help a new ham [Archive]

N2RJ

06-01-2007, 04:11 PM

Welcome to the hobby.

Ignore the negativity. You'll see a lot of that here. Ignore it. Most hams are good people.

Grow a THICK skin. Some people will yell at you, some people will call you all sorts of bad things. Ignore them and take it in stride. Don't ignore constructive criticism, however, and learn from it.

Spend a lot of time learning and reading books. Knowledge is power. Get a copy of the ARRL handbook at minimum. Doesn't have to be a current one. It could be an older one. Every ham should have at least one.

Volunteer to help out your local community - but don't be a "whacker" and show up uninvited at a disaster scene or wear tacky badges etc. Work with an organized group such as ARES/RACES. It can only do good for the hobby.

Join a local CLUB and meet up with some local hams. I often hear that hams are social introverts. Human contact in the hobby is exactly what every ham needs.

And above all, get on the air and have FUN.

But don't fall prey to the notion that "it's just a hobby." Strive to be your best and to put out a good signal and good image for the hobby.

And by the way, don't stick with FM and repeaters. They get boring quick. Try to get on 2 meters SSB/CW or 6M SSB/CW. You can even upgrade your license and get on HF and talk all over the world.

K8MHZ

06-01-2007, 04:18 PM

Sure,

1) #Listen, listen, listen. #Do that for a few minutes before you transmit on any frequency. #

2) #If you make a mistake on the air and someone offers kind, constructive help, let them work with you and offer thanks. #If you make a mistake on the air and someone comes down on you rudely, push the button, state your call, un-key and do not listen for a response. #QSY and listen for better company on a different frequency. #Most of the time the rude ops give out incorrect information. #Best advice is not to listen to them.

3) #Go to hamfests and see what the crowd you are talking to looks like and see all the cool gear. #Much to learn at hamfests.

4) #Do not evaluate ham radio by what you read or see on the Internet. #You will get a poor impression of a fantastic hobby.

5) #Ask questions while on the air. #The tech stuff will bring out some pretty neat ops and some of them are very sharp.

6) #Build stuff. #Start with small projects and work up. #Antennas are the easiest thing to build and provide a high level of satisfaction.

7) #Teach what you have learned to others. #It will help you learn even more.

8) #Get a subscription to CQ or QST and read them cover to cover every month.

9) #Always behave your best on the air. #Respect and courtesy goes a long way on the air. #Literally.

10) #Make sure you are on an open repeater before you use it. #Consult the Repeater Directory for this information.

I hope that helps. #

Congrats on your new ticket. #Getting it was probably one of the best things you have ever done.

73

Mark K8MHZ

K8MHZ

06-01-2007, 04:20 PM

I left one out that RJ covered but I would like to stress.

HELP OUT at events using ham radio. You will learn much and make this rock a better place to live all at the same time. A win-win situation.

KE7NIQ

06-01-2007, 04:32 PM

thank you for the responces, i have 2 copies of the arrl handbook and 2 books on packet radio, along with a book on transisters, i will keep the topic open for any more advise http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

N2RJ

06-01-2007, 04:39 PM

Sounds like you're off to a good start.

What are your interests in ham radio? Why did you become a ham?

I'm asking because ham radio is a huge hobby containing many different aspects.

KE7NIQ

06-01-2007, 04:42 PM

I am intereted in ham radio because i like to meet new people, as for why, i love talking to people, but in school i can't do it that much because of the teachers. Ametuer radio was a way i could get around that obstacle. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

N2RJ

06-01-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote[/b] (KE7NIQ @ June 01 2007,11:42)]I am intereted in ham radio because i like to meet new people, as for why, i love talking to people, but in school i can't do it that much because of the teachers. Ametuer radio was a way i could get around that obstacle. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Sounds good.

Well I would get started on upgrading from that Technician license ASAP since it sounds like you would be interested in DXing and rag chewing.

However, as a Technician you'd be able to operate on limited HF bands. Most of it is morse code (80, 40 and 15 meters). There is a limited voice privilege on 10 meters (28.3 to 28.5) but that won't really bring much DX right now as we are currently at the bottom of the solar cycle.

Learning morse code is fun, but you can also send and receive with the help of a computer. However, there is really no substitute for being able to copy morse. But see if you can pick up a cheap HF radio, sound card interface and a straight key. You can find those at local hamfests. Bring along an experienced ham to check the radio out. You can even make your own key if you're so inclined.

