairness, the .6 Megahertz was on the video.
The opposite. The listed frequency is the output frequency (the one you listen to to hear activity.) The input is usually designated by a + or - next to the frequency and it’s almost always -5 kHz either up (+) or down (-) from the output. The input is the one you transmit on when keying your radio. Example : 146.8200- 107.2hz 146.8200 is the output. 146.3200 is the input 107.2 is the PL/CTCSS tone that the repeater needs to be access. You’ll program this within your radio.
I have a question: when you program a handheld with CHIRP, and add most of the local repeaters and such to the radio, and upload, does it set up the transmit/CTSS/Sidetone info. as well, automatically, or do you have to check any repeater or channel you want to transmit on, individually, before you ever attempt to transmit? And what if you cannot find the complete info. online for a particular local repeater?
I can't help there cause I don't use CHIRP. Every repeater should have information published online, even if it's private, for coordination purposes. It's rare to have a repeater active and you can't get the information you need for programming.
@@K0LWC Thanks. I ended up having no issues with CHIRP, it does have the offset and all other info. automatically added when you program the radio with it. I tested it with local repeaters, and was able to send and receive, and the range was at least 25 miles in one case. So that's good.
I have pair of motorolla cp200 . I have set and programmed a repeater close by to me. The radio has 2 side buttoms below the PTT buttom on the same side. When i prss one of the bottom side monitor buttom , i can hear conversation non stop but when i let go i dont hear anything, however . Im able to talk to my second radio couple milles away with the repeater and the comunication is good but again i dont hear people talking on the radios unless im pressing the side bottom monitor button on the side. Why is that do you know . I mean is great because i dont hear other people talk but why is it that only when i press the side buttom i star hearing people talking. ..? Do they have like a different TPL tone or how are they not cross crossing conversation on my cp200 . When i speak to my other radio using the receiver i get good contact but i dont have to hear people talking when im not using radio
Yes, sounds like you have your radios not programmed for the PL Tone on the output. Some repeaters need to gave a tone programmed for decode. Check the info on that repeater and adjust your programming on your radios, if needed.
@@K0LWC well im able to hear them talk but only when i press the side monitor botton but when i let go then i dont hear them but i see the light blinking that im receiving so i press the buttom and i can hear them. But im also able to talk with another radio i have because i have 2 so i programmed them to the repeater and im able to talk from one radio to another but i just dont hear people on my radios talking unless i press the side monitor botton .so as u said i will check the TPL code but i think is the same as input and output.
question: just did a personality test and im an 87% introvert. i disagree with the test, i think it should be higher haha. i dont like to talk but i want to be involved in the HAM community. what can i do? -KD4WTF
The box you see is an antenna tuner, the radio face on top is a Kenwood D710G. It has a detachable face that allows you to mount it away from the body of the radio.
I am a new subscriber! I appreciate your videos!! I have a baofeng uv 5r and have been trying to make contacts and no one can hear me on the repeaters. I was able to make contact on the national simplex channel after arranging with another ham to call him. I tried checking in on a net tonight and I was never heard. I have been calling on all the repeaters and no one ever answers back. Do you think it is because the radio is so small and only 5 watts?
Are you able to "key up" the repeater and hear it kerchunk back after you let go of the PTT button? It sounds like you need to set up your radio for repeater operation, meaning input/output frequencies and a PL tone if your local repeater needs one.
@@K0LWC Yes I can kerchunk. But either there really are no listeners out there or my voice is not making it for some reason. In the past I have been heard and answered. I just cannot figure out what has happened. Thanks for your reply. I am going to go through the settings and be sure something did not get accidentally changed. Oh, and I just got a new mobile yaesu radio for Christmas, which I will be using as a base station. Love your channel!!
@@InHellDeep Yes! Everything is fine. I mainly use my Yaesu mobile as my home base station, but I do like to take the baofeng out and about. Thanks for asking!
When I was in Chicago I heard way more activity on 146.52 than any repeater. Which is crazy because some of those machines are awesome given where they’re located downtown.
K0LWC thanks, my brother recently got his license and 2 boafeng radios he wanted to see the range and all I hear from him is static or nothing but I can hear people talk on the repeater? Does that sound like a human error on my part?
