I Want to be a Ham:
Timothy Cates (MODAKA1)
on
June 30, 2003
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Hello Hams,
I am interested in becoming a ham radio operator. I have always been fascinated by radios. Currently I have a C.B. in my house. I was causing interference on my neighbors even while only running 4 watts legal power within the 40 allotted channels. I enjoyed the challenge of repairing the interference problem. Let me tell you what I did (it worked by the way.)
First I have an Antron A-99 antenna side mounted on the house 20 ft. above the roof in accordance with local regulations. First step I turned my mic gain down (duh). Never mind that I built a really cool ground system for my radio and antenna. Building the ground really improved my reception and cut down on the TVI a little. I know I did not have to do anything but I felt it would be great to beat the interference on my end.
I reduced my power supply to 3 amps. This cut it down a little more. Then I went to radio shack (my favorite place) and purchased a couple of ferrite data line clips. I handed them out to the neighbors that I was bothering. Then I purchased a workman TVI filter and it totally destroyed all the harmful interference. I now enjoy talking on my completely legal CB radio without harming anybody. Does anyone have some advice or want to become an elmer to help me get a license. I am finding that the 40 channels is not enough I would like to venture further, but not without a license. Any advice would be most welcome. Please don't beat me up for running a CB we all have to start somewhere.
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I Want to be a Ham:
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by WB5YDK on June 30, 2003
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Hi Timothy,
In what city do you live??? Maybe someone else reading your post lives just around the corner from you.
Another suggestion would be to find a ham radio club in your area. Go to the meetings and introduce youself to others. Hopefully, they have a program for recruiting and teaching new hams. You may even meet others there who are also trying to become hams.
You can do it all on your own with a self-study course, but becoming a ham will be much more fun if you learn alongside others.
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by DOODAH on June 30, 2003
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Watch and weep as a hundred "What has this got to do with Ham Radio?" comments come in! Without CW it's CB - oh wait, it IS CB... *yawn*
Welcome to two-way radio! Good luck, ignore any unfriendly comments and have fun studying for a ham licence. 73
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by W4TYU on June 30, 2003
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Go to this URL
http://www.arrl.org
They have much information on becoming an amateur radio operator. You will also find list of club, and hamfests.
At hamfests you can purchase study material, or you can order from ARRL. At hamfests you can see the range of equipment and accessories which are available.
Ole man JEAN
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by WA2JJH on June 30, 2003
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OK, you made the first step. You decided you want to be a ham. I was around 10 when I knew I wanted to be a ham. However with school to get out of the way.(back in school for a PHD), I got my first Ham ticket at 16.
My best advice is join your nearest ham radio club.
There is nothing like a group of experienced hams to encourage you. I do not think I would have broken those times of psychic apathy with out encourangment.
No clubs? Look for a roof with a ham antenna on it. From the tinkering you have been doing, I know you will recognise a HAM QTH.
Even though you do not have your ticket yet, go to a hamfest. Yes I know hamfest are not what they used to be.
Eventually you will have to find a V.E.(volunteer examiner) to give your first HAM test. The A.R.R.L. can help you with that.
In the meantime, you can go to a Radio Shack and buy some of their ham books. I studied Ham and Commercial exams about a year before I started at a Ham club.
There is also E-ELMERING ON EHAM. Maybe if you feel like giving an approximate location of where you are, you might just get an ELMER that is just as excited as you as to you making the upgrade from 11M.
73 and best of luck. You decided you want to be ham. You made the first trip on a exiting journey!
MIKE WA2JJH
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by KX5FUZ on June 30, 2003
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In addition to looking for ham clubs in your area, you could search call sign databases for hams that live in the same zip code, and ask a few of them for help.
You could post your city and state here; maybe someone reading this lives nearby or knows someone that does.
Good luck!
Steve
KX5FUZ
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by KB9YUR on June 30, 2003
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Tim,
once you decide to take the test and become a Ham, get yourself an all mode radio,
not just an HT with only FM capabilities. With limited funds, I've seen Hams loose
interest too quickly in Amateur Radio by only being exposed to FM and/or repeaters.
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by K9IKE on June 30, 2003
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I for one am not ashamed to say that I have spent many enjoyable hours on the old CB. And on rare occasions I still visit 39 LSB. Good luck in your studies I'm sure that we'll see you on the ham bands soon.
73, Ike
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by KQ6YF on June 30, 2003
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Hi Timothy
Try this...
http://www.arrl.org/hamradio.html
The ARRL isn't the only fish in the sea, but it's a good place to begin.
You solved your interference problem like a true ham.
If I can be of any help, click on my call and you'll find my e-mail address.
73,
Bart
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by KB1JIV on June 30, 2003
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Get the book "Now You're Talking" published by AARL. If you understand all you did to relieve the interference you were causing, you will fly through the tech tests with a little studying (all you need for the tech is to read the above mentioned book) .... Sounds like you need a little bit of confidence. Take the online tests at www.qrz.com. When upgrading..CW is difficult for some and daunting for others, that's where an ELMER can help...
