Why and How Ham radio?
What is amateur radio? Amateur (Ham) radio is a type of radio service licensed under the FCC. In commercial radio services, you purchase a frequency or a couple frequencies to use. Once you pay for them, (usually about $500 / 5 years) any person you authorize can use them for whatever you want. For instance, a farmer could purchase a frequency, have some radios programed up, and give them to his children and workers to use around the farm.
Ham radio is different, in that each person must become licensed. To become licensed, the person must pass a short, test and pay about $15. Once licensed, a ham operator is able to transmit with other operators on many different frequencies. (Millions of frequencies, for instance 144.000 through 148.000, and 432.000 through 450.000)
How do I become licensed as a ham radio operator? You will need to pass a 35 question multiple choice test. Local entities often offer courses and testing. I passed my test by studying a book and taking practice tests online. The study book costs $35 and is available from most online book stores. (click here)
Will there be any classes in Sanders County Montana? Planning on it. We are currently hoping to conduct a ham class this spring 2015. If you are interested, drop me an email and let me know.
Advantages of using Ham Radio for Search and Rescue:
1. Cost. Ham radios work better than comercial radios, and cost far less.
2. Adaptability. With ham there are a multitude of channels available for use.
3. Good Infostructure. Sanders County (like most counties) has some good ham radio repeaters already in place.
4. Knowledge about radios. Becoming a ham radio operator will teach you a lot about communication and radios. Even if you do not plan on using ham radio on a daily basis, the knowledge will be invaluable.
Ham radio is different, in that each person must become licensed. To become licensed, the person must pass a short, test and pay about $15. Once licensed, a ham operator is able to transmit with other operators on many different frequencies. (Millions of frequencies, for instance 144.000 through 148.000, and 432.000 through 450.000)
How do I become licensed as a ham radio operator? You will need to pass a 35 question multiple choice test. Local entities often offer courses and testing. I passed my test by studying a book and taking practice tests online. The study book costs $35 and is available from most online book stores. (click here)
Will there be any classes in Sanders County Montana? Planning on it. We are currently hoping to conduct a ham class this spring 2015. If you are interested, drop me an email and let me know.
Advantages of using Ham Radio for Search and Rescue:
1. Cost. Ham radios work better than comercial radios, and cost far less.
2. Adaptability. With ham there are a multitude of channels available for use.
3. Good Infostructure. Sanders County (like most counties) has some good ham radio repeaters already in place.
4. Knowledge about radios. Becoming a ham radio operator will teach you a lot about communication and radios. Even if you do not plan on using ham radio on a daily basis, the knowledge will be invaluable.