PSRG Wiki - User contributions [en]

How To program my radio

2017-04-02T20:53:33Z

2601:602:9B01:A9FD:3181:2DBF:D0F2:20D: Created page with "Once you've taken that shiny new radio out of the box--or charged up the battery on that eBay or hamfest find--it's time to get it set up with your favorite repeaters and simp..."

Once you've taken that shiny new radio out of the box--or charged up the battery on that eBay or hamfest find--it's time to get it set up with your favorite repeaters and simplex frequencies. There are two ways to do this:

*'''Via the buttons on the radio'''. There's a wide range in the intuitiveness and ease of programming radios via the buttons, and also in people's ability to get into the swing of programming radios this way. With the new Baofeng and other Chinese radios that have become so popular, the general consensus is that programming via the buttons is counterintuitive. So for a lot of hams, that naturally leads to the second way of programming the rig:
*'''Via programming software and a serial cable'''. With this method, you create a configuration file on your computer, and then send it to the radio over a special cable. Most radios don't come with the cable, so you'll need to acquire the right cable for your rig and computer; it's easy to find out what you need online. There are proprietary programming apps, and there is also a popular open-source program called Chirp.

Whichever method you choose, as with so many other things, a little time with a search engine will yield multiple forms of instructions, from official manuals to ham-created how-to pages, to YouTube videos.

What should I learn First, Second, Third...?

2017-04-02T17:22:31Z

2601:602:9B01:A9FD:3181:2DBF:D0F2:20D:

While there are multitudes of aspects of the hobby to entice you, there are a few basics that are handy to learn, and you can pick these things up whether or not you have earned your ticket. (Just remember: if you have a radio before you have a license, it is illegal to use the PTT button, unless a licensed ham is controlling the operation.)

These are a few basics that will come in handy:

*'''LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!''' The book-learning for your test is critical, but there's also no substitute for monitoring frequencies and hearing how hams interact. Being familiar with terminology, etiquette, and the technology itself will make it much easier to jump in on the action once you are licensed. One simple trick to try is to "ghost" a conversation, by saying to yourself (or silently) what you would say when keying up your radio--before you ever do key it up.
*'''Learn how repeaters work'''. Most hams these days begin their journey on FM repeaters on the 144-148MHz (2 meter) and/or 440-450MHz (70cm) bands. Knowing your way around your local repeaters will set you up to get into the hobby and begin exploring it.
*Speaking of repeaters, learn '''where the ones in your area are'''. There are lots of resources for this, from smartphone apps to your favorite search engine, to the trusty ARRL Repeater Directory (via paper or electrons). Once you have the repeaters programmed into your radio or scanner, you can quickly get a feel for the character of each one. Some repeaters are silent just about all the time, and others are lively around the clock. The repeater guides won't tell you which are which--so back to the first point: listen and learn!
*Start thinking about '''how you want to set up your station'''--at home, in the vehicle, "foot-mobile," wherever, and then explore the various pages of this wiki or the abundant other online resources to learn more.
*'''Find an "elmer"''' (an experienced ham mentor). This one isn't always easy--some folks are introverts and would rather learn on their own. But if you want to work with an elmer, a little time on a repeater (if you're licensed!) or at a club, will give you a great boost in learning the ropes.

What should I learn First, Second, Third...?

2017-04-02T17:22:00Z

2601:602:9B01:A9FD:3181:2DBF:D0F2:20D:

While there are multitudes of aspects of the hobby to entice you, there are a few basics that are handy to learn, and you can pick these things up whether or not you have earned your ticket. (Just remember: if you have a radio before you have a license, it is illegal to use the PTT button, unless a licensed ham is controlling the operation.)