You can even build simple, cheap radios that operate on the HF bands, using morse code. Those are nice if you're strapped for cash. Small Wonder Labs (http://www.smallwonderlabs.com/) and AMQRP (http://www.amqrp.org/kits/kits.html) make some great kits.

That should get you started on HF.

There are also internet linked repeaters using IRLP and EchoLink. You can get on those too and talk to people worldwide. However, it is more like using a cordless telephone as the internet is doing most of the heavy lifting. It's fun, but to me not as fun as getting on air and going direct radio to radio as it is on the HF bands or even on VHF.

There's a lot to explore! Don't be shy! And most of all, have fun!

KI4ODO

06-01-2007, 05:11 PM

Make sure you keep the "XYL" (wife) happy so you can spend lots and lots of money on equipment http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

KE7NIQ

06-01-2007, 05:23 PM

I'm not married http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

wa3vjb

06-01-2007, 05:26 PM

Jon it's easy to feel channeled into some direction or other in the hobby based on the interests of the people who've helped you thus far -- like the ham club perhaps?

It's a good start, but some very enjoyable specialties in the hobby may not be present in the club's activities, nor are they very visible in mainstream publications (since they're a small facet).

I am part of one that features wholesome AM on the shortwave ham bands. You can start listening and getting to know us right away, and then join us when you get an upperclass license with HF privileges

I recommend checking out our premier website:AM FONE . NET (http://amfone.net), which has more than 1600 participants nationwide.

it's where you will see and hear sound files of perhaps the kind of radio operating environment that matches your interest in getting to know people and talking with them.

In the Pacific Northwest, you will hear AM activity nightly around 3870kc.

Best wishes,
Paul/VJB

KI4ODO

06-01-2007, 05:48 PM

Quote[/b] (KE7NIQ @ June 01 2007,10:23)]I'm not married http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
Well, remember for future reference http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

NA4BH

06-01-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote[/b] (KI4ODO @ June 01 2007,10:11)]Make sure you keep the "XYL" (wife) happy so you can spend lots and lots of money on equipment #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Preach on Brother. AMEN AMEN........... #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

And welcome to Amateur Radio, NIQ

w3scm

06-01-2007, 06:01 PM

Young man, all of the above was good. #I would add only 3 things:

1. #If you're planning on getting on 10 meters, get a REAL radio, not a single bander or a glorified CB. #It doesn't have to be a new top of the line unit. #There are a lot of used multiband HF radio's with good features out there. #You are probably going to find your most secure deal on one through your local ham club, but even if all you get is advice and help on what to buy and maybe where to get it, it's better than trying to get something off Ebay by yourself before you really know the ropes.

2. 10 meters is alive! #There is almost daily stateside e-skip, and all you need is a CB antenna cut down a little, or a dipole. #At this band, a dipole is real small and even 30 feet up is plenty high. #If you want to use a vertical, an Antron 99 does well and if you adjust it careful, it isn't even necessary to cut it down.

3. Either with your multi-band HF rig or with a general coverage shortwave receiver, LISTEN to the various bands! #You get a great feel for the hobby and what the rules (written and otherwise) are, that way. #

Welcome aboard. #Best of luck!

kl7aj

06-01-2007, 06:05 PM

Negativity? In the ranks of amateur radio? Who ever heard of such a thing!

ab8yy

06-01-2007, 06:07 PM

As RJ stated - get on the air! That's the best way to get out there and get started. FM and repeaters is great for local chit chat. It works ok for the local ARES/RACES groups for communications - but there is a whole world out there that you can play in.

Excellent advice about getting into a local club. This is by far, the greatest way to meet the locals and find out what kind of activities are going on around your area which you would definitely have fun participating in. Also most local clubs can tell you about the local ARES/RACES groups. Get involved in those - that's how you can get into the local public service stuff.

As for HF, I agree, learn and study so you can upgrade, but you can do HF CW with your current tech license now. You have access to the Novice sub-bands (tech plus on the new lists) which are all CW. If you can learn at least 5 WPM CW - that is exciting as well. You'll be surprised how fast you get into working DX stations. About the only way to do it outside of the VOIP internet crap on repeaters, is to get onto HF!

Just keep in mind a couple of things - there are poor ops out there, mostly higher class ops - that will try to give you crap about your license class - as has been said before - IGNORE them! You ARE a real ham and you are NOT a looser - THEY are if they tell you anything like that.

second and probably most important thing - study hard for the upgrade tests. Don't just memorize the answers - if you actually learn the material - it will make you a much better operator - not due to operating skills so much, but do to a much better signal on the air and being able to troubleshoot your signal when it isn't the way it should be. You'll get more respect on the air that way.

