Welcome to the world of ham radio

Congratulations! You've passed the ham radio exam, received your license and call sign, and now you're ready to embark on new adventures in a brand new world. While we might not know you personally, I and many others welcome you with open ears. As you get ready to take your first steps in ham radio, please keep in mind two things: we're all amateurs and we're all learning. Now, we look forward to hearing you on the air!

If you're like most new hams, you probably have a lot of questions. Then again, you might not even know what questions to ask yet. So, as an officially licensed ham radio station operator, where do you start? Depending on your needs, this page might be a good place. Words in bright blue italics are links to the ham radio glossary. Hover over a word in brown to display a brief clarification on the term. Here are some questions you might be asking:



First steps How do I check for my license? How can I get a copy of my license? What do I do now? What are some newcomer pitfalls to avoid? Equipment Which radio should I get? Where can I purchase radios and other ham gear? What kind of antenna should I get? Which feedline (coaxial) cable is right for me? Can I have a decent mobile setup without drilling holes in my car? What other ham radio equipment should I get? Where can I learn how to make my own ham radio gear? Just tell me what minimum radio gear I really need Making contact How do I use my radio for the first time? What frequencies should I use first? Where can I find all my ham radio privileges listed? How can I use my radio to contact other hams? How do I join a radio conversation already in progress? What basic ham radio words should I know? What are phonetics and the phonetic alphabet? How can I make radio contact with my brother in another state? Service and groups What does it mean to 'monitor' a frequency? Are there service groups in which I can make use of ham radio? How can I use ham radio to serve my church area or neighborhood? Are there ham radio clubs or fun ham radio groups I can join? How do I join a ham radio net? How do I start my own net?

Preparedness How can I use ham radio to prepare for an emergency? How do I make a (72-hour) go-kit that includes ham radio? What first ham radio steps should I take in the event of an actual emergency? How can I sharpen my ham radio skills? Activities What kinds of fun things can I do with ham radio? Are there ham radio events or other large get-togethers I can attend? How do I request a First Contact Award for somebody? How do I request an Elmer Award for somebody? Just curious Just how far can I talk on a ham radio? How can I get into HF? Where can I go to learn Morse code? Above and beyond Where can I learn more about ham radio without getting overwhelmed? How do I upgrade my ham radio license class? Could I become a ham radio instructor or examiner? How do I apply for a vanity call sign? How do I apply for amateur radio license plates? Assistance What are some ham radio best practices? Why can't my wife hear my radio transmission? How do I go about programming my radio? How do I update my name or address with the FCC? How do I get an official copy of my license? What do all these strange words mean? I need help!!

Other topics of interest Ham radio training Ham radio glossary Amateur Radio Frequency Band Allocation Chart List of local Utah repeaters Troubleshooting guide (under construction)

How do I check for my license?

You've taken and passed the ham radio exam, but you don't quite have your license just yet, and would like to check for when it shows up in the ULS. Here are some places you can go, to look for it:

ULS - the Universal Licensing System (requires an FRN) FCC Amateur database (ULS advanced search) Ham Radio Outlet (newly licensed hams listed here for about a week) QRZ (quick advanced search)

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How can I get a copy of my license?

If you're a licensed ham, and would like to get a paper copy of your license:

Log in to the FCC licensing website using your FRN and password (if you have forgotten your FRN or password, you can ask for help with them) Click your call sign In the right sidebar click Request Duplicate Click CONTINUE and CONTINUE and CONTINUE TO CERTIFY Enter your name, then click SUBMIT APPLICATION

If you want to download a PDF reference copy of your license (or anybody's, for that matter):

Go to the FCC license search page Enter your call sign and click Search Click your call sign Near the top of the page, under your name, click Reference Copy

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What do I do now?

This is usually the very first question asked by new hams. It means you're ready and willing to learn or take the next step, but you're not sure what that is. Here are some suggestions, with links to other sections on this page.

Purchase a radio and an antenna Get on the air using the 146.78 or 146.76 repeater and say This is <call sign>...looking to make a contact. Anybody available? Check in to a net Learn ham radio Best Practices Join a ham radio club or attend a ham radio convention Enter your call sign: to update your ham radio page on QRZ Get involved in a service organization or church that can use your new ham skills Prepare for an emergency Spread the word; help somebody else learn about ham radio

Finally, even though you're properly licensed, it doesn't mean you really know what you're doing yet, and that's ok. One thing many brand new hams find useful is to attend a ham radio course after getting their licenses. That might seem a bit backwards, but it's a very effective way to learn the ins and outs of ham radio, including some hands-on fun, without the pressure of an examination hanging over your head.
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What are some newcomer pitfalls to avoid?