Cheers,
Jason
KB1JIV
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by N9HCT on June 30, 2003
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There have been a lot of good suggestions and I suggest you explore a few of them. I have one comment to add. I would be glad to have you join the ranks of amateur radio. Anyone who would handle a TVI problem with the neighbors as professionally as you did would be an asset the the ham radio community. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing you on the bands someday!
Good Luck and Welcome!
Wilson, N9YI
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by KG4ODX on June 30, 2003
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I great to hear of your wanting to upgrade to the the ham bands. The ARRL web site is a good place to start, there you will find everything you need know. Here's the link address http://www.arrl.org/. Good luck, hope to hear you on the air when you get your ticket.
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by KT8K on June 30, 2003
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I, too, was originally a CBer. I tried building my own simple wire antennas and was eventually convinced to get a ham license, and I am so glad I did. Ham radio is 100 times more fun than CB, and has 100 times the possibilities. Feel free to email me with any questions. I have elmered many hams and taught novice classes (before they did away with the license). Look me up (call search box on eham.net or qrz.com).
73 & good luck - Tim, KT8K
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by IM4UKWIDCATS on June 30, 2003
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I think that you will find that the MAJORITY of hams licensed since 1973 or so have been CB'ers at one time. We moved on up the ladder of evolution because we wanted more and better. As if we moved from the run down city slum into the countryclub world, we left the car on cinder bocks behind. Heck, at one time, many of us used to meet up above Ch23 to practice code - that was BEFORE there were 40 channels.
HOWEVER... you do not say what city you are in so we can help you find an Elmer (a teacher, instructor, leader, rabbi) to help you on the path of enlightenment.
One thing that I do not understand, and I think that you may not either... limiting the power supply current capacity will put undue load on the supply, drop the output voltage, and reduce the effiency of the supply. While this MAY HAVE reduced your TVI/RFI problem because it reduced the RF output from the transmitter, this did not CURE the problem and I would continue to search out the real problem.
If you do this to FET devices, you could destroy them... but I have yet to see a CB that used FETs for final amps.
The clip on split cores were perhaps the answer. You may want to contact Ed Hare W1RFI at the League for suggestions... and while you are at it, ask the ARRL if they have a Special Service Club in your area.
You also did not go into detail about the interferance, was it OVERLOAD, Harmonic, did you get into cordless phones, wired phones, TV's, stereos???
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by K8AG on June 30, 2003
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Number one advice I can give is find a local club and join. ARRL can help you find a local club (arrl.org). Hams are notoriously evangelical and in no time you will be a part of the collective. ;)
Don't let the anti-CB biggots defer you. Most of us used CB before becoming hams and there is nothing wrong with that. I have been a ham around 30 years and built my first ham transmitter from a book called "From CB to Ham".
Its never been easier to become a ham so go for it. Good luck.
John Pawlicki, K8AG
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by KG4LJF on June 30, 2003
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Hey dude.
Glad to hear you want to be one of the elite. Like you said, we all have to start somewhere. my first introduction to radio was with a pair of 49 mhz talkys from wal-mart when I was a kid. I was amazed at the fact that you could talk into one and hear your voice come out of the other. I, like most, moved up to CB. I still enjoy talking on CB, LSB and AM. The lower sideband on CB is almost like amateur radio in a way. but then again, it's still CB.
Your best bet is to do like many others have said. Get a hold of a study guide. If you'd like to sample the goods before becoming a ham, go pick up a police scanner and program in local repeater frequencies. Or, find a local ham, and go a' knockin'. A local ham would be a better bet, because theres a very good possibility him/her'd fire up thier rig and let you do a little bit of 3rd party. You'll soon agree that ham radio is a whole lot more fun than CB, even though CB still is a blast sometimes.
Getting in touch with a local ham club is also a very good next step. 99.9% of clubs will let you come to the meeting as a visitor and set in and listen. After the meeting is over, ask lots of questions. Ask anything you want and the club memebers will help you with everything you need to know.
Good luck in your quest to obtain your license. Once you take your test and pass, you'l realize all the hard work you put in to becoming one of "us" has paid off a great deal. 73's sir'.
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by N8FVJ on June 30, 2003
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As much bashing CB gets, most hams owned a CB set. CB use is a good entry route to the ham radio hobby. You have gained some radio operating skills & learned some electronics. You have a great start. Hope to here you on the air soon.
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by W0FM on June 30, 2003
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Hi Tim,
If you'll e-mail me your ZIP code, I'll send you back a list of hams in your area. If you begin contacting them (a simple post card should get some attention if you are shy about phoning them) you will quickly find a helpful individual or two, or even be referred to a local club.
You'll be a welcome addition to the amateur community. And, it's never been easier. Hope to see you on the air soon. Good luck.
