|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
|
1-8 of 8 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
Interested in MARS, but lack experience
|
Reply
|
|
by N1YBH on September 23, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I would very much like to join MARS (preferably Air Force MARS), but do not feel that I know enough about amateur radio to do so. I do possess a valid FCC license, which I’ve had for a number of years, but have never been on the air. I obtained my license several years ago, but due to my work situation have never been able to set up a ham shack. Now that I am semi-retired, I would very much like to set up a shack and get involved in MARS.
Is there someone that can help/advise me about how to go about setting up a shack and getting on the air? I searched for clubs in my local area, but found only one club within a 50-mile radius of where I live, and they do not support the digital modes. I am kind of put off by clubs anyway, as the two I have belonged to really did not teach me a whole lot. Most of the members seemed to be way above my experience level, and consequently did not seem too friendly or interested in helping a newcomer get acquainted with the hobby. Since I do not wish to be unfair, I will add that was my perception at the time and may not have been the reality.
I do own two radios, an IC-T22A (which I am certain will of absolutely no use in MARS), and a Kenwood TS-440S. I currently do not a have a shack or an antenna, so I will have to start from scratch. To the maximum extent possible, I would like to set up a stealth station (i.e. one that blends in with the environment), as I do not want my neighbors complaining about an ugly antenna or RF interference. Is there any advice you can give me about how to go about setting up such a station and training to become a MARS member? Any information or guidance in these areas would be appreciated.
|
| |
|
RE: Interested in MARS, but lack experience
|
Reply
|
|
by K3WVU on September 24, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I would recommend Army MARS. You are going to need antennas that give you access to frequencies between 3-5 mhz, at a minimum, for most MARS nets. You will also have to modify your 440S so it can be used on MARS frequencies. Start here for info: http://www.netcom.army.mil/mars/
Good luck
Dwight
|
| |
|
RE: Interested in MARS, but lack experience
|
Reply
|
|
by W3JKS on September 30, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You should also be aware that you will need to complete the FEMA ICS-100, 200, 700 courses (online - no cost) and upgrade to General by April 2010. There is also a formal training program called MARS 101 which everyone had to complete (even us "old-timers") along with an open-book online final.
The basic level of training requirements has definitely been kicked up a few notches compared to five years ago. The philosophy is kind of like the Marines' "every Marine a rifleman", but in our case its "every Army MARS member a Net Control Station".
I have observed in ARES and RACES nets that past and current MARS members generally carry over that basic skill of traffic handling within directed nets onto the amateur bands.
73s,
john
|
| |
|
RE: Interested in MARS, but lack experience
|
Reply
|
|
by W3JKS on September 30, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You should also be aware that you will need to complete the FEMA ICS-100, 200, 700 courses (online - no cost) and upgrade to General by April 2010. There is also a formal training program called MARS 101 which everyone had to complete (even us "old-timers") along with an open-book online final.
The basic level of training requirements has definitely been kicked up a few notches compared to five years ago. The philosophy is kind of like the Marines' "every Marine a rifleman", but in our case its "every Army MARS member a Net Control Station".
I have observed in ARES and RACES nets that past and current MARS members generally carry over that basic skill of traffic handling within directed nets onto the amateur bands.
73s,
john
|
| |
|
RE: Interested in MARS, but lack experience
|
Reply
|
|
by KC2WI on October 5, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
USAF MARS is actively seeking new members.
Do not let your lack of experience stop you. There are ample opportunities for training. Northeast Area USAF MARS has a separate net every week specifically for training and some states also have specific training nets, but in fact all our nets are considered training nets. We also have a great training director who is always eager and willing to help new members.
The requirements for joining USAF MARS are really quite minimal. As far as expense, the only thing is that you must have equipment capable of operating on the MARS frequencies. Most newer radios can be modified to transmit on MARS frequencies. Antennas for MARS are typically not a problem. Remember that you are not trying to work DX, but rather communicate primarily with other MARS stations in your state, region, or area. Simple wire dipoles or multiband antennas such as a G5RV or Cobra will work fine and they don't have to be 50 feet in the air. In fact many MARS affiliates have purposely installed their antennas at low heights to take advantage of NVIS propagation. Also you don't have to run a lot of power. 100W is fine and usually less will work. I regularly run with 50 watts and sometimes 10. So if necessary you can use a stealth antenna with good results.
See http://marsregionone.org/ for more information. (This was the old Region 1 site but now serves the Northeast area which consists of states from Maine to Virginia.)
AFA2CQ
|
| |
|
RE: Interested in MARS, but lack experience
|
Reply
|
|
by N4WWL on October 6, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hi Jim -- I would be more than happy to chat with you about Air Force MARS. I just sent you an e-mail with some information to your e-mail address listed on QRZ.com. If it doesn't reach you, feel free to contact me directly at N4WWL@ARRL.NET.
73,
Dave
N4WWL/AFA3TR
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
Forum, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Forum Manager.
|
|
|
