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REPORT COPYRIGHT VIOLATION IN REPLY
Message Subject Practical Prepping Protocol even if Poor
Poster Handle Anonymous Coward
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Now I understand - however, with physical limitations I would not be attending meetings or visiting a group on a regular basis. I would love to help out wherever possible by all means - but would have to do so from my vehicle, or very near it.

So if I were to attend a meeting, the shiny new radio should not go with me? I can see what comes next - "We recommend newcomers to buy . . . . for these reasons . . ." and then I do something not advised and turn up with a Baofeng and my name is already mud. LOL So obviously if I won't take the advice of "those who know" I must not be serious about HAM radio and not worth putting time into.
 Quoting: Pooka


No, do not let them know that you are capable of transmitting. It isn't illegal for an unlicensed person to have a transmitter, hams are just very jealous of the privileges that they have and take great pleasure in tracking down people that misuse them.

But if you just walked in and expressed an interest, that would be a whole different reaction! Yes, Baofengs usually are viewed as undesirable but the truth is that I've seen plenty of hams at a meeting with Baofengs sitting on the table in front of them. Any group that would judge you for using one is a group that is probably drowning in it's own crap.

So, let's turn to some suggestions that you can do with your radio while being completely within the letter of the law.

1. Charge it, read the manual. Know what button to push to make it transmit and don't touch it until you're licensed. An accidental push won't bring the wolves to your door, just be mindful.

2. Listen to 146.52 and 446.00 Mhz, these are the national calling frequencies for the 2m and 70cm bands. You might not hear much because most of the traffic occurs on the local repeaters.

3.Find out what the frequency of your local repeaters are and tune in. [link to www.repeaterbook.com (secure)]
You'll notice a bunch of information like offsets and tones, since you are just listening you don't need to worry about this right now, just dial the frequency. You'll be able to catch more conversations during the morning and evening commutes and if you find the website of your local radio club they will have the days and times of the local nets.

4. Tune to 144.390 Mhz and listen. You'll probably start hearing buzzes, this is APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System). Hams set up automatic stations that report location, weather and other information. After Fukushima there was an option added to report radiation levels. You can see a global map of what these stations are reporting here: [link to aprs.fi (secure)]

5. If you are up for a challenge go to [link to heavens-above.com (secure)] and enter your location, then under "10 day predictions for satellites of special interest" click ISS and choose all passes. The International Space Station has an amateur radio repeater, voice is 145.80 and packet is 145.825 and 437.550. You should be able to pick up these signals with just the rubber duck stock antenna. By the way hams have all kinds of satellites that they use to communicate with!

That's just a quick list.
 
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