Info for New Hams
New Ham Orientation Notes
(With useful websites)
Welcome,
This handout is usually used during a new ham elmering program, but a few thought it would be useful on the site, so here it is……
This orientation is intended for new hams or those that haven’t been active since they have received their ticket. If you are new and already active, I’m sure many items we will discuss will be of interest.
Most importantly, if you have questions – ask! That is the purpose of this orientation. If I can’t answer your question immediately, I will find the answer and get the information to you.
Please remember, there is life beyond the repeater and a LOT you can do with your entry level license. EXPLORE!
As always, I can be reached via email or my website.
E. Jonathan Hardy, KB1KIX
Email: kb1kix@arrl.net
Website: www.kb1kix.net I’ll be maintaining an updated version of this document on my website with other “newbie” information. The weblinks portion will definitely grow.
Your shack should have the following (in addition to plenty of toys!)
The most recent print-out of FCC Part 97.(available from the ARRL website)
Band plan and frequency chart (not the same) (ARRL website)
Phonetic alphabet (ARRL website or Operating Manual)
Your license (show some pride!!!)
Books
The following are the most important books for any amateur.
- The ARRL Operating Manual. Very handy for new hams. You may not refer to it as you get experienced, but it is like having an “elmer” on your shelf.
- The ARRL Handbook. Published annually. You don’t need the newest one, but a recent handbook does come in handy. I have picked up a bunch of the older versions very inexpensively. I have about two from every decade since the 40’s. They do come in handy.
- The ARRL Antenna Book. Much like the ARRL Handbook, this book is updated often. At least one copy is worth having. It can answer most of your antenna questions from homebrewing an antenna, how to install them for maximum efficiency, safety, etc. This may be one of your most referenced books.
There are many more good books that can help you learn a bit more beyond the basics.
Basic Radio (don’t let the name fool you!). Published by the ARRL. This book is a comprehensive introduction to radio . The text reveals the key building blocks of radio (receivers, transmitters, antennas, etc) and includes simple build-it-yourself projects to reinforce the presented material. Very valuable to understanding the art and science of radio.
Hands On Radio – based on the series in QST by H. Ward Silver, N0AX. PDF reprints are available online (with updates). This is an incredible and educational series – like an EE degree for the rest of us!
RSGB Amateur Handbook – similar to the ARRL handbook from the society in Great Britain. Really well presented with a ton of projects. Highly recommended.
Both the ARRL and RSGB have antenna handbooks and books on specific types of antennas (wire, verticals, yagis, etc.). It is really worth taking a look and seeing if these books answers your questions.
The ARRL publishes two books that can be helpful in answering many general questions. One of them is “Ham Radio FAQ” and the other is the “Hints and Kinks” series. Both of these books have a lot of reprints of ARRL columns that help answer many basic (and not always so basic) questions.
Magazines
QST – included with your membership to the ARRL. Past articles now free for members online. Many hamfests you can find free or cheap copies. ARRL sells CD Roms of back issues (the annual CD’s also have QEX and NCJ and are in color).
CQ Amateur Radio – nice alternative to QST. A few different columns than QST. Many of the same authors. Keep in mind, QST is a journal of the ARRL, CQ is an independent publication.
RADCOM – RSGB member publication (much like QST). VERY WELL produced, but hard to find unless you’re a member. They also produce annual CD’s that are very handy. Probably the best hands on column I’ve ever seen!
World Radio – now online free! Link on the next page. Used to be a black and white publication, now in color. Another independent ham radio mag.
Many of the publications above are available for purchase on CD-ROMs or online. The information is a bit smaller than having them in the “dead tree” version. Many also have a search function that makes finding the information you want a little bit easier.