Congrats again! And welcome to the wonder world of Amateur Radio!

Steve
AB8YY

VO1GXG

06-01-2007, 06:08 PM

To be a Good Amateur radio Op Remember ITS YOUR HOBBY! Have fun ! Don't get sooky and walkaway

va7aax

06-01-2007, 06:16 PM

joining a club is probably the best way to learn about this wonderfull hobby. i too joined a club which helped me a lot to learn stuff as simple as soldering and completing a kit. also , listen a lot on the local repeater and HF if you have a receiver as others have pointed out

73

w8znx

06-01-2007, 06:33 PM

three things every young squirt op must learn

one # #DON'T WORRY
two # #DON'T WORRY
three #DON'T WORRY

you will be fine

now get the hell off my freq

Mac

KI4ODO

06-01-2007, 06:36 PM

Quote[/b] (w8znx @ June 01 2007,11:33)]now get the hell off my freq

Mac
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif # That's funny right there

I would also add this. Get the station you can afford, and make the MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE. You can have a lot of fun for a realistic amount of money in this hobby. Be creative.

kl7aj

06-01-2007, 06:44 PM

Quote[/b] (va7aax @ June 01 2007,11:16)]joining a club is probably the best way to learn about this wonderfull hobby. i too joined a club which helped me a lot to learn stuff as simple as soldering and completing a kit. also , listen a lot on the local repeater and HF if you have a receiver as others have pointed out

73
I used to believe this, (speaking as president of the Arctic ARC for the second time in 30 years). But I've come to the conclusion that most clubs are incredibly effective at driving away young hams. Most of the members just get older and crankier every year. I've never seen anyone under the age of 20 RETURN to a second club meeting...I don't blame them...who wants the masochism of watching all the infighting?

A far better solution to a club is dedicated elmers who will show these youngsters a real ham shack.

Lame Duck Prez in Alaska

kr9d

06-01-2007, 06:57 PM

There are approximately 1.2 gazillion different ways to be involved in amateur radio. The challenge is to find the niche that appeals to you. You don't have to do it all, and in fact, you'll gravitate to some and become curmudgeonly about others.

Others have said and repeated (and repeated and repeated):

1. Listen to what others are doing.

2. Join a local club.

When you listen, though, don't automatically assume that what you hear is really kosher. If the person you're listening to is sounding like a jerk, then he might actually be a jerk. Example: I was listening to a QSO on 75 meters a while back, and one fellow (politely enough) interrupted and asked to talk to another person on the QSO (who he knew) to change frequencies for a more private chat. He suggested a frequency about 2 kHz away from the ongoing QSO. The other person suggested that maybe that was a little close given the size of the guy's sound (which was a polite way of telling the guy he was overmodulating). The guy said "2 KC's are ALWAYS enough if you guys have decent receivers. QSY up 2" and off he went.

Of course, then everyone in the original QSO heard the resulting splatter. They had a good chuckle about it, and their chuckling identified for me an example of what NOT to do.

Examples like these abound. Another time, I was listening to a QSO between a guy in Oklahoma and another guy in Florida. The Florida guy was overprocessed the point where readability was an issue, and he was holding forth on the inadequacy of G5RV antennas, especially with barefoot operation. The Oklahoma operator suggested that he turn off his processing, and the guy did. He sounded MUCH better and the guy in OK told him so. The Florida guy signed off and I made contact with the guy in Oklahoma. He sounded great and I asked him what he was using, and he was running a barefoot rig into a G5RV. He asked me what I was using, and I told him my old Kenwood, barefoot, into a G5RV. We had a good chuckle, and I got a good lesson on what lids sound like.

Just don't be pompous or a jerk and the old timers will give you room to learn.

I totally agree with going ahead and getting an HF rig if you plan to upgrade at all. The more you listen while working on your General, then more some of the questions will make sense and the further ahead you'll be when you get the upgrade.

Joining the local club will expose you to a range of different niches, and you can get folks to show you the ropes with each of them.

I am still new myself and I have listened at least 50 times as much as I have transmitted. I'm trying really hard not to give the curmudgeons among us any further reason to rail against the new guys.

