On 4 Aug 2005 10:56:26 -0700, "charlesW"
wrote:

Charles,

Hello, I am currently a comp sci student who has become interested in
ham radio, mainly from taking physics classes and learning about
electromagentic theory. I find the subject fascinating and would like
to learn more theory and hands on applications. Currently my schedule
doesn't let me take any of the classes which sound interseting like EM
wave theory and antenna theory. I go to a small school and there isn't
a ham radio club here.

You don't EM or antenna theory classes to join this hobby. They may
certainly enhance your fun later, but I've taught classes at the local
community college and graduated (licensed) dozens of folks that didn't
have any electronics education.


From my initial research into ham radio, the subjects which I have the
most interest is mainly satellite communications, but I am also
interested in DX communications, antenna theory and packet radio.

My satellite experiences ended with Oscar 6, a long time ago, so I
can't comment on the current bird activity and/or operating modes.
AMSAT is the organization that you need to look to for this stuff.

Casual, as opposed to rabid DXing is an interest of mine, but frankly
with the current state of the sunspot cycle this isn't as much fun as
it will be in a few years. You're a young guy so you will have
several cycles to look forward to.

I've never had an interest in digital modes, but I think packet is
pretty much over with. The new modes are PSK-31, etc. Some vhfer's
are using digital modes for meteor scatter and moonbounce. See:
http://pulsar.princeton.edu/~joe/K1JT/index.htm for a start.


I have found three clubs on the ARRL website within 30 miles of me.
Only one of those lists DX communication and none of them list
satellite or packet radio as one of the groups interests. I feel a
little uneasy simply showing up to one of the meetings with my limited
(read non-existant) knowledge of the subject. I know enough about the
physics and theory behind everything, but pratically 0 about the actual
application. I envision going to one of these meetings (the one
closest to me is held at a diner) and sitting around a table with a
bunch of guys who are talking ham radio jargon and not being able to
follow anything being said. I realize they are probably helpful to
newcomers, but I think they would expect a newcomer to be able to hold
their own, which at the moment I would be unable to do

To be honest, at least in my area, clubs are populated by a bunch of
old geezers like me who are more interested in socializing than
programs. That said, by all means visit them and make your interests
known. These guys won't bite (many of them don't have their teeth
anymore) and they put their pants on the same way as you do, one leg
at a time.

In all likelyhood, if they have any sense, they will welcome you with
open arms; young people interested in ham radio being a rarity these
days.


Is there any (cheap) equipiment or kits that I might be able to find on
ebay or some retail outlet that you could recommend to a beginner which
I could play around with to help me get started before being licensed?

Check out the clubs first. You might find someone willing to loan, or
give you an older rig, just because you're interested and he has one
he doesn't know what to do with anyway. I have done this.

Besides, being cheap and a scrounger is a ham tradition; you might as
well master this aspect at an early age. Begging is perfectly
acceptable.



Any books or websites geared towards beginners (possibly with my
interests in mind) that I might find useful? I've found a bunch, but it
would be better if I could get some recommendations from experienced
operators.

Of course the ARRL site www.arr.org is a place to start. The
aforementioned www.amsat.org has a "New to satellites" area.

Welcome to the fold,

Wes N7WS