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