Ham Radio

I am currently inactive in Amateur Radio, mostly for the following reasons: (1) Other commitments conflicting with the local net scheduled time. (2) I never was able to get good, clear phone signals on HF, and I never was able to find anyone to help me with my rig/antenna setup. I was able to make low power digital mode contacts, and I used VHF frequently. (3) My Icom IC-746, which I considered a pricey commitment, eventually suffered from the IC151 chip failure and stopped transmitting and cannot be repaired. This was really the "straw that broke the camel's back", and I shelved the hobby after that for the time being. Nevertheless, I am posting this page here for information purposes and in case I return to the hobby in the future.

Amateur Radio (called Ham Radio) is radio frequency spectrum allocated for non-commercial and emergency communication and wireless experimentation. Unlike other radio spectrum users, such as the Citizen Band (CB), ham radio operators are allowed to build and modify transmitting equipment. Ham radio operators are required to be tested and licensed to operate.

My call sign is WE1LS. My friend N7ICM got me involved in ham radio. I felt that learning ham radio would help me in building Wi-Fi networks and amateur radio astronomy telescopes. My wife is also a ham operator. Her call sign is N4JUL.

Wanna Be A Ham?

If you have $55 and a little bit of time, you can become an Amateur Radio Operator with equipment!

  • Register with the FCC to obtain your FRN: Link
  • Download and study the free KB6NU No-Nonsense Technician-Class License Study Guide: Link
  • Register at QRZ.COM: Link
  • Take free practice Technician exams at QRZ.COM: Link
  • When you're ready to take your Technician exam, Find a session:
    Bring your driver's license, your FRN, and $15 cash. If you're already a ham and need an upgrade, also bring the original and photocopy of your current license and any CSCE(s)
  • The Baofeng UV-5R is a cheap Chinese import handy talkie radio that you can pick up from Amazon for under $40. It is not much radio, but it will get you on the air. The UV-5R+, UV-5RA, UV-5RA+, and so on are all the same radio with different style cases. They also come in different colors. Manual
  • Get on EchoLink: Link

Topics

Here are some topics of ham radio that I am interested in:

  • Digital modes (Packet, PSK31, JT65, etc)
  • EchoLink
  • Giving License Examinations
  • Low Power Operation
  • Portable Operating
  • Practicing and Operating CW
  • Remote Rig Control
  • Repeater Operation

Related Links

Software

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