Communications ...***

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p238shooter

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Thanks BB for starting this thread, I am sure there will be other questions, and there should be others on here that can respond. One thing that is nice about this hobby, each one of us have different opinions of radios, antennas, talk on different frequencies, even different modes of communication, voice, code, and there are several digital modes including sending pictures direct. We all share a common bond of being able to connect.

One of the largest use of Ham Radio is for storm spotting where if there is potential weather, we immediately have a large number of spotters both at their homes and driving in the field that can give live reports back into the National Weather Service offices through a control operator that is stationed there.

If someday we do not have access to our internet, cell phones, or landlines, ham radio operators will communicate with each other, locally or world wide.

I talked direct to a person in Hawaii I have talked with several times before last night only relying on the radio on my desk and the antenna out my door. He had the same set up on his end. He was a 1/4 mile from the beach and a temp of 85, he had just got through with dinner of a fish he had cought that morning. Might have to visit him someday.
 

Sanford

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It was in the 70's, but our site commander had a license and we operated a MARS station. We were in the shithole far east, and at that time Al Gore had not invented the internet. A phone call across the undersea cables was $60 a minute.

At least we got to talk to family with thousands listening. LOL.

It was good.
Yep - used MARS to phone home on many occasions, sent a few MARSgrams too - and no, I'm not ET.
 

OKWalker

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I picked up one of the Bofang radios as well and am interested in getting my Tech license. I have started studying and have found a place in Norman to take the test in April. I need a mentor!
 

cowmugger

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What is the annual cost of maintaining an amateur license?

What I have found on the FCC site says $16.10, but I am not confident I found the correct information.

Thanks
 

p238shooter

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Standard renewal is for 10 years and is free. If you have a "vanity" call sign, (you request a different one than the automatic one that was originally assigned to you,) then there is a $16.10 fee for renewal. I did not like the N5PMC original call I had so after I upgraded I applied for WB5Y that was not being used at that time, so I have to pay a fee for renewal. Seems like once I had been changed in the system one time there should not be any additional overhead of renewal different than renewing my original call sign. Go figure.
 

cowmugger

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My wife and I plan to test. My ten year old would like to also. I don't mind spending the test fee, but how will I ID him. Should I go to the tag office this week and get a state ID?
 

p238shooter

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That would work or you could just bring a copy of his Birth Certificate. A copy of his SS number also will be needed. If I remember, you do not have to turn them in, just let them confirm the info to fill out their paperwork forms. Good luck to you and your family. Anything above 70% is passing, pretty easy if you have done your homework.

While you are inside stop by the Mayes County Amateur Radio Club table, it will be beside the Rogers County Wireless Association table close to the entrance and say HI. Ken WB5Y, the guy chewing on the cigar.
 

cowmugger

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That would work or you could just bring a copy of his Birth Certificate. A copy of his SS number also will be needed. If I remember, you do not have to turn them in, just let them confirm the info to fill out their paperwork forms. Good luck to you and your family. Anything above 70% is passing, pretty easy if you have done your homework.

While you are inside stop by the Mayes County Amateur Radio Club table, it will be beside the Rogers County Wireless Association table close to the entrance and say HI. Ken WB5Y, the guy chewing on the cigar.

Thank you.
 

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