Passed ham tests Wed night

[losttrail]

Thanks Sroz. BTW, becoming a ham is pretty darn cheap. The exam (however many you are able to pass in one sitting) costs $14. The radio (Baofeng UV-5R) with accessories (antenna upgrade, additional high capacity battery pack, rainproof speaker mic with cord, USB programming cable) cost $114. Then this morning bought an up-to-date sheet with all of the state of CO repeaters on it ($3). Thats $131 for everything, including tax and shipping.

Russ at Ham Radio outlet said that he would be happy to talk to any of you guys looking to get into ham and walk you through what you need to do. Although I went the cheap route on the radio, Russ does recommend some better Yaesu models that they carry at the store. I wanted to go cheap, since I didn't want a lot invested if for some reason it wasn't for me.

One thing he suggested was starting a COAR-15 radio net and prepare to use it if SHTF. Might be useful to find out who is interested, and maybe schedule a meeting to figure out how involved people want to get and what the net should be used for.

I've got 2 brothers that are HAM's, one in UT the other in ID. They both recommended HRO in Denver.

I like the idea of getting a group of like minded users together just in case. And by 'just in case' I mean when the SHTF, not if.

[streetglideok]

I'll be going back thru the 11pages on here, and sending PMs today to those who are coming with the info for meeting this Sunday. So please make sure your PM box has room, and keep an eye out.

[losttrail]

I'll be going back thru the 11pages on here, and sending PMs today to those who are coming with the info for meeting this Sunday. So please make sure your PM box has room, and keep an eye out.

I cannot make a meeting this Sunday. Just got the manual on my Kindle so I can study on my fight to D.C. tomorrow.

[streetglideok]

Ok PMs sent.

[baglock1]

I appreciate the invite guys but I'm going to have to pass on this one. Unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), my weekends tend to get pre-planned pretty far in advance and usually not with my input. Any of you with wife and kids can commiserate, I'm sure.

I do intend on studying for and taking the tests (will probably plan on testing for all three) in the next few months. At that time, I would definitely like to practice some hands on skills and get involved with the information sharing network.

[streetglideok]

I appreciate the invite guys but I'm going to have to pass on this one. Unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), my weekends tend to get pre-planned pretty far in advance and usually not with my input. Any of you with wife and kids can commiserate, I'm sure.

I do intend on studying for and taking the tests (will probably plan on testing for all three) in the next few months. At that time, I would definitely like to practice some hands on skills and get involved with the information sharing network.

No problem just wanted to throw the offer to you.

[zteknik]

Looks like I will not be able to make it guys.
The wife has some family issues to deal with and I have to stay home and watch the kids.

Hopefully if the comms meet goes well it can be a regular thing

[streetglideok]

Can totally relate and understand. We'll catch you at the next one

[Singlestack]

Hey guys - those of you who provided links to Colorado Connections and Colorado Repeater Association - thanks! If any of you guys who use the Colo repeaters can bring along a list of what you think are the best 2m and/or 70 cm repeaters in the state, that would be helpful. I'll bring my paper and pencil and the repeater list I got from HRO. Wifester wants to bake up come cookies for me to bring...

[streetglideok]

You say cookies? Oh your golden now....
I'll try and bring a list of what I use, but theres hundreds in the state. Some do work better than others, I have found. You got your PM I take it?