At this point in your new-found adventure, what you need most is experience, rather than a lot of expensive equipment. Still, you need to start somewhere. To keep it simple, here are some suggestions to help steer you away from things that are likely to frustrate you as a new ham radio operator, as well as a few things you might want to consider. There are good reasons behind each recommendation, but most are too lengthy to describe here, so if you're curious, please ask off-line. This is compiled to minimize newcomer heart-ache, which tends to discourage many new hams from furthering their amateur enjoyment. On one hand VHF: Avoid purchasing an expensive handheld transceiver Avoid purchasing a digital radio, until you have several months of VHF analog experience behind you Avoid purchasing a "unique" radio, or a model that none of your friends have HF: Avoid purchasing a tube radio Avoid purchasing a "kit" radio that you need to assemble Avoid purchasing an HF radio that cannot output 100 watts, especially with a compromise antenna Avoid purchasing or building a compromise antenna, such as a magnetic loop, HF stick, or shortened vertical with a loading coil Avoid purchasing a 10-meter-only (or 10-meter / 11-meter) radio Avoid purchasing an amplifier Avoid micro SDR (software-defined radio) units, such as dongles No need to rush out and purchase an expensive power supply, tuner, SWR / watt meter, or analyzer Avoid gear acquisition syndrome, which is the tendency of many new hams to spend a lot of money up front on ham equipment, just because other hams have it Avoid purchasing used HF gear, until you've consulted with an elmer about it first Avoid HF operation altogether, until you have a year or two of VHF experience behind you On the other hand Don't be afraid of purchasing a Baofeng, Wouxun, TYT, or similar import handheld as your first radio Purchase a 50-watt mobile VHF radio Install a good VHF antenna outside, on your roof, or indoors leaning against a window Don't be afraid of purchasing used VHF gear, but consult a friend or elmer if you feel unsure about the purchase Learn how to communicate with analog repeaters Learn the restrictions imposed by your local band plan Select a handheld radio that's supported by CHIRP Keep in mind these are merely recommendations; there are plenty of exceptions to each. In general, following the above will help you maximize your enjoyment as a new amateur.

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Which radio should I get?

You should probably get a radio that can transmit on at least the 2-meter band, which is the most commonly used frequency band (a dual-band radio does both the 2-meter and 70-cm bands), and probably the most helpful in emergencies. If you have never used a ham radio, or you are not rich, I suggest you purchase one of the following handheld ham radios (along with a flexible whip antenna):

TYT TH-UV88 or Retevis RT85 (dual-band, $35 from Amazon) Baofeng UV-82 (dual-band, $26 from Amazon) BTech UV-5X3 (tri-band, $60 from Amazon) SuperElastic Signal Stick high-performance flexible handheld whip antenna ($20 from SignalStuff)

If you're looking for something a lot more powerful and little more permanent, I recommend these mobile units:

TYT TH-7800 (dual-band, dual-watch, 50 W, $230 includes the power supply) Yaesu FT-2980R (2 meters only, 80 W, $150 from HRO and HamCity) Kenwood TM-281A (2 meters only, 65 W, $140 from HRO) TYT TH-8600 (dual-band, dual-watch, 25 W, $160 includes the power supply)

Please understand, however, that if you purchase a mobile or base radio, you will also need a power supply, antenna, and feedline, for which I recommend the following:

MFJ MFJ-4230MVP 30 A power supply ($110 from HRO) Tram 1185 mobile magnetic-mount antenna ($24 from Amazon) Carl's Joystick super-performance outdoor antenna ($25 from WE7OMG) Arrow OSJ 146/440 outdoor antenna ($49 from Arrow Antenna) RG-8X (not the same as RG-8/U) low-loss feedline ($18 to $19 for 50 feet from DX Engineering)

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Where can I purchase radios and other ham gear?

Many people have purchased good equipment (radios, antennas, feedlines, connectors, etc.) for low prices from a great variety of places, mostly online, and I have (usually) had good experiences purchasing equipment from the following places:

Ham Radio Outlet GigaParts HamCity eBay Amazon

For a more comprehensive list, see the equipment page. Please understand that there are no ham radio stores in Utah.
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What kind of antenna should I get?

Often more important than which radio, you'll want to consider what kind of antenna you're going to need. And that'll depend on what kind of radio you have, on what bands it can transmit, and how portable you want it to be. Being a new ham, chances are you have little more than a 2-meter handheld, which is perfectly fine for portable and emergency use. The problem is, your poor little rubber duck antenna might not allow your transmissions to reach beyond a few blocks, and you're hoping to do a lot more with it. Obviously, the cost of a big antenna tower is probably outside the budget at this time, but there are other good options, such as a whip, a roll-up J-pole, or a mounted vertical. Here are three configuations to consider: For handheld radios If you're starting out with an HT and want to be heard, I recommend you purchase a Super-Elastic Signal Stick high-performance flexible dual-band whip ($20) or Smiley Half-Wave telescoping 2-meter whip ($29), and both come in a BNC or SMA connector. For your vehicle If you're looking for something that you can attach to your car, you can always install something permanent, but I recommend that you start out with a dual-band mag-mount antenna, such as a Nagoya UT-108 ($8) or something a little heftier, such as a Tram 1185 ($23), but again make sure you get one that comes in your choice of connector, or that you have an appropriate adapter. Also take a look at some high-performance options for your vehicle. Mounted outside your home (or inside, near a window) For dual-band (2-meter and 70-cm) operation, an aluminum J-pole is probably the very best antenna you can get for the price, such as Carl's Joystick (the "Pockrus" antenna, $30) How to install the Pockrus J-pole (shopping list, tools, instructions)

Smiley telescopic Tram mag-mount "Pockrus" J-pole with choke

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Which feedline (coaxial) cable is right for me?

