Here is the handout of a recent FREE HAM Radio Class I presented for my friends/neighbors/community.

HAM RADIO EQUIPMENT REVIEWS:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/

 WHERE/WHAT TO BUY?

murs-radio.com (I’ve ordered from Rob several times). Check out the dakota alert systems, they are awesome SECURITY….even in grid down.
http://www.hamradio.com (HAM Radio outlet) — I suggest the FT-60R (or for those on a budget tyt or px-888k, or KG-UVGd)
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007323

See this article on “selecting the right radio”

• Wouxun KG-UV6D

Recommended antennas
https://signalstuff.com/

Pros/benefits

• flexible difficult to damage, car door etc.
• good high gain
• not heavy so your radio doesn’t tip over
• doesn’t seem like it’d put high stress on the connector because no leverage (because its super flexible) whether in your pack or on your hip.

HAM RADIO on a Motorcycle?!?

Yep, there are tons of advantages to a radio on a bike.  Communicating with your other riders, weather alerts, just-in-case and “heads up” on the trail. I recently installed a helmet headset and I’m pretty happy with it. Mic goes in your helmet and two speakers insert into your helmet.  a PPT (Push to talk) mounts on the handle bars. Even if you have a rider, running a radio so you can talk is nice!

I’ve used a similar setup for helping my neighbors in the flood response. Being able to hear while operating noisy equipment like an ATV/bike is very helpful.
The ham radio guys were super excited to talk to a motorcyclist. They have talked with planes, boats and even space stations, but many said they’ve never talked to a motorcyclist.
Why not use FRS you say? Most FRS radios only have one pin and 1 watt, if you buy a cheap ham radio, you get two pins for more robust and you can “program” your radio for closer to 4 watts (not FCC approved, but it can be done).

 

BaoFeng 2 PIN Full Face Motorcycle Headset Earpiece Mic, for BaoFeng / Kenwood / WouXun / PuXing / Linton Two Way Radio Walkie Talkie, Black

 

For non-helmet headset, try:

Retevis 2 Pin PTT Mic Covert Acoustic Tube Earpiece Headset for Kenwood PUXING Baofeng UV-5R UV-5RA 888S Retevis H777 RT7 RT21(1 Pack

 

Research in progress:

requirements

1. battery shell (aa or aaa)
2. scramble option
3. programmable via chirp
4. two prong’d headset
5. 6 meters would be NICE

 

HAM RADIO EXAM SCHEDULE (Utah)
http://user.xmission.com/~uarc/testinfo.html
See schedule for next exam at  J. Reuben Clark Law Building (BYU).
Visit: https://hamstudy.org/sessions

 

 

Preparing for HAM exam – fast track:

(first level of licensing is Technician)
https://hamstudy.org/
* Flash cards | QUIZER

* THE ACTUAL test questions
https://www.google.com/#safe=active&q=Element+2+Technician+Class+Question+Pool

ALSO, search PLAY STORE on your smart phone/tablet for HAM radio study, there are some pretty helpful apps.
Answer’s bolded and larger text – kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Amateur-Radio-Technician-General-Question-ebook/dp/B00CGEZGOS

RESOURCES:
http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/?s=ham+radio

 

PRIVACY TIPS!

• Use a post office address, anyone hearing your call-sign can lookup your home address
• Get an FRN number, so you don’t have to use your SSN on the application(when you take your test)
  http://www.fcc.gov/help/getting-fcc-registration-number-frn-universal-licensing-system-uls

HAM FAQ:
What is the cost of the exam?
Usually less than $15 cash–bring TWO forms of ID to the test.

http://www.arrl.org/what-to-bring-to-an-exam-session

How often do you need to renew license? Every 10 years. You may renew online.

Do I have to learn Morse Code? Not for the last 10+ years.

Call Sign LOOKUP/search FCC
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp
HEADS UP: Your full name and address can be looked up by using your call sign.

Storing your RADIO:

I suggest you store your radio with battery disconnected in an EMP proof bag & an AMMO can…in your trunk.
empbags.com

ALSO, you should get a ear-piece for your radio (hands free and privacy).
AND a battery pack you can thumb in AA or AAA batteries.

 HAM Class details

Please read the following carefully so we may have a successful class and you will
pass the exam and earn your license.

