Ham Radio Beginner - Bands & Frequencies | Zoe Wilson
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ย. 2024
- In my new interest in ham radio (amateur radio) I have been focusing more on bands and subsequently frequencies. It is my hope to get a thorough understanding on the radio spectrum before I start looking at my station setup and its capabilities. Where do hams hang out on the radio and where can one communicate SSB vs CW?...well that's what I am learning about and touch briefly on in this little video. As per my previous video I am completely new to the entire spectrum so all advice/ corrections/ etc much welcome! :) Thanks!
I’ve been at this for a couple years and my good friend (my Elmer ) gave me a great piece of advice. Study the test guide for Technician and General...take the tests...you will learn everything else afterward. Tech gives you local radio with a repeater(2meter) and general let’s you get your feet wet in DX (long range). Welcome to the community! Glad to have you aboard! 73!
Definitely study for the Tech and general at the same time. Reach out to your local HAM club, it's a great community and they love new voices. Also with reaching out locally, you can get hands on equipment just so you can see with your own eyes of what works and doesn't work. Keep up the videos! People will find this and want to know your experience! 73
I agree
100% agree There's so much to learn. Get your "ticket" and learn the part of the hobby that most interests you OJT style.
And in case no one mentioned it, find a local club! You'll have all the first hand in person help you could ever want.
Good luck and enjoy the journey. 73!
Thank you so much for the info and written so user friendly for a newbie like me :) I've heard a couple other recommend studying for the general as well...I never really knew that's how it broke down in terms of DXing in Tech vs General so great info!
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement! :)
I started out many years ago when code was still a requirement. I remember how nervous I was, and when the test started I totally blanked out! Suddenly the letters and then words started coming. I also passed the written test and in a couple of weeks I had my novice license.What a proud day! I wish you many years of enjoyment! W2EAF
Good to see you getting started. There is tons of info on ham radio here on TH-cam. Glad to see you getting involved :)
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement and agreed! Lots of great material here on youtube!
Don’t get overwhelmed , I’ve been a licensed operator for 8 years and I’m just now ready to take my general exam . Everyone has an opinion , my advise is get your feet wet on 10 meter and your local 2 meter/70 cm repeaters . I’ve enjoyed that for years . Best of luck to you 👍
exactly been a tech since 1990 been on 440 2meters and 10 meters was going to get the general however 2 stroke killed that idea but I ejoy the hobby ech-link i have talked to many countries etc it is a great hobby
Good stuff, welcome to the hobby and to youtube. Tons of ham radio content here and we need tons more!
Thank you so much! Looking forward to getting into it 🙂
Welcome. I've been a General class since 1999. I was inactive for a while but now getting into QRP on 20 meters.
Had my ticket 5 years now and this video was a great refresher. Awesome!
Oh wow - glad you liked it....must mean I am heading in somewhat of a right direction! :)
You can operate CW on any frequency. Those ranges that are marked as CW are for CW exclusively. But it's totally fine to operate CW on phone bands as well.
Great info - thanks!
Good work! You’re definitely on your way!
Being a "new ham" since last year I can confirm it gets more fascinating once you get on the air, keep going! 73
I have No idea what I’m doing day 1 So searching for information so I’ve subscribed
Haha you and I both! I still have so much to learn!
(1) Use HamStudy.org, both the app and the website. Most of the tests are built the exact same way and it gives you several ways to study. (2) Don’t take your test until you can repeatedly pass the practice tests with at least an 80 or better. (3) Tech can only operate on certain portions of the bands, so be careful which section you’re in so you don’t exceed your privileges. (4) Absolutely find yourself a local club and get an Elmer (someone who has been doing it for awhile and knows the hobby). They are usually a wealth of knowledge and can help you work through most equipment issues. (5) Feel free to contact me directly if you need an Elmer from another part of the country (I’m on East Coast now) or someone to chat with when you get your license (5) Most importantly, no matter what else you do, WHEN you get your license make sure you’re having fun while learning and experimenting....if you’re not then what’s the use right? Have fun and feel free to reach out if you need anything, and good luck!
I just starting out also. This definitely helped, thank you
Same ... im brand new to this all to but love the subject and ppl x
Glad it was of some help...I'm still learning so much!
Yeah, everyone is so friendly so far!
Welcome to the hobby, Zoe, it's a world of fun with a lifetime worth of avenues to explore. Sounds like you're off to a great start. There are many great TH-cam channels on ham radio stuff with videos on just about anything you can imagine. TH-cam is very much becoming the new Elmer, but it definitely helps to have a resource to reach out to with questions. I'd encourage you to reach out to me, or any of the other ham TH-camrs with any questions you may have. Next Monday night, the group of TH-cam hams will be putting out videos all geared toward stuff you can do with a technician class license. Steve from "Temporarily Offline" hosts the playlist, so watch for it there. We look forward to see more of your exploration of the hobby! Keep the videos coming.
Great video! I have my Amateur Extra license but as with most of the other comments have also implied…. Your learning will continuously grow … !! So, with that said, I opted to rush through my testing (my grandpa was a Ham for 50 years… and recently passed… so I wanted to be able to tell him “grandpa! I did it!!!”). But great video!!
Its weird. When I was studying to upgrade to general, I was overwhelmed with all the info and math, and calculations, but after a while it started "clicking". Keep at it and have fun!
Hi Zoe.Very glad to see young people getting into ham radio.It is a wonderful hobby and I hate to see it die because of no interest from young people.We old timers will not be around forever and we do not want to see this great hobby die.I got my first ticket 59 years ago and the hobby has continued to evolve with many new activities.I enjoy cow very much and hope you give it a try..Also do a lot of QRP work and cw mode is great for for using low power.Hope to hear you on the bands someday. Ron NB3W
I'm also studying on my own. Writing the exam on Saturday. No time like the present to jump right in when you have this much time available.
Good morning, Zoe, and welcome to the greatest hobby on earth!
I am essentially on the same track (and frequency!) as you, but maybe a few miles ahead and so think I could help to simplify and accelerate your journey a bit.
One tip:
When you apply for your license, if at all possible, don’t use your home address, but instead get a Post Office Box for all ham related literature, including QSL cards, which as may know, are exchanged by many hams to confirm their contacts.
Why?
Because if you apply using your home address it will appear all over the Web and whenever your call letters show up anywhere. This may be no big deal, but it means anyone can (and believe me, sooner or later someone will) show up uninvited at your door. And who needs that.