Yes. Sounds like you need to check your programming for the repeater. Make sure both radios can access the repeater and are programmed identically. Check the input, output frequencies and make sure you’re using a CTCSS PL tone if the repeater requires it. You’ll know if you’re making the by keying up and “kerchunking” the repeater where the repeater will give you a tone or carrier back after unkeying. If you hear the repeater when you unkey, you’ll know you’re making it.
I got some BaoFengs, studied the past few months online, and cannot take test here in NY right now. I mastered programming the handhelds. I tried contacting on a GMRS channel, but there's nobody on them! Figures.
@@jay-rus4437 That's cool. So far not much action on the local repeaters, and the two or so I have heard some on, it's just an hour or two of guys prattling on about some local HAM guy who passed away a few months ago or whatever. It's not any channels that anybody can really break in and talk on. I wish there more "open" channels here in NY. I have no interest so far in what a majority of repeater people are discussing. Then there are a couple of LA CA repeaters that have the same guys on them all day long weekdays, and it's not even about radio stuff, just mundane boring bullshit. I hope that's not all HAM really is! I mean, I can go to my local Dunkins and hear mundane, boring bullshit in person.
Scott Briggs ...same in the Tulsa area. I have been listening in and it is extremely slow. When there is someone on its like listening to an old party line conversation between two farmers. Ive mainly been just listening to international airport tower frequencies. Other than that, waiting on my call sign, and also for my wife and son to take their exam later this month. Will probably just set up a base station at the house and a mobile in each truck.
Hey, just took the test and received my license this week. Check out aarl.org for information on the licensing process. It’s a couple of hoops to jump through but is is an interesting process. I used hamexam for study material and practice tests.
why should people like a video before they have even seen it. 0:05 I dont get that logic? shouldnt it be the quality of the content that decides peoples feedback?
@@K0LWC Hi. Thank you. Please see below: I have a Yaesu FT-65. I have looked up my local repeaters and can't connect to any of them. The repeater I am trying to hit in my area is listed as 147.180 + Offset Tone of162.2, it is about 3 miles away. My Handheld settings: CTCSS: 162.2 (as listed on the repeater info) Repeater: ARS is On, +Rep, 0.600 MHz Narrowband is active (tried both wide and narrow) TX Power: 5w I was able to talk to someone last night hitting the 147.180 repeater, but my Repeater settings on the FT-65 was set at Simplex instead +Rep. One nice person on the other end could hear me, but no one else could on the Net. He mentioned to changed the setting to +Rep, then no one could hear me, not even that one contact that was able to when it was in Simplex. I've tried other repeaters and still nothing. I don't what is going on. But the ARC is having a meeting next week and I will go an see then. But maybe you have an idea? Thanks again.
I have an old ham radio I know nothing about hams and don't have a clue as to where and how to start to learn. This video is no help to me. It's like listening to another language. It is called ham radio basics but it doesn't help a real beginner.
@@K0LWC Yeah, I know, and no harm intended obviously. I probably just take my likes and dislikes too seriously. Take it easy and thanks for keeping VHF/UHF alive!
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That is by far the best demonstration of a successul first repeater contact I have ever seen.
Thank you! 😊
Thanks for making this video. I will be taking my test in two weeks and am trying to understand some of the moving parts that make ham radio so useful. How to use a repeater is obviously one important component. Even thought these ideas are points of study on the test, it sure is nice to see how it is applied in real life. Thanks again,you helped me a bunch.
Good luck on your exam!
Thanks for the helpful info! I’m day 2 studying for technician and plan to go further (in time). My uncle is a Amateur extra ham(KC2OGR) always had a fascination with it so I’m now jumping in! Thanks for the video!
Best of luck, Adam! It’s a great hobby.
This is great advice for people just getting started that may be a little reluctant to get going. Thanks!
Thanks, Chris!
just taking the course, I am an Emergency Manager and looking forward to learning, thank you!
Thanks for commenting, Joe. Best of luck on getting your license!
