Getting your Amateur Radio License (HAM license)

[usmcveteran]

I am writing this up to help any of you get started in obtaining your Amateur Radio License. The license itself is free and is free to renew as well. Some clubs provide the test as free as well while others charge a small amount.

The first think to figure out is when and where can you go take the test. You can find testing locations by using the ARRL's website. Here is the link http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-...e-exam-session .

Now that you know when and where the tests are its time to study. There are a few methods that you can use to study. You can use the method of actually learning all the information which is a great way to do it but it takes longer, or you can memorize the test. I will provide links for both methods below. If you choose the memorization route I suggest only reading the questions and correct answers and not ready the wrong answers. This way if an answer looks familiar it is most likely the right answer. Also regardless of which route you take you need to take a lot of practice tests. Once you consistently score high 80's or 90's you should not have a problem passing the test.

Also there are 3 license classes you can obtain. Here is a link to read about the 3 different ones http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-licenses .

Here is link to study material for Technician license http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uplo...guide-v1.1.pdf
Here is link to memorize Technician test http://www.arrl.org/question-pools

Here is link to study material for General License http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uplo...-Guide-v14.pdf
Here is link to memorize General Test http://www.arrl.org/question-pools

Here is link to study material for Extra License http://www.k4vrc.com/uploads/1/0/1/5...tudy_guide.pdf
Here is link to memorize Extra Test http://www.arrl.org/question-pools


Lastly you will need to take practice tests.
http://www.eham.net/exams/
http://hamexam.org/
http://www.qrz.com/hamtest/

You can also look up apps to practice with as well.

A good cheap radio to start with as well is this one http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5R-1...s=baofeng+uv5r You cant go wrong with it since it is so cheap. Also you can download software called CHIRP http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home
and use this programming cable http://www.amazon.com/Programming-Ca...s=baofeng+uv5r . You do not need to install the disk that comes with it and frankly I would not.

Hopefully this helps getting you started. I would try to get at least a General Class if possible so you can do stuff on HF. Extra class will just allow you to operate on more frequencies. If you have any questions let me know and hopefully I can help answer them for you.

[masterswimmer]

Great writeup USMC. Been wanting to do this for 30 years and never did it. This might be enough to push me over the edge. Thanks

[usmcveteran]

No problem, the radio linked too can be used to listen without license just can talk without it. Also important to note that you have to wait for your info to be on FCC website after passing test before you can talk on it.

The baeofeng can also monitor the FRS gmrs frequencies (regular walkie talkies) and it can theoretically transmit on them as well but that would violate FCC rules.

Its a lot of fun talking on local repeaters and if you guys end up getting the radio and using chirp software I can do a write up on how to program them.

Heck if anyone gets one let me know and I'll try to do it before you get it in mail..... I know how it is hating to wait lol.

[usmcveteran]

I will keep adding info as I think of it here as well. This should help you all a lot in terms of seeing what to actually do. Keep in mind he is using a base station type radio and the Baeofeng is a HT (handheld).

[video=youtube;hD6EPBw9Fk0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD6EPBw9Fk0[/video]

Here is a video on the Baeofeng as well.
[video=youtube;56PvtAqacz8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56PvtAqacz8[/video]

ETA: The baeofeng video may make it seem more complicated then it needs to be. With the CHIRP software you fill out a spread sheet on computer then transfer it to radio via the cord. So if you get 5 radios for family for example then you can use that same file to program all the radios the same and it saves you a ton of time.

[thughes]

I've got 2 baofengs and the CHIRP software but no clue what to program at this point, can you post up a file?

[usmcveteran]

Since your local I will try and post my file and should be a good start for you and for others could be a good example . do you have the programming cord?

[thughes]

affirmative on the cord

[usmcveteran]

It wont let me upload the file here but I will email it to you. If anyone else is interested in it I can email it to you as well.

[tdpark]

My son and I are hams. My son more than I- he is into HF and has his Extra license. Great hobby and when the poop hits the fan- that is the only thing that will work if everything goes down. Wouxun makes a good solid UHF and VHF rig as well. If you can- get your general so then you can do worldwide stuff. A warning though- equipment can get expensive really fast as in more expensive than guns.

tdpark

[usmcveteran]

Great points, I also have my Extra Class License. The HF (world wide) stuff is what I find most interesting but like you mentioned you have to pay to play there.

Another cheap radio for what it offers is this one http://www.amazon.com/PX-UV973-136-1...ossband+repeat . What I like about it is that you could use essentially use it as a poor mans repeater. You just have to be careful will how often you transmit with it since if you transmit to much (on any handheld radio) you can heat it up so much it stops working.

If anyone is considering HF and wants too see it used and are in my area I am willing to show you. I currently operate portable (meaning I go out and set it up wherever since I cant use it inside my apartment). It only takes a few minutes to set everything up and I can operate completely off grid with it indefinitely I figure. I use a Elecraft KX3 for HF.

[Jackalope]

One way to save money when buying equipment is to visit a hamfest, which is an electronics fleamarket. There's a big one in Rochester, NY in May, but there are smaller ones spread throughout the State. Here's a link for some upcoming hamfests: http://www.upstateham.com/p/2014-ups...ave-heard.html At a hamfest you can often try out a radio prior to purchase. Hamfests often have vendors which carry new equipment too. One of the bigger ones in the northeast is the Nearfest takes place twice a year, the next one is scheduled for May 1st and 2nd, and it's located at the Deerfield, NH fairgrounds. The nice thing about the Nearfest is you can camp out at the fairgrounds, so it makes a nice weekend trip, and the Kittery Trading Post is only an hour and a half away(for those unfamiliar with Kittery Trading Post, they have a 90000 square foot outdoor sports store with an extensive array of new and used firearms). The May Nearfest has free admission next year, but if you wish to park and camp out within the fairgrounds there are additional charges, but nothing outrageous.

For anyone who hasn't been to a hamfest, they can offer a bewildering amount of electronics gear, including radios, computers, night vision equipment etc. Prices are often negotiable. I'd advise you to bring a backpack with you, because you never know what you'll find. Last year at the Nearfest I found a recently published reloading manual, the price was $3.00. Most of the sellers only take cash, but most of the commercial vendors will accept credit cards. For new hams, it doesn't hurt to have someone who has some radio knowledge with you, so you don't end up purchasing a boat anchor radio. But most of the sellers are willing to spend some time with you and educate you on the finer points of the equipment that they are selling.

[usmcveteran]

Great point Jackalope! If anyone has any trouble or more questions feel free to ask.

[Jimbo_79]

Question. Our house basically acts like a Faraday Cage and I think it's because of the BX wiring throughout the house mixed with the old foil/fiberglass insulation along the attic ceiling. I could be wrong though...it's happened a few times at least. We had to purchase a cell micro tower to get any reliable signal in the house for our cell phones. How much of a problem would this be if I got the unit USMC mentioned in the OP?

[usmcveteran]

Your talking about the baeofeng? You should still be able to get out. Biggest thing you might want to look into is google repeater directory and you should be able to search for repeaters by your house. Also make sure you don't have hills between you and some of the repeaters. Worst case you can spend an extra $50 probably and operate it from your car with no modification to your car.

A lot of people like to chat on repeaters on way to and from work.

[Jimbo_79]

Yep, the Baeofeng! That's really cheap to get started! I think I would get my license first though.