I think the answer to the question is a resounding no, but I wouldn't feel too bad about it. Technically speaking, FRS radio transmissions *MUST* be vertically polarized, so anyone holding their FRS radio horizontally is breaking the law! Just another example of what happens when politicians make rules concerning technology...

:-)

73's, KC8RXE

I've found the freq's, so no need to reply.

I know this is more of a Microwave question than UHF, but here goes. I recently purchased a Wavecom Jr TX/RX system, and I have been unable to locate the exact frequencies for the four channels. I've checked numerous corporate websites, manuals, etc... and have not been able to find anything other than the fact that the Wavecom uses "2.4" Ghz frequencies. Does anyone have any ideas what these frequencies are or where I could find them?

Thanks!

James KC8RXE

Sounds to me like 6m on a handheld isn't too practical, but from I can tell here in Columbus OH 220 isn't as popular as the 70cm band (420-450 MHz). All I have seen available for 220 around here has been some packet nodes, and not much else. But, that's half the fun - trying out the different bands and finding out what you enjoy. Personally I'd like to get a tribander with 2m, 1.25m, and 70cm - but I haven't been able to convince my wife that this is a "necessity".  :-)

Have fun, and let everyone know what you end up with!

Regards,  James Rice  KC8RXE

Welcome to ham radio!  :-)
I know EXACTLY how you feel. I got my license about a year ago, and I'm still hesitant to break in when a group of old pros are talking on the repeater. (You know the ones - they always reminisce about having to take the 300 wpm Morse Code test after walking up a mountain barefoot in the winter under 8 ft of snow...) Sometimes it seems like one guy rambles on and on until the repeater times out, and then the next guy starts in without a pause and times out the repeater next. At first I thought that everyone on the repeater was ignoring me, and then I learned that you needed a PL tone set to activate the repeater.

One thing that I do that helps is to learn the peak usage times of the repeater, and then I sign on as "Monitoring" right before or right after peak times. That way there might be one or two hams listening, but not the whole "club". Once a couple guys learn your call sign, it's just a small step until most of the people there recognize you.

Good luck and hang in there!

James  - KC8RXE

I made this exact antenna to use for my HT indoors, and the 2M reception is great. I am attempting to use the 440 portion to receive ATV signals and the reception there is so-so, but the 2M part works really well. Making your own antennas can be very rewarding, and also save you lots of $$$ if you're on a budget. Good luck and have fun!  :-)

KC8RXE

This really highlights my experience as a new ham. When you ask questions, the "experienced" hams are more interested in insulting you and criticizing you for asking questions. I've got the basic host mode part of the program running and functional. However, if this is an indication of the general attitude of ham packet operators, I'm not sure I want to dig any deeper into the digital modes...

KC8RXE

> If you are actually smart enough to write your own
> software, you should be able to answer your own
> question.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see!  ;-)

I find that it's always prudent to ask if someone else has already solved the problem, because it can save you several months worth of coding.

KC8RXE

Thanks!  
That helps me out quite a bit. I've got an AEA PK-12, and your post gives me a good place to start.

KC8RXE

So what exactly does it take for software to run a TNC? Do terminal programs just send straight ASCII data to the TNC? I'm going to be writing my own terminal program strictly for the fun of it, and am wondering if there are special commands that need to be sent to the TNC or if there is a place to find this information. I've already checked out TAPR.ORG, and am looking for other sources.

Regards,

James KC8RXE

So what exactly does it take for software to run a TNC? Do terminal programs just send straight ASCII data to the TNC? I'm going to be writing my own terminal program strictly for the fun of it, and am wondering if there are special commands that need to be sent to the TNC or if there is a place to find this information. I've already checked out TAPR.ORG, and am looking for other sources.

Regards,

James KC8RXE

"If she had a cell phone in her pocket, you could have easily done that."  

I guess it depends on what part of town you were in, but from what I understand the majority of the cellphone carriers on the east coast were down on Sept 11, and telephone circuits in general were completely tied up. So in an emergency situation, a ham ticket and a cheap HT might not be such a bad idea!  :-)

KC8RXE

I am interested in this also. I understand the company that wrote packrattCE no longer supports it. I guess if I can't find any Windows CE terminal programs I'll just have to write one myself!

KC8RXE

My 2nd grade daughter wants to study for the Tech exam, and I'm looking for an appropriate book for her. I've checked out the ARRL books and just haven't seen anything that I think would work well (Including the "Now You're Talking" book.) Does anyone know of a good ham study book for kids?

Thanks!

James  KC8RXE

I am having a difficult time trying to find out what "Q" is and how to calculate it. I've done searches on the internet and all I've turned up is advertisments for "Q Multipliers" but nothing to tell me what "Q" is and why I'd want to multiply it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

KC8RXE