Ham Radio
Current band conditions
Go to N0NBH for current information.
Organizations can help you get started
There are many Amateur Radio organizations around the world where you can get more information. In the United States, ARRL is the largest organization. The Radio Society or Great Britian is another great source of information for English speakers.
Getting Licensed
Getting a Ham radio license requires passing an exam. The first level, Technician Class, is not difficult, but will require some prior study. Amateur Radio License courses are offered in some areas, and study guides are available from a number of sources, such as ARRL Study Materials and W5YI. Also, online courses are available. This Free Online Ham Radio Course includes video lessons by KE4GKP and a study guide by KB6NU.
Morse Code (CW)
If your interest is in operating on the HF bands, as is mine, you should learn Morse code. Whether you become a CW operator or not, learning Morse is a valuable skill, which you may need some day. The ARRL Learning Morse Code page lists a number of resources to get you started. Two resources that I used regularly are the W1AW Code Practice, which is a great way to get on-the-air experience copying Morse code, and AA9PW’s CW Practice site, where you can generate your own practice recordings. AA9PW also has practice tests for Amateur Radio License Exams.
Finding Hams
To find information about a United States Licensed Amateur, ARRL provides this search tool. QRZ.COM can be used to search call signs globally. However, you will need to register and become a member.
Ham Equipment
These are some equipment suppliers that I have used.
Hamcity distributes a wide range of Amateur Radio and Commercial Radio equipment at very competitive prices.
QRP Labs designs and produces excellent kits for Hams. They are probably best known for their QCX single-band, CW, QRP transceiver. Other kits include power amps, GPS receiver, filters, synthesizers, and a shack clock.
QRPGuys offers a wide range of kits for QRPers, including transceivers, antennas, tuners, and keyers.
Radioddity distributes Amateur, Consumer, and Business radios. They are an authorized dealer, providing after-sales service for Xiegu. The Xiegu G90 is worth a look.
My Novice Station (1967)
- Knight T-60 AM/CW transmitter
- Heathkit GR-64 shortwave receiver
- Heathkit GD-125 Q Multiplier
- Heathkit Crystal calibrator
- HI-Mound BK-100 Semi-Automatic (Bug) Key
- Homebrew antenna tuner
- 40 meter half-wave folded dipole antenna