Rick "who does not recommend amateur radio clubs as an effective place for meeting girls, however" Denney

N2RJ

06-01-2007, 07:08 PM

I agree with Eric, that many clubs are really good at driving away younger hams. But some ham clubs are good, others suck.

Generally, however, I believe that social interaction among hams is a good thing, apart from just talking on the air.

At least around here, some clubs have been trying to change their image as an old mens' club. I say give the clubs a chance, especially since it is up to the members to make it happen.

In my club I've been organizing programs to keep the club meetings interesting. I was really delighted when club members actually took notes at our last presentation about logging software.

One in the future I hope to do is Software Defined Radio (SDR). Probably around September when I have my various pieces of SDR hardware assembled and working.

kr9d

06-01-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ June 01 2007,12:08)]One in the future I hope to do is Software Defined Radio (SDR). Probably around September when I have my various pieces of SDR hardware assembled and working.
We had a presentation on that topic at a recent meeting, where the operator recorded (and the intermediate level) a QSO and then played it back for us, showing us all the very slick filtering that was possible. It was most impressive. But it's freaking expensive if you want more power than QRP!

Rick "who enjoyed the presentation even though not in the market" Denney

KB2SFH

06-01-2007, 11:02 PM

Quote[/b] (KE7NIQ @ June 01 2007,12:05)]As you know my call sign is KE7NIQ, that's KE7
Nuclear I.Q.

I just got my technician class license and I am searching for any possible info that you might want to give me that could help me to be a better ham operator. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
CONGRATS on your new ticket. My advice to you is don't do anythng or buy anything you are not ready for or comfortable with and that includes other hams pressuring you to upgrade. most of all, JUST HAVE FUN FUN FUN!!!

K0RGR

06-01-2007, 11:53 PM

Well, thank you for asking - we ancient fossils like to give our advice, opinions, or malarkey any time we can!

Learning will be required to make your ham radio experience as valuable as it can be.

You will have a much higher likelihood of finding ham radio heaven on the HF bands than on VHF. The HF bands never really close up completely - you can make new friends at all hours of the day or night there. On VHF, that's a lot less likely, though I would expect a lot of activity around Spokane.

There are two paths to HF:

1. You can use your existing Technician Class privileges. That means you can do SSB and digital modes on 10 meters, and CW on 80, 40, 15 and 10 meters. I haven't seen anybody actually do this yet, but there's no law that says you can't use your computer to do CW on HF. There are programs that can send and receive it fairly well, and I really think that Techs should work on building this skill if they don't intend to learn the code. But, if you want to learn the code, I'd bet you can do it very easily this summer. Just find time to work on it about 20 minutes per session, three times EVERY day. You'll have it down in about 3 weeks, and you will be happy you did. You also don't have to wait to pass some test before you can use it on the air. If you can copy at 3 WPM, people will slow down for you, and there are people going that slow too!

Morse Code is WAY faster than texting on your cellphone.

2. You can go the fully no-code route and study a little more and get your General license. Then, you can use voice and digital modes on all of the HF bands. Particularly if you aren't going to do CW, I'd encourage you to try the digital modes - PSK31 in particular. It's easy and cheap to do if you have a computer with a soundcard. The non-voice modes will teach you about propagation, and also what can be done with low power. Voice requires higher power and a more elaborate station than CW or digital modes.

Be open to exploring new things, even those that at first don't excite you. I never thought I'd be interested in APRS - why did I care if others could see where I am on a map? But then I started using it for public service work, and found that it is enormously useful. It's also fun to monitor when I travel. It's amazing all the places where I can access the APRS network.

N2RJ

06-02-2007, 12:18 AM

Quote[/b] (kr9d @ June 01 2007,14:28)]Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ June 01 2007,12:08)]One in the future I hope to do is Software Defined Radio (SDR). Probably around September when I have my various pieces of SDR hardware assembled and working.
We had a presentation on that topic at a recent meeting, where the operator recorded (and the intermediate level) a QSO and then played it back for us, showing us all the very slick filtering that was possible. It was most impressive. But it's freaking expensive if you want more power than QRP!

Rick "who enjoyed the presentation even though not in the market" Denney
It gets more expensive if you use commercial equipment, like FlexRadio's PowerSDR 5000 or 1000.

But what the SoftRock kits can do is nothing short of amazing.

The idea for me isn't to replace my rig. It's to experiment and learn about SDR. Prior to this I borrowed a measurement computing DAQ card and had fun with GNU radio. I had to give it back, but I had lots of fun, even decoding HDTV.