73,
Terry, WØFM
w0fm@arrl.net
St. Louis
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by KD5RGJ on June 30, 2003
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TIM:
THE BEST THING TO DO IS GOT TO ARRL.ORG AND DOWNLOAD THE TECH QUESTION POOL..STUDY IT EVERY DAY....IT HAS THE ANSWERS RIGHT ALONG WITH THE QUESTIONS AND GOTO QRZ.COM AND CLICK ON PRACTICE TESTS FOR THE TECH LICENSE AND DO THIS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY...AFTER YOU START HITIING IN THE 90% PASSING THEN CONTACT A HELP GROUP...I WAS A HAM WANNABEE FOR 30 YEARS UNTIL SOMEONE POINTED ME IN THIS DIRECTION...YOU WILL SPEND LESS TIME AND GET THERE QUICKER...THEN YOU CAN START ON YOUR GENERAL AND HF PRIVILIGES.
GOOD LUCK
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by KD5RGJ on June 30, 2003
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TIM
E.MAIL ME YOUR TELEPHONE NO AY OKRAHEAD1@YAHOO.COM AND WILL EXPLAIN IN MORE DETAIL WHAT I HAVE SAID
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by K5UJ on June 30, 2003
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Here's what I did when I was starting out: I went to my local public library and got every book they had about amateur radio. The ARRL had a book on how to learn the radiotelegraph code. I imagine they still do. Using that I taught myself the code in about 1 month. Today, ARRL publishes study guides (license manuals) for the license examinations. See if your local library has them (mine does). Don't worry if some of the books seem too technical. Just keep looking until you find ones you can understand. Most of what you find may be a few years old (when I was getting started I enjoyed looking at Hertzberg's So You Want to be a Ham, 15 years out of date but still a great book). That's okay at first; when you begin seriously getting ready to study for the examination you can worry about having all the up to date material. So take a look at what's in your library--it's all free--and do a lot of reading. Worked great for me (still does).
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by IM4UKWIDCATS on June 30, 2003
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Tim,
If you want to LEARN what to do, spend the bucks to buy "Electronic Communications" by Robert Shrader (I do not know what edition he is up to now, mine is the 4th edition with the red cover) - this book is the BIBLE of electronic communications! Also, go pick up the ARRL Handbook. Between these two books, you will learn more than 90% of all hams on the air...
If you just want a quick license, download the FCC sylabus, buy a study guide, memorize the questions and answers and remain ignorant to the reason behind the question and answer.
If you're like most, you are a hands on learner, contact the local special services club, see when the next class is and take the class. Your local Red Cross chapter SHOULD have a ham group, call the local chapter and tell them you want to speak with Disaster Services, ask who is the contact for the local ham club, same goes for the Salvation Army, many Corps have hams attached to them too.
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by KD7EVS on June 30, 2003
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Wait a couple days before you start your study of the tech question pools. they change tomorrow. (pretty sure it's tomorrow)
good luck.
zeb
KD7EVS
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by WA2JJH on June 30, 2003
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Ya see all the nice helpfull hams asking you to join us!
If antenna rights are a problem, keep the Antenna you have for CB. The antron-99 is a time proven half wave for 10 meters too, and with a cheap antenna tuner you should get decent performance down to 15 meters.
Yes, many hams do some times use their old CB periferals for Ham. No shame in that. (IMHO)
I think you will see the wisdom in getting a better power suppy however. Most of the 100W HAM solid state rigs like 13 volts and demand up to 22 amps!
Best wishes, 73 hope to catch you one the air.
MIKE WA2JJH
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by KD5VHF on June 30, 2003
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All have offered some good advice here. If you do stop by a house you see an antenna at and the guy is a jerk, move on to another. DO NOT think they all will be this way ! Visit a local club, even if there are several clubs in your area and the one you go to you weren't impressed with, go at least another time before visiting another. Like any other meetings, some are good and some not so good so don't judge by the first visit. I didn't know there was a local club in my area(it's been here for years) but passed by a tower one day and saw antennas on all the vehicles parked there and decided to go back and get "nosey". I met a real nice group and it just happened they had a meeting that night and invited me. I joined the club 3 meetings later. I've been a CB'er for several years and Although CB can be fun, Amateur radio is soooo much nicer! I rarely turn on a CB anymore. I've only been licensed since February but have been having a blast. Good luck and if I can be of any help feel free to e-mail me at KD5VHF@hotmail.com. 73 , Mike
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by KB9YKY on June 30, 2003
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DO NOT "download" the question pool as some have suggested. Study and actually understand the basics rather than memorize the question pool. You will do just fine as long as you don't memorize test questions.
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by K0RFD on June 30, 2003
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Tim, I'll help you all you need.
Just send mail to my callsign at ARRL.net.
I sort of agree with the people who are telling you not to download the question pool, but I sort of disagree with them also. When I was studying for my Technician test, I put together my own notebook of source material, much of it downloaded from ARRL, but other things from other sources. It served me better than any book I could have bought, but cost me considerably more in time and materials. How did I know what to download or what I needed to study? I had to download the question pool to find out.
