The Heart of Ham Radio
Low Cost Simplex Radio
Simplex Radio means talking to other people on a single radio frequency without the use of repeaters.
5 Watts and a well-placed antenna is all you need. More power works better, but it's all in the height and efficiency of the antenna.
Local Simplex Nets build community
HAVE FUN...make new friends
LEARN...good Simplex takes practice (and a few bucks)
SERVE COMMUNITY...if an emergency arises you'll all be prepared
K.I.S.S. .... Keep It Simplex, Stupid!!
START YOUR OWN NET
All it takes is a commitment to build a network of licensed Hams:
- Develop e-mail list of local Hams
- Make a "group" on groups.io, Google Groups, etc. to send mail to the above list notifying of net.
- Get the word out about scheduled nets to all the local clubs
- Hold every net on every scheduled day & time.
- Remind folks to monitor the frequency all the time.
- You will be surprised how many Hams in your community, over time, will be attracted to Simplex.
Simplex and other Ham links
American Radio Relay League
Biggest and baddest advocate for Amateur Radio in the U.S. and possibly the World:
You don't have to be a member to access many of their resources. Membership is indeed worth it, though.
Simplex Radio Explained
Don't be surprised that 146.415 isn't on the list of "normal" Simplex Frequencies, but that's the beauty of Ham Radio: WE decide where to operate on the approved portions of the band.
How far can I be heard???
Many factors affect radio signals, but the important ones are:
- Antenna Height
- Antenna Efficiency
- Feedline efficiency
- Wattage leaving the antenna
- Surrounding Terrain: hills, mountains, lakes, large trees, etc.
- Weather conditions
See formula below for calculating line of sight distance for radio waves.
Radio Line-of-Sight Calculations
The formula, of course theoretically, for how far your signal travels over the face of the earth:
Line-of-sight = Square root of (2 X height of your antenna) PLUS the Square root of (2 X height of 2nd antenna)
Or, if you're bad at math, use the calculator here.
Azimuthal Map
Sounds like a medical condition, but this link will give you the relative (to you) direction of any other station to you so that you know where to point your directional antenna.