Thinking about getting into DMR.

[WRYS709]

5 hours ago, WRUE951 said:

for very limited radios..   

What’s your definition of “very limited?”

10%?

[WRUE951]

3 hours ago, WRYS709 said:

What’s your definition of “very limited?”

10%?

they list 6-8 radios that are compatible.  I get that those radios are lacking and need help... My DMR experience has always been with Hytera radios and never had any of the problems programing.. I always preferred the CMS route with slight variations on the front panel.   I will say that Baofeng's new CMS for their new digital radios is pretty impressive.  I dont have the DM32 in my hands yet but the onliine videos reflect a positive experience both with CMS and front end programing..    I have had issues running Open source stuff in the past and more than once had rebuild after planted virus attacks.. GetHub and a couple other down load sites are getting good weedinig out these issues..   Im not knocking OpenGD77, just trying ot understand it and finally getting it..    

[TNFrank]

13 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

That’s a great way to get past the initial reticence. Good job. Try the free flash cards at HamStudy.org.  For me they were an excellent way to learn the material, not just memorize the answers. 

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.

[SteveShannon]

4 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

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.

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. 

[WRUE951]

27 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

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. 

Ham Study Org is pretty good..   I'm passing the General on it.  I just need to schedule the test...  

[WRYZ926]

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. 

[SteveShannon]

19 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

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. 

I haven’t tried the QRZ tests. In fact I didn’t realize that they had them. HamStudy allows you to choose different ways to focus as well, plus it remembers which questions you need more help with and inserts them into the process more frequently. There’s another one called hamexam that does something similar I believe. 
It’s wonderful that we have so many different ways to learn the material. 

[TNFrank]

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. 

[WRYZ926]

I've used the QRZ practice exams, HamStudy and ham exam.All three work.

[TNFrank]

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. 

[SteveShannon]

43 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

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. 

Great job!

[TNFrank]

Man, The FCC's website is messed up. I logged in and looked for Apply for New License and went down the list and for the life of me I can't find "HAM Technician" anywhere. I know GMRS is under ZA or some such but what's HAM under???

[WRYZ926]

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.

[TNFrank]

So the Examiner will file FCC Form 605 for me(I guess I fill in the info before I take the test?) so all I'll need to do is log into my FCC Account and pay the $35 for the license. That's a bit different than getting the GMRS license was. Thanks. 

[nokones]

Unless you have a strong urge to talk to anonymous gents and that fits your wants and desires, you will find that need for the Ham world will fade after a few months and you will make GMRS your routine go-to radio comm and you will put the Ham stuff in the past.  I'll bet you a dollar and a donut that will happen. That has happen to a lot of GMRS Radio Dorks. 

[TNFrank]

Main reason is to use DMR(as stated in the original post) and a 2nd reason is to open up more frequency options to use. 2M, 1.25M and 70cm go unused on my radios. When I pass the Tech Test I can use those and any repeaters in the area set up for HAM bands.

[BoxCar]

2 hours ago, WSAA635 said:

Main reason is to use DMR(as stated in the original post) and a 2nd reason is to open up more frequency options to use. 2M, 1.25M and 70cm go unused on my radios. When I pass the Tech Test I can use those and any repeaters in the area set up for HAM bands.

Just remember that you will need 2 (two) cameras to take a remote test. One on you and the other on the work area to ensure you are not getting help from some place.

[SteveShannon]

Here’s one place that conducts online ham exams:

https://wm7x.net

[TNFrank]

I pulled out my old Logitech USB camera to use with the one on my AIO ThinkCenter. I also took all the papers off of any desk near my desk. 

[BoxCar]

The lead VE will be the one to set the camera placements. I've never done a remote test but I've done about 50 in-person exams. l

[GreggInFL]

3 hours ago, nokones said:

Unless you have a strong urge to talk to anonymous gents and that fits your wants and desires, you will find that need for the Ham world will fade after a few months and you will make GMRS your routine go-to radio comm and you will put the Ham stuff in the past.  I'll bet you a dollar and a donut that will happen. That has happen to a lot of GMRS Radio Dorks. 

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.

[TNFrank]

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. 

[SteveShannon]

9 minutes ago, WSAA635 said:

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. 

You’ll do great!  Often companies use PayPal just to process credit cards so you wouldn’t necessarily need your own PayPal account. 
Best wishes!! I am eager to learn that you did great!

[TNFrank]

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. 

[WRXB215]

3 hours ago, BoxCar said:

Just remember that you will need 2 (two) cameras

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