Location: Room 206 in the J. Reuben Clark Law building on BYU campus.
Room 206 is in the Southwest corner of the building.
The top of the interior map is East and the left is North. Enter the East facing doors just
West of the circular drive for passenger loading and unloading. Go to the
West end of the foyer turn left and follow the West wall South to room 206.

http://www.law2.byu.edu/images/building-maps/Floor-2-Law-Update2.gif

A parking permit is not required on Saturday. Don’t park in the usual restricted
spots like handicap without a permit, the Dean’s spot, delivery…. etc.

An interactive map of campus is here: http://map.byu.edu/
It is building #16 on the map; the J. Reuben Clark building (JRCB).
Another map is here: http://map.byu.edu/campusmap.pdf It is building
#16 in this map also.
GPS N 40 14.977′ W 111 38.718′

https://www.google.com/maps/place/J.+Reuben+Clark+Law+School/@40.249561,-111.645303,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x874d90b9b5243097:0x1be554f898be4823

Time: 8:00 am. To make this work you need to be on time. We have a lot of material to go
through. Lunch is 1 pm to 2 pm. Self-study and exams 2:30 pm to 5 pm. We need to be out
of the building by 6 pm. If you arrive at 7:30 am it will give you plenty of time to find the
room, refresh yourself (fancy talk for go to the bathroom) and get settled in your seat.

During the morning instruction there will not be enough time to take questions and get through all of the material. If you have questions write them on the class handout
(pick one up in the back of the classroom on your way in) and we will have a question
and answer session at the end of the instruction. Usually the answers to your questions
will be answered in the presentation. Before breaking for lunch we will discuss briefly
purchasing equipment you will need to get started in Ham radio.

Please read as much of the following free document as you can before the class. If there is
something you don’t understand skip over it. Please don’t be discouraged if you get confused.
There is nomenclature and concepts you may not be familiar with. By the end of the class you will know enough to pass the exam.

http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2014-no-nonsense-tech-study-guide-v1.0.pdf

The guide is free in .pdf format but if you want to put it on your Kindle or Nook it is $7.99
and you can get it here:

http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/

If you want REALLY concise here is a list of every question and the correct answer that will
be on the exam.

http://www.qualitymatrix.com/hamclass/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-2018_Tech_Pool_Q+A_only.pdf

The exam is taken from a pool of 426 questions to make a 35 question exam. A specific
number of questions is used from each sub-element in the pool to make an exam.
Details are in the next link below.

Please register here and start studying. This is the website we will use for self-study in the afternoon:

https://hamstudy.org/

Hamstudy is free but Richard KD7BBC is very appreciative of donations to keep the website going. After you use it you will realize how good it is and how much time he has devoted.

Have even more time? Watch the videos here on Youtube:

http://dcasler.com/ham-radio/training/

He mentions the ARRL study manual. You will NOT need it to take the class and pass the exam.

If you need to cancel please let me know ASAP. It will not be fair to end up with empty seats!!

What you need to bring: Pen, An internet capable device, preferably a laptop but a smartphone or tablet will work. The device needs to have wi-fi for the internet connection
on the public open wi-fi that is available. I have several loaner laptops available. Let me
know if you need one. The internet will be used for studying in the afternoon and will not be
needed in the morning for the classroom instruction portion of the class.

Registering for the exam is not required to attend but we would really really like you to beforehand. You will have to register to take the exam.

Register for the exam session here:

https://hamstudy.org/sessions

Be sure you are registering for the exam in Provo, Utah on the 19rd of September 2015.

Occasionally someone has difficulty with this process. You will do fine if
read the instructions very carefully and don’t skip any steps.

During the registration for the exam session you will obtain a Federal Registration Number
(FRN). The FRN is issued to you by the FCC so they can keep track of all your
dealings with them. The FRN is used lieu of your Social Secuity Number. After you have
entered your information on the FCC website for your FRN the next page is confusing.
Your FRN is at the top of the page. Highlight the FRN and copy and paste it or write it
down to enter into the registration page on hamstudy.org. Be sure to print out your (Personal Identification Number) PIN for the exam session and
FRN once you have completed everything on hamstudy.org….. If for some reason you do
not take the exam the day of the class you will need your FRN to take an exam later.
Finding out your FRN if you don’t have a license is difficult so don’t lose your FRN. You will
also need to provide the FCC with a password which you will use later to use the Universal
Licensing System (ULS) so you can change your address if you move or renew your
license. DO NOT LOSE YOUR PASSWORD!! you will need it later for access to the FCC
website to print out your license, renew your license or change your address.

