AMATEUR RADIO FOR BEGINNERS

Now that I got my license, what do I do now?

By Geoff Haines, N1GY

If you are reading this, it is probable that you just passed the test to get your first amateur radio license. Or maybe you just up-graded from Technician to General Class. This is a great accomplishment and our heartiest congratulations to you for achieving this milestone. After studying for, and passing the test, most would think the hardest tasks are behind you. As amateur radio operators for many years, we know that is probably not the case. A large number of licensed operators, unfortunately, never get on the air. Or if they do, they have a problem that sours their experience with amateur radio, and they leave the hobby. Well, the West Central Florida Section of the American Radio Relay League wants to change that. This package is a step in that direction.

In times past, when the world wasn’t so full of video games and cell phones and computers, the usual path to a ham radio license generally included one or more people we called “Elmers”. An “Elmer” was a ham radio operator who aided and mentored someone who displayed an interest in the hobby. The “Elmer” might show you around his or her station or “shack”, explain each piece of equipment and generally explain the hobby. The “Elmer” might assist the newcomer in constructing his or her own station, or help with preparation for the tests that enabled the newcomer to become a ham.

Because of the changes in society and technology, the ranks of those who are “Elmers” have thinned. The numbers of people who want to become hams have also been lessened by the distractions of video games and other facets of modern life. The task before us now is to try to connect those who are interested in the world of amateur radio with those who can “Elmer” them to the enjoyment and downright fun the hobby can certainly provide.

To assist in this task, we want to provide you with some basic information. The group that gave you your test is called a VE Team. They are members of a local amateur radio club. The club is an excellent source of information and assistance.

Join a local club, and participate fully in their activities. Doing new things is always more fun with people you know. Another group who can and will help you is The American Radio Relay League. ( www.arrl.org/ ) The ARRL has been around for almost 100 years. It is the national organization for amateur radio in the United States, and indeed has members all over the world. It publishes many books and magazines on the subject of ham radio, including the one you probably studied to pass your test. Their flagship periodical “QST” is one of the most valuable sources of information for all hams, new or old. Joining the ARRL provides you with many benefits beyond just the books and magazines. They can assist you with many aspects of the hobby from technical questions to operating overseas to renewing your license.

The ARRL also has branches called Sections. Around this area, ours is called The West Central Florida Section. It has a web site, www.arrlwcf.org which contains a great deal of information. The staff of the section are all volunteers. Look up the site and browse through it. There are names and contact information for many clubs and or individuals who can assist you in your pursuit of this many faceted hobby.

One such group of volunteers are the Technical Specialists. These are people with particular skills and knowledge of various aspects of our hobby. They have been appointed by the Section Manager to provide their expertise to any amateur who needs assistance with solving a problem. Problems such as electromagnetic interference or grounding your station. While the Technical Specialist may not be residing in your local area, they can offer help by e-mail and/or phone to get you going in the right direction to solve the difficulty. Technical Specialists each have their own area of expertise so if your situation requires the assistance of a different Specialist they will put you in contact with the right one.

To aid you in a successful beginning in Amateur Radio, We have enclosed a list of the Section Staff with their areas of responsibility, and a list of the Technical Specialists with their specialties. We are also enclosing a listing of several web sites that offer information on many aspects of our wonderful hobby.

The West Central Florida Section, ARRL

edited by W4CLL on 28-Apr-10