Great advice and demonstration Matt. Thanks. I got my Technician ticket on 4/4 and just upgraded to General on 4/27 and I am still new enough to VHF to be nervous. I do all of my programming through software so all of the offsets and tones are set automatically. That has been a big help. Thanks again for the advice. It has been a confidence builder.
Thanks Matt! This was very helpful, both for the technical info and also for reminding me that ham operators are most likely to be helpful rather than judgmental.
Nicholas N1KOP out of Portland, ME
Ignore the trolls, Nicholas. Don't be afraid, just get on the air! :)
Awesome video I just got my first contact! Thx to you
I live in Colorado Springs. Just passed my Technician exam! Can't wait to start this hobby! Scott (KF0DRW)
Great Video! This is the basic explanation everyone needs! Keep up the awesome work!
Thanks for watching, Stephen.
Thanks for the tip @graywould. I am very new and this is good information.
Glad it was helpful!
About to take my test here in Castle Rock, thanks for the info
Great job on the video Matt! You're a natural. Looking forward to many more! Mark K8KZ
Thanks, Mark! I appreciate the kind words. 73!
Thank you for such a simple demonstration on practice. : )
Just found you, retired and just getting back into Ham Radio. NOVBD in Arizona now.
Welcome back to the hobby, Gary!
Great advice. We need Elmers'!
Without giving too much info: I am in Northeast Colorado by the big plains counties and will test end of this month for Tech. and will attempt General as well (looking to focus in on HF DXing). Pleasant surprise to come across a video w/ppl from Brighton and Castle Rock.
Down here in COS thinking about getting into HAM radio. I'm digging your channel man. Learning a bunch! Keep churning the vids out. Thanks.
Thanks for watching man, be sure to subscribe!
I scheduled my technician exam in March, got cancelled because of lockdown, scheduled one in April, cancelled. It's now may, I have one scheduled late number, hopefully I'll be able to take my technician, pass and take my general the same day!
Listen regularly to my local repeaters, even have some netlogger contact with them,I just can't push that one button!
I took mine last week. www.hamstudy.org . It was only $5 and took place all online via zoom!
They are always booked when I've checked. I've made friends in a local meet through netlogger, one is a VE and keeping me updated. May even take general the same day.
@@rayh592 I must have got lucky. I guess you gotta keep checking every day around the time they post them.
You have a new subscriber.
Thanks for a great video, and positive input.
God Bless you and yours.
Welcome aboard!
So I tried the “monitoring” statement as suggested by you any many others. I guess I keep finding the jerks on Ham. I get back not a “hello” or call sign the response I get is “monitoring for what”!
Good job! Thanks, Matt.
Great video!! Just got my license 2 days ago and still haven’t made a call yet. But getting learned up to do that now. Lol.
KJ7KPF out!
Don't be afraid! Key 'er up!
Did you make your first contact yet? How'd it go?
Taking my technician exam on march 31st!
Thanks for showing me this I probably wouldn't have known about the PL thing. I thought it was as simple as tuning into the repeater. I'll have I'll watch this again in a few weeks.
I love my CBs but people on HAM seem a lot more civilized lol. On CB nobody talks to me in this area so I have to rely on DXing and skipping.
Maybe I'll talk to you on air some day
BIG RED
73S
Really good video. Thank you!
Thanks, nice quick, helpful video.
Working to get my license, thanks for this video, very helpful. I am down in CO Springs, hope to chat with you some day. Thanks Matt.
I guess handled radios have a PL function to input? I'm waiting to "appear on the FCC database" at the moment, haven't bought an HT yet.
Good information, however you refer a number of times to the CTCSS (aka PL) tone as a carrier, which it isn't. It's a low frequency audio tone added to your signal.
Glad I'm not the only nervous one. For me, the jitters dissapear as soon as I hit PTT.
Useful! Thanks mate
Very confusing on the Repeater Offset and Transmit portion. The repeater in my area, Arlington, VA, only shows "RX: 146.62500" and "TX: 146.02500" and the "Downlink Tone: 107.2 " and "Uplink Tone: 107.2". Cannot connect to the repeater.
So it has a negative offset and you need a 107.2 PL tone on both encode and decode.
