Ham Radio Study Guides / First time radio.

[SCPD]

Hello all, I am wondering if anyone knows any good resources for studying for my radio license. I am completely new to HAM radio and would like to find a good if not complete study guide for it.

I am not certain if the test differs for Canadians or not however i'm looking for an up to date or current study guide or question bank. Preferably free but I would pay a nominal fee for said study guide.

Any references?

The only thing I have found thus far is a program called

ExHAMiner
Which seems to be great it was copyrighted in 2006 - 2007 so I'm guessing its up to date.

I just want to get the full spectrum of study and understand what I am learning! ( I like to try and understand everything in full)

Secondly if anyone has any good suggestions for a reliable / inexpensive mobile or portable ham radio. Once i'm licensed i'm sure i'm going to need a radio. Due to my landlord not wanting anything antenna based my only option will be to go portable until I can afford my own house.

Your kindness and any information is appreciated
Thank you in advance.

 

[BC_Scan]

check this out
www.rac.ca
click on beginners info & also look up the canadian clubs for calgary area, go check out the gang , always usually have open houses (coffee) & offer classes, best thing to do , that way you are mentored in with someone sure helps to talk to someone, instead of lonewolfing it ...

 

[SCPD]

From what I understand I need to find an "Elmer" hehehe
I currently blasting through Ham radio for dummies. But its not too technical.

 

[DX-300]

Just FYI as another suggestion, NTF Communications here in Calgary sells the study guides and also Nick there is very enthusiastic about helping new HAMS as I experienced when I picked a manual up. He knows when the courses run and who to hook you up with to get you started in a course if your interested in going that route rather than self-study.

Here's the site too:
www.ntfc.ca

 

[robertmac]

I'll second what other 2 have said. Nick is an excellent source at pointing you in the right direction. One can read the guides themselves and probably obtain a passing mark or even greater than 80% [which allows one to operate on HF]. However, as amateur radio is very extensive, with a number of modes, etc., there really is nothing that helps as much as taking a course through an Amateur Radio Club. Not to rate one club over another, but CARA [Calgary Amateur Radio Association] is one [if not the only Calgary Club] that offers a course for "basic" or + designation. I believe there is a course that just started so not sure if too late to get in for the spring session. Web site is http://joomla.caraham.org/. Good luck.

 

[HDMechanic]

If nick isnt in his work partner Daryl is also a ham and will give you a hand..

 

[smason]

Agreed that rac.ca is a good starting point.

 

[SCPD]

Where would one take said ham test?

 

[robertmac]

If you are enrolled in the CARA presentation, an accredited examiner would give you the test at the end. There are other accredited examiners in Calgary, Contact CARA for info.. As well, I believe you can still do the test at Industry Canada in downtown Calgary.

 

[robertmac]

CalgaryToad, I don't think anyone has answered the second part of your initial posting. It may be because this part is hard to answer. If you are not aware of www.eham.net, you might try that web site and look under reviews to see what people think of all types of radios. My suggestions to consider if just starting out in Amateur Radio [cost may dictate what you go for] would be to get a good VHF/UHF dual band mobile, dual band antenna and a dual band hand held. Once you become a "Ham", Nick at NTF will help. Yes, it may cost more to buy in Canada, but in some cases you get what you pay for. Some starting suggestions on VHF/UHF. Do try for a Mobile transceiver with 2 m and 70 cm. If operating from house will also need a power supply or a very good battery and charger. Unless doing simplex, do not really need an outside antenna. Can stick a magnet mount dual band antenna on a metal cookie pan, or other piece of metal about 2 or 3 foot square inside a room and you can hit most repeaters in Calgary. Radios to consider [not in any order of "this is better"]: Yaesu radios: FT-7800 [will do VHF/UHF one frequency at a time [does have Priority for monitoring 2 freqs.] FT-8800 very similar to 7800 but has 2 banks that can be scanned at same time and will Cross-Band repeat; Portables: FT-60 [similar scan features to FT-7800]; VX-6R, VX-7R. ICOM mobile radios: IC-208 [similar to 7800]; IC-2820, ID-800 [both of these very expensive; Portables: IC-P7A, ID-91A [upgradeable to Icom D-Star digital]. Kenwood also has mobiles and portables [these are more adaptable to APRS]. As a general rule, all these transceivers will cover the AM air bands, VHF and UHF and 800 MHz [NON TRUNKING, NON DIGITAL!!!!]. Make sure you look at frequencies covered as some do not cover the Mil-Air frequencies above 220 MHz. Most cover up to 999 MHZ. Kenwoods generally cover the 1.2 G Ham band [not much acitivity locally]. Can look at NTF at www.ntfc.ca for Calgary prices [not certain if NTF carries Kenwoods]. Other Canadian sites www.radioworld.ca, www.durhamradio.com. Now, if you do obtain 80% or more in your exam, you can transmit on the HF frequencies. BUT, this does require a decent antenna system. However, it can be as simple as a lengthy piece of wire running around your apartment/rooms. Radios generally require a good electrical and RF ground for transmitting on HF. Grounding not as as critical for VHF/UHF. Good starting HF/VHF/UHF [most modes: USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY, etc.] radios are Icom: IC-706MKIIG, IC-7000, or Yaesu FT-897, 857. Of course, Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood and Alinco all have better, more expensive HF radios only. All of these radios are also available used. Good Luck.

 

[SCPD]

thank you Robert you have given me a good starter point