Ham Radio For Dummies

Learn to:

• Acquire your license and call sign
• Send e–mail using your radio
• Assist with emergency communications
• Build a personal wireless system for home, mobile, and portable operating

Make international friends, train with technology, and assist in emergencies become a ham!

Before there was e–mail or Facebook, there was ham radio used to talk to people around the globe and to communicate during disasters and emergencies. Hams still come to the rescue, but today they can also transmit images, use the Internet, and take advantage of the most powerful private wireless communications capacity in the world. Ready to join the fun?

• Behind the mic find out what ham radio is all about, explore the technology, and find a group that shares your interests
• A ham, I am join the ranks by preparing for the licensing exam, passing the test, and getting your call sign
• Listen first get a feel for what happens on different bands and learn to tune in a signal on SSB, FM, HF, VHF, and UHF
• It's a setup set up your radio and learn about its many features memory channels, special filters, hands–free operation, and more
• How you operate learn the difference between casual operating, operating with intent, and operating specialties
• You're the stationmaster find out how to choose equipment, design your ham shack, and set up a station that works
• Do good be ready to help your community in case of an emergency or natural disaster

Open the book and find:

• The effect of solar and weather conditions on radio waves
• Translations of ham lingo
• What an FM repeater is and when to use one
• All about antennas
• How to get your e–mail using the radio
• Tips for mastering Morse code
• Basic troubleshooting advice
• Ten secrets beginner hams should know

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Ham Radio 5

Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted with Ham Radio 7

Chapter 2: Getting a Handle on Ham Radio Technology 19

Chapter 3: Finding Other Hams: Your Support Group 31

Part II: Wading through the Licensing Process 53

Chapter 4: Figuring Out the Licensing System 55

Chapter 5: Studying for Your License 65

Chapter 6: Taking the Test 73

Chapter 7: Obtaining Your License and Call Sign 79

Part III: Hamming It Up 91

Chapter 8: Making Contact 93

Chapter 9: Casual Operating 123

Chapter 10: Operating with Intent 155

Chapter 11: Operating Specialties 173

Part IV: Building and Operating a Station That Works 215

Chapter 12: Getting on the Air 217

Chapter 13: Organizing Your Shack 255

Chapter 14: Housekeeping (Logs and QSLs) 271

Chapter 15: Hands–On Radio 277

Part V: The Part of Tens 297

Chapter 16: Ten Secrets for Beginners 299

Chapter 17: Ten Secrets of the Masters 303

Chapter 18: Ten First–Station Tips 307

Chapter 19: Ten Easy Ways to Have Fun on the Radio 311

Appendix A: Glossary 315

Appendix B: The Best References 325

Index 337

H. Ward Silver got his first ham radio license in 1972. His ham experiences led to a 20–year career as an electrical engineer, designing microprocessor–based products and medical devices. He writes for the American Radio Relay League and publishes a popular ARRL e–newsletter, The ARRL Contest Update.