I tried the trial version of 5x5 and like the style and how the program is laid out, so I think I'll give it a go. Plus, it's only $30, if I don't like it, it's wasn't a huge investment.

Bernie..

Thanks for the info, very helpful.  I'll check out W5YI and see if it'll work for me.  I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go along.


Paul

I've been a Tech for 15 years and because of work, family etc, never really had time to enjoy the hobby.  Now that I've got a more stable work and family life, I'd like to finally make the jump to General class.  

I'd like to know what would be the best study software available.  I've looked at a number of different packages and all make the same claims that they "guarantee" you'll pass and back it up with a number of testimonials.  The only one that looked decent to me was Dauntless Software - FCC Test Preparation Software (5x5) @ www.hamexam.com

Anyone have any luck with any specific program?  I'd like to do this in the shortest time possible.

Thanks..

Paul

>> KE6JIG and N7NBB, do a search on 1B1AA or 1B1AC on qrz.com and you will see why 1B1AB is concerned... <<

Point well taken.  He sits between two call signs that aren't valid.  I now see why he feels the way he does.


73..

Paul
KE6JIG

"..it really is an issue when it comes to personal safety, at least here in California."

<< Yet another reason to not live in the Goofy state! >>

"And no, I am not paranoid."

<< To each his own opinion. >>

Lon...Those comments weren't fair and you know it.  I try to help fellow hams with a bit of advice and I get chastised and insulted about the state I live in to my mental stability. Fine, have a chuckle on my behalf it doesn't bother me.

Phil..

Good point about meeting the bad guy with either your dog or favorite sidearm.  More than likely, I would do the same.

As a side note, I saw you like Belgian's.  We had our Belgian Malinois (Max) for 14 years.  We had to put him down last January due to severe dysplasia in both his hips.  He was very protective and territorial but he was also the sweetest pup around.  He wouldn't let anyone come near his home or us that he didn't know. He was the best...

73...

Paul
KE6JIG

Lon...

I have to disagree with you, it really is an issue when it comes to personal safety, at least here in California. Most of the general public has no idea the lengths someone would go to if they feel they've been slighted. It's the old "it'll never happen to me" mentality. Complacency is what will get you into trouble. And alot of times, it's not the "common criminal" you need to worry about.

Again, all I was trying to do was just pass on a common sense safety tip and not try to dissuade anyone from getting these type of plates.  

And no, I am not paranoid.

73..

Paul
KE6JIG

A quick check of the eHam forums shows this topic hasn't been discussed for about four years and although I'm certain I'll get mixed responses over it, I feel it bears repeating.

Thousands of ham motorists around the country have vanity / personalized license plates with their call sign on them.  I understand those who want to do this and am not chastising them for it or trying to dissuade them, but just caution them.  Say some idiot cuts you off, you yell at each other as you drive, then you both go your separate ways.  Except this guy jots down your license plate and figures out a way to lookup your call...he now has your address and you may possibly have an unexpected visit.

While the chances of this happening are slim, the chance exists non the less.  

Just some food for thought...


73..

Paul
KE6JIG

If as you say, you are a "proper radio ham" then why are you so defensive?

I have a Yaesu VX-7R that I program with Jim Mitchell's excellent VX-7 commander software
(http://www.kc8unj.com/). I have no problems running the software under Vista.  If you do, just change the compatibility mode to WinXP.  To configure the compatibility mode for an application, just locate the installation directory and right click on the .exe, selecting Properties from the menu. You can choose to run the program in Windows XP compatibility mode, or even all the way back to Windows 95 compatibility.

I got the USB cable from "Affordable Radio" in Canada via eBay.  It is a direct USB to radio connection using a 3.5mm audio plug.  Here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-Programming-cable-for-Yaesu-Vertex-VX-170-VX-7R-NEW_W0QQitemZ180124517584QQihZ008QQ
categoryZ40069QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hope this helps...73

Paul
KE6JIG

Phil:  I believe they lived in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.  And you are correct, there is the "Lost Hams" forum for this type of inquiry.  I missed it, sorry.

I will also try the Quarter Century Wireless Association and see if they have any information.


Thanks Again,

Paul
KE6JIG

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this, so if I mis-posted, I apologize.

A good friend of mine and local ham passed away a few years ago.  Prior to his passing, he and his wife moved to Washington state to retire.  Unfortunately, I had lost contact with him over the years.  When I was younger, I would go to his house and see his shack and be amazed he could talk to the world.  You could say he was the reason  I decided to become involved in amature radio.  He knew more about amature radio than anyone I knew.  His name was Luis Puncel.

I have searched all the call sign databases and have been unable to locate Luis' call sign.  I would like to adopt his call, if it's still available, as a memorial to my good friend.  Luis was a very active ham, so I'm sure someone has him logged.  If so, I would appreciate  any info you have.

Anyone have any new ideas as to how I can find his call?


Thanks,

Paul
KE6JIG

Thanks Rich.  I'm just beginning to explore the Commander interface and will definitely let you know if I have any questions.


Paul
KE6JIG

Does anyone have or know where I can get a good tutorial for Jim Mitchell's Commander software for the Yaesu VX-7R?

Thanks,

Paul
KE6JIG

Again, thanks to everyone, your opinions were quite valuable in helping me decide how to setup my first station.


Paul
KE6JIG