You are right I repeated that….. don’t lose your password for the FCC ULS……

You need to bring two forms of ID. One with a picture like a driver’s license.
14.00 cash or check to pay for the exam.

ID requirements for test sessions are rather liberal. One of the IDs needs to be with a picture.
It is often difficult to find ID for children. If a child does not have ID with a picture we
will accept the picture ID of the accompanying adult plus another issued to the child.

The following are good for ID with preference given to something with
your picture on it issued by a government entity that also has your current address:

Social Security card
Birth Certificate
Passport
“Green” card
Driver’s license
State ID card
Concealed Weapons permit
Medicaid card
Military ID
Library card if it is not a card your name has been written on but the name is
embossed on the card by machine.
Student ID
School Faculty ID

If you can’t find anything else a canceled letter addressed to the test candidate will work for
ID but only as a last resort. If you have any questions about what is appropriate for ID
please e-mail me before the day of the class and exam.

As part of security in the building please stay on the main floor and don’t go wandering
around the library or building. Students have been asked to report anyone just wandering
around and we don’t want a visit from the guys with badges and guns!!
Please be patient trying to learn this stuff. Several years ago a woman and her mother
were in the class and the woman kept laughing when I said something. Finally at the break I
asked her why she kept laughing. “I don’t understand any of this. You might as well be
speaking Greek.” I told her to just keep listening and then in the study period she would get
a better idea of how much she really understood. She only studied a couple of hours that
after noon and went in and passed the exam just fine.

PROGRAMMING YOUR RADIO

I’ve used a few different software solutions, including the software from the radio’s manufacturer.

Recently I’ve tried the open source chirp along with the correct USB driver.

I like that I can import/export CSV files. Use the same desktop management software between different/supported radios.

Before installing chirp, make sure your radio is supported. Because chirp is open source, it has a lot of cross vendor support.

I was able to configure my radio to communicate with FRS/GMRS radios by reading this article

http://kv5r.com/ham-radio/gmrs-frs-frequencies-and-ctcss/

ch1 462.5625 tone mode (tsql), tonesql 67, power low
UPDATE: Chirp can import all FRS/GMRS frequencies.

 

Using your work’s “motion sensor” under your desk to turn OFF your radio when you are not at your desk!

These are the items I purchased to auto-turn-off my radio when not at my desk (the static bothers my co-workers that are staff’d 24×7).

I had to order three of these until I found one that worked!

http://www.amazon.com/Retevis-Battery-Eliminator-Adapter-Two-Way/dp/B00L8LSNNG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Make sure you get at least the 1 amp

http://www.amazon.com/Cellet-Universal-Cigarette-Lighter-Converter/dp/B000TA4WNW?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

 

SUMMARY:

This article will help you prepare for an upcoming handgun class. Here I’ll be talking about the pros/cons of different gear and a good cost/benefit ratio for your investment.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE gun, training or gear?

• The most expensive gun is the one you do NOT have and it costs you your life and/or the life of a loved one.
• The most expensive training is the training you did NOT have.  It is expensive because you FAILED to protect yourself, or you did not understand the moral, legal, ethical “likely outcomes” of your actions (and you continue to pay the price the rest of your life).
• The most expensive gear is the gear you do not have, when you need it to save your life or the life of a loved one!

 

