HAM Radio License

[blackf0rk]

I tried to get my HAM radio license a long time ago (when I was a kid). I didn't pass the test by like 1 or 2 questions and the old fart didn't sneek me in - queer. Anyways, I've always like the idea of HAM, but I am lost when it comes to getting a license now-a-days; I've lost touch with the lingo what I would need to do.

Can someone point me in the right direction in getting a radio? How important is the license...really? I know you have to say your callsign every 10 minutes or whatever when you're talking, right?

Any help, suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[Glenn]

I have had my Ham license for 47 years - K3ZOT. My best advise is to join the ARRL - American Radio Relay League. They have everything you need to get your license. They are the largest Ham organizationin the world. Go to their web site for everthing you need - www.ARRL.org (http://www.ARRL.org). Also, try www.ARRL.org/qst (http://www.ARRL.org/qst) for copies of their monthly QST magazine and www.ARRL.org/shop (http://www.ARRL.org/shop) for all their books, publications, and software. I would suggest the Technician Class book - "Now you're Talking" #8810 - $19.95 and "Tech Exam Q & A" - #8829 - $12.95. There are many more books and license aids to purchase from the ARRL. Good Luck.

Glenn

[Marauderjack]

What Glenn said!!!:beer:

Marauderjack...aka: WA4QVS :burnout:

[mrogerc]

There are also sites like eham.net that have test simulators.


Mike, NM0EJ

[Mike Poore]

ARS W3CAR here. Sadly, you, like many of us old timers had to go before one of the gumment test examiners, for hell day.

It's all different now, and much less stressful and considerably easier. You have a local ham club near you, and most likely they have Volunteer Sessions with Volunteer Examiners (VE's). They give the tests at local HAM fests and there's no waiting requirement if you fail the first time. Just visit the next test session and take it over. The code requirement has been dropped, so learning 13WPM is no longer required, and you can get a study guide that has all the questions/answers.
Go on-line and locate your nearest 2M Repeater and the club that sponsors it, to gain a good club contact in your area.

Good luck ...you can do this ..really, it's very easy. :D