I really do NOT recommend memorizing the individual questions in the question pool--that's a waste of your precious time. You might pass the test, but in the meantime you will have learned NOTHING. Better to spend your time learning the FCC rules, RF/radiation safety, VHF/UHF propagation, Ohm's law, electrical safety, and other things that are emphasized in the exam. You will HAVE to memorize the frequency limits for your license class (worth several questions on the exam), there is just no other way.
Unfortunately, even if you approach this in the most technically curious way possible, you can only find out WHAT is emphasized on the exam by downloading the question pool or syllabus. Good luck. It takes some time, but it is worth the effort.
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by K1CJS on June 30, 2003
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I would just like to say--Go for it! Don't let any of the posters who say its not worth your time discourage you. Stay with it. The ARRL handbook combined with the new edition of "Now Your Talking" would probably be your best bet to study with. Go through the chapters in Now Your Talking, and when something is unclear to you, go to the handbook and look it up.
Welcome to ham radio! The only other unwritten rule is this--"Have fun!!"
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by KB5IAV on June 30, 2003
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If you are interested in being a ham, you've come to the right place. I got my first ticket in December 1988 from a ham radio class I was enrolled in with the radio club in the city I was living in. I recommend going this route if available because unlike self study, we got to meet real hams, who were able to show us what we were learning, as opposed to just reading about it in a book. Some radio clubs offer classes free of charge with the only expense incurred by the student being books and code tapes(if you choose to go to General).
If the radio club(s) near you aren't offering classes and you feel you must go it alone, I'd recommend the ARRL books. I have studied using books from ARRL, AMECO, and Gordon West and have this take on each set of books. Please remember, my takes on the ARRL and AMECO book are about 10 years old, but probably still somewhat accurate.
ARRL - The books I used from ARRL(Novice, Tech, General) were very detailed. The first book I used gave me knowlege for passsing the exam, plus other useful knowlege that wasn't on the test, such as tips on building a station, buying gear, certain aspects of on air procedure, etc.
AMECO - Basically, this book(Advanced Class) did nothing more than teach questions, with short explanations of them. Good for passing tests, not good for learning material.
Gordon West - I used this book, along with an older ARRL book, for Extra Class this year. If you use his books, you will pass the exams, and get understanding of the theory, but a very basic understanding. I used the ARRL book to fill in the gaps left by Mr. West. Although it does give explanations, it does fall short in some areas.
I would also recommend using the practice exams on QRZ.com and Eham.net. In fact, go take some cold if you haven't already. Who knows, you may be closer than you think to getting your ticket!
If you have a scanner or a shortwave receiver, try listening to ham activity on the bands. You can learn alot by listening.
Don't pay attention to the anti-CB people. I've met many hams who came into the hobby from CB. In fact, in areas of the world which have experienced a CB boom, a ham license boom followed. This has happened here in the U.S., U.K., and Puerto Rico to name a few places. In fact, I've run into a few hams who have bought CB gear to expand into other areas of radio.
In recent years, I've run into some hams who seem to want to keep new people out. If you walk into that, just keep on walking as there are many more hams who would enjoy helping new hams get into the hobby.
If you need any pointers, just shoot me an Email. Just add an @yahoo.com to my callsign.
Good luck, and I hope to hear you on the air soon.
73,
Jonathan Helis, KB5IAV
Baton Rouge, LA, USA
http://www.qsl.net/kb5iav
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by KG4VYF on June 30, 2003
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Following after what was said by KX5FUZ looking for hams in the same zip code is a great idea. I have found a lot of people that live just near me that i didnt even know were hams. What i was going to add follows after what KB5IAV about www.qrz.com . QRZ has a tool that lets you search by city, zip, name, etc. There might be other sites that let you do this but this is the only one I've found and use the most. Here is the site for the search engine.
http://www.qrz.com/callsign
Good luck on getting your first ticket. 73
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by WA2JJH on July 1, 2003
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Just two more tips
1) Do not get stuck on 2 meters. 440 is nice. However
HF is where it is at.
2)Do not buy a rig from a guy that says....The rig worked last time I used it! It is the oldest trick in the book. Then again you might really understand what those test questions are from fixing a broken rig.
Fixing broken rigs is one interesting facet of Ham radio! My first rig was going to be thrown out by some body!
If you really want an ultimate challenge and RF design learning experience....You might want to consider the ELCRAFT kit rigs. They have stacked up well against the Built rigs from the BIG three ham radio makers.
There are also nice HF and 2 meter receiver kits.
You probably know this..but hams are allowed to design operate and modify thier own rigs.
It is far better to understand the material on the test, then to just have the answers memorised!(IMHO)
Be ready for advice overload too.
