I Canada turnip it off neither. Puck. Puck. Pick!

Is it terribly hard to get a license in your country?

In the U.S., at least, the experience is roughly the same. I took my exam many years ago, but I was planning on giving a Tech license (the first license level) course this Summer and did a bit of research on how to get licenses these days.

The bulk of them are done online now through our VE orgs. License classes are fairly easily available, and I’ve heard of crash courses given during hamfests and field day.

Awesome that you’re interested in ham radio!

What can I (legally) do with this thing without a license?

Listen, mostly. Baofeng radios are typically sold as “Part 97” radios (FCC lingo for “Ham use only and requiring a license”), although there are some models which are actually “Part 95” which would be GMRS/FRS radios. The GMRS/FRS radio model would require a separate license for GMRS, although that one is essentially an application + fee payment. It’s also not nearly as broad as a amateur (ham) license.

Edit: I forgot that the Baofeng radios can also transmit on frequency ranges that are technically outside of the legal ham/GMRS allowed frequencies, like business communications, police/fire, etc. Be warned that even with a ham license there will be some things you aren’t legally allowed to do with this device. It’s definately not a toy.

Any pointers for learning the basics on this particular machine?

Again, it will depend on the model, but personally I find the Baofeng/Chinese model radios a giant PITA to use. They’re cheap, sure, but aside from using the programming cable they can be much more difficult to program/use as compared to the Japanese models like Yaesu or Icom.

I should read the manual cover to cover, right?

Sure, I suppose. :)

Looks like it’s easier to program from a computer, any tips on that?

I can highly recommend CHRIP as good programming software. It’s also open-source: https://chirp.danplanet.com/

Nice setup!

I’ve been looking for an antenna similar to the one you have there (portable, easy set up/take down). Would you mind mentioning what it is?

I’d love to take my Icom-7000 on a field trip. 😀

I has the same problem too.

If i un reinstall the app on my smortphone, will my Work subscription be cancelled ?

Plz fox ASAP.

The sysop is out to brunch and I can only accept proofs of identity through the telex fax printer or the 2600 baud disk modem.

~ Mrs. Edna Edison, Web 2.0 Master

Please provide proof that you are not handyc.

~ Mrs. Edna Edison, Admin

Careful with alcohol on keyboards! I used to have an original DAS Keyboard until I cleaned it with alcohol. :(

Lesson learned the hard way. I do miss that keyboard.

i tried that but window said that my windos mack address was an invalid

Aww. Give her some tuna (or her favorite treat)!

My suspicion is that because federation takes time to propagate, posting might seem “slow” for a while until the communities become more established.

Patience is key here, and with more use it’ll get better!

Great review, @elb. But “brief”? Maybe to us academics… :D

Plus, those “You Will” commercials from the 90’s!

Will you be depressed that a dystopian future is coming? You will. And the company that will bring it to you? AT&T. ;-) (those commercials looked very cyber-punk)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=a2EgfkhC1eo&pp=ygUMQXR0IHlvdSB3aWxs

I’d love to build a 486-DX 66Mhz DOS gaming rig, but prices for retro equipment are through the roof right now.

This soundcard is pretty awesome, though.

Our kitty, Hemlock.

One could purchase five of these for the cheapest Yaesu on the market right now.

Having said that, I’m not giving up my Yaesu radios anytime soon. :D

Incredible that aNONbbs ran on a laptop! Do we have an emulation/server set up with the old BBS software? It might be neat to use it…although who knows how much activity it would get these days.

Sexy

I’m in! Hi everyone.