Eurofurence Community > Special Interests
Amateur (Ham) Radio?
Clover:
Wow the subject of Radio Amateurism seems to trigger some interest even in the furry realm !
How about organizing some kind of meet-and-greet Ham themed room party ? Everyone could introduce themselves and we could dive into it talking about what specifically interests the audience.
I'll be bringing a test rig made of a PC and cheap USB hardware to see if i can setup something to listen to PMR 446 radios. Since many attendees bring such cheap talkie-walkies, there is most certainly going to be radio traffic to pick up !
How about meeting in my room on thursday around 21:00 ? It will most likely be situated on the first floor and I can certainly stick a few post-its near the elevators when I'll know the info.
Don't hesitate to reply here or via PM if you have any suggestions or questions.
Greetings,
~Clover.
Ralesk:
--- Quote from: White_Dragon on 15.08.2013, 22:25:35 ---some peoples decides uses some offset CTCS US version radios, braking communication down. (PMR)
--- End quote ---
I think using foreign band PMR is not quite legal (not sure who would notice (and how), and come find the perpetrators (and how))
Ralesk:
--- Quote from: Clover on 16.08.2013, 00:26:51 ---How about meeting in my room on thursday around 21:00?
--- End quote ---
That sounds good :) I'm usually spending my evenings in the board games room or in the artist lounge (watching and socialising and messing around on my laptop for no good reason), so I'm usually “nearby” anyway — easy :)
VulpesRex:
I would have an interest in this, I think - depending on what it is scheduled against.
I was a licensed Amateur Radio Operator in the USA - callsign N6PNL - and had even taught theory classes back in the early 1980's. It is a time-honored way to learn about the basics of Electronics, and many an Electronic Technician and Electronic Engineer has learned his skills for employment this way. It was something which had fascinated me as a kid, from the mid-1960's.
...But alas, I am no longer a licensed "Ham"; after renewing my license once, I let it lapse in 2008, for a variety of personal reasons.
I would STILL encourage those who are curious to explore the hobby, though. It is international in scope, is of VITAL importance as a communications medium during Natural Disasters, and is often the only link to the outside world from less developed countries. "Hams" serve as technological ambassadors, and of course are still important in advancing the State of the Art in Telecommunications and Electronics - and even in Physics.
For all of these reasons, most countries have a special clause in their telecommunications regulations, allowing amateur radio enthusiasts to experiment and practice their hobby across reserved radio bands, using "home-brew" equipment, rather than the equipment required for the tightly regulated commercial radio services, which are restricted to fixed-channel frequencies and limited emission types and modes. Ever wanted to bounce a signal off of the moon? Ham Radio Enthusiasts have done this - even built their own satellites, which have been launched into orbit!
AnthroCon has had a radio "Fox Hunt" most years since moving to Pittsburgh. Such Fox Hunts consist of a low-power transmitter hidden somewhere about the premises, usually disguised as a mundane object, which transmits a weak-but-distinctive signal for brief intervals. It is the job of the "hunters" to track down the "fox", usually with hand-held equipment and home-designed directional antennas. Much like what naturalists and Park Rangers use, to track wildlife equipped with radio collars. Prizes may be awarded for First hunter to find the fox, second hunter, and so forth. And other than the owner of the transmitter, you do not require a license to participate in the hunt!
"Real radios Glow in the Dark..."
White_Dragon:
OK I will throw into car then FT 817 ND, and bring it to EF unfortunately I don't have any antennas except Small whip as the rig has arrived just 4 days ago, and I had no time to organise some multi band whips or small tuner with long wire.
I would not have a huge expectation because the hotel in middle of town but least some of you might enjoy some 2m or 70cm and try RTTY or APRS (I hope I have correct lead )
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