Two Way Radio TOTAL Solution

[Dick Renaud]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dick Renaud:
It is not legal to transmit on the GMRS, Hummer VHF or CB frequencies with a HAM radio unless you are a MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Service) radio operator. There is a modification for the IC-706 that will do this by removing a diode. As a x-cop of 34 years and a ham for even longer I am very reluctant to go that route. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah ha, I thought the brainstorm seemed too obvious.

Agreed. We do like to keep things above board!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If you need help on study material or gear feel free to e-mail me dick@aaruto.com </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you kindly. I expect to start taking practice exams on the ARRL (already joined) web site this week. I'm using the book, You're Talking Now, as a study guide.

Everyone in the ham community I've met has been very helpful. Between the study guide, the web site and already-licensed folks here in Vegas (and now, Michigan), I'm confident the licensing will go smoothly.

Added bonus: A friend reps for Icom. He's a longtime ham and is going to sell me a radio and antenna of my choice at dealer cost.

Appreciate your comments on emergencies. That is one of my primary motivators for getting licensed. Unfortunately, I thinks it's inevitable that many of us will need or want backup comm some day for an extended period. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thats great. When you get your license get involved with the ARRL ARES program and take thier three certfication classes. you will learn a lot and be able to serve on your local ARES emergency team. Read the reports on the ARRL site about all the great work that ARES teams did and are doing in the Hurricane situation providing communications to Red Cross teams and local police, fire and emergency personnel. Ham operators provided the only dependable communications for a large percentage of the area. The also provided Salvation Army with logistical support and coordinated with MARS operator with the military and guard troops. Even Hams at home, thousands of miles away, were enlisted to pass information from relatives as to the location and medical needs of victims, to military personnel to coordinate rescue operations.
This has been the single most dramatic spotlight on what HAMS do and thier capabilities that I have ever seen. Even many of the Hummer HOPE guys and gals are HAMS and have thier Hummers equipped. I am putting together a portable battery/solar panel operated system with portable antenna that can be carried in a Backpack and set up a VHF/UHF/HF base anywhere and communicate locally or thousands of miles away. It is great fun and a Hummer makes it even more exciting.