These are a few basics that will come in handy:

*'''LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!''' The book-learning for your test is critical, but there's also no substitute for monitoring frequencies and hearing how hams interact. Being familiar with terminology, etiquette, and the technology itself will make it much easier to jump in on the action once you are licensed. One simple trick to try is to "ghost" a conversation, by saying to yourself (or silently) what you would say when keying up your radio--before you ever do key it up.
*'''Learn how repeaters work'''. Most hams these days begin their journey on FM repeaters on the 144-148MHz (2 meter) and/or 440-450MHz (70cm) bands. Knowing your way around your local repeaters will set you up to get into the hobby and begin exploring it.
*Speaking of repeaters, learn '''where the ones in your area are'''. There are lots of resources for this, from apps to your favorite search engine, to the trusty ARRL Repeater Directory (via paper or electrons). Once you have the repeaters programmed into your radio or scanner, you can quickly get a feel for the character of each one. Some repeaters are silent just about all the time, and others are lively around the clock. The repeater guides won't tell you which are which--so back to the first point: listen and learn!
*Start thinking about '''how you want to set up your station'''--at home, in the vehicle, "foot-mobile," wherever, and then explore the various pages of this wiki or the abundant other online resources to learn more.
*'''Find an "elmer"''' (an experienced ham mentor). This one isn't always easy--some folks are introverts and would rather learn on their own. But if you want to work with an elmer, a little time on a repeater (if you're licensed!) or at a club, will give you a great boost in learning the ropes.

What information do I actually ''program'' into my radio, and why?

2017-04-02T17:20:58Z

2601:602:9B01:A9FD:3181:2DBF:D0F2:20D:

So, you have your first radio. Congratulations! But now, how to get on the air?

Most likely you'll be starting with repeaters. Here are 4 the basic things you need to program into your radio in order to get on a repeater:

* The '''frequency''' the repeater actually transmits on '''(Example: 146.96 MHz)'''. This is also called the repeater's output frequency.
* The '''offset''' from that frequency, that your radio adds or subtracts to the repeater's output frequency, that your radio will transmit on, so that the repeater will "hear" it '''(Ex: 0.600 MHz for 2M and 5 MHz for 440)'''
* The '''sub-audible tone''' that the repeater needs to accept on your signal '''(Ex: 103.5 Hz)'''. This is often referred to as a PL tone (technically a Motorola trademark), though your radio's manual probably calls it "CTCSS" (the generic name).
* The '''output power''' setting you want your radio to use (usually Low Power is best). This setting is not, strictly speaking, a repeater requirement. You need enough power to be heard clearly, but you should keep it as low as practical.

What information do I actually ''program'' into my radio, and why?

2017-04-02T17:20:30Z

2601:602:9B01:A9FD:3181:2DBF:D0F2:20D:

So, you have your first radio. Congratulations! But now, how to get on the air?

Most likely you'll be starting with repeaters. Here are 4 the basic things you need to program into your radio in order to get on a repeater:

* The '''frequency''' the repeater actually transmits on '''(Example: 146.96 MHz)'''. This is also called the repeater's output frequency.
* The '''offset''' from that frequency, that your radio adds or subtracts to the repeater's output frequency, that your radio will transmit on, so that the repeater will "hear" it '''(Ex: -0.600 MHz for 2M and 5 MHz for 440)'''
* The '''sub-audible tone''' that the repeater needs to accept on your signal '''(Ex: 103.5 Hz)'''. This is often referred to as a PL tone (technically a Motorola trademark), though your radio's manual probably calls it "CTCSS" (the generic name).
* The '''output power''' setting you want your radio to use (usually Low Power is best). This setting is not, strictly speaking, a repeater requirement. You need enough power to be heard clearly, but you should keep it as low as practical.

What information do I actually ''program'' into my radio, and why?

2017-04-02T17:19:34Z

2601:602:9B01:A9FD:3181:2DBF:D0F2:20D:

So, you have your first radio. Congratulations! But now, how to get on the air?

Most likely you'll be starting with repeaters. Here are 4 the basic things you need to program into your radio in order to get on a repeater:

* The '''frequency''' the repeater actually transmits on '''(Example: 146.96 MHz)'''. This is also called the repeater's output frequency.
* The '''offset''' from that frequency, that your radio adds or subtracts to the repeater's output frequency, that your radio will transmit on, so that the repeater will "hear" it '''(Ex: -0.600 MHz)'''
* The '''sub-audible tone''' that the repeater needs to accept on your signal '''(Ex: 103.5 Hz)'''. This is often referred to as a PL tone (technically a Motorola trademark), though your radio's manual probably calls it "CTCSS" (the generic name).
* The '''output power''' setting you want your radio to use (usually Low Power is best). This setting is not, strictly speaking, a repeater requirement. You need enough power to be heard clearly, but you should keep it as low as practical.