5:30 It's like a key with a lock, but it's like the most simple lock in the world, since you're literally broadcasting the key to anyone listening and able to decode it. 😆
Are there any VHF/UHF frequencies that you can't get on as a technician? Thanks
Technicians have privileges on any of the 17 frequency bands above 50Mhz without restriction.
Nice job. But... 4:26: six HUNDRED kiloHertz, not six kiloHertz :-) Before that, though, you didn't explain WHY there is an offset in the first place. It might be blatantly obvious to experienced users or engineering types, but it isn't necessarily so to newbies.
The reason is simply this: if the repeater transmitted on the same frequency as it listened to, it would hear itself talking and retransmit its own original output, swamping the incoming signal, and resulting in an awful, unstoppable howl.
The choice of offset direction is a function of the overall "band plan", which allocates different areas of the band for different purposes. Here in Minnesota almost all of the repeaters with output frequencies in the low end - 145.11MHz to 146.985MHz use negative offset while almost all of them in the higher group - 147.0MHz to 147.39MHz use positive offset. To be more precise, check this out... www.smeter.net/slc/stations/vhf-amateur-repeater-input-offsets.php for more information.
The "PL" stand for "Private Line", which is a trade mark feature of Motorola phones. In the broader sense it is a feature of "Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System ("CTCSS"), which Wikipedia describes well, so I won't. I suspect the term "PL" is still used over "CTCSS" is simply because there are less letters :-) The tones are in Hz, and are at the bottom of the audible range so as not to interfere with speech.
Note that some repeaters have CTCSS tones for the output as well as the input. That's so that your radio can ignore anything on the output frequency that is NOT the repeater.
Note: the published frequency of a repeater is always the output frequency. Note, too, that modern VHF transceivers handle the offset for you by means of an offset control. Those devices with memory remember everything for you, including CTCSS tones.
I would encourage newcomers to look at repeaterbook.com, where they can find detailed lists of repeaters per state. Newcomers will also note that different bands have different offsets: 1.25Meters uses 1.6MHz offsets, and 780cms uses 5MHz.
Lastly, a point of etiquette: it's a bit presumptuous to ask people to "Like" your videos, especially before they've listened to them :-)
The graphic shows MHz and you say kHZ
This is something everyone should learn how to do in case shit hits the fan. It could be the only way to communicate.
True indeed!
I figure the way the world is going that now would be a good time for my first radio; a handheld unit. I'll get my license shortly.
Hello sir how do I use my baofeng radio to call other countries. Like using Allstars or echolink. Can I program my boafen to dothat without using a computer
Thanks very helpful
Are you able to monitor on a repeater if I don't have a call sign yet?
Yes, you just can’t transmit.
New here.. new subscriber. Very 1st ham radio - handheld baofeng (uv-9r offshoot, it's actually a uv-98pro) I'm sure I could look all this up on google, but do I need to get licensed or certified before I can attempt to make my first contact with a local repeater? Follow-up questions.. what is a ticket, and how do I know what my call sign is? What type of trouble can I make for myself transmitting before I fully know what I'm doing? I'm really hoping these aren't ridiculous questions, and that someone could take a minute to reply. Thank you in advance!
Yes. You can listen all you want but must have your amateur radio license before you can transmit.
Ticket = slang for amateur radio license
Your callsign gets issued to you by the FCC after you pass your written examination. Find an examination session near you, or take it online. Google can help with this for you.
Transmitting without a callsign is illegal and won’t be taken too kindly - and could get you fined.
@@K0LWC Great info, and understood. Thank you, sir.
It would really be nice if you explained exactly how to do the offset. I truly am starting to think that HAM is dead, My local repeater is crickets, no one returns my cq. Kinda sad how so many people across the country can pass the test but not use a radio.
Are you hearing the repeater kickback after you unkey?
Is that repeater the only one you can get in to? Some repeaters are indeed dead, others are clicky where people listening will only talk to certain people they know, while others are more oriented for public service. All depends on your local area.
Just got my tech. Finally figured out how to manually config the wouxun kg-uv6d and save freq’s by name. Whoof! Going to cycle through a few local repeaters tonight and try and make first contact! Just getting the kerchunk was a relief!
