Getting started as a HAM noob

[Dinochrome]

I suggest you take the no code General license

What is this no-code license of which you speak? The FCC doesn't require CW any more? What level of heresy is this?

And there are no CW tests in the USA for Ameture radio anymore, which is good cause I really suck at CW, and I've spent a lot of time trying to learn it with scant little to show for it

Heresy! Unclean! It is an abomination.

di-di-daw-dit, di-di-daw

I last played with Amateur Radio in the late '60s and spent innumerable hours studying for my code test. With the advent of the intertubes and cell phones, I haven't had much use for stringing dipole antennas anymore. However, if the need ever strikes I'm sure that I can dredge up enough knowledge to communicate.

I bet you guys are trying to tell me that Heathkit and Hallicrafters aren't making radios any more.

And Hammarlund, and Drake, and National,..... Luckily, they made millions of radios before leaving the scene. Collins is still making radio gear, but who can afford it? My gear includes Heathkit, Hallicrafters, Hammarlund, Drake, E.F. Johnson, Radio Shack(Realistic), Collins, and Meissner. Amateur Radio is more than a hobby, it's a community and a network of alternate communications.

[toad]

Well my knowledge is way outdated but there were some technical advatages to having a cw license. It used to be you could get long range with fairly low powered inexpensive equipement.
Here is a source of free and for pay code instruction if you wan't to check out your desire and apptitude learning Morse.
http://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Software/ ... _Training/

[randy]

There's no prohibition on using CW on any band segment authorized for it under your license (even "no code tech"). It's just no longer mandatory to demonstrate proficiency in order to get a license.

There's still a lot of CW activity out there. Not my cup of tea but I can hum a few bars if required.

[Weetabix]

I took the Technician test and passed it.

Took the General and passed it.

The VEC's twisted my arm into taking the Amateur Extra exam, which I hadn't attempted to prepare for. Results were as expected.

Now I have to wait to see if I show up on the FCC database.

I bought the Baofeng mentioned above. I've been listening on the 2 meter band.

What's the most fun band with General privileges? 20 meter sounds interesting.

Lead me, Herdmasters.

[randy]

First of all Congratulations!!! and welcome aboard.

The most fun band depends on what is open (which depends on time of day/year and the vagaries of the solar cycle)and what you want to do (DX, "local" (inside the CONUS) chit chat, etc).

20 Has been active lately (buddy of mine upgraded to General yesterday and worked Bulgaria last night on 20M from Ohio). 10 can be a hoot when it's open.

I work a lot on 40 when traveling during the day. There are several nets to check in with, ensuring my gear is working and helping with "flight following".

I have some friends that swear by 12 and 17, but I never seem to get around to those bands (They weren't authorized when I was licensed, and my first HF gear did not have them included, so I keep forgetting about them).

Basically just putz around and see what you like.

73 and Fine Business!

[Rumpshot]

What Randy said!

I took the traditional route, novice, tech, then general. Over many years.

I was very active on 2 meters while in San Diego.

Not all that active the last decade. I have the toys, just not the time/place.

Find a buddy with a nice station and learn at his/her elbow what is going on out there.

Find the local club and join in with Field Day. You might see people there doing things you will not see any other time of year.

Pick a contest, I like the 10 meter contest in Dec, and just do it.

Have fun.

[randy]

Find the local club and join in with Field Day. You might see people there doing things you will not see any other time of year.

+1

Field Day this year is (it's always the last full weekend in June) the 22nd and 23rd of June.

Use the Field Day site locator to find a site near you (or tour several if they're close enough).

Many Field Day sites will operate a GOTA (Get On The Air) station. GOTA is intended to get new operators on the air with a mentor/coach ("Elmer" in ham speak) there to guide and train you.

Check out the ARRL web site. ARRL is like the NRA in shooting world, there are other organizations but they are the big stick in regards to legislation and lobbying. Lots of good stuff on operating practices and technical information available there even if you're not a member.