Hello from crawford county

Ham Radio In Your State PA - Pennsylvania
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Hello fellow Pennsylvanians !! First let me intro myself, my name is Dave. I’m totally new to this whole HAM radio comms .

I have yet to even test or purchase a radio. After looking at radios for about 60 days now my head is swimming. I have no clue about all the different brands, terminology/acronyms, bands/meters, etc.

Pretty much I’m here to gain knowledge on this world of HAM. I’d also like to make contact with any HAMs in Crawford County or groups. I did find one but their last activity was years ago.

Any and all help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Thank you in advanced.

Best regards,

Sgt Dave Randazzo (ret)

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The Tech license exam is pretty easy … i studied for about a week and got 30/35 … cause I was impatient and just wanted to finish the test … LOL

I am about 2 hours south of you … I’m down in Uniontown (Fayette Co.)

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I like to tell people interested in testing, that Technician is mostly laws with a little bit of radio theory and practice, then as you progress through General and Amateur Extra, its less laws and more Theory and practice. I’m from WV also about 2 hours away, but I come up to Crawford County (Meadville) to visit with my two youngest kids and ex wife. If you have any questions please ask away and we see how we can help you out!

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Thanks Richard. I’m like you too, VERY inpatient. But i did schedule my test on 19 March to give me enough time to study with my busy life.

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Thank you Levi ! Can you elaborate on what type of radio theory and practice questions are on the test ?

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Electrical circuits and math in regards to electronics and RF. QRZ.com has practice tests that you can use as a study guide, and to judge when you are ready to test.

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Thanks again Levi !!

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Hello Dave. I’m up on the northern end of the county near Cambridge Springs. I took the technician exam a little over a week ago. As was said by W5RTM, the exam is pretty easy. I scored 33 out of 35. Just remember to take your time and read the questions. Some are worded in a way that can throw you off if you’re not paying attention.

I’m currently getting ready to take the general exam.

I purchased a Baofeng UV-5R, very inexpensive but seems to be of good quality for a HT. I think I need a bigger antenna.

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Oh, BTW, There is a club that meets in Meadville every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 P.M. Crawford ARS.

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I grabbed some of these for my HT

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I’ve seen these mentioned on a couple of YT vids. I have a Nagoya NA-24J. One of the YT guys said the Signal Stick is better. I’ll have to look them over.

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Thanks. I’ve been in contact with Richard from Signal Stick regarding a vehicle roof mount system. Talk about one VERY HELPFUL guy. He has gone way above and beyond to help me.

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I went ahead and ordered one. It’s looks to be a more accurate 1/4 wave length antenna for 2 meter, although a bit long for a HT. But, I’ll give it a go.

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Contact him via his email and he will customize anything you want or put together a system like he did for me.

I’ve read several reviews about his antennas and not a single neg thing was mentioned.

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Hey Levi I failed to mention next time your up in Meadville seeing your children give me a heads up. I’m very close and maybe we could get together over coffe or dinner and you can educate me even more on this Ham stuff.

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Next time I make it up that way I’ll let you know!

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