Getting an Amateur Radio License Terry R. Dettmann/WX7S I've been watching HamNet and other sources for a while and it seems like there is a need to answer the question "How can I become a Ham?" for many people. This file is an attempt to create a starting point for someone to get information about Ham Radio. Anyone who reads this is asked to send comments to me on Compuserve at 72076,2611 or care of: National Amateur Radio Association, NARA 16541 Redmond Way #232 Redmond, Wa 98052 I would like to see this file get the widest possible distribution to any and all bulletin boards, etc. If you make changes, please send me a new copy for distribution. I will attempt to keep the most accurate and up-to-date copy available for use by anyone who wants to get into the hobby. PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT an attempt to list comprehensively EVERY source of entry into Amateur Radio nor to list EVERY source of information about Amateur Radio. The objective of this file is to list books, magazines, and so forth which would be a help to someone who wants to become a Ham. If you have a product or service for new hams you would like added here, please contact me via NARA. We keep a data base of services and products for New Hams as well as information about 'Helping Hams' who want to help new people get started in the hobby. I would like to hear from you about what you can do to promote the hobby. This listing is also personal ... opinions expressed here such as 'best', etc. are based on my own experience and that of people I know who have used the materials. Something which is NOT listed here is not bad, I am personally just not familiar with it. ==================== BECOMING A HAM ========================== To become a Ham Radio operator, you presently have to pass two tests, an written examination covering basic radio theory and regulations and a proficiency test covering Morse Code at a 5 Word per Minute rate. The best sources for help on these are: Radio Shack NOVICE Course ($19.95) available through any Radio Shack store ARRL (American Radio Relay League) 'How to Tune in the World' Novice Course ($12.00) available at most Amateur Radio Stores or from the American Radio Relay League, 225 Main Street, Newington, Ct. 06111. For practice on Morse Code, your best bets are: The best tapes around are produced by Harry Lewis, W7JWJ, 10352 Sandpoint Way, NE, Seattle, Wa. 98125. Harry has been timed 76 words per minute while he was loafing along. Another excellant study device for Morse Code is the program Super Morse, available for download from Compuserve or from the National Amateur Radio Association, NARA, 16541 Redmond Way #232, Redmond, Wa 98052. NARA charges $3 for the program and it is Shareware (so you owe the author something if you like it). ==================== MAGAZINES =============================== Magazines are the source of the most current information no matter what field you're in. You can sometimes pick up copies of Amateur Radio magazines at stores (especially at Amateur Radio stores), but in general, they aren't available just any place. If you want, the following magazines specializing in Amateur Radio will send you a sample copy. Contact the magazine for information about prices for samples. CQ Magazine 76 North Broadway Hicksville, NY 11801 QST Magazine American Radio Relay League 225 Main Street Newington, Ct. 06111 73 Magazine WGE Center Hancock, NH 03449 Ham Radio Magazine Communications Technology Inc. Greenville, NH 03048-0498 ==================== ORGANIZATIONS =========================== All amateur radio operators should belong to the ARRL: American Radio Relay League 225 Main Street Newington, Ct. 06111 Membership is currently $25.00/year. This is the major representative for hams in Washington and they run many programs for the benefit of Amateur Radio. NARA is interested in publicizing Amateur Radio and getting new amateurs involved. Your help and donation is appreciated and will get you a quarterly newsletter with information about NARA's efforts: National Amateur Radio Association, NARA 16541 Redmond Way #232 Redmond, Wa 98052 ==================== MORE INFORMATION ======================== For more information about becoming a Ham, please write to me either through Compuserve (72076,2611) or care of the National Amateur Radio Association: National Amateur Radio Association, NARA 16541 Redmond Way #232 Redmond, Wa 98052 I will look in the references available to me and attempt to locate Amateur activity in your area. If I can, I will send you names and addresses of Amateurs in your area, stores which sell amateur radio gear, and anything else which can help. Even if you don't want anything in particular, feel free to write and let me know about your progress in becoming a Ham. 73 DE WX7S