just starting out

[CALFIREFOBS]

I am just getting started studying for the Technician Class cert.

I hope to pick up what ever knowledge you folks leave laying around and look forward to earning my license to broadcast.

 

[KB8OCP]

First of all, welcome! I see that this is your first post. I have been around here awhile, but don't post as much as I should.

My advice to you (If your not already) is to look around you area for a club near you that has free Ham licensing classes. It is a great way to meet and befriend the hams near you.

I see that you are in California, and there are some of the best radio clubs in the world there.

If I may ask, what study plans, books, tapes, etc.
have you made?

I have a few friends there that are outstanding Ham radio instructors. One of them is Gordo WB6NOA
He has probably instructed (directly or via his publications) more new Hams than anyone in the world. Look him up.

What ever questions or help I can provide...just ask!
73
Dave

 

[CALFIREFOBS]

Thanks Dave, I'm using Gordo WB8NOA's book and CD to study and have found it very helpful and I am fairly confidant I will pass the test.

I have a former co-worker heavily involved in ham and have been in regular contact, this has been very helpful.

Thanks again, if I get stuck, I will certainly ask!

 

[LtDoc]

The only thing I'd add is that you won't be doing your self a favor is you 'settle' for a Technician license, get at -least- the General! It opens up a huge range of things.
Good luck!
- 'Doc

(Get that Extra while you're at it. If you ever get an invitation to ride a shuttle you won't have to get a waiver to operate! I'm still waiting on my invitation. )

 

[D00D]

Best of luck with your studies.

 

[elk2370bruce]

Everyone has to begin somewhere and at their own speed. Some prefer starting with the Tech license at one VE session and decide to upgrade another. I would agree that hf privileges of general (and of course Extra) are well worth the effort.

 

[CALFIREFOBS]

Thanks Gents,

At this point I have every intention of bumping up the line to earn general and extra certs, but as has been pointed out, we all have to start some where and so far, so good.

I think I will teach myself Morse code as well, I've always been fascinated by the fact that messages can be sent over long distances using a series of "dits" and "dahs"

FOBS

 

[elk2370bruce]

Thanks Gents,

At this point I have every intention of bumping up the line to earn general and extra certs, but as has been pointed out, we all have to start some where and so far, so good.

I think I will teach myself Morse code as well, I've always been fascinated by the fact that messages can be sent over long distances using a series of "dits" and "dahs"

FOBS

While the cw requirement is no longer in force, it does have its merits. A0 (A zero) give you the most bang for the buck in breaking through QRM/QRN and getting that weak station "when all else fails". It is also a load of fun and just takes some practice to get your speed up and keep it there. There is also a 40 meter slow speed cw net that the tech licenses can access. Unfortunately, I do not remember the frequency. Start with a straight key for slower learning speeds. You get find them at a variety of hamfests. Also tie in to the ARRL CW broadcasts. They are excellent and will help you develop a good ear and a welcomed "fist" on the air. After four decades of absense from amateur radio, I started from scratch and have never felt that my time re-learning cw was a waste. CW is the original data transmission of dah's and dit's. Have fun on the air - that's what its all about. When you are having fun, your own growth will surprise you.

 

[Confuzzled]

Strange, but I've hit around 60% twice without having even seen any of the questions before or opened any kind of book. Working from common sense and some basic tech school sessions in the ANG many, many years ago.

Bouncing on some of the OHM's Law issues and HAM specific terminology. The test site I'm using will give a question asking to identify a particular component in a diagram, but doesn't display the diagram -- so it's a shot in the dark.

 

[D00D]

Bouncing on some of the OHM's Law issues and HAM specific terminology. The test site I'm using will give a question asking to identify a particular component in a diagram, but doesn't display the diagram -- so it's a shot in the dark.

Graphics

 

[majoco]

Calfirefobs said:

"and look forward to earning my license to broadcast."

Broadcast? I hope not! Two (or more) -way conversations - yes - but if you set yourself up for 'broadcasting' you'll incur the wrath of your local hams and maybe earn a visit from the MAN - who will have no qualms about confiscating all your gear and handing out a hefty fine too!

Buy yourself a scanner and an HF receiver to learn all about the 'etiquette' of the operators and the vagaries of propogation - you'll enjoy it far more if you join in later having already found out how to be a good operator and not a 'lid'! (Ask an old hand!)

 

[CALFIREFOBS]

yeah, I know majco, you obviously misunderstood my use of the term "broadcast".

I am fully aware of the etiquette of amature radio.

believe me, I am well versed in radio use basics, and certainly will not jam up the air waves with chatter.

thanks for your input!

 

[W2NJS]

While the cw requirement is no longer in force, it does have its merits. A0 (A zero) give you the most bang for the buck in breaking through QRM/QRN and getting that weak station "when all else fails".
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since we don't want new licensees to get off on the wrong foot, please note that the correct emission designator for CW is A1 and not A-zero. A-zero stands for uninterrupted continuous wave transmission.

 

[elk2370bruce]

While the cw requirement is no longer in force, it does have its merits. A0 (A zero) give you the most bang for the buck in breaking through QRM/QRN and getting that weak station "when all else fails".
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since we don't want new licensees to get off on the wrong foot, please note that the correct emission designator for CW is A1 and not A-zero. A-zero stands for uninterrupted continuous wave transmission.

Thanks for spotting my error. You are, of course, completely correct -A1.