What Would You Like to Know About Amateur Radio?

[williaty]

I'll be writing more FAQs but I think it's at least as effective to allow you guys to direct the discussion. To that end, I'd like you guys to post questions in this thread that you'd like answered. I'll either create a FAQ if it's a large topic or start a new thread with a summary of the issue as the first post.

Now, obviously, questions like "Who's working X event", "Should I buy Y radio", or "Has anyone used antenna Z" don't belong here. Nor does discussion (and I'll be asking mods to prune the thread if it happens).

What I'm looking for, basically, is a shopping list of things y'all would like to know about so I know what things to write about first.

[UP2MTNS]

basic HAM radio etiquitte. Just like an online forum, there are things that really aren't acceptable/taboos/noob stuff...

[nkx]

what would i need to just listen in to net control as a worker volunteer/spectator?

[ZED E85]

where can I find good study materials for cheap/free?

[williaty]

what would i need to just listen in to net control as a worker volunteer/spectator?
A basic hand-held VHF/UHF unit such as the Icom T7H (http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/3052.html). Once you pass your tech test, you can also use this radio to contribute to the net.

where can I find good study materials for cheap/free?
Use KB6NU's Study Guides (http://kb6nu.com/tech-manual/). Read the Technician one two or three times and you'll probably pass.

Keep in mind the Tech Class questions change later this summer. It's best to start studying now and take the test as soon as possible because all the available study materials are geared towards the current questions.

[WAM]

A lot of people think poorly of this approach because it doesn't really teach. But if just passing the test is your priority, google 'ham practice test' and you'll get numerous sites with actual tests on them, along with the answers. When you can ace those tests, you'll ace the real one. At least I did.

[williaty]

Yup, taking the practice tests is definitely critical to passing on the first try. However, KB6NU's guides are so direct and to the point that it's quickest and easiest to read his guide once or twice, then take the practice test a couple of times, then go pass the test for real.

[williaty]

OK, I little while ago, I recommended the Icom T7H. I no longer do. It's still a fine radio. However, they repackaged it as the T7H Sport and dropped the price. They also dropped something else: The battery. Yes, really. So by the time you add in the price of a battery, it's more expensive than the competition.

For a no-frills, just buy it and forget it except for working at rallies radio, I now recommend the Yaesu FT-60R due to price.

[hoche]

I'll second UP2MTNS comment on etiquette. Keep it concise, think before you trigger the mic, use lowest power, etc.

A short explanation of simplex vs duplex, when duplex is used (mostly with repeaters), and a high-level view of how repeaters work and why they're used. I can't remember how well this is covered in the technician's test.

Probably some basic vocabulary would be handy. For instance, CTCSS is usually called "PL" or "tone", and it's almost always used with repeaters but rarely simplex. Also, I've had to set up radios for several people because they didn't realize that there're generally three steps to setting up tone codes - turning on the feature, setting the tone, and enabling it on xmit (at least).

Maybe a couple of the most common Q-codes you might hear, like QSL.

Tactical vs personal callsigns, why tacs are used, and what the ident rules are.

Managed vs open nets, and what the etiquette is on a managed one.


Oh, and since this is a subforum for Stage Rally Preparation, perhaps some guidelines on what kinds of nets you might find at a rally and when it's appropriate for a competitor to break into the stage net and when it's not.

[bedheadben]

Williaty, how do you have your RF gain knob set on your Midland? I've been playing with that knob for a while and I can never decide where to put it.

[williaty]

There's no correct setting. You'll need to adjust it constantly depending on the conditions.

[bedheadben]

And so typically when tuning SWR you will need to shorten the antenna correct?

[williaty]

And so typically when tuning SWR you will need to shorten the antenna correct?

No.

You move it whichever direction you need to get the SWR down.



That being said, most companies cut their antennas long because it's easier for the end user to cut the antenna shorter than it is to add antenna.

[bedheadben]

Thank you!

[GreenMtnMan]

Go to the www.ARRL.org (http://www.ARRL.org) web sight. Lots of info there. Join a club.