Here are some links that I believe will help you a great deal. Take a look as time permits and see what you think.
I don’t want to inundate you with things you’ve already seen before or overload you, so these links are meant to be looked at gradually and when you have a bit of time to spare.
Good luck...and, again, welcome to the greatest hobby of them all. A world of fun awaits you!
Dah-di-dah
Best...73!
Bill
Chicago
Technician Ham Radio License
th-cam.com/play/PL07A7D1C9D7BF7F48.html
Technician Ham Radio License
David Casler
Videos in the Technician Ham Radio License series
th-cam.com/play/PL07A7D1C9D7BF7F48.html
Stay at Home Special: Requirements for Technician Reference Station Home...
th-cam.com/video/scUXyWdzvTg/w-d-xo.html
Dave Casler’s TH-cam Channel
th-cam.com/users/DavidCasler
Getting My Ham Radio License // Becky Stern
th-cam.com/video/ee_SkP-INsQ/w-d-xo.html
Urban Rooftop Ham Radio Antenna // Becky Stern
th-cam.com/video/d4XHZVjCBzM/w-d-xo.html
Doctor Beth is kind of ‘out there‘ and maybe a bit eccentric, but she’s smart, savvy, and always encouraging. I like her...
How I passed the Amateur Radio Extra Class Test the first time
th-cam.com/video/Q6ODhozooHo/w-d-xo.html
Dr. Beth the Turtle Woman (TH-cam Channel)
th-cam.com/users/bmillig
Five Easy Steps to Get Your Ham Radio License - Ham Radio Q&A
th-cam.com/video/9mcVLxQUSak/w-d-xo.html
Ham Radio Prep Student Review - Ryan
th-cam.com/video/AQgAH0zcyTw/w-d-xo.html
Free Online Training for Exams
hamstudy.org/
Ham Radio Prep...
inexpensive online exam preparation
hamradioprep.com/
Ham Test Online...relatively inexpensive exam resting
www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/which-exam.htm
Gary is an extremely knowledgeable and generous ham and instructor who, with his colleague, Dave Ivey, puts together and delivers Tech, General, and Extra licensing classes. All courses are free and appear both on-line live and also on TH-cam, allowing you to watch when convenient for your schedule, as well as to review as often as necessary. I’ve included the Tech sessions below...
Gary Wise ~ W4EEY: Technician Class 2020
th-cam.com/play/PLZ_9BZQ8gpzhaGSV3CmTjNkPWFCDMe0xJ.html
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Someday when I win the lottery, here’s where you’ll find me...
Baby Beach Lahaina
th-cam.com/video/ekgNRVljDUY/w-d-xo.html
And this is what I’ll be singing...
tinyurl.com/jkxayd4
Bill thank you so much for all of this information! Incredibly useful and I will surely go through it. How is your studying going? Have you setup a station yet or waiting to get your license?
@@nobion1
Glad you received my note, Zoe, especially insofar as you are now being flooded by a plethora of excellent and very useful information...so thank you for taking the time to reply.
I am just wrapping up the Extra Class delivered by Gary Wise and Dave Ivey...they are very experienced, patient, and kind souls. As mentioned, they also do a Technician Class (I hope I sent the link), and I think you should take a quick look to see if you are comfortable with their style.
I became interested in Ham radio years ago, probably because a neighbor introduced me to Amateur radio and CB and I thought it was all very cool. About 5 years ago I took a course here at my library that was offered by a local Amateur Radio Club (I recommend you connect with several Ham Clubs in your area and see if one matches your personality. They’re all different and as it turns out, though they have much in common, each has a very distinct personality or “vibe” of its own.
I ended up passing the Tech/General exams...which had nothing at all to do with my being brainy in any way, but it was the objective our instructors had set and so my classmates and I thought that was what everyone did. Ha!
One secret approach I can share...and I see others have told you this, too...is that if you read the ARRL License Manual and complete lots of online sample tests (more is better!), you’ll pass the test even if, like me, you really don’t totally understand all the theory, not well enough to teach it to someone else, anyway.
So, don’t panic or try to understand it all completely...nobody really does when they get started; it’s a mental hurdle that stops many beginners, but one you just have to leap over in order to move ahead. It’s pretty tough when first confronted with so much information, sought of like ‘trying to take a sip from a fire hose’!
One tip...
There are books, like the ones Craig “Buck” has written, that include every question that can possibly appear on your exam, the so-called “Question Pool,” A N D...the correct answer for each one. If you read it a little each day, along with the License Manual, and take the sample tests on-line, you will be confident and, surprisingly remember those correct answers when you see them on your test. Whereas, if you follow the more traditional (ARRL) protocol, you will not only see the correct answers, but 3 incorrect ones as well. And believe me, that can be both time consuming and confusing.
This approach...viewing just the correct answers, works beautifully for some people...like yours truly, but others, like Dr. Beth, just can’t make it work for them at all. See what you think. And I guess it worked because I passed my exams with flying colors, which, as many have told you, is when the real learning begins.
I love to travel the world, photography is my passion, and I have been swimming and diving my whole life. I’m a water rat! With a degree in English, you know I am a book-hound, too, so I never really got as deeply into ham as I would have liked...until now, that is. I’m really like you and just beginning...again.
I decided to put my other interests aside temporarily...this darn pandemic certainly helped us all to put lots of things on hold, and pursue the Extra Class license...using that “secret approach” I mentioned and recommended above. But with over 700 questions in the “Extra Pool” and the material far more challenging than the Tech/General material, that approach requires a lot more study and, for me anyway, doesn’t work as well. I am not certain what I’ll do next, though I do have a few ideas, but one thing for sure, I will not relent!
I would like to speak with you or exchange e-mails, however I am hesitant to post my contact info online (as so should you be), but am thinking I could call one of the sites you mention on FB and leave my info there for you. You might be more experienced using the Web than I am, so if you have another suggestion, please let me know.
If you would like to follow up with me, I think it would be fun. And though many of the “Hams” who have offered you advice are way smarter and more experienced than I, there are still quite a few things I have learned just by being an avid, passionate and highly motivated beginner...who’s just a few miles ahead of you, really.