I’m studying for my exam now and plan to take the exam in castle rock. Hope to contact you when I’m licensed.
Just starting to get into amateur radio and have some questions. So with repeaters, their purpose is to increase the TX and RX distance of your radio and allow you to overcome obstacles? So say that you wanted to talk to a friend in Vail, CO, is your conversation going to be on 146.670 and 146.070 Mhz? Doesn't he likely need to use a repeater, as well? And if so, what if his local repeater is a different frequency? Lastly, if you are using a repeater and conversing, aren't you preventing others from using the repeater?
Great questions, Don.
Yes, a repeater is built around the idea of using line of sight to a much higher antenna location (the repeater) to increase the coverage area/range over which you can use your radio.
If I’m using a repeater to talk to a friend in Vail we’re both transmitting on 146.070. Our audio will be “repeated” and broadcast on the output frequency (146.670), but anyone within direct radio range (simplex range) of either of us will hear one side of the conversation on 146.070. And yes, we’d both need to be using the same repeater otherwise we couldn’t hear one another.
There is in exception to needing to be on the same repeater. We have what are called “linked repeaters” meaning they repeaters are in different geographic regions and using different frequencies but are tied together. This is usually accomplished using microwave transmitters or through the Internet. In the case of many repeaters all linked together we could be on different repeater frequencies, but within the same repeater linked system.
Yes, using a repeater is a first-come, first-serve unless someone has an emergency, that always has priority. However, when chatting about various topics it’s not uncommon to have stations you don’t know pop into your conversation with their own comments. Think of it like a verbal Internet chat room.
Repeaters today are generally not very busy so “tying” up a repeater really isn’t an issue.
@@K0LWC - Thanks for clarifying. As I get more into ham, I am sure it will be very straightforward.
Informative video. Thanks
Thank you for watching!
Morning sir!
Any tips for someone very interested in obtaining their license as soon as possible, books or websites to use.
Look forward to hearing back and getting on the air.
Kyle
Golden, CO.
Ham Test Online is fantastic. Highly recommend it.
Ham Test Prep - on Google Play. its free, covers all the tests and is updated regularly. I don't know if there is an apple version.
What if the Tone for the repeater has two values? A repeater in Evergreen CO says 103.5/127.3, in/out. I have the Baofeng UV-5R and it looks like you can only input one.
The input (T-CTCS) is 103.5
The output (R-CTCS) is 127.3
If I’m not mistaken I believe this is what your repeater is set up for
I just got my first radio. I'm pretty experienced using my marine vhf but this is so much more complicated. I'm so lost. No clue what I'm doing. Not going to transmit until I feel more confident. For instance. How do you get a call sign? Do you have to get an FCC license to be able to transmit on open frequencies?
Yes. You need to get your FCC amateur radio license.
Thanks for the video! Once you make contact and your signing off(leaving the conversation) what do you say?
Your callsign is the only required thing. Most hams also say “73” which means best wishes
HAM radio wasn't too difficult to figure out. After watching some videos and doing some reading, it took me all of one day to set up my radio, and make contact on a local repeater. Granted I have some background in IT so understanding electrical components and frequencies was a bit easier. Truthfully I am not yet licensed, and I have only made contact through radio check, and used a fake callsign. I know that's not great but I was super eager to see if my equipment was set up correctly.
I'm very excited to get my license and will be taking the test next Tuesday. Looking forward to making my first legal contact lol, I hope I'm not incriminating myself.
Welcome to the hobby, sort of!
I just ordered my first ham radio, a Baoseng BF-F8HP, it is on its way in the mail. I also ordered a study guide for the technician class license, No Nonsense Technician Class Study Guide by KB6NU. this will be my first time doing anything with ham. I have used sw radios before, though. I am excited but the basic circuitry and some of the math is daunting to try to have to memorize. Any advice for studying for the license?
Ham Test Online is the best study service out there, it works - I used it personally.
Just got my gmrs license and curious what you recommend or tips for starting out. I’ve got a baofeng UV5R radio
Kinda late but baofeng makes a dedicated GMRS handheld. It is unlawful to use a ham radio like the UV5R for communications on other services. Nobody will ever find out, but I thought you should know.
