Next message: (no name): "Re: [world-cruising] Ham licenses and hardware"
Rick Bradshaw wrote:
> As I remember, you have to get a license for each country you go to
> even though you have a U.S. license. Also, as I remember, that is not
> a problem since countries "usually" provide a reciprocal license for
> cruisers while in their waters. Correct or am I off base here? Any
> exceptions that come to mind?
You are correct. Depending upon the country, there may be additional
restrictions, for example, you may have to be underway.
>
> This is a completely new thing for me. I understand that a person by
> the name of Gordon West (?) teaches/tests here on the West Coast and
> does a good job of it. Any other people/things I should be aware of?
I've taken the Gordon West weekend class. It's quick, dirty, and effective
if the goal is to get a license. If you want to learn about equipment, the
ins and outs of amateur radio, etc., you'll need more than GW gives in a
weekend.
> Is there a particular brand or model of radio that seems to work
> best? I would like to build a land unit that functions decently and
> then take it aboard when the time is "right." From my _very_ limited
> knowledge, I would think that the major difference in the two
> installations would be the antenna. True? Is there a preferred site
> or database that I could go to to find all, well most, of the
> answers? Does ham equipment go out of date as quickly as computer
> equipment or is it stable?
That's kind of like asking which brand of VHF radio is "best". Different
people will like different units. Note that shipboard units are all
designed for the HF band (~1.8 - 30 MHz). Many automobile units use VHF
bands (144 - 148 MHz). You may not be moving as much equipment as you
think.
Antennas can differ, especially on boats where backstays are often used. An
automobile must use a whip, while your home can have simple or very
complicated antennas.
Equipment has changed through the years, especially with micro-circuitry.
But the older stuff still works very well. The newer units seem to simplify
some of the controls. Someone with a lot more experience than I can speak
to whether or not the newer units are "better".
--
Best,
Bryan (KB3HMZ)
"Capella" Valiant 40 #158
Annapolis, MD
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