CHECKLIST and LINKS

REQUIRED

• EYEs (eye protection, clear & dark recommended, must meet safety specifications –something like this:  (Wiley X Guard Sunglasses, Smoke Grey Clear, Matte Black . If you are on a budget, Lowe’s Home Improvement has some good sunglasses that are safety rated for $20. 
• Ears (ear protection, Howard Leights are what I recommend. Being able to hear range commands is a safety issue & you can use these for home-defense with a tactical advantage of hearing better than a dog). Howard Leight R-01526 Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff
• AMMO (most schools require FMJ NEW ammunition).
• hydration/water – about 1 gallon per day in extreme heat or dry climate.
• QUALITY external holster. I recommend Blade Tech OWB Holster for Springfield XDM 9/40 Shield with Tek-Lok Attachment (Black). Make sure you get YOUR pistol’s model. The link is for an xdm 9/40 4.5″
• Magazine pouch. You’ll want two mag pouches. I recommend BLACKHAWK! Single Stack Mag Case Matte Finish for 9 mm, 10mm, .40 Cal, and .45 Cal, Black
• 3-4 magazines.
• Snacks/lunch. Remember wet wipes, you do NOT want lead remnants going into your mouth and body!
• Most schools require a “concealment garment”, this can be a surplus bdu “shirt/jacket” with the arms cut out for a “vest” or if you can afford it,  I recommend 5.11 #80008 Poly/Cotton TacLite Pro Vest (TDU Khaki, X-Large). It has the right amount of stiffness for swiping the vest out of the way and driving down to the pistol.
• HAT. I recommend BOONIE HAT–Tan/Khaki
• azoom dummy rounds. There are cheapo dummy rounds, do NOT buy the cheapo ones. I recommend you buy the: A-Zoom 9Mm Luger Precision Snap Caps (5 Pack)

RECOMMENDED CHECKLIST

• layered clothing–expect wild fluctuations in weather and be prepared for rain, wind, hot/cold depending on season.  After I froze a few times in snow/wind, I got the proper gear. What is the most expensive weather gear? The one you do NOT have, and you get sick or you fail to train properly. I recommend a gore-tex shell for your jacket, water proof pants, boots, gloves and hat.
• Sunblock for neck and lips/face.  A long sleeve shirt is priceless in the sun, but NOT cotton and it should be loose.
• chapstick – I think this should be REQUIRED!
• Camera to document your adventure and show-off to your friends/family 🙂
• Gatorade packets or bottles
• Gloves. Depending on your weapon system, you may or may not need gloves. On your first class, your hands will need to tough’n up. So, for your first class or two, WEAR GLOVES. I recommend Mechanix Wear M-Pact Covert Work / Duty Gloves MPT-55 – LARGE Size I’d get the size so they are a bit tight, but not uncomfortable. You can check these out at Walmart too.
• Tools/cleaning kit.
• BACKUP gun/system. What if the unexpected happens? Having a spare is a good idea IMO.
• FIRST AID KIT – major trauma bandages…not just bandaids!
• Knee pads, depending on school and instructor
• Tactical Pants. My fav are the Blackhawk. Blackhawk Men’s Ultra Light Tactical Pant (Khaki, 38×36) These are cooler than shorts in the hot sun!!! Get that SUN off your skin!
• Multi-tool. I can’t tell you how many times my multi-tool has saved me! This is my fav: SOG Specialty Knives & Tools B66-N Power Assist Knife, Black Oxide
• Depending on the school, you may want a folding chair.
• GUN BELT, like a 5.11 TDU 5.11 TDU 1.75-Inch Belt, Black, Large. Make sure your pants will work with the wider belt. The wider belt aids in stabilizing the holster. The 5.11 TDU is OK, but even better is the Uncle Mike’s Tactical Two-Layer Nylon Reinforced Instructor’s Belt.

 

Abstract

A Freedom Rifle is an American Legacy. The Freedom Rifle is THE symbol of American Freedom.  Rifleman past/present show the ideal of of honor, skill, discipline and sacrifice for one’s posterity(doing difficult things for their grandchildren..born and unborn).

A Freedom Rifle such as the AR 15 is the most efficient hand held device currently available for defending our families, our communities and our Nation.  No one should apologize for owning a Freedom Rifle any more than one should apologize for owning a quality table saw or  an efficient automobile. Efficient tools are always desirable and a firearm is first and foremost a tool designed for a specific task..

Most Police Cars in the US are equipped with Freedom rifles.  Police agencies have adopted the Freedom Rifle for first responders because they are efficient tools.

I often find myself correcting people’s misinformation (or misunderstanding) when they call a Freedom Rifle an “Assault Rifle”.

There is such a thing in military vernacular as an assault rifle.  It refers to a fully automatic rifle, a machine gun used to attack enemy positions and is different in significant ways from a Freedom Rifle.

Freedom Rifles are not fully automatic machine guns and do not fit the description of a military weapon designed to attack or assault enemy positions.

The uninformed often assume that the military term assault rifle has something to do with a criminal assault.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

The fact is that shoulder weapons of any description are rarely used in crime. According to the FBI the number of people murdered by hands and feet far exceeds the number murdered by all rifles and shotguns combined, including semi automatic rifles.