I just got my technician's license 2 days ago
Conrgats, Ron!!!!!
Good stuff.
Glad you found it helpful.
Very new to HAM here. Thanks for the video. I'm in Utah and want to contact family members in Nevada, North Dakota and North Carolina. Would I have to contact a local repeater to send a message to their local repeaters? Or would I have to contact their local repeaters directly (which doesn't seem possible given the earth's curvature?). I also only have a 5watt hand radio and will get my license next month when I can take the test.
Many ways to go about it. You could use HF (1 MHz - 28 MHz) frequencies to contact them, but it would depend on atmospheric conditions as to whether you could make contact. This involves a General class license, expensive radios and large antennas outside.
Using a handheld you could just use it with a hotspot in your house. Think of a hot spot as a miniature repeater liked you’d find on a big radio tower. Your digital handheld radio talks to your hotspot. The hotspot sends it over the Internet, and it comes out on the other end via a repeater or hotspot that you’re family is using.
Look into DMR and the Brandmeister network. If will allow you to talk around the world with just a handheld radio with the help of the Internet.
@@K0LWC Thank you for your help. Is there any way to contact out-of-state via analog transmission only on UHF or VHF? I've got a Baofeng UV-5R and a Yaesu FT-60...or am I trying to play in the major leagues with little league equipment? lol. The purpose behind this is if Internet and cell phones go down we have an alternative method to communicate, an "old-fashioned" analog way.
The only way that’s possible is using the Internet as a “backbone.” To accomplish it without relying on other networks you would need to step up to HF radio equipment. Check out EchoLink. If there are repeaters in each area that are EchoLink enabled you could do it, but again, you’re relying on the Internet to make it work.
@@K0LWC Thanks this helps tremendously.
I have a question. Is it possible to broadcast with encryption PRIVATELY since the police are allowed to do it?
No. All ham radio transmissions must remain unencrypted per FCC regulations.
Hi, a very new newbie here(like just started studying yesterday). I’m using online study materials and trying to understand repeater offsets. From my materials, I understood repeater offsets on a 2 meter band is +/- 600 kHz. I noticed you said 6khz? Is there something I’m not quite getting? Thanks in advance
Nope, you got it. It's 600kHz, I misspoke.
TraceurDoc1, yup! Very observant for a newbie! You have it right, KL0WC misspoke. Six hundred KC = .6 Megahertz. Congrats! In fairness, the .6 Megahertz was on the video.
Great Video. Tod was awesome lol.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Do you have to have a call sign to access a repeater?
Yes. You need a callsign to transmit on any amateur radio frequency. Whether you're using a repeater or not.
So, the frequency listed is the frequency the repeater is listening on and the offset is the frequency that the repeater transmits on?
The opposite. The listed frequency is the output frequency (the one you listen to to hear activity.) The input is usually designated by a + or - next to the frequency and it’s almost always -5 kHz either up (+) or down (-) from the output. The input is the one you transmit on when keying your radio.
Example :
146.8200- 107.2hz
146.8200 is the output.
146.3200 is the input
107.2 is the PL/CTCSS tone that the repeater needs to be access. You’ll program this within your radio.
@@K0LWC great thanks. I ordered a handheld and I'm trying to learn as much as I can so I can take the test. (I won't transmit until then)
I have a question: when you program a handheld with CHIRP, and add most of the local repeaters and such to the radio, and upload, does it set up the transmit/CTSS/Sidetone info.
as well, automatically, or do you have to check any repeater or channel you want to transmit on, individually, before you ever attempt to transmit? And what if you cannot find
the complete info. online for a particular local repeater?
I can't help there cause I don't use CHIRP. Every repeater should have information published online, even if it's private, for coordination purposes. It's rare to have a repeater active and you can't get the information you need for programming.
@@K0LWC Thanks. I ended up having no issues with CHIRP, it does have the offset and all other info. automatically added when you program the radio with it. I tested it with local repeaters, and was able to send and receive, and the range was at least 25 miles in one case. So that's good.
How do you remember the call signs so fast?
yeah. today's my first day. not easy to catch that. lol
How do I sound like an operation on radio?
I have pair of motorolla cp200 . I have set and programmed a repeater close by to me. The radio has 2 side buttoms below the PTT buttom on the same side. When i prss one of the bottom side monitor buttom , i can hear conversation non stop but when i let go i dont hear anything, however . Im able to talk to my second radio couple milles away with the repeater and the comunication is good but again i dont hear people talking on the radios unless im pressing the side bottom monitor button on the side. Why is that do you know . I mean is great because i dont hear other people talk but why is it that only when i press the side buttom i star hearing people talking. ..? Do they have like a different TPL tone or how are they not cross crossing conversation on my cp200 . When i speak to my other radio using the receiver i get good contact but i dont have to hear people talking when im not using radio
Yes, sounds like you have your radios not programmed for the PL Tone on the output. Some repeaters need to gave a tone programmed for decode. Check the info on that repeater and adjust your programming on your radios, if needed.
@@K0LWC well im able to hear them talk but only when i press the side monitor botton but when i let go then i dont hear them but i see the light blinking that im receiving so i press the buttom and i can hear them. But im also able to talk with another radio i have because i have 2 so i programmed them to the repeater and im able to talk from one radio to another but i just dont hear people on my radios talking unless i press the side monitor botton .so as u said i will check the TPL code but i think is the same as input and output.
What was the N0 something something you said before your callsign?
N0JJK is the call sign of the other station. When answering another station it’s common to say their call sign first, then your callsign.
@@K0LWC ok thanks.
Would you call CQ on a 2m/70cm repeater like you normally would on a HF DX?
No. Just say your call sign and that you’re monitoring. For example... “K0LWC monitoring.”
question: just did a personality test and im an 87% introvert. i disagree with the test, i think it should be higher haha. i dont like to talk but i want to be involved in the HAM community. what can i do? -KD4WTF
Work FT8 and you’ll be set for life - but everybody will judge you for it. 😂 PS - I’m a massive introvert.
What is that devise on top of a mobile radio behind the hand mic ?
The box you see is an antenna tuner, the radio face on top is a Kenwood D710G. It has a detachable face that allows you to mount it away from the body of the radio.
I am a new subscriber! I appreciate your videos!! I have a baofeng uv 5r and have been trying to make contacts and no one can hear me on the repeaters. I was able to make contact on the national simplex channel after arranging with another ham to call him. I tried checking in on a net tonight and I was never heard. I have been calling on all the repeaters and no one ever answers back. Do you think it is because the radio is so small and only 5 watts?
Are you able to "key up" the repeater and hear it kerchunk back after you let go of the PTT button? It sounds like you need to set up your radio for repeater operation, meaning input/output frequencies and a PL tone if your local repeater needs one.
@@K0LWC Yes I can kerchunk. But either there really are no listeners out there or my voice is not making it for some reason. In the past I have been heard and answered. I just cannot figure out what has happened. Thanks for your reply. I am going to go through the settings and be sure something did not get accidentally changed. Oh, and I just got a new mobile yaesu radio for Christmas, which I will be using as a base station. Love your channel!!
@@cindylong2782 did you ever get it figured out?
@@InHellDeep Yes! Everything is fine. I mainly use my Yaesu mobile as my home base station, but I do like to take the baofeng out and about. Thanks for asking!
New ham here in southeast Colorado KF0OMB
I'm in Chicago and all repeaters are desolate here :(
When I was in Chicago I heard way more activity on 146.52 than any repeater. Which is crazy because some of those machines are awesome given where they’re located downtown.
hi,im 9w2hdk,tq for this video
Can you use a repeater to extend the range to another handheld ?
Yes. Repeaters can allow two handheld radios to talk to each other 10-20-30-40 miles apart.
K0LWC thanks, my brother recently got his license and 2 boafeng radios he wanted to see the range and all I hear from him is static or nothing but I can hear people talk on the repeater? Does that sound like a human error on my part?
Yes. Sounds like you need to check your programming for the repeater. Make sure both radios can access the repeater and are programmed identically. Check the input, output frequencies and make sure you’re using a CTCSS PL tone if the repeater requires it.
You’ll know if you’re making the by keying up and “kerchunking” the repeater where the repeater will give you a tone or carrier back after unkeying. If you hear the repeater when you unkey, you’ll know you’re making it.
Ok now im really confused...my radio doesnt say plus or minus anything.
Sounds like you don’t have your tone function turned on then.
Ready to take my exam, but in a holding pattern due to covid-19
That sucks. Hopefully you’ll be able to take it soon. I’ve heard of virtual testing happening.
I got some BaoFengs, studied the past few months online, and cannot take test here in NY right now. I mastered programming the handhelds. I tried contacting on
a GMRS channel, but there's nobody on them! Figures.
K0LWC .....was able to take the exam a week ago Saturday. Passed and now waiting on call sign
Installed a new IC-2730a in the truck
@@jay-rus4437 That's cool. So far not much action on the local repeaters, and the two or so I have heard some on, it's just an hour or two of guys prattling on about some local HAM guy who passed away a few months ago or whatever. It's not any channels that anybody can really break in and talk on. I wish there more "open" channels here in NY. I have no interest so far in what a majority of repeater people are discussing. Then there are a couple of LA CA repeaters that have the same guys on them all day long weekdays, and it's not even about radio stuff, just mundane boring bullshit. I hope that's not all HAM
really is! I mean, I can go to my local
Dunkins and hear mundane, boring
bullshit in person.
Scott Briggs ...same in the Tulsa area. I have been listening in and it is extremely slow. When there is someone on its like listening to an old party line conversation between two farmers. Ive mainly been just listening to international airport tower frequencies. Other than that, waiting on my call sign, and also for my wife and son to take their exam later this month. Will probably just set up a base station at the house and a mobile in each truck.
Forward Repeater and Reverse Repeater.
👍👍👍
What is a call sign?
A series of letters and a number (K0LWC) issued to you by the Federal government.
@@K0LWC Oh that's interesting. Do you have to go through some process to get one?
You need to take a written exam to become licensed .
Hey, just took the test and received my license this week. Check out aarl.org for information on the licensing process. It’s a couple of hoops to jump through but is is an interesting process. I used hamexam for study material and practice tests.
I am so confused!
How do?
A
why should people like a video before they have even seen it. 0:05 I dont get that logic?
shouldnt it be the quality of the content that decides peoples feedback?
Wow, this explained nothing for a newbie. Wish you would go step-by-step and explain in very detailed information.
What do you need help with?
@@K0LWC Hi. Thank you. Please see below:
I have a Yaesu FT-65. I have looked up my local repeaters and can't connect to any of them.
The repeater I am trying to hit in my area is listed as 147.180 + Offset Tone of162.2, it is about 3 miles away.
My Handheld settings:
CTCSS: 162.2 (as listed on the repeater info)
Repeater: ARS is On, +Rep, 0.600 MHz
Narrowband is active (tried both wide and narrow)
TX Power: 5w
I was able to talk to someone last night hitting the 147.180 repeater, but my Repeater settings on the FT-65 was set at Simplex instead +Rep. One nice person on the other end could hear me, but no one else could on the Net. He mentioned to changed the setting to +Rep, then no one could hear me, not even that one contact that was able to when it was in Simplex.
I've tried other repeaters and still nothing. I don't what is going on. But the ARC is having a meeting next week and I will go an see then. But maybe you have an idea?
Thanks again.
I have an old ham radio I know nothing about hams and don't have a clue as to where and how to start to learn. This video is no help to me. It's like listening to another language. It is called ham radio basics but it doesn't help a real beginner.
Rule #1... Look and act as nerdy as possible.
Dude, no one wants to like a video prior to watching it. That would be like tipping in a restaurant before service is provided.
It helps the creator immensely. 😊
@@K0LWC Yeah, I know, and no harm intended obviously. I probably just take my likes and dislikes too seriously. Take it easy and thanks for keeping VHF/UHF alive!
@@Dawnseeker2000 Same guy here, but I would like very much to like this video 😊
first thin to do is shut the fuck up and listen! WV8EZ
Yeah I really don’t want to talk to anyone. It’s just a waste of my time. If i say i’m listening/monitoring I’m not asking for a conversation.
Then why did you get licensed?