I've started reading the license manual, and I'm at chapter two and I'm already cross eyed. I'm techincal to a degree, but I think this is completely above my head. I understand the concept of radio waves, frequencies, cycles, etc., but it borders complete greek to me.

Do you have to be that highly technical to get your license?

 

NO...
kids as young as 8 get HAM liscenses. Of course some are mentored, etc..
Here is a practise site
AA9PW FCC Exam Practice » Amateur Radio Exam Practice
that I have found very useful. I would suggest studying some of the chapters and take some practice test. You will soon see what you need to learn to pass, and before you know it you will be passing the tests.... if you get to the point you pass every time your ready. Rememeber it's a Pass Fail test so it doesn't matter rather you get 100% or 80% (or 70% which I think is the lowest). The test has 2-4 questions per chapter or section... so to speak. for instance there will be like 2 maybe 3 questions on frequency ranges. ... also a book called 'Now you're Talking' is a very good study guide. This book is what we used to help scouts study for the technician class.

it's worth it.... and I would add if we could get more Jeepers to become HAMs we could do away with CB's which IMO are a Joke compared to 2M or 70CM.

 

I have been a HAM since 1976. I have been active on the satellites as well as HF. I enjoy talking to folks around the world so I spend my time on HF. I run an Icom IC 7700, Alpha 9500 amp, Palstar HF-AUTO tuner and a 43' vertical and 160M loop.
73, KC4YLX

 

I'm probably the last person that should be a HAM given that I don't really like to talk to strangers over the air. I hardly ever key up. But I got into it because I love the technology. Especially the idea of sending and receiving signals from around the world. Yes, today there's email and our cellphones that do so much more, but there is something romantic about old school AM/FM/SSB for me. Unfortunately, romance can't keep it going forever. The hobby is dying out and needs more people to be a part of it. The great thing about the hobby is that it so vast. You can do simple communications using FM transceivers to using and building your own repeater system. Then there's the whole world of antenna design. Believe me, there is a great deal of accomplishment when you build your own antennas and they actually work!! Some people enjoy QRP (low power) challenges while others try EME and bounce signals off the moon. I could go on and on with some of the things that HAMs get up to.

I will tell you though, it's pretty nice when I'm getting gas at the station and someone spots my antenna on the Jeep and asks "What's your call sign, I'm ..., nice to meet you."


From one HAM to another, thanks for becoming part of the hobby.

 

When I was a kid I listened to my dads shortwave radio all the time. I finally got tired of listening and not being able to throw my 2 cents in so I got my ticket in August lol

Chris
VE3XCM

 

I got through the first section of chapter 2 in the ARRL Manual. At the end of the section it gives you a "Study these questions" list, and then it gives you a multiple choice practice test in the back. Surprisingly, I did well on the 11 questions presented.

I took the 11 questions and made digital flash cards with an app called Flashcards+ on the iPhone. I plan to do this the entire way through.

I tend to get lost in the details when I am learning on my own. For instance the formula 300/F in MHz.... I initially freaked out because I tend to be less than stellar at math. But so far it hasn't asked me to solve any formulas, just that I know them.

 

Thanks! I don't know that I'll ever get into the "homebrewing" aspect of it, but you never know.

I'm more interested in emergency communications. I currently work as a 911 operator and police/fire/ems dispatcher, so emergency communications during things like hurricanes etc really isn't too far of a stretch. I found out that there is a county emergency communications center directly between my home and work. It was last activated during hurricane Ike in 2008, but the local HAM's train monthly for just such an emergency. I think I would enjoy being part of a group like that.

 

Get your general so you can work HF, alot of people take tech and general at the same time.

There's a hurricane net on 40m that's quite active during hurricane season.

Also take the weather spotter class when its offered in your area, I believe it's skywarn in the states, even if you don't have your license yet.

 

Ohh and DIY antennas are easier then you think if you can solder.

I made a 2m/70cm vertical for under $10 in material.

The NA4IT 'CHEAP' Dual Band Ground Plane

 

I've taken a weather observer class before, when I was working for a helicopter transport company. I had to attend the training because we had to take hourly weather reports and log them in the radio room for in case there were any accidents. I wonder if its the same one.