Steve Bonine writes:
Whatever else you do, renew your ticket. It's easy and free. When
you're 90 days away from expiration, visit the FCC web site and
request a renewal. Don't put it off thinking that you're going to
upgrade and then end up with no license at all.
This is definitely on the agenda, regardless of what happens. Only a
couple of more months and I'll be in the 90 day window
Here's a
quick novice question for you: if I renew and have moved, will they
change my call or do I get to keep it?
Ham radio is really many hobbies rolled into one. The aspects that
interest me may not interest you, and that's just fine. I agree that
there's much more out there in the hobby than the local repeater, and
I think you're on the right track exploring the other aspects of ham
radio.
That's a good point. I'd never really considered the fact that it was
several different hobbies rolled into one before. This point, and
some of the other followups have convinced me to start looking a
little deeper into some of the various aspects.
Go to the library and spend a little time reading the ham-radio
magazines. I'm not suggesting that you read every article carefully,
but more that you use the magazine as a way to see what is happening
in the hobby these days and what aspects pique your interest. You
might think that trying to work DX using low power is interesting, or
digital modes might catch your eye.
There's a lot of current information on the hobby available via the
Internet. This Usenet group is an example; as you read what others
are interested in you may see things that sound intriguing. There are
many other web sites on various topics. Of course, you want to employ
the same filters that you would use for any topic that you're
researching on the Internet; there's some garbage out there too.
Duly noted. I'm associated with a university currently, and I haven't
checked out their periodicals for amateur radio stuff yet, actually,
so that's a great idea I hadn't thought of. Thanks!
As for low-budget equipment, one place to check is eBay. Usual
disclaimers apply, but there are some bargains there. (Just be sure
you're really getting a bargain; there are some ripoffs there, too.)
I recommend eHam for figuring out what all the model numbers really
mean; there's a valuable part of their site that you reach by clicking
on "Product Reviews" in the left navigation pane. There are other
sources for used equipment, including locals who have upgraded their
gear.
Is there a local club in your area? If they have license classes,
that's a possible way to beef up your technical knowledge and have a
good time. It's always more fun to learn in a group. However, be
aware that some of these classes are geared more towards reviewing the
specific questions in the exam pools than in actually learning the
theory behind the questions.
If you want to actually learn something useful, I'd suggest that
finding a knowledgeable local and putting a station on the air would
be a great way to accomplish that. Studying the formula for the
length of a dipole is one thing; getting out there and building the
antenna is an entirely different experience. This may be the best use
of that handheld -- if there's an active repeater that you can hit,
get on it and meet some of the locals. If you're lucky you'll find
someone who is willing to be your elmer.
Yeah, I'm a little leary of buying anything used or new at this point,
because I just don't know enough about all of the different modes and
facets of amateur radio. There were a couple of good elmer type
figures available to me when I first got my license, but though at my
last job there was an excellent elmer available, I've never spent good
quality time with somebody one on one getting to know things about all
the various different things that I can do.
Good luck, and welcome back. I hope you find a niche in the hobby
that interests you; that's what makes the difference between someone
who just has a ticket and someone who is actually active in the hobby.
Thanks so much for all your advice.
Paul, KC8IGJ