Davichko5650

This was a couple years before there was an NTIA, so unsure. But what's done is done!

When I was at Ft Devens learning the whys and wherefores of ECM/ECCM, we had a window of time to Jam the FM Audio on a local TV station. Using a Dummy Load running 1500w, we would still jam TV sets within a 1 mile radius of the Transmitter (AN/TLQ-17). Lotsa of fun changing the dialog on the Soaps. That and SERE Training were the most fun I had before my PCS.

I don't see why not. I talk on 10m FM simplex all over the states when the band is open, especially to the West Coast from MN, and have had a few contacts into Europe as well.

Don't recall the Group name, but recently I did see some photos and a posting on a FB CB page with some very much massive set ups, with congrats to the "Key Down" winners, etc.

Back in my ASA/INSCOM days we used to mess with the poor hams on 6m when we were practicing ECM. Most were pretty cool once we explained that A, we weren't governed by any FCC regulations and B, we were the primary users of the band. Some got a bit "Sad Hammy" on us, but 1500 watts does wonders on VHF.

Never heard FM there. Mostly AM Mudduckers...

As is the case up north where we go. Cell Service is spotty to no-existent. We have a Landline at the Cabin. We use GMRS there for Mobile (auto and pontoon) for general chatting and contacts.("lunch is ready", "how's the fishing?", "Grab some bread and a dozen more minnows.") Were we to need help, 911 is right there to call on the LL. And if perchance the LL is down, there's a couple of pretty good 2m repeaters I can hit with better than average chance someone is listening. In the 8 years we've used GMRS up north, I can count on one hand the number of others using it that we've heard on the air, and definitely have never heard any traffic on 19 or 20 when travelling up there and back, or while in the area.

I've heard and talked to 3 people on FM CB. 2 were arranged with friends, the other was trying it out when the 3 of us were talking and joined in the round-robin we had going. I'm thinking it may slowly catch on but so far not much out there. OTOH, I've worked a lot of (mostly) Stateside FM on 10m so it is a given that DX is possible, so mayhap there'll be some UK/EU users to be heard. But the lower power limits might make that that a bit less likely?

I'll check it out. If you get into EchoLink, look into the KF4JPU-R link - links to the AE4DD repeater in Pikeville. I'm a member of the Bledsoe County ARC and try to check in on Tuesdays when I can.

Channel name? I watch YT more often than "regular" TV anymore, always looking for new things to watch.

This! Especially given what I use my GMRS HT's for, very short distance comms on the trail or around the spread or up at the cabin. Money spent on extra spendy fancy antennae is money better spent on boat cooler beer & ice! On the Amateur side of things, I so very rarely use an HT so it's pretty much a moot point, the rubber ducky that came with the radio is more than sufficient to get the farz I needs.

This begs the question, why bother using GMRS for aircraft to aircraft comms when you can just use the already installed VHF radios? When I've flown with my cousin in a group flights, that's how they did it. Other than the fact that other aircraft not having GMRS would then not be privy to your conversations?

I did tell JK that if he heads down under, he could work it as PLOTA Porta-Loo OTA...

I went and did this. And it's quite easy; no problem finding it and downloading it to print. . And yes, the Official Copy I printed today does not have any mention of Line A that the one I printed in '20 did.

Somehow posted the PPOTA reply twice.

The best is still John Kruk of Yaesu's PPOTA. Porta Potties OTA. He has cups and T-Shirts etc. that he hands out to in person visitors at Ham Fests.

Assuming you mean receiving on HF, I've not seen that the Radtel-880 can TX on 10m at all. The Quansheng can RX on 10m SSB, but needs some surgery to be be able to TX other than FM (as seen on YootOob), and your license class does not have FM privileges on 10m. That being said, there are many Handheld receivers that can pick up the SW bands out there in Used Land. But not many that would allow you to transmit on 10m. I'm with the crowd, work on your operating skills on V/UHF and save up for a decent HF/6m or "shack in the box type rig. One I'm interested in after seeing Salty Walt (W4OGO on YooToob) reviewing it it the Guohetec (sp?) PMR-171. Neat 20 w hf/vhf/uhf battery powered rig with a sub $700 price tag. I get economics. When I first was getting on 10m in 96 as a Tech+ license holder, that $270 for a Realistic HTX-100 was a big budget hit what with 2 youngins and all. Still have that rig and occasionally drag it out and blow the dust off it to see if the Magic Smoke is still there (it is). For decent HF listening, a good portable SW radio will do you better than an HT. Decent new and used ones around that $100 mark.

Examples? Many Amateur Operators are what can be called "Appliance Operators" They know how things work, especially radios, but not why they work. Enjoy the world of Amateur Radio, it's been a fun ride for me since '92 although my work with two way radios goes back into the mid 70's. Every contact you make can bring you new things!

Congrats on getting your Technician Class Amateur license. I've never used 1,25m in the over 30 years I've held a license, so can't speak to that, but in addition to 146.520 for Simplex on 2m, one we use around here and especially when up north beyond cell phones (in addition to extensive use of GMRS on simplex) is the so-called "Adventure Frequency" - 146.580. Used a lot locally (TC area of MN) by hikers and bikers, etc. that are amateur operators. on 70cm, 446.000 is the National Calling Freq., beyond that I don't use simplex on 440 much, only a couple repeaters hereabouts. Definitely look into Repeater Book, a handy app for both iOS and Android, great resource for repeater info for you area, as well for travelling.

I think the difference here is you have a friend, if not more than one, using the Mesh that you need to check up on. (loved that "I'm calling the Cops" on the video) I can't think of anyone I know using it that I'd care to send or receive text messages from, even in a truly SHTF kind of event.

Perhaps, perhaps not, but definitley a couple step above it in cost.

"Moose, Rocco, help the Judge find his checkbook."

a small slice of 80 meters as well.

Excellent, congratulations! In your pursuit of a good rig, you may want to look around the used market for a decent priced Yaesu FT-991 or similar "shack in a box" type rig. Gives you the 10m and 6m bands you're licensed to operate on as well as 2m and 70cm all mode. As a Technician, you are licensed to operate digital modes on 10m as well, and there is activity, especially on FT8 mode quite often when the band is open. And it may, or may not, whet your appetite to upgrading to General and/or Extra if you find HF operating to be a thing you want to pursue down that rabbit hole. AS to where to look, if you're in the market, I would avoid FaceBook Marketplace, too much scamming there. Local buy/sell/trade nets on 2m usually have something to offer as well as local HamFests. Local Clubs are also a good source if you can find a good one. Enjoy your trip down the RF Rabbit Hole that is two-way radio!

But it is vitally important, if not imperative that they first discuss their recent Bunionectomy and the status of Myrna Mae's Hernia prior to getting into the nuts an bolts of antennae...