Glad to hear you are going for it.
Listen for me on the Norwalk repeater.

147.390 MHz Output 147.990 input

There are test sessions near me--one a month.
If you don't pass, he lets you take the test
again without paying for but once. Cost for
the test is only $6.20. So if you are not
sure if you are ready, you still have a good
chance to pass.

The technicians class is great. You get to
use the best band--2 meters. It's lots of fun.
I use a triple 5/8 wave vertical for an
omnidirection pattern and a 14 element beam on
horizontal polarization.

Vertical polarization is common for mobiles
operators who use repeaters. Horizontal is
usually used for direct two way communications
and has better penetration down in the low
valleys.

If you're handy with a propane torch, you can
make a J-pole antenna out of 1/2 copper pipe.
They are indestructible, work great, and don't
cost much. Do a search for J-pole.


Bart


(Bobsprit) wrote

You can expect
you will need two weeks an hour a day study for
each written test and for the code test.

Thanks, Bart. At first I was going to run out and buy a big radio to start.
I'll slow down and take the test, plus listen for a while before springing for
a starter rig for the boat. I've already taken the practice tests...passed and
failed a few times. I'll study the Now You're Talking Book until it's hammered
home. I can't see why anyone wouldn't get at least the tech license.

RB