I certainly don’t want to frighten you in any way, and as a young woman in this crazy world I am sure there are more than a few things you could teach me, but I have learned that the Web is the worst place to post personal information. If you check out Dr. Beth’s video...the link I sent you...she mentions people showing up at her home just out of the blue and scaring the heck out of her. And even if they have the best of intentions, really, who needs that?
As for radios, I have one old receiver (because of their weight hams call them “boat anchors”), which I bought “used” and love (lots more about “used equipment” when we talk) and two scanners.
I went to a local “Hamfest” a few years ago and though I hadn’t planned to buy a radio that day, I ended purchasing a very cool “HT” or Handi-Talkie...really a walk-in-talkie..made by a Japanese company, Kenwood. It operates on three different bands...144 MHz, 220 MHz, and 440 MHz, so it’s called a tribander. I really love this little radio, but these kinds of HTs...a “first rig” for many hams, is one of the things I’d like to talk to you about by e-mail or phone.
Kenwood TH-F6A
www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/thf6a.html
You may want to print off one or both of these frequency allocation posters. If you look at them for a couple of minutes everyday, gradually your ‘ham vocabulary’ expands and things begin to fit together and make a whole lot of sense.
www.arrl.org/graphical-frequency-allocations
www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/default.aspx?Category=352
And finally...
You have mentioned CW or Morse code several times in your videos and I have a great story about my first contact that I’ll tell you about when we talk.
But here are three helpful links for you...
1.) You might enjoy Shannon Morse (Yup, that’s really her name!). Here’s a link to her TH-cam Channel...
th-cam.com/users/ShannonMorse
And here’s a link to one of her videos which I think you might find interesting and even possibly use as the end-piece for one of your videos, like your tidbit about the meaning of code in the Oasis song...
The Last Active Morse Code Station in the US - KPH Radio Station th-cam.com/video/UPTzvciqgJ0/w-d-xo.html
2.) This is the best app for learning Morse Code the right way. Currently available for Android, they expect the iOS version to be released in March...
Morse Code Learn and Play Premium Android App by Limes Development
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.limesdevelopment.morsecode&hl=en_US&gl=US
3.) And here’s a very popular class offered by Melvyn Robinson as part of Gary Wise’s on-line licensing exam classes that I mentioned. I haven’t taken this yet, but it’s Gary’s highest rated program...
th-cam.com/play/PLZ_9BZQ8gpzjDCun2p6HdDDRthbMik5Tj.html
Here’s the course’s reference hand-out...
Melvyn Robinson ~ Morse Code 101 - Simplify your life...
www.dropbox.com/sh/mhnd6i4cnp8bjag/AADrb7-Uyu5iLfc8CKuQvI7ra?dl=0
Hope to speak with you soon, but if we can’t make that happen, I wish you all the luck and fun in the world!
Best...73!
Dah-di-dah
Bill
Chicago
I held a Novice license for 35+ years, but inactive most of that time. Retirement and the pandemic occurred at the same time, so I got the bug again and passed Tech and General over the last four months and will soon take the Extra exam. I found the ARRL license manuals really helpful to learn theory and operations, as well as to prepare for the actual exam questions. ARRL and hamstudy.org have online practice quizzes for each section of the exams. IMHO the licensing processes are the rights of passage, but learning will be continuous through doing and associations with other hams. Oh, and there are lots of TH-cam videos. I'm glad your channel came up on my feed and 73!
Study for your Tech and General at the same time, I wish I had listened to that when I took my tech exam. Listen a lot, then you will pick up on the lingo. With HF it is fun to listen to the different bands at different times of day and see how they are effected by the sun/atmospheric conditions. Soooo many things to do with radio, so many projects. Welcome to the hobby!
You rule! I’m studying for my technician license as well! You are super smart and seem to have a solid grasp on these concepts. Very helpful to hear you talking about this!
I’m stoked for you to get your license too! :)
I can’t confirm this on the internet, but it dawned on me one day that all the “Oh Oh Oh” parts in Katy Perry’s “Roar” is meant to be SOS in Morse code. Given her association with Morse code in the past, it’s fair to say it’s intentional.
Very beautiful & smart. I studied for & passed all 3 levels of licensing within the past 8 months by studying with Ham Radio Prep app on Android. Literally just keep taking the practice tests for each section until you get a 100%, then move to the next lesson. Take notes ONLY FOCUSING ON THE CORRECT ANSWERS. Once you get 100% on all the lessons, you can start taking practice tests for the entire Class, repeat until 100% score. Once you get consistent passing grades & a 100%, you should schedule your exam with supreme confidence. Best of luck, I hope to hear you on the air soon! :)
Ciao Zoe, io sono un Radioamatore dal 1989 con nominativo IW8CKZ , RIGUARDO L'OCCUPAZIONE DI BANDA DA PARTE DEI RADIOAMATORI CON LICENZA, DIPENDE DALLA LEGISLAZIONE VIGENTE NEL PAESE DOVE OPERI PER esempio, in Italia, quando ho preso io la licenza, vi erano due classi di licenza a seconda della patente conseguita: Patente speciale( la mia) ; Patente ordinaria, la prima consentiva di ottenere una licenza speciale e consentiva di operare solo nelle bande VHF e superiori con limite di potenza fissato a 50W , con la patente ordinaria potevi ottenere la licenza ordinaria; e questo consentiva di operare in tutte le bande assegnate ai Radioamatori, dalle HF, alle VHF e UHF con limite di potenza 500 W. Adesso dal 2003 la nuova legislazione ha unificato patenti e licenze e tutti i Radioamatori possono operare su tutte le bande assegnate con limite di potenza 500W questo in Italia! In altri paesi non so, io avendo conseguito la patente speciale ho ottenuto la licenza speciale e perciò all'inizio operavo sono nelle bande VF e UHF adesso dal 2003 posso operare anche in HF, in tutte le bande Radioamatoriali con limite di potenza 500W, gli apparati, solitament, trasmettono una potenza di 100W perciò chi lonritiene opportuno trasmettere nel limite massimo di potenza si deve dotare di amplificatori detti amplificatori lineari! Che Solitamente non sono veramente lineari, e in genere superano il limite legale di potenza imposto (500W) con grave danno per gli stessi Radioamatori!La scarsa purezza spettrale limita le prestazioni delle nostre stesse comunicazioni! Io personalmene prediligo il QRP e mi accontento della potenza emessa dell'apparato commerciale: 100W in HF o meno nelle bande VHF e UHF! Il Qrp di norma prevede di trasmettere con una potenza autolimitata a 5W in modo CW e 10 W in mod fonia SSB! Come puoi capire l'argomento Normativa riguardante bande occupate e potenza emessa è alquanto complesso e a volte per precise scelte tecniche i Radioamatori decidono di operare con potenze più basse di quanto concesso legalmente, per rendere più accesa la competizione tra le diverse stazioni: QRO E QRP!Effettuare lo stesso collegamento in modo QRP da molta più soddisfazione! Ecco perché il numero di operatori che operano in QRP è sempre crescente! Perché scegliere di operare in QRP, è indice di maggiori capacità tecniche dell'operatore radio! '73 de' IW8CKZ!
