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I'm reading this thread, thinking the same thing.... while wearing this shirt...

I'm old enough to remember when this thread was about pre-programmed frequencies and settings.

Thank you! I agree that existing regulations should be either enforced or repealed.

You need 26 out of 35 to pass. I've been getting anywhere from 32 to 35 on my practice tests. Lord Willing I should pass just fine. I just need to make sure of the payment method since I don't have PayPal. I registered with N1UVO for a 2pm session. The email said they take PayPal but the website said they'd also do Zelle. I hope so.

I've been listening to the old dudes on the local GMRS repeater talk about french onion soup and basketball (separate conversations) for too long and decided I need different soup conversations*, so I took my technician exam today. Got 33/35. Thanks, hamstudy.org! The proctoring team told me I should study for the general while this test still fresh, so that's the next goal. I have a certification exam I need to study for at work, but... that's not as much fun. *the french onion soup conversation was the first thing I heard on the local repeater but the actual catalyst for getting an amateur radio license was I managed to catch some transmissions from the ISS a couple of nights ago. I was reading about how you could contact the ISS on 2m/70cm bands and then discovered the ISS was directly overhead. Ran outside with a HT and managed to catch what I assume were packet transmissions. Now I want to talk to a space station. 8 year old me would think it's the coolest thing ever. 42 year old me still thinks it's pretty rad. Maybe someone up there prefers broccoli cheddar soup.

Just finished my test, 34 out of 35. I'm a HAM, LOL.

Oops, sorry. I failed to see that it was your post instead of @WSAA635

I only needed one. Just had to be able to pan around to prove I wasn't cheating.

I went ahead and set up a PayPal account linked to my Debit Card so that should be fine for payment. I had PayPal years ago(mainly for EBay buying and selling) then they got hacked and they were doing some shady stuff so I deleted my account. I guess I'm stuck with another PayPal account now, LOL.

Really? What percentage of GMRS users who go H.A.M. eventually drop it and stick with GMRS, in your estimation? I'm tempted to get a DMR radio just for RX. As my primary interest is the SHTF scenarios common here in Hurricane Central, the more info that can be gathered the better. I can see getting updates from HAMS and relaying the info to the neighborhood via GMRS. What's the passing grade for a Tech license? I once took one of those mini tests on-the-fly and did rather well, but I don't recall the score.

For everyone whom you authorize to use your GMRS radio? Remember, your GMRS radio may be used by every one of your direct relatives and some in-laws. If what you really want is to be able to use the same radio for GMRS and ham radio, get rid of the rules that prohibit certifying a radio for GMRS if it can be used on the ham bands.

I was adapting an oldie, but a goodie!

I just couldn’t help thinking of this commercial from back in the day…

When I put my radio in the MW it comes out with a higher wattage. Transferal from the 1200 I guess...

You either certify the equipment or the users. The reason why nearly every service requires certified transmitters is so typical users don’t have to have expertise in all of the requirements. It’s a service for users, not people who have to prove some level of expertise.

You don't apply or pay for your amateur license until after you pass your test AND the examiner submits the paperwork in to the ARRL who then forwards everything to the FCC. Once the FCC gets your paperwork and approves everything, they will email you with a link to pay for your amateur license and also to download a copy of the actual license.

Ok, I've got Zoom set up and I've taken the Practice Test a couple more times, Scored 32/35 and 34/35. I think I'm ready. Just need to set up a time to take the test remotely.

Yes, all FM radios need to have a fully variable squelch, analog not digital. Or like the power settings are individually saved for each channel slot the squelch should be too instead of a broad squelch over the band.

I went through and read the questions(with the answers) this morning then took the practice test. 1st test I scored 33/35 and the 2nd time I got 35/35. I need to make sure I can get Zoom installed on my MX-Linux set-up so I can schedule a Remote Test for sometime in the near future. Then after I pass(thinking positive here, LOL) I can use my FRN to get my Tech HAM Lic. I just hope I don't become one of those "Sad HAMS" that Randy is always talking about.

I also like taking the practice tests on QRZ as they will allow you to work on each individual section/sub section you miss questions on.

The flash cards each have references that can help you get as much background information you want. For me that was the fun part. I could go down a rabbit hole whenever I wanted. You’re going to do great.

I went on HamStudy.org last night and took a few practice tests. I finally got one where I was 26/35 which I guess would be passing. The electronics part is easy for me(Electronic Tech Degree, DeVry)but some of the legal stuff and other "HAM" stuff was a toss up. I'm sure with a bit of study I could pass. Thanks for the link.

What would you need a Jeep for? In most communities it is illegal to drive off the pavement. See how that reads?

They nearly all do for reception, but they don’t allow you to send your own amplified voice to the speaker.

yeah but that's a pretty different function than a PA, where you're talking into the mic and the same unit is outputting the audio, but louder.

For our rocket launches I am the LCO (launch control officer) who announces the launch, counts down, and then presses the launch button. The LCO is required to be able to command the attention of the spectators. I’m also the guy who has his mobile GMRS station setup there with a battery so I can talk to the the rocketeers who have walked out on the range to recover their previously launched rockets. It would be great if I could use the GMRS station as a PA.

That’s generally correct. From 95.335(b): b) Revoked or withdrawn certification. In the event that the FCC revokes or withdraws a grant of equipment certification for a type of Personal Radio Service transmitter, existing transmitters already in service may continue to be operated unless and until the FCC determines otherwise and gives Public Notice of that decision.