Are there any Dis'ers who are Ham Radio Operators

[7thdwarf/dopey]

I have been wondering about this for some time. I remember asking abouit the repeater in the castle last year, but dont remember if any replies answered this question.

It would be nice to share the hobby with other folks who love Disney as much as I do.

73's de N3SIN

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I've always thought that this sounded kind of interesting. I don't know anything about it, though. What is involved in learning it? Is it difficult to learn?

 

[ILUVDXL]

DH was one for years but hasn't done much with it lately. I can't remember if he ever took the radio to WDW but he did on many other trips. I'll ask him when he gets home tonight.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Hi Minniepumpernickel,

Oh it is very interesting to say the least and rewarding if you become a volunteer.

Many people have been using the walkie-talkies you can buy in the stores to stay in touch with each other at WDW only to find that there signal is blocked by buildings or the channels are to crowded. If you buy the ones with sub channels they usually work tho, but still they all have very limited range.

There are many ways to explain what the hobby is, and I always fall short and dont do a very good job at it. Many say it is like a glorified CB. In a way maybe, but not really. First you must be licensed by the FCC. No biggy there. The tests are very easy for the entry level licenses. I would suggest to you or any other interested in learning more to try this following web site "www.arrl.org ",( leaving out the quote marks of course)

When you get to the leaques web site look for the tan colored upper tool bar and click on "Licensing", then click on "getting started in amateur radio".

Did you know that WDW has an Ham Radio Station in the top of the castle in the MK? At least they did a few years back. It was usually operational during special events and emergencies. I remember it was in use during the wildfires of 2001. That was some fire season !

Look forward to hearing back from you Minnie.....


Gary

 

[Pooh67_68]

My husband is licensed, but does not have a radio anymore.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Hello there in Albrightsville!! Yes, sadly many hams are leaving the hobby these days. Its such an old tradition really, that had alot to do with war time communication. With cell phones and computers, the hobby does seem to be challenged. However when all communications are down for whatever reason, it is the Ham Radio operators to the rescue.
Tell hubby we miss him on the air.

 

[Pooh67_68]

One of the reasons he left is because he said it was becomming to much like a CB. His handle is N3ZER, I will tell him about this thread tonight when he gets home.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Yes, certain bands sure have gone downhill. But it also depends on where you live and which frequencies you listen to.

 

[lucky978]

My grandfather was one for many years. It was a club he was very proud to be in. I'll have to ask my mom where all his stuff got to after he passed away. Probably worth some money now. I sill remember his call W1UNU!

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Your grandfather had a very nice call sign. You can go to www.qrz.com and type in his call sign. If he hasnt been gone to long, you might still be able to see his info.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Originally posted by 7thdwarf/dopey
Hi Minniepumpernickel,

Oh it is very interesting to say the least and rewarding if you become a volunteer.

Many people have been using the walkie-talkies you can buy in the stores to stay in touch with each other at WDW only to find that there signal is blocked by buildings or the channels are to crowded. If you buy the ones with sub channels they usually work tho, but still they all have very limited range.

There are many ways to explain what the hobby is, and I always fall short and dont do a very good job at it. Many say it is like a glorified CB. In a way maybe, but not really. First you must be licensed by the FCC. No biggy there. The tests are very easy for the entry level licenses. I would suggest to you or any other interested in learning more to try this following web site "www.arrl.org ",( leaving out the quote marks of course)

When you get to the leaques web site look for the tan colored upper tool bar and click on "Licensing", then click on "getting started in amateur radio".

Did you know that WDW has an Ham Radio Station in the top of the castle in the MK? At least they did a few years back. It was usually operational during special events and emergencies. I remember it was in use during the wildfires of 2001. That was some fire season !

Look forward to hearing back from you Minnie.....


Gary

That is so interesting. I've done some reading about radio astronomy. If we ever have a huge disaster than I take it you will still be able to communicate with people?

I'm definitely going to check out the website! Thanks!

 

[Octoberbeauty]

My Papaw is a HUGE ham radio operator!! It's his passion, lol. He teaches classes too. I don't know his call sign, but I'll ask him. He got my cousin into it too. They're not Disney nuts, but they are ham radio nuts!!
Sherry

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

but they are ham radio nuts!!
Sherry

Now where have I heard that before...



I tried to quote the above from you Sherry, but it didnt come out correctly. I will need to read the FAQ's to see if explains how to do it.