Technician License

[kc0rey]

Many repeaters are linked together using radio, IRLP or Echolink. There is a linked system (RF Link) called the Colorado Connection. Repeaters all over CO an some in WY and UT are tied together. There are also many IRLP and Echolink repeaters.

Here are some links:

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[Rook]

Originally Posted by kc0rey

2M radios are cheap and they will work well for you, but........you are limited to the single band and there is allot of activity on 440. I don't recommend buying just a 2 meter radio......

As too the V-8000, I have no experience with it. I have had horrible luck with Icom. The only, good one I've had is the IC-207H I have in the Bronco II.

I have no experience with the FT-1802 either..............I have had excellent results with Yaesu.

There are some 440 repeaters in my area but they are not used much and you can't hit them from a distance very well. I would like to use 440 and 6m some.

[kc0rey]

Around here we have allot of repeaters on both 2M and 70cm...........we're all on Simplex......The repeaters are silent................What I discovered in the truck was, different areas do things differently.....some places 440 was hot, in others was not.
I think there is allot more 440 use in areas that have a larger population.

[tfisher63]

Thanks for posting the links, there are alot more repeaters than I ever imagined. Colorado Connection says there are nearly border to border in CO. I defintely want to get going on my license. I can consistently pass the Technician sample tests on QRZ, and I have been trying to learn code. I downloaded a free code program, and have been making progress. I would kind of like to get the general license to start with and then not have to think about advancing. Or should I just get the technicain license at first? I feel like the code part will will be the hardest. I can almost pass the general license sample tests and have passed a few of them.

[kc0rey]

You can do all at once but you have to get the Technician first. I recommend getting the Tech and learning the ropes and procedures before getting your General.
People expect a Tech to make a few mistakes.......those guys on HF can be very hard on a new guy.

If your planning on upgrading, I think you should save your money and get the Ft-857D.

Talk to some of your local Hams and see if any of them have a used radio you can buy. DO you need info on clubs in your area?

Also, look for code to be dropped as a requirement very soon.

[tfisher63]

I think you are right about the radio, I like to do things once, get the right thing the first time. I will be able to listen to all bands until i get the general lic. Probably good advice about the tech license too. I'm sure I will show all the signs of a beginner...lol
I have often wondered about the code requirment too. I can understand it to some extent, but I think it has discouraged alot of people too. I assume that is why it was dropped for the tech license afew years ago. After recent disasters, I think the value of having a good number of amateur operators has become apparent.
I have contacted a local club here, just hasnt worked out for me to get to a meeting yet. I should go ahead and call the contact they have listed, just hate to bother him...seems pretty busy. I emailed him and it took a couple weeks to hear back.

[kc0rey]

He may not check his email regularly.....and he probably is busy....but....any club should go out of their way to help a new Ham or prospective Ham. Give him a call, if he doesn't seem interested seek out a different club. Some clubs are clickish.

[kc0rey]

Here is a list of clubs in Grand Junction:

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You should also consider joining the ARRL

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[tfisher63]

I will go ahead and give him a call. His email was feindly, so I assume he wouldnt mind. I had intentions of joining, money just seems to run away from me...lol

[Crankshaft]

Im hoping to resettle in colorado next spring myself. Definately look forward to that now.