[Unknown Freeper]

I have had some technical experience. It does seem doable based on your experiences. I am looking for a new hobby. Perhaps this will be it.

[AnAmericanMother]

Here are some sources that may give you some info to get started with:

American Radio Relay League

Look for the quicklink "Getting Started" over on the righthand side.

And here's a list of the local ARRL radio clubs in NJ:

ARRL Affiliated Clubs

Best thing you can do is join a local radio club. We have two local clubs - one a general radio club (Atlanta Radio Club), the other a special interest (Southeastern DX or long-distance communication) club. We belong to both, and you'll never meet a nicer bunch of folks. They love to help people get started in the hobby - they'll be helping you pick out a first radio, helping you get the antennas raised, etc. etc. before you know where you are. They also have really good parties.