Future ham radio operater?

[i5adam8]

Hello everyone,I was hoping someone coulp help me out.I know this is a little off the regular topics of scanning,but I think you guys can help.I want to get started talking on Ham radio.I don't know that much about Amateur radio,and what I need to know to pass the tests.The closest I have been to ham radio,was Talking on a little Mobile CB radio that I got as an X-mas gift when I was a Teenager,that I set it up in my house to talk on.After a while,I gave up talking on the CB because of the low power signal,nobody coud hear me unless they were passing by in a vehicle really close.Plus I became more interested in police scanners,and monitering public safety radio.But I recently had a renewed interest in radio chating,and I know that Ham is the way to go,so since I see everybody on here pressing people to get a Ham license,as opposed to a scanner permit,I thought someone could get me started.

 

[crayon]

I wouldnt say "pressing" per se .. just a recommendation.

As far as where to get started .. I would say that it first needs to begin with you. Ham radio, by its nature exists, in part so that experimental radios can be tinkered with. Therefore, some of the test will cover electronic and RF theory along with rules and regs.

This is why I say it should start with you first. If you know next to nothing about electronics, then your learning curve will be steeper then someone who has always been messing around with it. Should you be that type of person, do not lose hope!!

Actually, ham radio is a great way to get into electronics! Electronic theory applies to so many different areas one is not locked just into radios.

Visit http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl for practice tests .. this will give you a great starting place to see where you are at.

Good luck!

 

[Mike7883d]

Check out the book "Now You're Talking" on the ARRL website. I knew nothing about electronics, but after finishing the book I passed my amateur exam with no problem.

http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?category=Help+for+Beginners&words=

 

[Jeffn8wb]

I agree with crayon, Amateur radio is a great way to get your feet wet in electronics theory. Have you looked at any of the study guides available such as the one from The ARRL or Gordon West? If not, you could start with these as they not only give you the theory that is needed in order to pass the exam, but they will also give you all of the questions that are listed in the question pool.
I would also suggest getting in with a club in your area. This will be a great resource not only for the support that they can give, but also can help you to find an exam session that is in your area. If you are in the Detroit area, there are several clubs such as the Garden City club, The Livonia Amateur Radio Club and The Stu Rock club that can help to get you started.

73 and I hope to hear you on the air soon.

Jeff, n8wb
224.58 MHz/R

 

[i5adam8]

Hey thank's guys, I'll check out that site.As for a Ham radio club,I live in Stockbridge(Which is about halfway between Lansing and Jackson)so my geuss is that the closest club will be in one of these Cities,if there is one closer like maybe in Mason,or Chelsea Hopefully somebody that reads this post,and lives near by will let me know.I agree. I do need the extra support of a club because I have a limited knowledge of Electronics,but a love of them.Ever since Digital Police scanners hit the market,I have noticed myself becoming more fascinated by radio communications,and wanting to pursue a Hobbie in this area.So if there is anyone out there that is a ham operater,and a member of a club in the lansing,or jackson area,I hope you can provide me with the resources to start out this cool hobbie.

 

[ssmoore]

http://www.w8jxn.org/ I to am interested in ham radio, and in my search for info I found the ham club in jackson on the web at that link... Hope it helps.


steve

 

[N8DRC]

http://www.qsl.net/wd8iel/ Here is the Chelsea Club.. I recently got my Technician license, took the test in Jackson. I used Now Your Taliking to study helped out alot.If you need any info or help feel free to contact me..