I am a very lapsed HAM operator, with a current tech-nocode license.
Now that the regulations revolving around code for <50MHz bands have been removed, my father (general class license) has given me one of his old HF radios.
Where exactly can I find the new band privleges that I’m entitled to transmit on?
I’ve searched the ARRL site, but as usual, they are less than helpful. The FCC site is even worse.
Here is one page which outlines your new privileges; novice and tech class privs are in blue. Welcome back to the hobby!
73 de KB2YYR.
Thanks, it’s been quite a few years since I’ve transmitted anything. I need to drag the old HTX-202 out of it’s storage location and brush it off… then build out someplace to put it and the new HF rig into play…
Though it seems I now have HF privileges, it seems as though I’ll have to get Element 3 (to upgrade to General) under my belt for it to be useful. I still have no interest in CW, and as of now, I only have voice on 10M. Data seems interesting, but again, it’s only on 10M.
Now I just have to convince the wife to let me put holes in the wall for connection to an antenna! 
Field Day is coming up in June. There will probably be some 10m activity then. In the meantime, I encourage you to give CW a try. I admit, the amount of work involved is on par with leaning a new language, but it is truely worth the effort.
Well, as we’re at, or near, the bottom of the solar cycle, things should only be getting better. At least for five years or so.
If you have double hung windows, MFJ makes a feed through unit that you close the bottom sash onto. It lets you feed several coax cables and wires into the house without having to drill any holes. It’s their number MFJ-4602 Antenna Feedthrough Panel.
Another way is to replace a window pane with Lexon or Plexiglass and drill it out to mount coax connectors.
Some of the band plan charts have nice summaries of license privileges. I like Icom’s band plan chart (PDF), but that version is out-of-date now. (There’s an updated version in ARRL’s current “Welcome to Amateur Radio” booklet, but I can’t find that in electronic form anywhere.) ARRL’s band plan chart (PDF) also has license privilege information.
Dagnabbit all to heck! I meant to upgrade last month and still haven’t done it. Thanks butler1850 for reminding me to get on the ball.
Not that I can afford a shiny new HF rig right now, but if all the old fogies who claim No-Code is going to ruin the hobby go ahead and sell off their stuff like they’re semi-threatening, there should be some deals soon
The “hole in the wall” permission request is more a joke than a real problem. I’ve got no problems with a few holes, and some home brew multi-band dipoles with a tuner. I’m not going to be setting any records for distance, and a simple setup will work just fine. Though I’ve always liked MFJ’s stuff, simple controls/displays/ease of use and reasonable in cost.
UncleRojelio, I’ve tried several times, but I just can’t do CW. I have a hard enough time with my native language, English. 4 years of Spanish in High school didn’t stick either… I still had a hard time understanding directions to the bathroom while in Mexico directly after those years of school.
Bobotheoptimist, I can’t afford the shiny new stuff either… I go to Dad’s house to play with the really good stuff. 
But you can’t turn down perfectly good “old stuff.” I got a handmedown Kenwood TS-140, so I’ve got to play! I don’t remember if he got the 6M addon board or not.
Now to stop at Radio Shack and see if they have an Element 3 study guide so that I can get some real privileges. I’m so glad they finally dropped the CW requirement, and with the exams, I still don’t think it’s going to go “down hill fast.” If anything, it’ll breath some life into a declining hobby.
Some folks refer to MFJ as Mississippi’s Finest Junk. Can I say that? It’s a quote, not my opinion. I find that most of their products are worth the cost. Relatively low price for medium grade performance.
BYW. I’ve a Kenwood TS-850AT that needs to be repaired. I might replace it with a “shiney new rig” instead. Depends on repair cost I guess.
They need to change the name of that place (around here anyway) to “Cell-phone Shack” or “Crappy RC-Toys Shack”, because there sure isn’t any ham stuff in the place.
I’m going to order from Amazon or HRO, the PFY’s at Radio Shack just looked blankly at me.
You’ve got questions? We’ve got blank stares!
They didn’t used to be like that. 
I won’t disagree… and I should just go to HRO. I live about 15 minutes from their Salem NH store. Somehow I always forget that it’s there, though it’s a Mecca for us. :smack:
I just have it in my head that RS is the place to go, as I worked there for a long time, and made a decent wage as the only HAM/Manager in the district.
Second to last time I was in one the guy told me that I didn’t need an antenna for my mobile, I should just buy a cell phone :rolleyes:
The last time I was looking for some germanium diodes so my cub scouts could build crystal radios. The blank stare was disconcerting and sent me running to JB Saunders. Staffed with surly old guys that, as soon as I said “germanium diodes” asked if I needed crystal earphones, too.
I was a HAM back in the 60’s. Got my novice the summer before my senior year. I LOVED CW… I built a code practice oscillator and I had the whole family involved with practice. Dad especially loved to just sit and watch as I played with my stuff! he got good enough with the code that he kept notes right along side of me in my radio room. I STILL can pick up a lot of code in old movies and such! Fond memories.
Anyway my reason for hijacking this thread is to ask if there is still a lot of CW still out there? I moved out shortly after I graduated and couldn’t take my gear with me, so I let my license lapse. I would LOVE to get back into it!
Can anyone point me in the right direction again?
BTW Code aint THAT hard if I can do it, just get started and take the time. Besides if I remember correctly code was more legible at further distances than voice. Being a poor high school student and our group had a dollar for distance bet every month that WAS important!
73 de WN5UXS (probably someone elses by now!)
Craneop2 I’m sure code isn’t that hard, I’m just lazy.
BTW, looks like WN5UXS is not currently in use.
Start at -
http://www.arrl.org/
http://www.qrz.com/
You can find local clubs, study material, practice tests and more
Correct me if I’m wrong but the main implication of the new rules is not expanded privs for Technicians but that those Tech-ticketed hams need only pass a written exam for General.
I’m planning on upgrading at Dayton.
'Massiv family radio pic. It’s true: I like Motorola Portables.
Pretty much. I thought there was more expansion, but considering that the theory on the Element 3 exam really isn’t that tough, I’ll just study up and take it.
Craneop2 as Bobotheoptimist states that your old call isn’t available, you would likely be able to get it back following your passing of the current elements and gaining a new license. The FCC allows “vanity licensing” which allows you to request any unused call sign. The ARRL has some info.
Heck yeah Craneop2! There is a dxpedition on Swain’s Island this week and, so far, 72% of the QSOs are CW. The huge world-wide CW contests from CQ and ARRL are still wildly successful. I make up to a dozen CW contacts every evening. CW is booming now and it is a great time to get back into the hobby.
Please checkout the FISTS Club and the Straight Key Club. These clubs provide dozens of CW operating events and activities throughout the year.
Thanks for the information guys! Thats one thing I remember most about HAM radio. Everyone was helpfull and it was the first place I remember that even though I was a kid I was respected and treated as an adult!
Maybe soon you will be seeing my old call sign on air again!(If I can pass the tests again!)
Thanks again