One day I may invest in a FlexRadio or maybe Matt Ettus' USRP. Tinkering with the code is also on my agenda.

k8jd

06-02-2007, 12:31 AM

Please buy the ARRL radio handbook (if you don't already have it). It will look like more than you need to know in there but you can spend years reading it and learning about different things to do in ham radio.

KE7NIQ

06-05-2007, 08:39 PM

what is packet radio? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

k0cmh

06-05-2007, 09:51 PM

1.) Listening can be the best way to learn good operating practices. You can easily tell the good operators from the poor ones. If it sounds bad, seems inappropriate, and appears sloppy, it is. You will know good operators when you hear them.

2.) Also, be polite and have a pleasant tone of voice. If you make a mistake, apologize for it. If no guidance is given, ask for advice on how to do correctly the thing you did in error.

3.) Ham radio is like any other group of people. 1% are not very nice and 99% are great. If someone is abrupt or abusive with you on the air (or at this site), just say you are sorry, sign off and move to a different frequency. They don't deserve your concern. A good operator will kindly inform you of any errors you make and offer information on how it should be done.

K0RGR

06-05-2007, 09:52 PM

Quote[/b] (KE7NIQ @ June 05 2007,13:39)]what is packet radio? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Packet radio is a way of sending data between computers over the air.

Some years ago, there was a pretty impressive packet radio network that covered most of the United States. On VHF, the packet radio networks operated at 1200 baud, and on HF 300 baud. You could send mail to other hams all over the country, and the network would route the mail to the nearest packet radio bulletin board system.

Unfortunately, several things happened. Some people here on this board will tell you that the Internet committed unnatural and unsavory acts and murdered the packet radio network. Others will tell you that hams learned that they could do email over the Internet a lot easier and faster than over packet, so over time, interest in the packet network waned, equipment went dark, and the networks withered.

What remains of the packet network is mostly regional and local networks of enthusiasts. Packet Radio did breed another mode: APRS - Automatic Position Reporting System.
APRS was originally intended to let users send their exact locations so that others could copy the location information, and plot them on a map. This is extremely useful for public service events where it is good to know where all of your mobiles are. APRS trackers can be built into very tiny packages.

APRS uses the Internet, HF, and satellites to propagate the APRS packets around the world. You can also send email to the outside world and send and receive messages from other APRS users. All you need at home is a PC, a sound card interface, a radio, and a bunch of software. Internet connection is optional but VERY interesting. There seem to be APRS gateways everywhere. A friend of mine travels all over the west, and has found very few places where APRS couldn't hear his tracker. Some states require APRS to stop at the border, apparently, though.

Packet radio is really not a very good keyboard-to-keyboard system, but if you're trying to send messages, it's great. Another mode that will draw many curses at the mention of its name is WINLINK which uses packet radio on VHF and UHF for regional communications.

You will find an active packet message forwarding network on HF, as well. High speed packet networks have been established in Europe, and there is commercial equipment available that operates at impressive rates on our higher UHF and microwave bands.

Also, the 802.11 networks you see everywhere also use 'packets' but at a lower level they use a completely different network topology. 802.11 networks mostly operate in the 2.4 Ghz. amateur band, and can be modified to operate under FCC RUles part 97 instead of part 15, allowing for somewhat higher power and higher gain antennas. Ham 802.11 networks regularly operate over a range of 30 + miles using off-the-shelf gear and some special software in the routers.

Our current packet radio equipment is NOT compatible with the DSTAR digital packet system, built into some ICOM gear.

KC2RPP

06-05-2007, 10:28 PM

Quote[/b] (k8mhz @ June 01 2007,09:18)]4) #Do not evaluate ham radio by what you read or see on the Internet. #You will get a poor impression of a fantastic hobby.
You are contradicting urself lol

n9dsj

06-05-2007, 11:57 PM

Quote[/b] (KE7NIQ @ June 01 2007,09:05)]As you know my call sign is KE7NIQ, that's KE7
Nuclear I.Q.

I just got my technician class license and I am searching for any possible info that you might want to give me that could help me to be a better ham operator. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
First of all, congratulations!

Read what everyone else said. In a way your position is to be envied; you can try most anything ham radio has to offer and you are not biased by having already dabbled in it.

Will echo other comments; listen, read, research, listen, ask questions and listen. Also transmit on occasion.

