Daniel

Good luck! The technician test is not too hard as long as you read the study guide and prepare with flashcards and practice tests from hamstudy. They just released a phone app as well, if that's something that interests you. The website still works on the mobile browser, but the app is a little better on your phone. It's only a couple bucks I think.

@Rexx Riot unfortunately due to some changes at the city of Carlsbad, we're not able to use the location we were previously at. We have a new location in the works and I think we'll be ready by September for the first test. If you need testing sooner you can check the SANDARC website for a different location, or if that doesn't work I can see about holding a special session. Yes the test prep is still the same - the KB6NU guide and hamstudy.org are the best resources out there in my opinion. As far as finding repeaters, you'll want to check out websites like Repeaterbook.com and see whats in the area you will be riding. For radios - you can go from something as cheap as a 25 dollar Baofeng, up to hundreds of dollars for the new digital handhelds. A lot of people kinda crap on the Baofengs because cheap and Chinese, but to be honest, the newer ones aren't bad. And the best radio is one that you don't care about damaging. I'd never want a multi-hundred dollar radio on my bike or in my pack when I ride.

I was hoping to give a quick heads up about my radio club, we've got a better time and location now - 2nd saturday of every month in carlsbad at the police station, and the tests are free

I will be there

Hello all - My club (Tri-Arc) has been offering ham radio testing on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9:30am. Our testing is 100% free - just show up with your ID and you can test. We do prefer if you pre-register with us so we can have the paperwork pre-filled out for you, unless you like filling out forms. Because we fill out everything electronically, you'll get your callsign by the next business day, unlike some other clubs where it can take weeks. You can find more information on our website: http://exam.kk6nlw.com/ If you are interested in studying for the test I can recommend both the "No nonsense guide" by KB6NU and HamStudy.org. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Exactly - it's kinda a huge pita.

What you'd have to do is make your own - if Rugged Radios could give you a bare wire harness it could be done - there's an RJ45 for the mic that you can get the pinout for and a 3.5mm audio jack for a speaker on the back - it's not impossible, but it's not simple either.

Here's one that might be good for us - they are super flexible which means less chance of snapping it. Made by the guy who runs hamstudy.org so it goes to a good cause too. I've got one and it works great. https://signalstuff.com/antennas/

Yes, a mobile radio inside a vehicle does not work. Getting even the shittiest $5 chinese mag mount will help.

You are correct that the difference from 5 to 8 or 10 watts is not much of a change. See here: http://geoffthegreygeek.com/amplifier-power/ Really the most important thing is a good antenna to make sure that most of that power is actually getting transmitted.

I have a Yaesu FT-8800r, it cost around $300. The reason I picked this radio was that I could unlock it for transmission on any bands(not that I would ever do anything illegal like that), and its VHF/UHF, with dual VFOs. Then I slapped a mag mount on the center of the roof of the truck - whatever was cheap at HRO. Do you need VHF and UHF? VHF only radios can be had for cheap - like the FT-2900r(right now around $150, but seen it around $130 on sale). Like Sneeker said, the antenna is key. You'll want to try to place it in the center of a large metal surface - like the center of the roof. If you aren't averse to drilling holes, that would be the best way because you will get a better ground plane - I'm going to do it soon with my truck and ditch the mag mount.

I just wanted to let everyone know that my club will be offering testing on the 18th of May in Vista. My club is part of Laurel VEC which means our tests are free instead of the 10-15 bucks other clubs might charge. You can get more info here and sign up: http://triarc.n6tri.com/ds51816 If you are interested in studying for the test I can recommend both the "No nonsense guide" by KB6NU and HamStudy.org. There is plenty of time to study before the test!

We were glad to be able to offer the test. One reason we formed our group is that Laurel VEC gets you the callsign the next business day. Also we were big on the testing being free as well. I think our next test date is May 18th.....plenty of time to study!

In case any of you missed the class and testing a few posts down, I just wanted to let everyone know that my club will be offering testing on the 20th of this month in Vista. My club is part of Laurel VEC which means our tests are free instead of the 10-15 bucks other clubs might charge. You can get more info here and sign up: https://www.n6tri.com/event/amateur-radio-license-exam-4-20-16/ If you are interested in studying for the test I can recommend both the "No nonsense guide" by KB6NU and HamStudy.org. If enough people are interested we could even offer testing at other SDAR events.

I am using the NA-771 on a couple of mine. It is kinda long though. Here is a link: http://amzn.com/B00KC4PWQQ Careful where you order from as there are a lot of counterfits. Here is a link to help you: http://www.nagoya.com.tw/style/frame/templates17/news_detail.asp?lang=2&customer_id=2277&content_set=color_4&name_id=98129&Directory_ID=0&id=31478 Here is a good site with more information on the antenna options: http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_Antennas.php I've also heard good things about the antennas from SignalStuff - and they run the website HamStudy.org so it supports that: https://signalstuff.com/product/super-elastic-signal-stick-sma-female-connector/