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A few questions from a non-licensed beginnner
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. 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. 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 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? 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. |
You are really over-thinking this. Just pick a club and go. They
will be very glad to have you show up, and won't expect you to know anything about anything. It's not like a school classroom. Just a bunch of people getting together with a common interest. Usually there will be some kind of program for the meeting that will be of interest to you and anyone else in attendance. My wife goes to our radio meetings, and trust me, she doesn't know the first thing about ham radio. I take that back. She does know my call letters. :-) Dick On 4 Aug 2005 10:56:26 -0700, "charlesW" wrote: 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. |
Charles,
Attend a meeting, introduce yourself and tell them your interests. Get a feel for the members and what they are doing. Typically, there are hams who are involved in various aspects of the hobby. You may be presently surprised. Start at the top with the Club's President or if he/she turns out to be non responsive find someone who is. Just my opinion for a "first step". Of course read up as much as you can. The jargon, by the way, will come as you get more involved. Good luck. 73 Murray, K3BEQ charlesW wrote: 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. 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. 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 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? 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. |
A bit expensive unless you buy a used one, but you might purchase the ARRL
Handbook, which contains hundreds of pages of useful information about most aspects of ham radio. Both new and old copies of this book can be purchased through Amazon.com. "charlesW" wrote in message oups.com... 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. |
Thanks for the advice, I will attend a meeting. After further
searching the ARRL website, I found that my school is actually conducting a test on Sept. 24th to get a technician's license! I will have time to attend one or two meetings before then and I also found the ARRL book Now You're Talking and the hadnbook at my schools library. Hopefully this should prepare me enough for the test. On another note, I am working part-time while at college so money is a little tight. So I can get an idea of what I need to save, how much should I expect to spend on a beginner's rig? Any advice on a model or make that would be a good starter set? What if I want to do some sattelite communications? Thanks again for the advice, Charles John N9JG wrote: A bit expensive unless you buy a used one, but you might purchase the ARRL Handbook, which contains hundreds of pages of useful information about most aspects of ham radio. Both new and old copies of this book can be purchased through Amazon.com. "charlesW" wrote in message oups.com... 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. |
Charles,
Clubs vary - from my experience, the majority are very open, friendly, and helpful to newcomers and would-be hams. Unfortunately, to be totally honest, some are cliquish and not like the majority. I would suggest you vist all three and see which one "feels best" in terms of openness, interests of the membership, etc. and decide from there. Ham radio is supposed to be about "Elmering" (experienced hams welcoming and helping newcomers), so don't feel like you need to go it on your own until you've "earned your stripes" ... if you visit a club and don't get an appropriately warm welcome, move on and try another one. 73 and good luck, Carl - wk3c "charlesW" wrote in message oups.com... 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. 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. 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 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? 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. |
"charlesW" wrote in message
oups.com... Thanks for the advice, I will attend a meeting. After further searching the ARRL website, I found that my school is actually conducting a test on Sept. 24th to get a technician's license! I will have time to attend one or two meetings before then and I also found the ARRL book Now You're Talking and the hadnbook at my schools library. Hopefully this should prepare me enough for the test. On another note, I am working part-time while at college so money is a little tight. So I can get an idea of what I need to save, how much should I expect to spend on a beginner's rig? Any advice on a model or make that would be a good starter set? What if I want to do some sattelite communications? Thanks again for the advice, Charles Glad you found the book - read it and you should be able to make inroads into a licence. I'll say, just to reinforce it - go to the club! There's bound to be one or more who'll point you in the right direction when you need some help. Take a look at Ebay for prices of rigs - search on 'amateur radio' (duh! wasn't my first pick but it's pretty durn obvious :-) or the makes, like Yaesu, Icom, etc. Take you pick, depending on band(s) you want to work. Or just drool for a while before you splurge - if you wait a while you'll find you'll have a better idea of what you want to do. You guys are spoilt for choice in North America. :-) For satellite, and I'm talking from a position of not having done it for a few years (I have to do it at work so I tend not to at home now) so someone correct me if I'm wrong; look at a 70cm and a 2m rig or a 70cm/2m dual-bander. But if the cost is beyond you at the moment, get one rig and play with it and figure out procedures, antennas and the like. Plenty to play at before moving on! Have fun! Cheers. Ken |
charlesW wrote:
Thanks for the advice, I will attend a meeting. After further searching the ARRL website, I found that my school is actually conducting a test on Sept. 24th to get a technician's license! I will have time to attend one or two meetings before then and I also found the ARRL book Now You're Talking and the hadnbook at my schools library. Hopefully this should prepare me enough for the test. Make sure that the Now You're Talking book is the latest issue so that you're studying the right stuff. Although I'm not sure how much it's changed. An older issue may be close enough. Anyone know? |
Charles,