You have so many options is if oft hard to know where to begin -- mostly have fun. Build something, fix something, try a new mode, try a new antenna.

You do not need to have the best station or start out building an 80 meter yagi. Sample a bit of everything.
Consider upgrading to a General class, at least, quite easy - that will give you more options.

Even now you have countless modes and frequencies to explore. Try one and if you do not like it move on, consider it a learning experience and think about trying it again later.

Mostly just have fun and try to learn in the process.

Best of luck,

Bill N9DSJ

ka5piu

06-06-2007, 02:06 AM

Hello.

First off, congratulations.
I am the exception, I thrive around green "military" radios.
Amateur radio for me IS the "CB" end of things.
By this I mean that there are very few rules on Amateur Radio.
One can putz around with just about anything and as long as everybody follows gentlemans agreements everything is fine.
Failing that, I can always dump a few kilowatts on frequency. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Think of it as driving.
In driving there are all manners, everything from the freeway to offroad to motorcycles.
And the few morons.
You will soon find your place, just give it time.

w7lpn

06-06-2007, 05:10 AM

Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ June 01 2007,09:11)]Welcome to the hobby.

Ignore the negativity. You'll see a lot of that here. #Ignore it. #Most hams are good people.

Grow a THICK skin. #Some people will yell at you, some people will call you all sorts of bad things. #Ignore them and take it in stride. #Don't ignore constructive criticism, however, and learn from it.
Yes! What he said, especially the Ignore negative, critical, Old Farts! & HAVE FUN! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

KB1JCY

06-06-2007, 11:36 AM

Remember that this hobby/service/wuhtevah is like a Chinese buffet. Try everything offered. You may not like everything but you will eventually settle on your favorites.

Keep a good attitude. Follow your own bliss. Wear sunscreen...

K8YZK

06-06-2007, 02:11 PM

Welcome to the world of Ham Radio.

A lot of good suggestions and comments have been made. Keep an open mind, and my suggestion is try everything and anything that has to do with ham radio. You will find what interest you, and what doesn't. Some like to build radios,antenna, operate sat's,CW,SSTV. There is a lot to enjoy, and you will find your niche.

73
Kurt

M0MJH

06-06-2007, 02:51 PM

Quote[/b] (KB1JCY @ June 06 2007,04:36)]Keep a good attitude. Follow your own bliss. Wear sunscreen...
Baz Luhrman?

K8MHZ

06-07-2007, 12:44 PM

Quote[/b] (KC2RPP @ June 05 2007,10:28)]Quote[/b] (k8mhz @ June 01 2007,09:18)]4) #Do not evaluate ham radio by what you read or see on the Internet. #You will get a poor impression of a fantastic hobby.
You are contradicting urself lol
How so?

KB1JCY

06-07-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote[/b] (M0MJH @ June 06 2007,02:51)]Quote[/b] (KB1JCY @ June 06 2007,04:36)]Keep a good attitude. Follow your own bliss. Wear sunscreen...
Baz Luhrman?
Of course. It's graduation season in the States.

wb6mmj

06-07-2007, 03:36 PM

M0MJH

06-07-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote[/b] (KB1JCY @ June 07 2007,06:40)]Quote[/b] (M0MJH @ June 06 2007,02:51)]Quote[/b] (KB1JCY @ June 06 2007,04:36)]Keep a good attitude. Follow your own bliss. Wear sunscreen...
Baz Luhrman?
Of course. It's graduation season in the States.
How freaky is that, they played that song on the radio today!

Ahem... Welcome to the wonderful world of amateur radio 'NIQ. You'll gain a boat load of experience and knowledge though your own experimentation and the knowledge of others. I have been licenced for about 6 years now and I pick up little bits as I go along. I don't pretend to know everything (I know I certainly don't know everything) but I know there is always someone out there in this hobby that will help you along when you need it.

As people have said, HF is the place to be. When you are ready, and only when you are ready, get yourself up onto HF. Maybe you have some amateurs near you that you could visit and see how they have things set up and get some ideas from them. One of the most important things to remember is to get a decent aerial up in the air, it doesn't matter how many thousand dollars you spend, if you haven't got a decent aerial (or antenna - whatever you want to call it) system, you haven't got a hope in hell's chance of getting a decent signal on the band.

I look forward to hearing you on the bands and I hope you have as much fun as everyone here has in this great (and sometimes crazy) hobby of amateur radio.

73 from England.

Mark
M0MJH

P.S "and trust me on the sunscreen" http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif