Anyone into ham radio?

[Teajunkie]

Thinking of getting into ham radio.
used to be on the cb radio from the age of 10 up until I was 25.

ham seems to be a way more grown up version.
It seems I would need to pass an exam to transmit but would like some insight into the whole thing before spending a fortune on radio equipment and antenna gear.

paul.

[Mr Slippyfist]

I'm probably wrong but didn't they get rid of the licence years ago. Think it was when they changed the law to make those plug in things for your iphone to transmit to your car stereo legal.

[tiggerbiker]

I'm probably wrong but didn't they get rid of the licence years ago. Think it was when they changed the law to make those plug in things for your iphone to transmit to your car stereo legal.

CB license was abolished - still need a ticket to operate on HAM bands
(i have an ofcom license to use business radios for bike training)

[RS197768]

I think it depends on which type of Hamradio operator you are. Within the Netherlands it is arranged that low power FM transmitters for streaming music to your car radio are allowed. As well as PMR and LPD devices. Also the general CB radio equipment is permitted without a license. As long as you stay within the legal output powers and within the specific band ranges. A licensed Hamradio operator that has passed an exam (N=Novice, F=Full licensed) are able to use more bands and the frequency spectrum. Starting with 2m and 70cm bands (144.000MHz - 146.000MHz and 430.000MHz - 440.000 MHz with power restrictions) for fully licensed Hamradio operators it also incorporates frequencies within the Shortwave bands. I myself am a licensed Hamradio operator (Dutch Novice License). Although I did not have much time to actively being on the bands I still try to follow the latest trends. Currently there is a large boost in Digital Radio. A lot of people are not using old Tetra radios that can be programmed to the Hamradio frequencies using the Mototrbo or Hytera specifications. They also make use of Teamspeak and other internet connections to extend the reach of these digital radio networks. Very nice to see. Something I will definitely will pick up when I have more time available.

[blaggard]

This is from July last year?? Beware....