[net.ham-radio] Novice Questions

jiml@pesnta.UUCP (Jim Livingston) (10/05/84)

Hello, net.ham-radio !

I have been reading this newsgroup for only a week, and find
it very interesting(although largely incomprehensible), and I
have a general question; how does one "get into" ham radio ?

I have a background which gives me some knowledge of electronics
and electricity, and a bit of telecommunications, and would like
to find out if this fascinating hobby is for me.

My only experience with two way radio communications is the CB
in my car.

Is there any particular reading which would be enlightening to
a novice ?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

			      Regards;
			      jim

PS Please reply by mail, if possible.



          MADE IN U.S.A. - REG. PENNA. DEPT. AGR.


Jim Livingston, Perkin-Elmer Data Systems Group - Santa Clara, Calif.
UUCP: ..!hplabs!pesnta!jiml
(408) 727-5540

bmalc@ih1ap.UUCP (Bill Malcolm) (10/05/84)

Jim:

It is nice to hear of people who are interested in getting into
ham-radio. I have been a ham about 8 years and have spent many enjoyable
hours(much to my wife's annoynamce) at the dials of my rig.

I can understand your comment about not understanding the contents
of the net-news articles, as in all hobbies, jobs, etc the jargon
sometimes gets almost non understandable.

To  get information about getting into ham radio some suggestions
which may or may not apply to your personal situation but should
get you on the way:
	1. buy  (or go to library) a copy of one or more of the
	   the following mags. , QST(publication of the ARRL
	   (American Radio Relay League--a ham oriented organization
	   which some hams join--i did), 73, HAM RADIO and others.
	   These publications have articles about the hobby as well
	   as adverts. about equipment--to get an idea of the 
	   cost of getting into the hobby.
	2. Contact a local ham club--some clubs have a telephone
	   number listed in the telephone directory. Some clubs
	   have classes for new hams or classes for upgrading
	   for licenced hams.
	3. Attend a local ham-fest(a ham,electronics,computer,junk
	   ) flea market.
	4. If you know a ham ask him to help get you started, most
	   hams enjoy being an "Elmer"(a ham jargon term for a 
	   ham who helps a new ham thru the steps necessary to
	   get his "ticket").
	5. The ARRL publishes a number of primer type books
	   which can sometime be found in bookstores, their
	   licence manual is pretty good. The books can be ordered
	   from ARRL via coupons printed in QST.
	6. I hope this has helped--I have not coverd all the avenues
	   but at these are the way that come to mind at this time.

	   73(more jargon for best wishes-and other nice things)
	   Bill   wb9rky
	   1h1ap!bmalc

CarpenterCR.dlos@XEROX.ARPA (10/25/84)

Jim,

	In addition to finding a helpful Amateur Radio club or group,
locate a radio or good hobby store that handles Amateur Radio magazines.
Magazines like QST from the ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) and CQ have
ads for many self-help books.  Sometimes these stores will have them on-hand.
Many larger libraries will have the magazines too.

	Regards,
	Chuck...
	W5USJ