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From: (no name) (no email)
Date: Mon Dec 01 2003 - 15:40:58 EST
Hi Rick,
I am a new ham. I have passed the multiple choice tests for Technician and General. I am taking my morse test in two weeks. I self studied for the multiple choice tests using the two books published by the ARRL. I read the books, then read through the question pools at the back of the books. After that I would take the online tests at www.qrz.com until I could pass by a good margin. I have used the AARL CD to learn morse (mostly as I drive to work), then have been practicing at http://www.aa9pw.com/radio/morse.html.
I found studying for the tests very rewarding and educational. The theory in the books not only helped me understand radios, but also really helped firm-up my generally lame knowledge of electrical systems in general.
I bought a handheld 2-meter rig as a "reward" once I passed my Technician exam. The handheld sits on my car visor when I am not on the boat. It is smaller than my handheld VHF and very transportable. The boat has a designated high frequency rig that uses the backstay as an antennae... not very transportable. Both these radios operate on completely different frequencies. One great thing about reading the ARRL books is that they will give you a great working knowledge about the different radios and antennaes that are out there.
Best-Tim
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Tim Whelan
KD7WZM
s/v Patience
http://www.tgw.net
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On Mon, 01 Dec 2003 12:16:11 -0500, Bryan Genez <> wrote:
> Rick Bradshaw wrote:
>
> > As I remember, you have to get a license for each country you go to
> > even though you have a U.S. license. Also, as I remember, that is not
> > a problem since countries "usually" provide a reciprocal license for
> > cruisers while in their waters. Correct or am I off base here? Any
> > exceptions that come to mind?
>
> You are correct. Depending upon the country, there may be additional
> restrictions, for example, you may have to be underway.
> >
> > This is a completely new thing for me. I understand that a person by
> > the name of Gordon West (?) teaches/tests here on the West Coast and
> > does a good job of it. Any other people/things I should be aware of?
>
> I've taken the Gordon West weekend class. It's quick, dirty, and effective
> if the goal is to get a license. If you want to learn about equipment, the
> ins and outs of amateur radio, etc., you'll need more than GW gives in a
> weekend.
>
> > Is there a particular brand or model of radio that seems to work
> > best? I would like to build a land unit that functions decently and
> > then take it aboard when the time is "right." From my _very_ limited
> > knowledge, I would think that the major difference in the two
> > installations would be the antenna. True? Is there a preferred site
> > or database that I could go to to find all, well most, of the
> > answers? Does ham equipment go out of date as quickly as computer
> > equipment or is it stable?
>
> That's kind of like asking which brand of VHF radio is "best". Different
> people will like different units. Note that shipboard units are all
> designed for the HF band (~1.8 - 30 MHz). Many automobile units use VHF
> bands (144 - 148 MHz). You may not be moving as much equipment as you
> think.
> Antennas can differ, especially on boats where backstays are often used. An
> automobile must use a whip, while your home can have simple or very
> complicated antennas.
> Equipment has changed through the years, especially with micro-circuitry.
> But the older stuff still works very well. The newer units seem to simplify
> some of the controls. Someone with a lot more experience than I can speak
> to whether or not the newer units are "better".
>
> --
> Best,
>
> Bryan (KB3HMZ)
> "Capella" Valiant 40 #158
> Annapolis, MD
>
>
>
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