RedRiverII

@Lane...too much? I didn't think so. I'm glad you sent the tip about Florida. Now I can dig in and study. It seems a more difficult exam. Some of the questions are difficult to read. It's like reading the Baofeng manual in Chinese. Thanks yet again!

Micky Burns helicopter gunner in that battle, hell of a nice guy, terrible memories he shared. Watching troops try to climb a muddy hill and not get any solid footing. I won't share the rest of the story as it is a horror show. Glad your friend made it out also.

@Lane, There is only one exam listed that I would consider, and it is an hour's drive. I'll set it up tomorrow. The book has finally cracked open and the quest to extra begins. You know I have not made one call yet. I have listened to the weather but no ham conversations have I listened to. It'll happen soon enough. BTW, Alaska has a club that has figured out how to do the test remotely. It is a little complicated but they have the know how, I may call them tomorrow. How about you what are you into these days radio wise? Any DX'ing? Local stuff? Have you ever done a contest? All States? What kind of unit are you using, what type of unit are you looking to get? I talked earlier about the 7300 which is a good unit so they say in reviews, but so is Icom, Elecraft, Yaesu, Kenwood and others. I'm ogling them all, and Christmas is around the corner. I may sell my LaRue and some other gear to have a nice chunk of cash for this radio hobby. First the exam, then the antenna education, then a base unit, power supply, mic, and stuff I don't even know I need yet.

I have a lot of powder, and can reload for some time. Primers are a concern after a few thousand rounds. My LaRue 260 arrived on it's 6 month birthday I recall.

@Lane Thanks, the only ARRL listing I found was the one that was cancelled. Let me look at your posted listing. Oh I see, you just entered Florida, good thinking buddy. I'll definitely check out the indoor antenna link. Who would have thought that antennas were so complex. I began reading the DOA manual and thankfully it is laid out in simpler language. Also I just began reading the manual and taking tests. I now about one out of every eight questions, schmart I am. I'll return.

I received the bcg from Brownells, and they shipped quickly. Ordered an item on special from hornady, 30cal 150 gr, sp interlock so long ago it was a surprise when I received them today. Decided to reload some 357 and laughed when I could not find primers, bullets, or brass. No loaded stuff either.

Dang, I don't envy your tally job, sheesh.

You guys are unbelievably helpful, especially to a newcomer to the subject. I all the manuals and they are a treasure trove of information. One of the most important things is the antenna. I was worried about setting up a home base, and still am. The key to my success is the correct antenna. Thanks. I'm having trouble setting a date for the Extra exam. The fellows cancelled the 12/06/20 test, I just called and spoke to them. The exam was set for a retirement community and because of Covid they felt they had to cancel. I like to set a date for the exam so I can settle in and do the study with purpose routine. I still have not cracked open the new Extra manual.

@Steveale The amateur licenses are secondary on any shared frequencies, but amateur bands can't be used by commercial interests. Laurel/VEC exams are free. You could probably pass the exams easily. You can try an exam on QRZ.com.

I looked at the Ranger book suggestion and found very interesting and direct info there thanks.

@shooterrex HAMSTUDY.ORG has a schedule for online exams and a study guide. To take the exam online is either $10.00 or $15.

Antennas are a good topic for me. Thanks guys for the info. I wanted to have a first DIY building project, and I'll go with the Dummy load. I have not opened the book yet but from what I hear the test has been made a bit simpler by removing some questions. Some other questions have been made so the subject matter is clearer. @jtallen83, The reason to learn to pass the test is not to defeat the art of Ham Radio but to initiate the newer practitioner to all the jargon. That's what I think. Once you handle a radio or watch some videos, those folks talk in Ham Radio speak. SWR, DSP, Ohms, current, series or parallel come alive after you know the subject matter. AHA, that's why I need to measure power loss in watts on the RG8 coax. Guess I should've used R58 or solid line...Before the test they lost me in the jargon. @Lane Thanks Bud you are helping me stay in the pursuit. I have really been examining the whole gambit of Ham. I have held off buying any equipment or radios until I understand what is important. Unlike my feverish consumption induced here at 308AR, I have been very laidback in the purchasing dept. I will buy a soldering iron, a couple of resistors, 1030.01capacitors and a Hammond cube and build a dummy load. The extra class exam comes first. I got the book yesterday and have not opened it yet. Once I do all other fun stuff goes to the back burner. I'm going to dig in and complete the endeavor. I'll set a date for the exam a month out and go for it. Thank you all once again.

"...once again into the breech ". I have just received the ARRL Extra Class License Manual, Twelfth Edition. It is for exams taken between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2024. This book has just been released. I'll look for an exam one month out from now. Again I thought the rug had been pulled out from beneath because of the antenna issue. Then I found a story online from Florida. Some woman gets assistance from a guy who knows a guy... It turns out to be the fellow who writes or produces "Last Man Standing." It turns out Tim Allen is a Ham as well. Anyway they managed to put a 32' antenna in her attic. They got ahold of France first, then went on to some other country. The locations are not important here. What's important is I believe I can do it now. They used a Comet H42Z, some LMR 400 solid conductor with N connectors. " N connectors was a question on the General. They had a run of 29' and had to modify the length. An antenna analyzer was a must. Nancy from Florida was the woman. While learning and searching the internet one of my favorite things was a remark. These are not the exact words, but when you run into some problem, challenge, or a dipshit, instead of getting angry do what the winners do. Outsmart the bastards. AR

I did find the connection just now, I am indebted for sure.

I understand that antennas are key to our success.

Thanks bro, it was fun going through the challenge.

@Ravenworks Very cool link, thank you. I missed this post earlier, the study manuals got me nuts.

Thanks 98 for posting that incredible article. An honorable mention to the folks at SURPLUSAMMO.COM for the work they do.

6.5 grendel bcg for 6mmARC build.

Welcome Steveale from Fla.

6.5 grendel, my bad, not sleeping too well.

6mm ARC BCG from Brownells.

@Lane, I just wanted to point out that you have been supremely helpful in this subject. The time and effort alone was worthy of mention, but the experience and guidance you offered allowed me to get a clearer picture of some subjects that completely stumped me. I can see you are a powerful example of the Ham community. I will in turn pass on whatever information I am able to, to those that are stumped. 73

Happy Anniversary AED. We just passed the thirty year mark and it's terrific to hear you and Susan are being safe and smart. 2020 has been a kookoo year for sure.

Thanks sent to everyone that served and helped the World to be a bit steady and safe.