Hams help me please

crusty 1 · May 8, 2011

To ham radio operators,I need your help.I have a very long history of helping when I can, prior vol. firefighter-first responder and various other civic things .I just went through the sky warn spotter training and learned of the need for ham operators.I don't know too much about the radio or the test to become a ham so any and all help would be welcomed.I figured there must be ham radio people on this sight and I've gotten and givin much advice so this is a place I trust to ask for help or advice.You may PM me if you wish, Thank you Dave

sweettractors · May 8, 2011

crusty 1 said:
To ham radio operators,I need your help.I have a very long history of helping when I can, prior vol. firefighter-first responder and various other civic things .I just went through the sky warn spotter training and learned of the need for ham operators.I don't know too much about the radio or the test to become a ham so any and all help would be welcomed.I figured there must be ham radio people on this sight and I've gotten and givin much advice so this is a place I trust to ask for help or advice.You may PM me if you wish, Thank you Dave

When I became a Novice in the mid sixties, I had to be able to send and receive 5 words per minute International morse code. In addition, I had to take a written test on Radio electronics and antenna basics. Today, You don't have to pass a morse code test, just take the exam. There should be study guides available to help prepare for the exam. The ARRL will have something available. Clink on the link below for lots of info. Ken Sweet
ARRL | Licensing, Education & Training | Getting on the Air

k0ua · May 8, 2011

ARRL is a good site, here is another. you can learn a lot here.
the link posted here is for the sample exam page. But look over the whole site. Like Ken said, no code anymore, but if you get into it, it doesn't mean you can't learn it and enjoy it. good luck

eHam.net Ham Radio Practice Exams

James K0UA

sweettractors · May 8, 2011

k0ua said:
ARRL is a good site, here is another. you can learn a lot here.
the link posted here is for the sample exam page. But look over the whole site. Like Ken said, no code anymore, but if you get into it, it doesn't mean you can't learn it and enjoy it. good luck

eHam.net Ham Radio Practice Exams

James K0UA

Looking back, I think one of my best "Life Achievements" was to get the "WAS" award from the ARRL. I only had 75 watts coming out of my Heathkit HW-16 with CW only and crystal controlled (No VFO). I used Inverted V dipole antenna on 40 meters and directional Beam on 15 meters. I had privileges on 80 meters, just never liked that band much. Those were the good old days. Ken Sweet

crusty 1 · May 8, 2011

thanks guy's for the info.After looking at it I can only hope I can still muster up enough brain cells to learn and pass:laughing

ave

KubZilla · May 8, 2011

Funny you bring this up now. I finally talked my Wife and Son into studying for and taking the Technician exam this month. We are all now licenced. (great for communicating in Alaska...) There is a good study guide by Gordon West. (WB6NOA) You can get it off of Amazon. There are also some good sites, including all of the ones just listed previously, also, try QRZ.com. They have good online practice exams. The tests that you see online are taken from the actual question pool, meaning that the questions that you see online are the exact same questions and answers that you will see on the actual test. The question pool is about 400 questions, of which they will take 35 for the actual exam. When I took my exams ten years ago, we had to pass a code test for General, but there is no code requirement now. Try these practice tests until you can get an 85% or better each time, and you will be ready for your test! Good Luck. :thumbsup: Mike (AD5PT) The test link: QRZ Ham Radio

F1520 · May 9, 2011

Hi Crusty,

One of the easiest ways to become a ham is to find a local ham radio club. They welcome new members and will be happy to see you.

Many clubs hold "VE" (volunteer examiner) sessions for the tests several times a year. Some have classes before the test that will help you pass.

eHam and qrz.com, already suggested, are a good idea. I practiced for my Technician and General tests on these web sites.

A good club will also help you with what to do once you have your license like Skywarn, ARES/RACES, a local repeater, etc. You should find lots of smart, friendly people of varying backgrounds and ages, including many first responders.

I'm not much of a "joiner," but my ham radio experience wouldn't be half as much fun without the local club. :thumbsup:

You can search for a local club here: Search for ARRL Affiliated Clubs

cdaigle430 · May 9, 2011

crusty 1 said:
thanks guy's for the info.After looking at it I can only hope I can still muster up enough brain cells to learn and pass:laughingave

If I can do it-anyone can

I never upgraded my license because of the morse code requirments-they eased those restrictions not too long ago so I might upgrade. You can do alot with a HAM license and radio-order a pizza, make a phone call-even remote control things. I've been an operator since 1995.....

wrooster · May 9, 2011

Dave,

crusty 1 said:
To ham radio operators,I need your help.

Go here:
the CAN'T FAIL thread for getting a ham radio license and learning basic VHF/UHF operations - AR15.COM

Read this:
Ham Radio 101 - AR15.COM

Success!

Regards,
Wrooster

celtsrevenge · May 9, 2011

Crusty, There is no better hobby. All of the advice regarding the ARRL is spot on. You can by all means pass the test. Go for the General class. It will give you a broad availability of privileges. I have been in ham radio since 1963. I also have a Yanmar YM-2210d on my Colorado place. You can't have more fin than that. Good luck. K0GFY.