wjm@whuxj.UUCP (MITCHELL) (05/26/84)
<munch munch munch> Rather than answer all these inquiries by mail ... methinks I'll post it to the net. The main way to get started in ham radio is via the Novice license, which requires (as do all ham licenses) knowledge of the Morse Code and some radio theory and the FCC regulations pertaining to amateur radio (International Note - What follows uses USA FCC licensing procedures as an example - while the general concepts are probably correct, readers in other countries should check with their government for the proper procedures) Quite often amateur radio clubs and/or adult education classes provide Novice courses, or you can study on your own. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) - 225 Main Street, Newington CT has a series of four booklets you can buy that will tell you how to learn the code, what to study for the theory exam, and how to set up a ham station. They also provide code practice over their station, W1AW - check the most recent issue of QST magazine for times and frequencies. You may be able to find a ham near you to help you learn the code and the theory. The Novice license exam is given by a volunteer ham (who must have a General Class or higher license and be over 21). After you pass the code test, he/she will request the written theory test from the FCC and will give it to you when it arrives. After you take the exam, it is sent back to the FCC for grading and when you pass, they will send you your license, and you can get on the air. As for equipment, you can build your own or buy it. The ARRL books mentioned earlier provide plans for a simple code station. If there are no stores near you, there are several reputable mail order houses you can deal with (I've heard Long's Electronics in Alabama is OK, although I haven't dealt with them personally). By all means, get a receiver first - that way you can listen to the ham bands and to code practice on W1AW while you're studying for your license. Don't skimp here, a good receiver is quite useful since you can't work stations you don't hear. At this time, you should start thinking about the most important part of a ham station, a good antenna. A dipole can work well IF it is up high (great if you live near the top of a hill)_. Otherwise, look at some of the designs in the ARRL's Radio Amateur's Handbook. VERY IMPORTANT DON'T FORGET PROPER LIGHTNING PROTECTION - THE LIFE AND PROPERTY YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN. There are lightning arrestors that one can install in coax feed lines, and also models for open wire / twin lead lines, be sure to use one and to properlyy install and GROUND it. When you get your license, its time to get a transmitter. Its generally a good idea to get a unit that can grow with you when you upgrade to General or Advanced. Also, you may wish to get a transcever instead of a separate transmitter and receiver to save the cost of another power supply and chassis. There are some drawbacks - but those are the subject of a more advanced article Welcome to the world of ham radio and good luck on the exam! Bill Mitchell, WB2IAU Bell Communications Research, Inc. Whippany, NJ (whuxj!wjm)