Jumping in to the Amateur Radio world - Page 3

David_ski · 02-04-2023, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Thank you David. I will look in to the python 2.7 situation on my Mac and see if I can get it working. Thank you!!

The ah-ha moment for me was running CHIRP via the command line prompt. It was then easy see what was not working.

**Midnightmoon** · 02-12-2023, 01:11 PM

Just as a side note, I found out about this program yesterday while talking with some of the local guys on 2 meter.

https://www.qrz.com/jumpstart

If you happen to know any other newly licensed hams, it is a nice introductory package at a great price. I believe that after the discounts, everything came to $34 including the shipping.

**Midnightmoon** · 02-19-2023, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David_ski

The ah-ha moment for me was running CHIRP via the command line prompt. It was then easy see what was not working.

Chirp stopped working for me on the PC after a Windows update today.

Flyingaggie · 02-19-2023, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Chirp stopped working for me on the PC after a Windows update today.

Double check the COM port for the radio if you haven't done that already. Windows likes to rearrange the assigned COM ports when it does updates. May not be your problem, but worth a shot.

73,
Tim
KG1GEM

**Midnightmoon** · 02-19-2023, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyingaggie

Double check the COM port for the radio if you haven't done that already. Windows likes to rearrange the assigned COM ports when it does updates. May not be your problem, but worth a shot.

73,
Tim
KG1GEM

Thanks. The program will not open at all at this point. I even tried removing and reinstalling it. I can get as far as the permissions screen, get it to run the installer, and then the application will not open.

Bullitt6283 · 02-20-2023, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Thanks. The program will not open at all at this point. I even tried removing and reinstalling it. I can get as far as the permissions screen, get it to run the installer, and then the application will not open.

Might be a 'permissions' thing. Installing into a dedicated directory (if it allows you to) and/or running it as 'administrator' may help.

.

wordsmyth · 02-20-2023, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Thank you. Yes, I am already starting to study for the General exam. I used an online study course for the Tech level and it worked out well. The same site offers the General and I hope to have it ready to test soon.

... snip ...

Midnightmoon, my daughter asked me about how to obtain a HAM license just last week. I've inquired locally and the local HAM club has no plans to offer an in-person class over the summer.

So would you mind sharing the course name and/or a link for the online course you used?

As an aside, field radio was my USMC MOS, and I hold a Tech class HAM license. Welcome to the family.

CAG · 02-20-2023, 10:38 AM

https://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license

wordsmyth · 02-20-2023, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAG

https://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license

Thank you sir!

**Midnightmoon** · 02-20-2023, 04:34 PM

Thanks for the suggestions on the Chirp programming everyone. I'm sure that I will eventually get it figured out on both the old PC where it was working, and the Mac where I was never able to get it to operate correctly.

By the way, my Mac has Python 2.6 installed. I need to update it apparently. Just haven't taken the time.

**Midnightmoon** · 02-20-2023, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wordsmyth

Midnightmoon, my daughter asked me about how to obtain a HAM license just last week. I've inquired locally and the local HAM club has no plans to offer an in-person class over the summer.

So would you mind sharing the course name and/or a link for the online course you used?

As an aside, field radio was my USMC MOS, and I hold a Tech class HAM license. Welcome to the family.

I posted this on the previous page, but I did my testing online for both my Tech and General with this group.

https://wm7x.net/examprep/

I plan on using them again when I take the Extra. It's a great option if your local clubs don't offer testing or if they are not at a convenient time.

**Midnightmoon** · 02-20-2023, 05:34 PM

Update: Success!!!

I was able to get CHIRP working on the PC again. There were a couple of issues. The PC is running Windows 8.1 and updated itself the last time I restarted it. I didn't realize that during the update process, "Windows Defender" was turned on. It was apparently blocking the application when I tried to open it. I have now disabled Windows Defender.

The second issue I created. When I first had trouble getting CHIRP to open after the Windows update, I deleted and reinstalled the program. What I didn't realize was that I downloaded the latest version called "Chirp Next" that doesn't support Windows 8. Only 10 and newer.

I just loaded "CHIRP-Legacy" instead and it works just like it always did. Thanks for all of the suggestions and help everyone.!

Here is a link to the CHIRP download page with a better description of the versions.

https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects.../wiki/Download

**Midnightmoon** · 02-26-2023, 09:10 PM

Cashed in a couple of gift cards I received at Christmas and ordered this up tonight.

https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/ysu-ft-2980r

As I mentioned previously, 2 meter is hot here in Western PA/Northern WV. This Yeasu 2980 will become my home base station and the little BTech dual band that I'm currently using will be going in my truck.

Bullitt6283 · 02-27-2023, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

Cashed in a couple of gift cards I received at Christmas and ordered this up tonight.
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/ysu-ft-2980r
As I mentioned previously, 2 meter is hot here in Western PA/Northern WV. This Yeasu 2980 will become my home base station and the little BTech dual band that I'm currently using will be going in my truck.

That's a nice radio. It's on my List....

.

**Midnightmoon** · 02-27-2023, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullitt6283

That's a nice radio. It's on my List....

.

Thanks. Yes, I'm excited about it. There are a couple of Nets that I participate in that I sometimes have difficulty getting through clearly on the 25 watt mini mobile that I am currently using. This should be helpful in clearing up that signal.

I'm using a home built copper J-pole 2m antenna. I put an analyzer on Saturday. Nearly flat SWR from 145-148 with the highest being 1.06 in that band. I wanted to check that setup before I threw 80 watts through it. But it should be perfect.

**Midnightmoon** · 02-28-2023, 07:43 PM

On my doorstep when I got home from work.

David_ski · 02-28-2023, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

On my doorstep when I got home from work.

Excellent

**Midnightmoon** · 03-11-2023, 08:31 PM

A whole new level of fun.

travelingjw · 03-14-2023, 09:40 PM

We both got our license a few years ago to support out CERT efforts. My goal is to be able to program so we can meet other HAMS while traveling. Since we are CERT's we'd also want to help if in a area where we were needed.

**Midnightmoon** · 03-19-2023, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelingjw

We both got our license a few years ago to support out CERT efforts. My goal is to be able to program so we can meet other HAMS while traveling. Since we are CERT's we'd also want to help if in a area where we were needed.

It's nice that you both got your license together. Sounds like a great way to spend time while you travel.

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