Technician License

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:

Amateur radio repeaters in Colorado

Colorado Connection Repeaters, Inc.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Here is a list of clubs in Grand Junction:

ARRLWeb: Affiliated Club Search

You should also consider joining the ARRL

ARRLWeb: ARRL Home Page

 

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