What information do I actually ''program'' into my radio, and why?

2017-04-02T17:18:24Z

2601:602:9B01:A9FD:3181:2DBF:D0F2:20D: Created page with "So, you have your first radio. Congratulations! But now, how to get on the air? Most likely you'll be starting with repeaters. Here are the basic things you need to program i..."

So, you have your first radio. Congratulations! But now, how to get on the air?

Most likely you'll be starting with repeaters. Here are the basic things you need to program into your radio in order to get on a repeater:

A repeater needs you to program 4 things into your radio's memory in order to repeat your signal:
* The '''frequency''' the repeater actually transmits on '''(Example: 146.96 MHz)'''. This is also called the repeater's output frequency.
* The '''offset''' from that frequency, that your radio adds or subtracts to the repeater's output frequency, that your radio will transmit on, so that the repeater will "hear" it '''(Ex: -0.600 MHz)'''
* The '''sub-audible tone''' that the repeater needs to accept on your signal '''(Ex: 103.5 Hz)'''. This is often referred to as a PL tone (technically a Motorola trademark), though your radio's manual probably calls it "CTCSS" (the generic name).
* The '''output power''' setting you want your radio to use (usually Low Power is best).

New Ham FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

2017-04-02T17:09:01Z

2601:602:9B01:A9FD:3181:2DBF:D0F2:20D: Moving the repeater details part into the "what info do I program into my radio" section

'''<span style="color: red;">Titles in RED are for Articles that Don't Exist Yet!!</span>'''

''{LOTS needs to be added here! N6NBN}''

* '''[[Is a Walkie-Talkie ("HT") enough?]]'''
* '''[[What should I learn First, Second, Third...?]]'''
** [[How To program my radio]]
** [[How to Find Repeater Info]]
** [[How to Operate on a Radio Net]]

* '''[[How do I meet other Hams?]]'''

* '''[[Do I need to spend Thousands of Dollars to be a Ham Operator?]]'''

* '''[[Do I need a huge antenna on my roof, or a Big Tower in my backyard?]]'''

* '''[[How do I find somebody to talk with?]]'''

* '''[[How do I find an Elmer? (an Experienced Ham to help me Learn and Practice)]]'''

* '''[[What information do I actually ''program'' into my radio, and why?]]'''

* '''[[What is a Radio Net?]]'''
* '''[[How do I find Radio Nets?]]'''

* '''[[How do I find Ham Clubs near me?]]'''

* '''[[Are there Public Service Events I can participate in?]]'''

* '''[[Do I have to learn Morse Code?]]'''

* '''[[How can I learn Morse Code?]]'''

* '''[[I want to Upgrade my License; where do I find Study Materials online?]]'''
** [http://www.nc4fb.org/wordpress/ '''Free Amateur Radio License Self-Study Programs at NC4FB.com''']
** [https://hamstudy.org/ '''Ham Study - Free Practice Tests and Flash Cards'''] - Log in and it can track your progress across devices. Works great from mobile devices, too.

* '''[[What Radio(s) should I buy?]]'''

* '''[[How do I find Ham Fests, Conferences, and/or Swap Meets?]]'''

* '''[[How do I find an Emergency Preparedness Group to join?]]'''

* '''[[All this Jargon!! Help me with Ham Vocabulary!!]]'''
** '''(see “New Ham Terminology” at [[New_Ham_Operator_FAQ_and_Terminology]]'''

* '''[[How do I Program my Radio?]]'''

* '''[[What is ''Earth-Moon-Earth'' communications?]]'''

* '''[[Online Practice Ham Tests]]'''
** [http://www.nc4fb.org/wordpress/ '''Free Amateur Radio License Self-Study Programs at NC4FB.com''']
** [https://hamstudy.org/ '''Ham Study - Free Practice Tests and Flash Cards'''] - Log in and it can track your progress across devices. Works great from mobile devices, too.