So, in my home and places I have influence, I request that people call them by their proper name; which is of course a “Freedom Rifle”.

WHY is it a Freedom Rifle?

First, because IF you have your freedom, you own a Freedom Rifle. Freedom TO and Freedom FROM.

Second, if you can’t own one, you don’t have freedom.

Third, if you don’t have your freedom and enough citizens obtain Freedom Rifles, you SOON will have your freedom!

TODAY we would not be free (or as free as we currently are) without Freedom Rifles and Rifleman!

WHAT is a Freedom Rifle?

A Freedom Rifle has a detachable magazine with 20 or more capacity (STANDARD capacity!) AND is able to make man-sized hits at 200 yards.

Should you find yourself being attacked by a group of armed criminals there is no firearm that will provide you with a combination of range, accuracy and the ability to engage multiple targets quickly as a Freedom Rifle.  If you know that you are going to need deadly force to protect your family, this is the Rifle that you want in your hands

See, America HAS a Legacy of Rifleman as taught by Appleseed Project.  Having 85 million gun owners is tough to deal with if you are a power hungry dictator.  Even 200,000 trained and ready Rifleman are impossible to deal with.

What is a Rifleman?

In the Revolutionary War a Rifleman was able to shoot an enemy at 200 yards off-hand with his rifle. Rifles enabled us to win the revolution against…a dictator.  George Washington’s rifle cost about $5,000 in today’s money. The British had muskets and MIGHT be able to hit a man at 80 yards. The Lord blessed America with Rifle-makers and Rifleman!

To me, the Rifle is the symbol of America and Freedom. Though I give great respect and honor to the USA Flag (and it does my heart good to see it flying over my home everyday), I KNOW that it is the Freedom Rifle that is the symbol of freedom.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN if you OWN a Freedom Rifle.

1. It means you aren’t “taken in” by misinformation and a threat to Freedom Rifles is a threat to YOUR property.

2. It means you are a person of means. No welfare/looter is able to afford such a prize. It also means you are a person of discipline and able to put away funds long enough to obtain a rifle.

3. It means you understand that a Rifle’s mission is to counter an “expected attack”.

4. It means you are INDEPENDENT! You do NOT rely on others for your protection. day-to-day, nor in the event of a long-term disaster.  You can protect your family, your live-stock, your property from attack (2 legged or 4-legged predators. You are able to secure meat for your family.

5. It means you are the ideal-responsible gun-owner.  You should make bulk purchases of ammo and include this as part of your water/food storage.

6. It means you are passing onto the next generation the Legacy of rifleman-ship! No other skill is more important than being a true rifleman!

7. It means as Quigley said, “I have no use for a handgun…didn’t ever say I didn’t know how to use one.” The mission of the handgun is for “unexpected attacks”. There are a few that are better with handguns than me, but only a handful are better with a rifle than me. The rifle is my “Primary weapon system”. I was born to be a Rifleman.

8. It means you are willing to die for your right to own a “Freedom Rifle”.

9. It means you are a REAL AMERICAN! Willing/able and duty bound to protect yourself (and thus protecting your family) your community and your country…and above all your rights!

These are the words I live by. If it is not worth dying for…it is not worth killing for.

So, the next time you hear the uninformed call our American Legacy an “Assault weapon”. I hope you take time to correct them.  I hope you ask your “statesmen” if they own a Freedom Rifle (we all know politicians don’t own Freedom Rifles, because Rifleman don’t compromise like politicians do)!

I hope you are inspired to own a Freedom Rifle because deep down, you are meant to live and breath as An American!

How much would you pay for a Freedom Rifle?

Currently you can buy a excellent system for under $1,000. Add about $1,000 for ammo. Another $300 for accessories like (mags, pouches, slings) and about $700 for TRAINING.

Lets call it $3,000. Some would say that is A LOT of money. I would say, “what would you pay if there were dozens of thugs coming to your neighborhood to do unspeakable things to those you love the most?” You would pay ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to someone that could provide you with a Freedom Rifle under those circumstances. Why not buy one NOW for only $3,000!!!

NOW is the time to “OWN” and become a Rifleman by training HARD.

Freedom FROM:
Freedom from fear, tyranny and loss of a stable society. Freedom from hunger and attacks.

Freedom TO:
Freedom TO live, love and produce and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

God Bless the Rifleman in days gone by and the Rifleman of today!

Thomas