OMG, please don't count on any of these groups if you want to get an idea of what amateur radio is like. Go to the club like these guys suggested. Do some research online (arrl.org, etc.) and go to the library if you can, and go to HRO on a Saturday morning if it is close by. Hams are, by nature, good people, and they will be glad to help you! But r.r.a.m and other such groups are not good indicators of what ham radio is like. These newsgroups are the "short bus" full of ham radio wannabees. There are many, many good resources here as well, but the dozens of idiots screaming from the short bus drown out the few intelligent ones. You will get insulted here (as will my posting... watch). That is not what ham radio is about. Don't let it bother you (and in fact, don't even read the rest of the sentence when they spray paint you with their grafitti.) Just go ahead and get on the air and you will have more fun than you can imagine. Trust me - I have been on the air since 8th grade. I turned 50 years old in Feb 2005. And go ahead and post here, but remember that amidst the 90% jerk factor here, you may find people who actually are licensed, and among them, you may find some who get on the air sometimes, and among them, you might find someone who can do you good. All the best, and 73, Dave KZ1O Carl R. Stevenson wrote: Charles, Clubs vary - from my experience, the majority are very open, friendly, and helpful to newcomers and would-be hams. Unfortunately, to be totally honest, some are cliquish and not like the majority. I would suggest you vist all three and see which one "feels best" in terms of openness, interests of the membership, etc. and decide from there. Ham radio is supposed to be about "Elmering" (experienced hams welcoming and helping newcomers), so don't feel like you need to go it on your own until you've "earned your stripes" ... if you visit a club and don't get an appropriately warm welcome, move on and try another one. 73 and good luck, Carl - wk3c "charlesW" wrote in message oups.com... 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. 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. 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 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? 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. |
"charlesW" wrote in message oups.com... 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. Did anyone mention the www.arrl.org page and AMSAT for the sats ? Look around and see if there is a hamfest near you. That is a flea market for ham gear. You may find a used rig there. As always you may find a few that will sell a rig that is not working like it should and so on. While studying for the license test don't try to learn anything from the qustion and answers, Just study the correct answers. Get a ARRL Handbook , even a used one a few years old will go a long way in getting you started on teh correct path. Packet is just about dead except maybe a few that are looking at the DX clusters. |
Thank you all for the advice. It has been very helpful and given me quite a few pointers. The book that I have is the 5th edition and I believe it is the latest. Thanks for the warning about the newsgroup. I noticed some flames and other pointless rants, it's good to know that there are people intelligent enough out there to see what it is and simply ignore it. I'll check out ebay and keep an eye out for the brands you named. I'm not sure if there are any hamfests around here, but there is a huge flea market every Saturday, so I might stop by there and see if I can get any information there. I'm also glad to hear what everyone had to say about the clubs. I will still check them out, but it's good to have the info you provided. I had a few experiences with some computer user groups that claim to be open and welcome to new users but can be almost snobbish to a beginner. This seems like a great way to get my hands on some fun gear to play around with and meet some interesting people. I'm excited to try it out! Thanks again for all the advice and anything else you might think of is greatly appreciated. Charles |
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 |
charlesW wrote:
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? Consider buying a low cost used scanning receiver that will let you listen in on the segments of the VHF and UHF amateur bands where you'll find most of the FM repeater traffic (roughly 145 - 148 and 440 - 450 Mhz). Personally I'm a fan of Uniden's BC895XLT or the newer BC898T. These $200 receivers (new, $125 used) make great general coverage receivers for the VHF and above ham bands. Google on the model numbers. Also consider a used dual band 2 meter / UHF trasceiver for about the same price. If you live anywhere near a city with a good sized ham population you should hear daily traffic on the repeater systems. For information on specific Philadelphia and Pennsylvania area repeaters see this link: http://www.artscipub.com/repeaters/s...nnsylvania.asp Good luck and welcome to the world of amateur radio. |
On 4 Aug 2005 10:56:26 -0700, "charlesW"
wrote: 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. Try the newsgroup, rec.radio.amateur.antenna Several crusty elec. engineers, book authors and other knowledgeable types discuss all manner of wave theory and antenna theory there. It's free, and you can learn a lot, whether you simply observe or get involved. They can also point you toward many of the classic books from long ago on antenna theory. bob k5qwg I go to a small school and there isn't a ham radio club here. 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. 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 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? 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. |
[This followup was posted to rec.radio.amateur.equipment and a copy was
sent to the cited author.] Sounds like you've already picked up some good advice. If you want some good software to go with the Now You're Talking book, you might visit the W5YI website at http://www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=18 and check out the packages they have. They're basic programs that drill you on the questions that will be on the test, so you can get yourself proficient before going in for the exam. I used their older DOS-based stuff for my tests some time back, worked very well. I believe it also includes Morse training and practice software, which will be helpful if you want to go for your HF privileges (at present, the FCC still requires a demonstration of Morse proficiency before you can gain access to the HF bands). In training for my Morse exam I found that the tapes are only good up to a point, after which I found myself memorizing the tapes, so they weren't much good after that. Computer- generated Morse practice can keep the material fresh so you're never copying the same stuff over and over again, as you would with tapes. On the matter of clubs, I've had mixed experience with various clubs when I was first getting started. One that I visited was pretty clique- ish, so much so that the only person that took any time to chat with me was the guest speaker! I've been good friends with the guest speaker ever since, but I've never darkened the door of that club since. I found that this was the exception rather than the rule -- nearly all the other clubs I've visited since then have been more than welcoming to all new visitors, so if you don't find a good club the first time out, shop around. The ARRL web site at www.arrl.org lists many different ARRL- affiliated clubs, so you should be able to find a lot of potential groups in your area. You'll also find that your computer skills will dovetail nicely with the newer modes that are available for your use on the ham bands. Packet (especially APRS these days) and PSK31 are good examples. There are also video modes -- slow-scan TV (SSTV) and amateur television (ATV) -- that you could experiment with if you're interested. Welcome aboard! In article .com, says... 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. 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. 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 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? 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. -- -- //Steve// Steve Silverwood, KB6OJS Fountain Valley, CA Email: |
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