[Unknown Freeper]

I would appreciate it if you experts would provide information on how one might start out as an operator. Please suggest any links, recommend equipment and offer any suggestions for the total novice.

Thanks!

[stand watie]

my suggestion is to head over to RADIO SHACK, buy yourself a copy of GORDON WEST'S book for taking the TECHNICIAN exam & jump in with both feet. that is precisely what i did.

i got my TECH license about 6 weeks after buying the book.

free dixie,sw

[AnAmericanMother]

I second that.

If I can do it -- a liberal arts/classics major with absolutely no technical expertise other than what I've picked up from my techno-geek husband -- then ANYBODY can do it.

The Tech exam is not difficult. You'll have to memorize a few frequencies (the ones that Techs are allowed to use), some rules, and some very basic electronic theory like Ohm's Law.

My daughter & I were both novices before the rules changed - we took the Tech exam right before midnight on the day the rules changed over - so we are now Techs with code privileges on the old Novice bands . . . we're way behind hubby who is an Extra and Honor Roll DXer with 320 some-odd countries (at last count, I think.)

[Chemist_Geek]

I would appreciate it if you experts would provide information on how one might start out as an operator. Please suggest any links, recommend equipment and offer any suggestions for the total novice.

Well, there are Gordon West's Technician book and the ARRL's book "Now You're Talking".

The exam is a fairly short (35 question) multiple choice test. Some memorization is required - allowed frequencies, etc. Very simple algebra is also required. Ohm's Law - E = I · R - is about the extent of the math. An online exam practice page, using the actual questions, is at AA9PW.com.

With the Technician license, you can use all amateur frequences above 30 MHz. These VHF, UHF, and microwave bands will support primarily local communication, but with occasional continent-wide band openings and with amateur satellites you're not limited to just 10 or 20 miles either.

There are a whole host of radios appropriate for the new Technician. Big ham radio suppliers are Amateur Electronic Supply, Ham Radio Outlet, and Universal Radio. I've had good experiences dealing with all three.

Even before you get your license, I suggest finding a local ham radio club and going to a meeting if you can. Many clubs put on classes for the Tech license as well as the Morse code. The ARRL has a Club locator based on ZIP code.