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Useful Online Information For Amateur Radio Operators |
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General Information |
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Federal Communications Comm. |
www.fcc.gov |
Wireless division a bit hard to find, direct link on my website. Most important here, learn how to use the ULS (Universal Licensing System/Unbelievably Lousy System). Make sure your current address is listed, it’s the law! |
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The American Radio Relay League |
www.arrl.org |
News, local ham information (clubs, fests, VE sessions, etc), FCC Rules info, lots of educational articles and web only content. The best in online content of any national organization. Site will be getting a major makeover soon. |
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eHam www.eham.com |
Ham information portal. Articles, forums and such. Probably best known for their product review section |
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QRZ |
www.QRZ.com |
Some forums NOT FOR THE TIMID! Web forums and news information. The Q&A section is very helpful for hams (make sure you ask a question that hasn’t been asked before or is a basic tech question – you’ll wish your were wearing asbestos underwear!). The site is very useful though. Has the best online lookup database with more international call info anywhere! |
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KB1KIX.net Of course I was going to promote my site! |
www.kb1kix.net |
General informational blog, many useful links for newbies. Lot of embedded YouTube videos. Links to a lot of educational resources and free online content. Maintains a list of useful podcasts and blogs. |
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License Testing/Upgrades |
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ARRL |
ww.arrl.org |
Has all the license pool questions. |
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AA9PW |
www.aa9pw.com |
Very good license testing engine. Let’s you know where you’re proficient and where you need improvement. |
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Ham Radio Podclass |
www.hamradioclass.org |
Though this is podcast it’s appropriate to mention here. They have audio files for all US license files. Very informal program where the questions are not only read aloud, but discussed to help you learn a little better. All free! Also good for people with visual disabilities since they read the questions and answers. |
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Amateur Radio News (many easily downloaded with a podcast aggregator) |
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ARRL Audio News |
www.arrl.org |
Weekly production of news based on the ARRL letter. FCC Enforcement activity. |
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Amateur Radio Newsline |
www.arnewsline.org |
Weekly amateur radio news, more variety and presenters than the ARRL Audio News |
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This Week In Amateur Radio |
www.twiar.org |
Probably the best of all of them. They take many of the news sources and combine them in one weekly program. Lately, hasn’t been produced every week, but worth a look. Very broadcast quality, they have a shortwave version on WBCQ. |
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RAIN Report |
www.therainreport.com |
Often has extra goodies like the FCC Forum from the Dayton Hamvention |
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Online Magazines/Newsletters (some will be a little technical, but they are educational!) |
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World Radio Online |
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Former print publication – now FREE! Very high quality for a free publication. |
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http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html |
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D-STAR Information Newsletter
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http://www.dstarinfo.com/
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New newsletter for those with an interest in D-STAR. Very well done. Their website is really a good start for D-STAR information. |
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HAM-MAG |
http://www.ham-mag.com/ |
New online ‘zine style publication. Done in France (so you’ll have to excuse some of the translations) Articles from all over the world. |
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Amsat-India Newsletter |
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Though this is the Indian AMSAT organization, they have good satellite information in their newsletter. |
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http://www.amsatindia.org/Newsletter/ |
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NEWS – North East Weak Signal Group Newsletter http://www.newsvhf.com/newsletters.html |
New England based group specializing in all aspects of VHF/UHF/Microwave communications. |
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TAPR – Packet Status Register http://www.tapr.org/psr.html |
The largest digital communications group. Has a great annual Digital Communications Conference. |
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K9YA Telegraph |
http://www.k9ya.org/ |
Nicely done newsletter on all aspects of Morse Code/CW. Can be opinionated. |
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Repeater Resources |
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New England Repeaters |
www.nerepeaters.com |
Just as the name implies. Updated regularly and now is expanding further south like New York City. Also lists linked repeater systems. Very useful indeed! |
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ArtSci Pub |
www.artscipub.com/repeaters/ |
Maintains a national list of repeater information. Useful when you travel out of New England (though I think NE Repeaters is more thorough and updated for the northeast) |
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Specialty Groups/Organizations |
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ARRL |
www.arrl.org |
Amateur Radio Relay League (The US National Org.) |
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ARES |
www.arrl.org/ares |
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARRL) |
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SkyWarn |
www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn |
National Oceanic Atmospheric Association |
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Salvation Army SATERN |
www.satern.org |
Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network |
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American Red Cross |
www.redcross.org |
Check local branches or local ARES for ham involvement |
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FISTS |
www.fists.org |
CW club – great resource for improvement and improving your skill. |
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Handi-Hams |
www.handiham.org |
Group that specializes in helping hams with disabilities. |
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RSGB |
www.rsgb.org |
Radio Society of Great Britain |
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RAC |
www.rac.ca |
Radio Amateurs of Canada |
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ARMY MARS |
www.netcom.army.mil/mars |
Army Military Affiliated Radio Service. Group that the military uses for assistance when needed. |
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AMSAT – NA |
www.amsat.org |
Amateur Satellite group in North America (they are global). The group responsible for putting a lot of those nifty “birds” in the sky. Fundraising helps manufacture and launch satellites. |
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Additional Local Resources |
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CT ARES Website |
www.ctares.org |
CT Section ARES website. |
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CT SkyWarn Website |
www.ctskywarn.com |
CT Section SkyWarn website |
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CT Region 3 ARES Website |
www.ctarea3.net |
Regional ARES site for the 44+ towns in CT’s central area. |
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Newington Amateur Radio League |
www.narl.net |
Local club in Newington, CT. Great resource for elmering, buildathons, operating activities, public service and license classes. |
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A more comprehensive CT club directory will soon be available on www.kb1kix.net under the page called “CT Amateur Radio” |
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