Like many of the other Hams(O.M.'s) that have responded to you, I am also willing to give advice(or my 2 cents)
73 learn and enjoy MIKE WA2JJH
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by K7CSM on July 1, 2003
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Tim,
I am an old re-tread. Had my license over 40+ yrs ago. Got re-tested and got my ticket back. Use the test questions right here on eham.net. I did over and over until I could consistently score 90 or better. Find a local club. You can do that through ARRL. Join it. Go for it. Bring your buddies.
Tom Detchemendy, K7CSM
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by KB9UMT on July 1, 2003
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Happy to help you anytime....just email me kb9umt@arrl.net or you can join us anytime
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hamradiohelp/
GL and there is always someone willing to help you in Ham Radio....just ask!
de kb9umt Don
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hamradiohelp/
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by KB0NLY on July 1, 2003
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My advice to you, dont worry about the crowd that says you have to get on HF to enjoy the hobby.
50MHz and up with a Tech license is a lot of fun, and right now a whole lot more interesting than the daily death of HF, boy are the bands dead lately. I even took my receiving antennas down and made sure everything was in good shape. I guess all of the talk about the end of the solar cycle was more than just talk. Oh well, it will come back eventually!
But i do agree, dont get stuck on 2m FM. There is a lot more to a tech license than 2m and 70cm FM. There is SSB on 6m, and 2m, and 70cm, and there is satellites, and there is digital communications, packet and SSTV and PSK31 (heard a fantastic amount of PSK31 on 6m the last opening, good work guys!) and meteor scatter, and moonbounce, and Microwaves and and and and and!!!
Plenty to enjoy for everyone. Truly entertaining, of course it is limited by what each person can afford to do, but all hobbies have that problem! HF can be a regular source of long distance contacts, and making friends on other continents, and also challenging if you set goals such as WAS and VUCC and others. But i love the challenge from 50MHz and up, when i want some more i will upgrade and get on HF, as for now im just getting into other interests using my current priviledges.
Its a vast hobby, and plenty diverse for all to enjoy!
73,
Scott, KB0NLY
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by ID10T on July 1, 2003
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by KD4RAT on June 30, 2003
-----------------------------------
I have one word of wisdom. DON"T DO IT!!!!
It is a waste of your valuable time kid!
-----------------------------------
If that was all the wisdom you could muster, then I assert that you are a waste of valuable oxygen.
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by DOODAH on July 1, 2003
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RUN! Run while you still can! Run like the wind! Don't get drawn in!
Joking aside, I don't think we can escape the clutches of this hobby. We're doomed to be fascinated by this radio stuff that everyone else couldn't care less about. That's the way it goes. I'm quite happy to be a slave to RF, I think we're born like that. THERE IS NO ESCAPE! EMBRACE IT!
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by W5HTW on July 1, 2003
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Welcome to the effort! Follow through.
You won my support when you didn't capitalize "ham" like it was an acronym.
Though it is best to try to find some local and knowledgeable ham to assist you (and not all who claim to be knowledgeable really are) you can do a lot on your own and through sites such as this one. You can also learn quite a bit through email with hams who responded to your posting, and to others on other web sites. Leave all doors open.
Don't limit yourself by listening to those who tell you "HF is the only way to fly" or "VHF and UHF are king" as they are probably narrowly focused, and quite frequently, have no diverse experience or knowledge, though there are exceptions. You can learn from them, but be sure to broaden your horizons beyond that. You have to weed out the chaff, and at first you will not know enough to be able to do that. So take what is offered, but always be aware that is much more to know. As you learn it, you will be able to tell more and more what suits you, and where YOU should go in the hobby.
Give yourself the challenge. Don't make it too easy. If you do, you will not appreciate it, and the achievement will be hollow.
73
Ed W5HTW
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by KA4KOE on July 1, 2003
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Congratulations!
"Once you choose the easy path, you will become an agent of evil."
Yoda
Once a ham, into the legion of geekdom enter will you, never to return!!
Mike, JJH, its spelled "exciting", not "exiting".
Became a CB'er at age 13, novice at age 16 due to boredom. Yep, outgrew it I did.
Philip
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RE: I Want to be a Ham:
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by AG4RQ on July 1, 2003
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Hi, Tim. I've read all the posts so far. Now, its time to offer my suggestions. First off, you seem to be the type of person that has an interest in radio beyond just keying the mic and talking to people. It sounds like you like to tinker and like to learn. That's great. It sounds like you would be an asset to the amateur radio community.
I agree with some of the others, that you need to learn the material that you will see on the exam, rather than just memorize questions and answers from the pool. I've used Gordon West's material for my Technician, General and Extra exams with complete success. Gordon West's books will definitely enable you to pass the exams. However, you need more than just Gordon West's questions, answers and explanations. I got into ham radio with an electronics background, having gone through electronics school in the early eighties and having passed an FCC Second Class Radiotelephone License exam with Radar Endorsement.
I would suggest as a bear minimum, that you get the ARRL's "Now You're Talking" book along with Gordon West's Technician License Exam Manual. You need to learn some electronic and radio theory. There is also some material that you can download from the Internet to learn electronics. There is an electronics course in 41 PDF modules that you can download (about 12 mb) from http://www.radioelectronicschool.com/raecourse.html.
Radioelectronicschool is from Australia. They offer an online course. Unfortunately, the course is not available to anyone outside Australia and New Zealand, but you can still download the PDF modules and learn the material on your own. By the time you learn all there is in those modules, you should have enough of an electronics and radio background to pass any ham test all the way to Extra.
Another excellent suggestion that I read from another ham is Robert L. Shrader's book "Electronic Communication". I just did a search on amazon.com for the book. The Sixth Edition is in print selling for about $110. It is an excellent book. I have the Fourth Edition. Electronic communication was the primary textbook that was used in my electronics course. That was the book that prepared me to pass the FCC Second Class Radiotelephone License Exam with Radar Endorsement back in 1982.
Tim, I want to wish you the best of luck as you embark on the transition from CB to amateur radio. It is one that you won't regret. I too started in the radio hobby through CB. I got into CB in 1977. By 1978, I knew that I wanted to do two things:
1- Go to electronics school and get my FCC Radiotelephone License. I wanted to be a radio tech.
2- Get my ham license.
Unfortunately, its the code that held me back all these years. I had enough electronics and radio knowledge to pass an Extra exam in 1982, but I didn't think I could master 13WPM code, leave alone 20! I wanted at least a General. The Tech, at 5 WPM wasn't good enough! I wanted HF. I finally got my Tech license in 1995, and upgraded to General in 2000, when the code requirement was lowered to 5 WPM for all HF exams. I figured that anyone could learn 5 WPM code. I was right. If I could learn 5 WPM code, anyone can! The Extra came 2 years later. I'm such a bad procrastinator!
As plenty of other hams offered you, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me. I can be reached by my callsign at netzero.net.
Hope to catch you on the bands soon, Tim.
73,
Mark
AG4RQ
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by HAMESCHEESE on July 1, 2003
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>Welcome to the effort! Follow through.
>
>You won my support when you didn't capitalize "ham" like it was an acronym.
>
>parts of message deleted<<<<
> So take what is offered, but always be aware that is much more to know. As you learn it, you >will be able to tell more and more what suits you, and where YOU should go in the hobby.
>
>Give yourself the challenge. Don't make it too easy. If you do, you will not appreciate it, and the >achievement will be hollow.
>
>73
>Ed W5HTW
Ed, you lost my support when you capitalized “YOU” like its was an acronym.
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I Want to be a Ham:
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by N7JI on July 1, 2003
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CB is like a gateway drug to ham radio, the ultimate addictor for those of use who are naturally inclined to play, hands on, with "everything RF."
It's been a part of my life for nearly 20 years, and I'm only 34. It guided me into engineering in college, and has had a hand in getting me several jobs.
Enjoy it and learn from it.
Read the ARRL Handbook cover to cover, too.
Scott
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by KG6RRQ on July 1, 2003
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I agree about Gordon West's books. I got in on one of the last weekends to take the tech' test before they go to the 500 question test pool. I had to go to several Radio Shacks to find the book but when I did, they gave it to me for a buck since they were going to be obsolete in a few more weeks. Hopefully, Gordon now has a new book out for the 500 question pool.
Personally, I think it's a little bit silly to go to the 500 pool of questions. I understand the need to know about safety, some radio theory, FCC rules and radio theory etc...But some of this stuff they ask you to "learn" is more / less outdated due to the fact almost all the equipment now is solid state. Sorry, but I think there is still alot of "I had to learn it when I became a ham back in the 60's, so by God, you have to learn it too" mentality out there. Oh well, it wasn't that tough...Just some of it a bit outdated and useless (like transitors, conductors etc). Maybe the new questions will apply more to the 21st century.
Also, take the online practice exams on the AARL site as others have mentioned. That combined with Gordon's book will get you by fine. Best wishes.
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by HAMESCHEESE on July 1, 2003
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To KG6RRQ, congratulation on your new license. One of the reasons that the number of questions in the pool was increased was so that there would be less of a chance of just memorizing the answers. It's best to learn about the subject while reading the material not just have a blind and useless memorization of the exam answers.
I do believe that transistors and conductors aren’t outdated yet. Perhaps there should be some questions on newer technology such as Carbon Nanotubes.
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by AG4RQ on July 1, 2003
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KG6RRQ said "Sorry, but I think there is still alot of "I had to learn it when I became a ham back in the 60's, so by God, you have to learn it too" mentality out there."
That is not the reason why I suggested to Tim to learn the material for the test. Although I can't speak for the other hams that suggested the same, I honestly believe that they suggested it for the same reasons that I did. Ham radio is more than just keying the mic and talking on the radio. It is about learning, tinkering and experimenting. The more that one learns about electronics and radio theory, the more rewarding this hobby can be. It is important to learn as much as one can; not to prove anything to any of us, but for any own ham's good, and any one ham's own fun.
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by KG6RRQ on July 1, 2003
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Sorry if my post seemed negative towards ham's who started several years back. I didn't mean it that way and your original post was very positive and helpful to the gentleman wishing to become a ham.
I wouldn't really care too much if the new question pool is 500 questions IF the questions are updated just a bit. Maybe the study / question pool could have a bit more info' on HT's since they have become such a boom (that's all I have for now). Another example might be to have more information learned about the use of repeaters etc.
I also purchased the "Now you're talking" book and found it interesting. But, to be honest, I'd probably still be reading it getting ready for my test instead of having my license by now. I think it's good to use it and Gordon's books in concert with each other. Also, the hobby might interest more people reading "Now you're talking" if it had at least some pictures in it taken past 1978 lol.
73's and enjoyed the dialouge with you.
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by AG4RQ on July 1, 2003
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KG6RRQ:
"I wouldn't really care too much if the new question pool is 500 questions IF the questions are updated just a bit. Maybe the study / question pool could have a bit more info' on HTs since they have become such a boom (that's all I have for now). Another example might be to have more information learned about the use of repeaters etc."
I totally agree. The tests need to keep with the times. When I took my FCC 2nd Class Radiotelephone Lic. exam in 1982, it was 100% tube theory, which was the norm back in the '50s, but certainly not in the '80s. However, when I got my first radio job, which was a radio tech job with the Florida Dept. of Transportation, half of the FM two-way gear was 100% tubes (Motorola vintage 1959 and GE vintage 1963), while the other half was hybrid tube and solid state (GE vintage 1969).
I don't know what is on the current Tech exam, as I took mine (Novice and Tech written exams) in 1995. I do, however feel that the test should reflect current technologies. Yes, there should be questions on repeater operation. There should also be questions on PSK-31. You're also right about HTs playing an important role for Technician operators. Hey, they're important for any class of operator. I believe it is important to have both a mobile rig and an HT. I own 2 monoband HTs (one for 2m and one for 440) and a dual-band mobile (2m and 440).
"I also purchased the "Now you're talking" book and found it interesting. But, to be honest, I'd probably still be reading it getting ready for my test instead of having my license by now. I think it's good to use it and Gordon's books in concert with each other. Also, the hobby might interest more people reading "Now you're talking" if it had at least some pictures in it taken past 1978 lol."
That is exactly why I suggested getting both the ARRL book and the Gordon West book. While the Gordon West book will get you your license, it is shallow compared to the ARRL book. the ARRL book (IMHO) is a bit too in-depth to use alone to prepare for the exam. I don't have "Now You're Talking", but I do have the ARRL Extra manual, as do I have Gordon West's Extra manual. While the ARRL Extra manual is a good reference guide, Gordon West's does cut through the BS.
One thing I noticed while preparing for the Extra exam was the presence of technologies that didn't exist when I received my electronics education in 1981-82. I'd like to learn more about some of that stuff. I just may get Shrader's current edition of Electronic Communication. Hams and other electronic hobbyists are never through learning. There are always new technologies coming out that we need to keep abreast on.
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by KC8JHY on July 1, 2003
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Use this site to search out a club closest to you. Telephone the contact listed, they can help you get started.
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/clubsearch.phtml
Good luck.
KC8JHY
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by KE4ZHN on July 2, 2003
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Hello Tim,
Congratulations bud, you just took the first steps towards becoming a ham! Although I have no idea where your at, you may look into finding out the nearest club in your area. There will be any number of people there that surely will volunteer to "elmer" you and hopefully assist you to learn that CW. There are free CW trainer programs online as well, just do a search on google. But, in the meantime, find out where the testing is, study the test online and get your Tech. This gets your foot in the door and gets you a callsign. The next step of course is to get that 5 wpm so you can move on to HF. Dont let yourself get caught in the 2mtr./70cm trap! VHF/UHF is lots of fun, dont get me wrong, all the high bands are a blast to work, but HF is what you most likely will want for DXing and ragchewing with hams all over the world. Running a clean station shows that you have what it takes Tim, just go with the flow. If you have a scanner, you can listen to locals on 2 meters and possibly hear some club info right over the air. There most likely are nets or other club functions on your local repeaters you could find out testing info just by listening. Got a friend whos a ham? See if you can talk him/her into asking around or maybe even "elmering" you. Good luck getting your ticket!
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by KB9OJS on July 2, 2003
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Good luck on getting you're ticket, it's a fun hobby.
If I was getting into the neighbors stuff with a 100% leagal CB, I'd tell them to go fly a kite.
Just my two cents
73 de John Bunyan, KB9OJS Amateur Extra
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by W6UFS on July 3, 2003
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Tim:
Like all the others have said, congratulations. The desire is the first big hurtle.
Do take the suggestions to heart (Clubs, study materials and local hams and web sites).
I have found in helping others that once some of those items are in place a deadline goal is useful.
Find an exam session date and work towards that goal. Otherwise human nature is such that we often will procrastinate to the point that the end product seems out of reach.
If you have trouble finding help email me....
Best of luck
Jon
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by MUNGO on July 3, 2003
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Yes ! Be a ham ! I would wait until they drop the CW requirement then take the test. CW is nothing but a pain and waste of time.
We need some new people on HF. And remember, don't take the hobby too seriously as many hams do, it's just talking on a radio and most of them forget that simple fact.
Help us Timothy, you're our only hope...
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by K8DIT on July 4, 2003
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First you need a slight attitude adjustment. Not booze or any external applications. Internally, you may want to change the 'wanabe' deal to dealing with 'Anita.'
Anita Hamshack was my first love. When I realized this Anita bidness, I was 13 and young enough to learn the code w/o trauma. 5wpm did not seem to be too much to please Anita, so I learned it knowing it was her bidding. Anita Hamshack was a seductress and nothing was too much of a challenge. At 17 after conquering Anita, I got a real girlfriend and was hooked. Bye bye Anita! Well, Anita revisited me again at age 35 and weve been hooked up ever since. Since then Ive met her whole family, Anita DSP rig, Amplifier, Tower, Beam,
Ten Tec, Boatanchor, and Life. Theyre all living here with me now and so Ill quit this allegory before it gets scary.
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by WA3FKG on July 4, 2003
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Hi Timothy,
Greetings from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I have to agree with the most common advice that you have been given so far. Visit the American Radio Relay League site at http://www.arr.org and “tool” around the site for a while. They have a database of all amateur radio clubs so by all means find a club in your area and attend a meeting. You will be more than welcome.
I got my novice license when I was 14 and if I had been able to make contact with or join a club I probably would have stayed with the hobby then instead of dropping out and then getting my license again after several years of being off the air.
If you think you can get it try you had at the code test also. It is not as tough as some would have you believe. If not just get your technician for now and think about upgrading latter. In any case I think you will find amateur radio a very enjoyable hobby. I hope you chose to join us.
----Ken/WA3FKG
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by KC2FBV on July 7, 2003
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Hey Tim,
First off, you're off to a VERY good start.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
By going out of your way to help your neighbor cut the TVI problem, you'll be in good standing when they start seeing a mini-antenna farm start growing.
Seriously, a little good Public Relations with the neighbors can be a definite plus.
Where to go? Find some hams ...
Do a lookup by ZIP code to see who is near you.
http://www.arrl.org/fcc/fcclook.php3
Find a net
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/nets/client/netsearch.html
If you have a scanner, check some of the frequencies & times mentioned.
Quite often, club nets will give out valuable info:
Other Club nets (Days & Frequencies)
Meeting Dates & Places
Contact Addresses, Phone Numbers, & E-Mail Addresses.
If you can't monitor a net because you have to go to a previous obligation (work, school, etc.), you can record it on computer with a free program called scanrec. It has a squelch so that it stops recording when there's silence ...
http://www.davee.com/scanrec/
Get a copy of the following book:
Now You're Talking! 5th edition, first printing, 2003. © 2003, The American Radio Relay League, Inc.
(ISBN: 0-87259-881-0) #8810 -- $19.95
If you find a local club that offers classes, take advantage of them. If not, get to know some of the amateurs you've probably met. I've learned that EVERY ham has at least one thing I can learn from them.
Take a few Online Practice Tests
http://www.w8mhb.com
Well, that's all that I can think of for now but it should keep you plenty busy.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Sincerely,
Scott KC2FBV
MYallsignLISTEDabove@ARRL.NET
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by KC8YGZ on August 30, 2003
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I just wanted to add my .02 about the 500 question pool. I decided to come back to the hobby after 20 years. I was a novice in 1983. I read the tech pool once, the general pool once, spent a week learning the code and passed all three tests in one day. Had I known it was going to be that easy I would have taken the extra exam as well. Granted, electronics isn't new to me, but, those tests aren't even trying to be tricky. So many of the qestions are just common sense. For example, if the question is about operating or saftey, the most polite or most conservative choice is the correct answer.
Memorize the band limits, the difference between controlled and uncontrolled environments and learn the basic structure of transmitters and receivers. Now read every question and if you don't know the answer, study the appropriate area in the handbook. If you do this, then on the test you will remember studying that particular question AND, you will remember the correct answer. I'm telling ya, if you have ANY electronics/rf knowledge at all, there is no reason you can't pass the tech test next weekend.
I remember my novice test it was really easy. Geez, has the general/advanced/extra written test always been that easy?
73
daryl
KC8YGZ
(this call will be available in about two weeks + two years :)
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I Want to be a Ham:
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by KC2FBV on March 6, 2004
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On June 30, 2003, Timothy Cates (MODAKA1) posted an article entitled "I Want to be a Ham"...
Does anyone know if he has gone after his ticket yet?
Sincerely,
Scott KC2FBV
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