At the latest weekly New Ham Net on K9IIK, experienced hams assisted new operators in assembling a top 10 list of places to register or sign-up online as a new ham operator. Here's their list. Prior to licensing (or upgrading). 1. Fasttrackham.com: One of many great sites for studying alongside an audio book – especially helpful when paired with NCVEC.org for viewing the question pool Once you get your license. 2. Gigaparts.com/qrzjumpstart: Offers free equip for new hams ($21.95 s/h) 3. Qrz.com: Enjoy swap forums, your own station page, logbook, gridmapper lookup, etc. ($35/yr) 4. Arrl.org: Our hobby’s advocate offering guidance, research, band plans, QST mag and more ($59/yr) 5. Echolink.org: Use your license over streaming-audio to talk worldwide – to get started, validate license and install software (pc, phone) 6. Facebook.com: Join groups such as Ham Radio for Beginners (73K members), Ham Radio Operators (88K members), Ham Radio Help from Elmers (18K), and Ham Radio (238K) For spending time on the HF bands. 7. Arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world: Confirm contacts, earn awards and more 8. Eqsl.cc: Create an online log of contacts and exchange electronic QSL cards 9. ParksOnTheAir.com: Be a ‘hunter’ and learn to give signal reports with friendly operators who are easily found using ‘spots’ 10. Spotternetwork.org: Get involved in weather watching, training, safety, etc. This weekly New Ham Net is a relaxed opportunity for new and experienced hams to come together, learn from each other, and discuss topics such as antennas, grounding, band plans, etiquette, logging, equipment selection, and more. This weekly net is open to amateur radio operators everywhere at 7PM Central Time each Wednesday on Echolink K9IIK-R (575848), Allstar (278833), and locally in Northeast IL on the K9IIK 145.230MHz minus 6, PL107.2Hz.
The Considerate POTA Operator’s Frequency Guide - Condensed PDF The Considerate Operator’s Frequency Guide PDF
Has anyone mentioned QRZ? For more than a couple of decades, QRZ has had an excellent study guide complete with current questions. And then, there is interesting reading like "Trials and Errors -- Ham Life with an Amateur." (Shameless self promotion). Dave, W7DGJ
Welcome all with the new license! Congrats and hope to hear you each and all on the air. While I haven't been doing this long myself, Ham Radio certainly is a lot of fun. The ARRL's Operating Manual is a fine resource, as are ARRL's QST and On The Air publications. Yes, get startup help from lots of sites, each will offer something different, and don't forget YouTube! VHF / UHF is fun, but it started for real for me with HF and the first of many overseas contacts. There is also The Hambone at https://NoEyeDeer.org, free and with lots of ham radio stuff of many kinds. -And,The Hambone encourages you to comment as well as read -assuming you have an opinion! Well, that's about the 2 cents for now!