I have been a HAM for over 25 years and the first thing you should do is buy the current copy of the study manual... then before you open it and look at it have some one who does NOT intend on becoming an operator look at the questions and answers the format is multiple answers to a single questions... that being said have that person black out the WRONG answers ... its an old learning trick that creates the ability to only "KNOW" the right answer not ever seeing the "WRONG" answer the right one will stand out when testing !!! GOOD LUCK HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE BECAUSE HAMMING IS A LIFESTYLE !!!!!!!! PS BRAINS ARE COOL !!!
haha awesome!! Thank so much for the advice!
Fantastic video mate,
Welcome to the hobby!
My wife is also interested in getting her technician license. After years of me bugging her :)
I would like to echo what others here have said; Study the guides for Technician and General, get your ticket (you can probably get both at the same session, many do) you will learn the rest as you go. Also a local Elmer is a huge help, they can get your hands on the gear, help you with decisions on your first radio, and even let you talk on their rig as long as they are actively operating it.
If you contact the group in the area that puts on the testing sessions they should be able to get you in touch with a good local group. You will more than likely find many HAM's there that will jump at the opportunity to be your Elmer.
As a side note, once you get going and decide you want your General and Extra, look into the digital modes. I have made contact a few times with operators in Hawaii and Japan on 5 watts using a very simple antenna that was less than 50 dollars using JT8
73 de AG7XO in North Idaho.
I jumped into radio by getting a GMRS radio because there's no test, the license is good for 10 years, and it covers family members too. And the radios come preprogrammed with repeater channels. I live in an area where a GMRS repeater covers an area out to about 40 mile radius (it's up on a mountain), so can have clear conversations with people in that area. There's a club involved with the repeater and they're very helpful to those that want to go on and study to get their tech license. So this GMRS route into radio has been very satisfying - a great on-ramp. And then on to the HAM tech license to do a text messaging project using the repeaters available in some of those bands (far more of those than the GMRS repeaters), and packet radio is still a thing - a number of YT videos on the subject.
Interesting - I never knew of GMRS...did you go on to do your tech?
@@nobion1 Well, Zoe, I've got several personal projects in play and they're kind of priority ranked. And right now the project at the very top of my list is making my own privacy-respecting, de-googled Android phone (am using a Motorola Moto G7 Plus as my test subject - bought new unit off ebay for ~ $140). Will install the LineageOS into its ROM and F-Droid, Aurora Store, and microG. Once I get this process down pat, am going to consider doing a Kickstarter for those that want such privacy-respecting phones. So this GMRS text messaging concept is about 3rd or 4th down the list.
@@nobion1 Oh, I dipped my toe into this radio thing by getting a BTech GMRS V1 handheld - was around ~ $50. Now a 50 watt unit (max power allowed by FCC), there's a BTech model for around $250. But there are a number of other good radio brands in GMRS space too.
Sounds like you have a very good handle on the fundamentals. It's so great to see your interest in radio. With the internet, it is so much easier to learn. I was fascinated in radio from about age 12 (1972), but didn't get licensed until 1991.
Great to see a lady getting into this hobby, which seems to be very male-dominated. I guess that by now you would have your Technician license. I got my General a few weeks ago. The approach to studying that worked for me was to read one of the Gordo study guides once, then start taking practice tests to identify areas of weakness and focus on those. Continue to take practice tests over and over. You'll eventually memorize the things you need to know in order to pass. Once you consistently get a score of 88%, a comfortable margin over a bare pass, you should take the test for real. This is obviously not the way to actually learn ham radio but it will get you through the test!
I wish I’d found your channel a few months ago. I’ve just done my Foundation (UK equivalent to tech, I think) and you’re asking the same questions I am. Thanks for the videos, makes me feel I’m not alone on this!
Hi Zoe I have been a ham for over 40 years and before that fixed radios in the Air Force. Good to see you getting into the hobby. One of the first things you should do is find a club in your area, this is hard due to Covid. The members of the club will help you to get into the hobby. I am sure there is activity on 2 meters on your island with a repeater. Living on the islands you can reach the mainland (mainly the west coast) on various HF bands. You also have an easy reach to Japan with HF. You are starting just as we are getting out of the low spot in the sun spot cycle so the HF bands are still poor, but in the next few years they will be getting better. Enjoy yourself!!!
Great information and thank you so much for taking the time to share! 40 years in ham - that's impressive! Any recommendations for an HF radio where I can reach Japan and the mainland? I'm thinking of building a mobile station (I can't put up an antenna where I live)...maybe getting a base radio with an external battery/ antenna that I can setup outside the car when I drive out somewhere...
Hi Zoe I am at N6CKV (AT) ARRL (DOT) NET send me an email for getting more help
very logical and upfront channel
I’m working on this too, teaching myself...I feel so lost sometimes, like I’ll never keep it all straight!
Excellent! Best wishes!
Aloha! Good for you Zoe - welcome to this amazing hobby! Take your time learning all the basics but, most of all, enjoy meeting all the nice HAMs around the world. We need many more women in our male-dominated hobby - you are a great role model! By the way, I enjoyed reading and deciphering the backwards titles of your books behind you :) 73 KJ6ER, Silicon Valley
Hahaha - well spotted! I realized afterwards I should have flipped the video :) Thanks so much for the wonderfully kind words! Looking forward to the adventure that ham radio shall be!
Wishing you all the best on your journey in this fascinating hobby! I’ve been licensed over 30years and still learning 😁
Working on my Technicians license tomorrow morning!
This was a refreshing break from studying. I wonder if the General test is more difficult. According to the ARRL practice exam I will nail the Tech exam.
I am happy they didn’t “dumb it down” and insult our intelligence.
Cheers!
Greg
New Orleans
I was in the same spot when studying for my Technian license. All of it seemed confusing for a while, until I learned the formulas, the band chart and rules/regulations. I didn't have anyone at the time to help figure some things out, but eventually got it down. Once I got confident with passing, I took my exam and passed it. Upgraded to General last September and working on trying for my Extra.
There's a lot one can do in the hobby. From local repeaters, HF and digital modes like DSTAR and Wires X for example. Hope to hear you on the air soon!!!
73, W4ISB.
There's a good CW story behind "YYZ" by RUSH. Also, K8MRD's intro theme is his callsign in CW played on crunchy rock guitar. Have fun and post lots of questions. Good luck in your adventures!
What does Rush's YYZ have to do with radio?
@@gblan Google it. It's a good story of CW beacons, airports, and the beat/melody of a great tune. :-)
Hi Zoe,
You already have 351 comments (shows how Ham Radio welcomes young people and young women in particular as they are way too scarce) so I may be repeating a lot of what you have already learned. Nevertheless here goes my best advice for you:
1. Find a local club and join up. They will be very happy to help you. More importantly theywill be your best source for elmers.
2. It will help if you study for both your technician and your general at the same time and take both exams (you can take the general exam at the same session if you pass the technician exam first). And , of course, take the exams, If you use an internet site to take the test questions it will keep score for you and you will know when you have reached the 70% level needed to pass. Book study is good but practicing the exam questions will get you licensed. (Sorry ifnthat sounds a little cynical.)
3. There are many avenues to follow in ham radio but I will describe what I think are the most common.
a. VHF/UHF hand helds or mobile rigs usually using your local repeaters. Your club probably sponsors a repeater or two. This is for local conversation, often while driving. Range is short and most traffic is local. Hand held transceivers (usually called HTs for the old military handi-talky). These usually run around five Watts and can cost anywhere from $30 to $300 or more. Get a cheap one first until you see how much you actually use it.
b. 100 Watt operators on HF. These are the bulk of the hams in my club. Once you get your general class license you will be able to operate a 100 Watt base station rig and contact stations world wide. Most of the 100 Watt operators I know are using wire antennas, usually home made (home brewed). To operate in this fashion you will need a 100 Watt transceiver and there are a variety ofchoices. These are expensive (order $1000 and up) but a used rig can do almost everything a new one can and can be a lot less costly. I started out with a use Yaesu FT-840 which I still have and occasionally use. Get your used rig through your club. If they can't help find a rig they will be able to help you test anything you are considering buying. You will also need a 13.8 Volt power supply putting out 25 or 30 Amps. Finally build or buy yourself an antenna for your favorite band(s). A 40 meter End Fed Half Wave will work OK on 40m, 20m, 15m and maybe 10m and is a good starting antenna. Advice is abundant on the internet.
c. The big guns. These hams run powers up to the legal limit of 1500 Watts usually with diretional antennas and on high towers. You may want to be one of these but wait a while until you have some experience on 100 Watts.
d. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the QRP operators which, I confess, I am. QRP operations are limited by convention to 5 Watts CW or Digital and 10 Watts phone. I recommend you get some experience with 100 Watts before you try QRP. Operating at these low power levels can lead to long periods of no success. Don't get frustrated by going to QRP at the beginning of your ham radio adventure. Once again, learn from the hams in your local club.
4. Finally, I encourage you to find out about and perhaps join your local ARES group. ARES is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service system. You can be useful and productive in ARES even when you only have your technicians ticket and a hand held HT. You will also be doing something for your community. You will learn a lot from the ARES group.
73 Garry AK4NA
You just popped up on my TH-cam home page!! Right on with the video and welcome to the hobby! I see my other YT Ham buddies are in the comments too, so feel free to reach out to any of us for questions or help! 73 K6FAK
Good luck with it. I am just about to sit my Advanced exam tomorrow(amateur extra Australian equivalent) and I can tell you it's a fun although non stop learning curve. I'd suggest you get to general as fast as possible as that's where the hf bands open up to you on voice. As much as VHF and repeaters can be fun it's hard to beat 40m and 20m for not only your local area but for interstate and DX. I have been having a lot of fun doing SOTA(summits on the air) where you take your radio and antenna etc and setup on selected mountain tops. It is loads of fun and definitely helps you as an operator. I'm heading down to Antarctica (VK0) for a year at the end of this week and am looking forward to seeing what I can do from down there.
I'm sure you will enjoy the hobby
Start with listening, what you will hear is mostly static until you find the right combination of frequency, antenna, the direction and time of day, etc. You will find the 10m band will open up infrequently these days. The 20m band opens every day but as the sun spot cycle is coming back, so to will 10m more an more. Being on Hawaii, you will want to look into several different antenna choices, but depends on where you live and if there are restrictions for putting up antennas. I hid a wire loop antenna on my balcony at my apartment but the noise here is bad. 73 - KD6W
Thats good for you. I've been involved for over 20 years let it expire then took tech and general in the same day then 11 months later took the extra back in 2019. Maybe I see you on the radio 📻
Nice to CQ to CQ nice haha , I've added your vid to a playlist of new operators. 73s
Awesome! I'm going to check that out - just subscribed :)
Nice video -- I'm going for my General as well. Lots to learn - I'm recently retired and needed an indoor hobby to go with my gardening. Best of luck on your journey - C U on the air! 73...KO4UBG from Georgia U.S.A.
Well, I am a little late in finding your channel, but Aloha from Oahu, and welcome to the hobby.
If you have any questions, or find something in your studies that you do not understand, don't hesitate to ask. I am an ARRL License Instructor and Volunteer Examiner and will do my best to help you understand whatever it is you are needing assistance with.
Good video, I’ve been trying to get people aware of the importance of ham radio. Most people Aren’t interested or don’t take it seriously.
So what is the importance of ham radio, exactly? Please don't say public service or to provide assistance in an emergency.
@@Michael-nd7gh it's a great Hobby, a lot of fun. You can make contact with people locally all over the country and all over the world. And in an emergency you can find out information and call for help. If the power goes out and the cell towers are down it could be your only means of communication.
Definitely find a local ham who can be an Elmer for you and become great friends through this process....if you like music learn Morse Code because the code truly is music especially when you get above the starting level...CW will serve you well when you start operating weak signal and dx....it's wonderful to see a young woman getting into a hobby that will literally change your life if you so desire...73 N0UY in Minnesota
Thank you for such beautiful words! :)
Yay! Another woman into ham radio! I thought I was the only one
Good job Zoe, you are getting into a great fun hobby while learning an incredible skill at the same time. When I got my Technician License, I went straight to HF 10M Band. I enjoyed that so much. You are very eager to learn which is great to see. 73’s Enjoy
Awesome! Can i ask what kind of radio you got started with to go straight to HF 10M? Thanks for the info :)
@@nobion1 Hey Zoe, I really lucked out on my first radio, it was a Yaesu FT-897. Sadly they don’t make that specific model anymore but they have several others that are very similar with its same purpose in mind, it could be used both portable, outside in a field or beach, or setup in a home like a base station radio, this radio had 3 modes HF, VHF & UHF.
I would suggest checking out a amazing little HF radio called the Xiegu G90 (said as Zigu). This radio is HF only but is pretty cool. It is very portable and has an automatic antenna tuner included which is one less piece of equipment you don’t have to worry about obtaining or carrying with you to setup somewhere.
Please don’t just take my word for it, please watch videos on TH-cam to see if it is something you might be interested in.
Most ham radios HF or Mobile are powered directly by 13.8 volts which is a 12volt battery.
Items Needed:
HF Radio
12 Volt Battery (Portable or Backup Power)
Power Supply ( Base Setup- converts 110v to 13.8 volts for home use)
HF Antenna
HF antenna Tuner (Not Needed With Xiegu G90 Radio)
Antenna Coax Cable 50ft or so in length.
This information is just a guide to give you an idea of what you will need. Hope this helps. Feel free to email if you anything. Terry
kk4zvd@gmail.com
@@nobion1 ...I forgot, you will need a CW Morse Code Keyer lol - .- -.- . -.-. .- .-. .
Hi Zoe, It's great to see more lovely ladies like you and your friends taking an interest in Ham radio it's definitely a great hobby. Good luck on your test, I'll look forward to talking to you on the air someday.
73's from Joe KB3PHL
Hi Joe - thanks so much for the lovely words! Looking forward to talking to you on the air too!
Rock on! Ditto on what others have said, study the answers and get the license. It's not cheating. Ham radio is so diverse that you can go down a million rabbit holes. Once you have your license, then you can legally own and use a ham radio and start the lifelong learning/exploring fun. As for a radio, I'd start with a dual band handheld especially in Hawaii. Check in with some hams in your area. I'll bet some of them have extra radios they'd be willing to loan, sell cheap or even give away to a new ham.
You appear to have good understanding. As a Tech the area of operation will be focused mainly on 2 meters & 70 cm (2m/440), because of the commercially available equipment. Yes, you can operate on parts of 10m on HF. Right now will the timing of the Sunspot Cycle, 10 meters may only be "open" or active a few times a month. Technicians also have CW privileges on 15, 40, & 80 meters. If you buy a 2/440 HT or Mobile (a lot of hams run mobiles with 12v power supplies in the shack with outside antennas), look into the ones that also do the "Digital" modes like... Fusion, DMR, or D-Star. With those modes & through certain repeaters or other little boxes in your shack, you can link them via the internet to other repeaters across the globe. I like Fusion personally, but that is one of those Ford/Chevy debates, so do some research and not just listen to the sales guy at the radio store, but I would suggest the Yaesu FTM-400. Basically, Fusion is Yaesu, D-Star is Icom, and DMR is Motorola or some Chinese something.
Since you want HF, I would suggest going on studying for the General. That way, you can do all the HF bands. Since you are in HI, bands like 17 & 20 meters during the day should serve you well even running simple dipole antennas for the main land & the pacific. Hence the term, "100 watts and a wire". As far as a HF radio, I would suggest the Icom IC-7300. Again, the Ford/Chevy thing and it is OK to have equipment from different manufactures.
Ham Radio Crash Course, Ham Radio 2.0, Ham Nation, others are good TH-cam sources for information. They have lots of reviews and such on equipment.
Ham Radio can be overwhelming at first with all the different the Bands and Modes. Tons of information to absorb... Like drinking from a Fire Hose. Like others have said, worry about passing the tests first and you will learn the other stuff. I've been a Ham for over 40 years and I'm still learning stuff!
Good Luck & Keep us posted... 73
Awesome, keep up the good work. Aloha!
Thanks for putting this up I love it, and now I miss HI.
I went from knowing nothing to amateur extra in 2 1/2 months I was given the advice by a couple of co workers get the license then learn to operate. I still know nothing but I am learning! and don't have the tests hanging over my head. Best of luck be blessed 73
Raider
Just passed my technician class test today May 22nd my advice right now is just a study study study and you will pass it
I read through some of the comments suggesting to study for tech & general at the same time...I’d add Extra to that...why? Some testing locations will let you test until you fail for 1 fee. Not bragging but I took all 3 in succession. Failed the Extra by just a few questions but walked out with my General ticket AND got a good look at the Extra exam. Came back a month later & passed my Extra. Funny fact is I had all the privileges of Amateur radio but no radio. 🤔😜. Of course that didn’t last long. I’m not much of a talker so I focus on CW. Great hobby. Be sure to post your call sign when you get it, maybe we will hear you on the air. Good luck. AF5AF
Take your time study and learn at your own pace. This is a fantastic hobby and very rewarding. Also although not required, learn Morse Code it is a fun mode of communicating . To me HF is the most fun for long distance QSO's... Let us know how your doing Good luck hope to catch you on the air!
youll get it. Its not too hard,
If you look at an am radio dial, Have you ever wondered, Whats above 1700 khz on the dial? , Well if you could tune the radio to 1800 khz. you would be at 1.8 mhz (160 meter band). Thats the start of the shortwave spectrum.
10 meters 28.000 - 28.200 CW
28.200-28.300 is CW Beacons.
28.300-28.700 SSB/VOICE
29.000-29.700 Satelite ,fm, AM too.
And its just above the CB BAND 27 MHZ.
Its a start.
GOOD LUCK
DE VE3TYA
Thanks so much for the info...greatly appreciated!
My best suggestion is never be afraid to ask questions. There is no silly questions. Welcome to the world of Ham Radio :)
Just got my Technician License! Starting with a hand held and go from there.👍👍😎🇺🇸
Well thought out process. Keep making videos. General is where you should land, don’t stop learning! I just took my Tech and started studying for general. You should consider taking both at the same time.
73
Subbed- I'm at about the same depth and interest now.
Nice...what's your next step of action in the topic? I'm thinking to start going through the exam questions...I was originally going to wait until after passing the exam to get setup with a station but I am thinking my learning process will go faster if I pass the exam, get the radio and really start learning rather than just reading...
@@nobion1 did u get your tech? I got mine from studying HamStudy on the iPhone app, just a heads up, the real exam is very similar to those on the practice in app. (Also the app explains it to you when you don’t know). Cheers from a woman who just got her tech !
Ham Radio is a blast! You’ve had some great TH-camrs in the hobby jump in here to comment like Temporarily Offline, Ham Radio DX and others. Be sure and check out their content along with Ham Radio Crash Course and Ham Radio 2.0 for some virtual “elmering”.
The “new media” of ham operators wants nothing more than to see others succeed and enjoy the hobby and all it offers. 73!
Thanks E
I'm super new to this. Just started this week. But I've been having a really hard time finding the heavy metal band. 😂
Nice job, you are well on your way. I had an electronics background so maybe this won't work for everyone, but honestly I just took practice tests until I was passing 90% or more.. as in I memorized the answers. The license is really a license to learn. Back in the 90s I was president of my HS ham radio club because I was the only one that showed up. lol. Got my Novice but never did anything with it. It expired in 2000, I got my tech in 2010 (now I'm an extra), and been heavily involved with the local Repeater organization ever since. Subbed
I passed my amateur extra ham test but I have several mentors who have helped me learn
Saw that you have a Catalina Island video on your channel. If you visit the island again, and have a ham license, say hi on the Catalina ham repeater, VHF.
147.090, (+) offset 0.6 MHz, no PL tone. (Center of the island)
Or in Avalon 446.140, (-) offset 5.0 MHz, 110.9 PL tone.
Friendly group and someone is always monitoring.
Hiya, we are a couple of gals in Australia who are also learning ham radio so we can get our licenses.
Awesome! I'm brand new to it but maybe one day we can exchange call signs 🙂
Just got into ham last year. Love the hobby got a good antenna up built a Cntr fed dipole for 160m yea it’s longer then my property so borrow a tree from the neighborhood 😉 and I have a mast holding my feed point up and built the famous Toad Harbor feedline (4” spaced open feed line #12 solid core Thhn copper) and have a balanced tuner a Yaesu 991a all mode all band. My goal was to get on 160m for evening rag chewing. But my ant n feed set up does 160m-6 so I can go any where tune the antenna and punch on the 811h and get any where a Gen can go ☺️ want my extra stamp but it’s taking a little longer to study for exam then I anticipated 😜so cool seeing you working your way. Don’t be intimidated by exams the tech and general have a lot of the same material, I would study for both and take general after you pass the tech 9/10 you ll pass both and the best Dx bands are 17m and 14m when the solar is good 21m can reach out to the most remote places rf can travel 😉 KC3ONO
There's something in Ham Radio for everybody. You'll naturally find your groove. Just keep studying and don't stop. You have to get your Extra ticket. Once you have that your journey really begins.
To be successful surround yourself with successful people.
Small steps Zoe ,my wife has just past her foundation exam with only 2 months studying so Go for it
Technician class exam is schedule for march 20th! Chose in person exam but I'm teaching myself! 37 yrs old n it's different! Tried the hamstudy.org n it's ok but i needed technical info so i bought the arrl license manual to go along with the online! Bought a cheap to listen on n around me its mid range 2 meter! Haven't heard anything on 70cm yet! Liked the video will look for more!
Good Luck on getting your ticket. I remember studying for mine about 33 yrs ago. I didn't think I would ever get the Code.
I remember my wife telling me, "If those knuckle Head friends of yours can do it, you can." She was right.
I didn't like code at first but after I got my ticket its what I do mostly. You can find someone to work Day or Night
And I hope someday we'll have a QSO. Keep it up. 73 Joe KF0XV
There is a reasonably active group of HAMs in the Kona area. You should have no difficulty finding people to help you. Give the UoftheN CERT team a call. They have a great HF rig you can practice on and folks to chat with.
I had no idea!! That is fantastic information! I will definitely be calling them. I'm extremely eager to meet HAMS here. Thanks!
Unlike all these establish Hams with their years of operating and advice, I'm a complete newbie, Where to even begin is where you are coming from .It's like.. take the Red pill or the Blue pill, the rabbit hole is so so deep and overwhelming with information overload, What gear to buy . how to build a long wire , what length to cut your Dipole elements. and YES what bands do I begin to explore , where are all the folks at out there in the DX soup and ether. Nice quick and easy overview aimed at folks like myself just starting out with so many questions . Never heard of a Elmer to now, maybe it's a US thing .. Thanks girl I'll go find myself one of them to hold my hand.. PS my 1st telecommunications receiver can pick up WWVH , you are 7600 kms from New Zealand and I can hear you which is amazing , OK I get it is a 10 mega watt station, still cool all the same. K
That's why I'm making videos. Maybe it'll be helpful to someone. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much, and I'm defonately going to check out your videos 🙂
No problem, I hope you continue to enjoy the hobby.
Techs might soon have phone on 21.350 to 21.450mhz on 15 meters, 7.225 to 7.300mhz on 40meters, and 3.900 to 4.000mhz on 80meters , these changes are proposed, not final, but still represent some very exciting prospects for the beginner. Chances are very good for these changes to come to fruition, as the board approved the final recommendations to the band plan in July of 2020, after 2 years of back and forth. However, reports seem to vary about when it will actually take effect. I am only sharing this out of my own excitement... because I as well am studying for the test. I figured it might excite you as well, after hearing about your interest in dx'ing on the 10 meter band. Best of luck getting your ticket.
These are only proposed changes. Not currently authorized!
@@marty21153 sorry about that friend. I corrected my statement. Was not trying to mis inform.
Welcome! You only need a license to transmit. Anyone can receive. So a good way to get a feel for the different bands is to listen around at different times. (Conveniently, RX is also much less demanding on having exactly the right antenna.) "Shortwave listening" is a good search term on TH-cam and the web. Once you get a better feel for which particular bands interest you, you'll be able to invest in better equipment. 73!
Great words...thank you so much for sharing!
Yes, Techs have a narrow band in 10m HF they can operate at 200W. Most bands they can operate in are UHF and VHF where there is a lot more room but shorter range (probably just HI for you).
Since you really want to do HF, I would try to get your General. I have heard that once you pass Tech you can immediately test for General. General gets you 1500W on HF, more frequencies plus Long Wave which has really long range. Lower Frequencies travel further - when the guy upstairs has his stereo turned up, what do you hear - the bass, right!
All of the best and good luck from Africa! 73’s V51SH
Keep up the good work. It takes a lot of courage to make a video like this. If I can help you in any way, please let me know. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
What you’ll find is that you need to learn the license questions to pass the exam... it won’t seem like it makes sense until you actually start to build your radio station (shack) that things will make perfect sense and you’ll start understanding why those questions were there. Okay... almost all of the questions lol 😂
Practical knowledge vs. book knowledge.
Preparing for the exam gave me all that practical knowledge. Putting up my station, and especially using the radio and building my first antennas (which can be amazing and save tons of money’) is where you get your practical knowledge.
You’re going to learn multiple times more actually using a Ham Radio then you will studying for the test. Trust me, then you’ll understand why the questions are there. If you have a ham operator near you that you can actually learn from by seeing them work the radio and let you be supervise Working The Radio, that would be helpful for you as well.
Do you live full time on the big Island? If so, I know of a couple of ham operators who watch my channel, so I could maybe connect you with one who can help you.
All the very best you. Study hard. There’s a lot of questions and answers covered on my channel, from Technician to Amateur Extra, it’s there.
if you ever would like to take a look there it may help you with the questions on the test. If not, no worries… Just pass your exam and enjoy yourself in this wonderful hobby.
Just don’t ever happy settling for less than The Amateur Extra License.
The problem that most people don’t understand is this License carries with it the frequencies that have DX or really long-distance calls that you’re missing as a General Licensee.
You’re so close if you have a general to getting the extra. Just go a little extra far… It’s so worth it.
All the best to you and yours, and GOOD LUCK! He took a lot of courage to put up this video. You did good.
Aloha!
Larry
de K7HN
I am no expert in all things Ham Radio, but have enjoyed it for many years. And dropped out of the hobby, several times, when life didn't allow much time for it. But every time I came back, there was something new, better, less expensive, and better made. So as others have said, Start with the basic 2m / 440 radio, and dabble around with other bands. Find a local, island, radio club (if any?) As they will help you excell faster. Then check out stuff a Tech class can also do. Ie: Echolink (analog), and digital radios allow you to talk round the world, with very little cost or equipment!
And don't call me Elmer! 😩 Aloha!
KE4 WRN
interesting video, you are right on the spot, thank you so much for the information in this video, great job
Where did you find this information websites and books Thanks
Great video. Did you take your exam? I am thinking about getting into ham radio.
I have been watching videos on Ham radio to see what it is all about. See if I might like it.Also listened to a dozen or so ham radio podcasts recently.But none so far explain anything but technical jargon. What do you do with them exactly? Do you just start up conversations with random people around the country or world? If so what do you talk about?
For more year round DX contacts, I would focus on the 40m band. As a Tech you can do CW on 40m. Good luck on the studies!
nice thing about the hobby is you can do as much or as little as you want. I tend toward the little, though I do keep an hf rig and my cw abilities in reasonable working order - just in case. When all digital radios go down, zombies are chasing me around, and cw's all that's left, I intend to price a twenty word message at a full grown hog or three roasting chickens.
I'm also interested in 10m, because it has the potential for DX, but the radios are pretty cheap. Pretty dead right now, though, it's more of a summertime + high solar cycle band, from what I've learned.
The band RUSH did an entire based on the CW callsign for Toronto International Airport. YYZ
Well actually that's the airports designation. For instance, los ANGELES is LAX. The song YYZ was referring to the airport and how busy it is with daily goings on. They live in Toronto and fly out of YYZ.
@@SocialistDistancing The song is Morse code. Y Y Z in Morse code is the what the song is based on. I am a bassist, and a ham, trust me on this. Alex is a pilot, and the band thought the rhythm was cool, so, the opening of the song is Morse code. Y Y Z repeated.
"YYZ is the IATA airport identification code of Toronto Pearson International Airport, near Rush's hometown. The band was introduced to the rhythm as Alex Lifeson flew them into the airport. A VHF omnidirectional range system at the airport broadcasts the YYZ identifier code in Morse code. Peart said in interviews later that the rhythm stuck with them. Peart and Geddy Lee have both said "It's always a happy day when YYZ appears on our luggage tags." from Wikipedia
Hi Zoe welcome to the ham radio community. Your going to be getting a technician license you should start out in VHF 2meter and 70cm UHF. Then with a General you can use the HF Bands. I like 17meters the most I have military manpack radios which work well on that band. 6meters are fun in the summer. Get the IC-7300 for hf and dmr is fun. Don
Hi Zoe, on the east side (Hilo Keaau Pahoa area) we do a 10 Meter net on Mondays at 1900L. 28.490Mhz. WH6EXL
Oh wow that's brilliant! Are there many other HAMS on Big Island?
@@nobion1 Yes, since I am in Hilo I communicate with the east side mostly. You could try tuning into an All-Star repeater or even DMR.
I got my license last year both technician and general almost at the same time. HF depends on what antenna you can install at your house or you have to go portable etc. 10m is ok but it tends to pick up more noise. 20m is the standard propagation during the day and dx. 40m and lower is for night time. You can stilll use 40m for day time as well. Good luck with your test. Just spend time on hamstudy.org and you will do well.
This is great thx
One more comment. Before you buy a radio see what the repeaters in your area use so the systems are compatible. We use Fusion in our area so it makes sense to buy Yaesu radios here. That way you can use the digital features in the radio. The 7250 is a good dual band Yaesu radio, but Yaesu changes models all the time so there be something newer now. Also, the 400 is really cool, but more expensive. I use mine as a crossband repeater. KI7SAR
Am not sure if you are aware of this or not. On WiresX, a Yaesu format, you can talk world wide on VHF by connecting to WiresX. Then you go to different rooms, which are in different countries and talk to Europe, Japan or wherever. Other manufacturers have similar systems. This works by the repeater being linked to a computer node, which someone in the Ham club will host, in their home. So you don't need HF to talk around the globe.
Thanks Terry! How can you find out which repeaters there are in the local area?