Getting started as a HAM noob

[Lokidude]

I have a friend who finds himself interested in HAM radio, but with virtually no knowledge beyond "Its two-way radio." Which is roughly what I know on the topic as well. I know we have some very experienced HAMs here, though. So, the question is, where do we start? What books or sites are required reading? What other resources are there? If it helps, we're both in the greater Salt Lake City area, if there's a local group we should contact as well.

Thanks, guys.

[Dinochrome]

First of all, look for a nearby Ham club. Amateur radio is about communication and talking to other hams is a good way to start. The first level is Technician-class, giving access to some HF bands and all VHF and UHF amateur bands. Next level is General-class with increased access to HF (shortwave) phone bands, and Extra-class which gives access to ALL amateur bands. There are books published by the American Radio Relay League that are study-guides for the different classes of license. Try Ebay for used copies of the Technician, General, and Extra License Manuals. Also, check your local library. A recent issue of the ARRL's Radio Amateur's Handbook is also good to have.
There is a website that was extremely useful for studying the test questions; http://www.qrz.com, click on Resources, and then Amateur Practice Tests.

It helps to have an interest in basic electronics. I was in electronics in the Navy and retired as Chief Electronics Technician, so the technical questions were a snap. It was the regulations and operating procedures that I had to study.

[Jered]

Does he have a HAM license?

If you like giving money to the Chi Comms Amazon has a two way

I bought a USB programming cord to go with it, too.

[Lokidude]

Does he have a HAM license?

If you like giving money to the Chi Comms Amazon has a two way

I bought a USB programming cord to go with it, too.

As I said, we're complete noobs in this area. Neither of us has any licensing, or experience past CB and FRS radio operation.

[Jered]

Does he have a HAM license?

If you like giving money to the Chi Comms Amazon has a two way

I bought a USB programming cord to go with it, too.

As I said, we're complete noobs in this area. Neither of us has any licensing, or experience past CB and FRS radio operation.

Here's the book to start.

It has all the questions for the test. I'd recommend the No-Code tech license.

[randy]

What the others said.
The basics: The Technician class license requires that you pass a 35 question multiple choice test covering basic FCC regulations, electrical and RF theory, and some operating procedures.

You can study and take practice tests online, but you must take the actual license exam from an FCC approved Volunteer Examiner (VE). They are located all over the place and most areas have regular test sessions. Here's a site to find ARRL VE test sessions.
Example:

Exam Session
12/01/2012 | Salt Lake City UT 84190-0001

Sponsor: Utah ARC
Location: Salt Lake County Complex
Time: 8:00 AM (No walk-ins)
Learn More

Any of the local clubs should be able to direct you to test sessions as well.

Once you have your license, you can operate on any amateur frequency and mode above 30MHz. You also have some HF privileges using CW (Morse Code) and Voice, CW and Data on 10Meters (28MHz)


I know several folks that have bought the Woxun radios either as noobs getting into this cheaply, or experienced hams that wanted an expendable radio they could lend out or take into conditions they didn't want to expose their $400.00 radios to. I've seen some models for as low as $70 at ham fests.

Here are some links for local (to you) resources

Utah VHF Society

ARRL Find A Club page

eHam.net also has practice exams online as well as many other resources

Here some links to previous Gun Counter threads regarding Amateur Radio:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=10593

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2801

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5795

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12131

[Highspeed]

Be careful. You will start out just communicating on air. Can't hurt can it ?

But then one morning you will wake up and find test gear and oscilloscopes and homebrew antenna tuners littering your house. There will be more aerials on your roof than the headquarters of the NSA.

Believe me, I have seen it happen so many times.

[Yogimus]

Be careful. You will start out just communicating on air. Can't hurt can it ?

But then one morning you will wake up and find test gear and oscilloscopes and homebrew antenna tuners littering your house. There will be more aerials on your roof than the headquarters of the NSA.

Believe me, I have seen it happen so many times.

And it all starts with a single wire running from your bedroom window to a tree.

[Termite]

"The chair is against the wall..........."

[Yogimus]

Here is the thing about HAM operations... It is expensive, a pain in the ass to maintain, and provides no more entertainment than an AOL chatroom. (Ham radio operator since... 1996)