Wes          WS6Z

A few good links are often more useful than a bunch of links.

A bunch of links can be highly useful afterward.

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Become a Ham!

Why?

First, because it's not that hard!  Regardless of whether you want to get into the hobby for fun, for emergency preparedness or to meet new people, getting started is not hard. There are three levels (Tech, General and Extra), and the bar for the Tech level is quite low and a great way to get started.

As a tech you'll be able to meet lots of interesting people. Being a HAM and talking to local HAM repeaters to a lot of other people is a great way of making friends and finding new people with similar interests.

How?

Study: The easiest way to learn what you need to know is read my my classroom slides about it, web pages about it, listen to a podcast about it, read other presentations about it, read a book about it or attend a class. It doesn't take much studying as a lot of questions are even common-sense.

Practice: Take a practice test to see how close you are!

Take the test: Find a test location, and then go take it! You're frequently allowed to take multiple tests if you want to try for higher levels all in the same day.

Have Fun! Scroll down after the resources section to see what you can get yourself into once you have your license.

Becoming a HAM Resources

Now what?

Ok, I've passed now what?

Now, have fun! There is generally a niche for everyone that will capture your interest. Be it rag-chewing (just talking), contesting (how many people can you talk to in 48 hours), or emergency work (disaster communication support), or something else entirely you'll find some aspect that interests you. Find a local club and their members will be more than happy to help you get started.

• Get a transceiver (radio). Many people start with a hand-held (walkie-talkie-style) at first. You can start with my quick guide to selecting your first ham radio and maybe it will help you.
• Wait for your call-sign to be listed in the FCC database. (listen while you're waiting; it only takes a week or so at most usually)
• Start talking!
• Maybe listen to and participate in a net.

What I like doing:

• Building Antennas is one of my favorite things to do; it gives you an instant "I did it" feeling (unless it didn't work). See the link for some very easy ones to get started on.
• Talking to people while I drive. Nothing makes a long trip go faster than talking to people while you take a 2 hour drive.
• Participating in nets, which is a great place to meet new people and practice "directed communication" and ensure you stay on the air.

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