Amatuer Radio, getting started

I have recently gotten into Ham radio and thought I'd write about some of my experiences as I go.  I've had an interest in amatuer radio since I was young.  I even tried to get my license when I was 11 or 12.  I just couldn't get the Morse code, no matter how hard I tried.  So I moved on and years passed.  I recently started working with the California State Military Reserve(link) and, since their mission is to assist Civil authorities in time of emergency or disaster, they encourage members to get their amatuer license.

This started me looking around and doing research into all things related to ham radio.  I got frustrated waiting for the Guard to organize a class, so I started studying on my own.  I used the Android Ham Test Prep app,  and the free Technician Class study guide (yes Free) by KB6NU. Between these two resources and Google I was able to get ready for my Technician license  exam in about 2 months.  At some point I realized that I just needed to learn to beat the test and worry about understanding everything later.  As it turns out that's probably the best thing you can do.  Until you get your license and get on the air you really won't be able to understand fully what all in involved.  The test is only 35 questions and only took a few minutes to get through.  You can find local testing locations at the arrl website.


While studying for my exam I picked up a radio for the ham bands.  I think every new or prospective ham operator buys a Baofeng HT (Handy-talky... ham-speak for walky-talky).  I picked up the UV-B5 model for about $30.  I later picked up a hand mike and a Diamond 1/4 wave whip antenna.  I used this to monitor nets (scheduled groups) a couple nights a week in order to get a feel for how the language worked and what the correct operating procedures sounded like in action.  This also gave me some practical experience with programming offsets and looking up band plans.  I still use this radio a good bit for amatuer radio and with the Guard.  Certainly not the best hand held radio ever made, but, it is functional and with the larger antenna I have no problem talking on repeaters 18-19 miles away here in the San Fernando Valley.  There are lots of versions of these Chinese radios out there and there isn't a huge difference between them under the shell.  Even though I have almost outgrown this radio, it's still handy and you can't beat the price.


There are lots of good resources out there, almost too many sometimes.  I found that just getting on the air and asking questions is a great way to get over fear of talking and to get people to talk about their hobby.  Everyone I've talked with has been more than willing to give advice or point me to additional resources.  I've also learned a lot from listening to podcasts.  The Fo Time podcast has been very helpful.  Cale, the host is very down to earth and he has guests that cover a wide range of topics.  There is also a community of listeners growing on the Facebook group.

That's probably enough for now.  Next post I'll talk about equipment and the cost of being a ham radio operator.

73 N6MRW - Mark