Comment by hn_throwaway_99 | Hacker News Reader

Comment by hn_throwaway_99 | Hacker News Reader

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hn_throwaway_99

Somewhat off topic, but I was a Ham radio operator in my pre-teen years and had a technician license (this was decades ago when there was the Novice class and you had to pass a Morse code test). I remember the used radio well that I bought when I was around 12 I think (it had vacuum tubes!)

Being out of amateur radio for so long:

1. I honestly don't even remember what my call sign was. Does anyone know if there is some way I can look that up? This was literally decades ago.

2. This may come across as a dumb question, but what is Ham radio primarily used for today? I mean, when I was a kid I remember being thrilled being able to talk to (or at least listen in on) conversations from around the globe. This was all in pre-internet days, nevermind pre-chatroom and social network days. What is ham radio's "niche" now that the internet has taken over the world?

3. Does anyone use Morse code anymore?

4. What are the new "hybrid operating modes" that exist?

Thanks!

1. yes. it might be in the fcc database still. search at the fcc web site. also, qrz.com might have old database info from old callbooks.

2. many things. i like radiosport competitions. there are many sub-hobbies. experimenting with high coding-gain codes is also interesting.

3. yes. i use it for radiosport. go listen at the low end of 40m right now for the California QSO Party. many dits. (asking if morse code is still used by anybody is like asking if people still use sailboats. yes, but not for commercial purposes. )

1. Might be able to use the FCC DB to look it up.

2. Hobby and EmCom. When I lived in Texas most of the clubs were HF contest based. Now I’m in the PNW and lots of the clubs are EmCom based which is interesting. Lots of neat operating modes just in Tech class. APRS, Satellite, Ham mesh networking.

3. Yes. If you want DX CW is a great way to do it.

4. Digital modes provide some new and interesting stuff these days. Using FT8 mode I can hit Japan, China, and Australia on 10-30watts.

I think radio is a great hobby. Bit expensive but still very relevant. I’ve learned a ton by practical application.

Thanks very much for the info! I was actually able to find my call sign using http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp - that was a trip down memory lane, I remember my QSL cards and ones I had gotten from other hams. Fun looking into all the "new" stuff, feel a bit like Rumplestiltskin after 30+ years :)

The neat thing about all the "new" stuff is its just a layer on top of the old stuff. If you think about it, CW is just a data mode you can grok with your ear. using cw skimmer and computers to send you can operate CW without even needing to grok. makes the qrp bit harder, as you have to hulk a device with you. some of the radios have rtty and psk built in (like the elecraft kx3) so you can use a keyboard or keyer to input your messages.

1. You found your call sign already, but if you're interested in upgrading, the https://www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/ were very helpful for me becoming a general which lets you play in the world of HF radio. There are exams in almost everywhere about once a month http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-sessi... and they're just multi-choice which aren't too difficult.

2. For me, three things. There are a variety of low-earth orbiting satellites that can be accessed with nothing but a Baofeng and a yagi built with some Romex copper elements, glue, and balsa wood (Google AMSAT FM). There's something awe-inspiring to me being able to talk to people contient wide with just a few watts and < $50s of walkie-talkie gear. Second, even though it's been possible since the 50's, it's still a rush to talk to people across the US or world over shortwave with just a long wire thrown up in the tree. I got started with the http://www.elecraft.com/KX2/kx2.htm although there are certainly more affordable entry paths. Some spare Ethernet cable, the ugly balum http://www.hamuniverse.com/balun.html and a few trees make a surprisngly effective means of communicating on 40 meters without that much power. Third, although ubiquitos cell service has lessend the usefulness, the distributed nature of being able to transmit your position and exchange txt messages with people around the world via APRS https://aprs.fi/ is still amazing to me.

Let me do my best:

1. If it hasn’t expired, the FCC callsign lookup should tell you

2. There have been developments into digital modes, as well as growth in DMR and DX competitions. But as a licensed amateur myself, I’m actually not sure what most people who get licensed these days do

3. Yep, some of the CW frequencies are fairly busy, given you can get some crazy range. And kits like the QRP labs QCX is $40-odd

4. No idea, I had a quick google and it didn’t become any more apparent, sorry!

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