If you plan to use an antenna that is not directly attached to your radio, you'll need a feedline that's appropriate for your operating configuration, the most important of which is the frequency band you plan to use most with it. In short, I recommend the following for low power, to balance loss with cost:


Band	Location	Movement	Duration	Length	Model
VHF or UHF	outside	little	temporary	over 50 ft	LMR-240
VHF	inside	little	temporary	under 50 ft	RG-8X
VHF or UHF	outside	little	permanent	over 50 ft	RG-213 or LMR-400
VHF or UHF	outside	little	permanent	under 50 ft	LMR-240
VHF X UHF	outside	little	permanent	any	RG-213
HF	outside	little	permanent	over 50 ft	LMR-240 or LMR-400
HF	outside	lots	permanent	under 50 ft	RG-8X
HF	inside	lots	temporary	under 50 ft	RG-8X

Be sure to take into account the kind of connector your radio might require for the feedline. Also, if you plan to install your feedline in exposed sunlight, it's best to use one that has a jacket with some level of UV protection. We have also put together a coax chart to give you some idea of the technical (loss and capacity) capabilities of the most popular coax feedlines used by hams today.
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Can I have a decent mobile setup without drilling holes in my car?

The short answer is Yes, but violating that pretty, metal body of your Lexus will probably give you the best radio performance, due to the direct connection between your antenna ground and your car ground. That being said, here are two high-quality antenna mounting alternatives: mag-mount and lip-mount. Mag-mount A magnetic-mount magnetically attaches to your metal body and will typically come with a cable that you run from the mount to your interior radio. Be sure to protect your paint job from scratching by separating the mount and your car with a piece of wax paper or other thin, protective sheeting. I recommend the Tram 1235 mag-mount NMO ($34) with RG-58 coax and PL-259 connector. Lip-mount Also known as a trunk-mount, the lip-mount configuration can be installed on your fender, bumper, trunk lid, or anything metallic on your car that has a flat edge and is electrically connected to your metal body. Like the mag-mount, it'll typically come with a cable that you run from the mount to your interior radio. I recommend the Tram 1246B lip-mount NMO ($31) with RG-58 coax and PL-259 connector. For these two mounts, I recommend an NMO antenna, such as the Comet SSB-25NMO for single-band ($45) or the Diamond NR770HNMO for dual-band ($54).

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What other ham radio equipment should I get?

If there's one thing that's easy to do in the ham radio hobby, it's spend too much money on extra gear, whether you need it or not. We've already listed the important items above to help you get started, but there are other things that might be of interest to you, to help you become a more efficient, effective, and portable operator. Here's a short list of equipment to consider, including the things already mentioned:

transceivers handheld (HT), mobile, base, other portable antennas whip, telescoping, mag-mount, J-pole, directional, portable conductors coaxial cable, connectors, adapters, antenna switch, Anderson™ Powerpole® stuff, grounding strap, ground rod, lightning arrester audio headphones, headset, earpiece, speaker, microphone, boom, foot switch meters antenna analyzer, SWR meter, power meter, DMM signal antenna tuner, amplifier, filter, ferrite choke, balun power supplies batteries, AGM, Li-ion, NiMH, charger, battery eliminator, car adapter, alkaline case (sled), fuses solar panel, charge controller, MC4 or Powerpole® connectors, accessories DIY soldering iron, solder, screwdriver, wrench, knife, scissors, wire cutters, pliers, crimpers, needlenose, electrical tape, heat shrink tubing, silicone tape, zip-ties, pencil or marker, flashlight, punch, drill motor, drill bits, wire, tape measure, hacksaw, ibuprofin apparel emergency vest, climbing harness, cap, gloves, eyewear, knee pads, new wardrobe wow-wees wall map, frequency band chart (PDF), computer, TNC, books, call sign stand, vanity call sign, amateur radio license plates (you might want to check out Ham Crazy and YourCallSignHere)

And if you already have what you need, you might want to consider getting spares of the same. Try visiting our equipment page for a more comprehensive list of ham radio gear and where to purchase them.
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Where can I learn how to make my own ham radio gear?

You can completely involve yourself in ham radio without ever touching a soldering iron or wrench. Then again, one thing ham radio is known for is luring and engaging hobbyists who enjoy immersing themselves in learning about and building their own equipment. The most common items that hams tend to homebrew are antennas, but we also tinker with other things, such as baluns, tuners, chokes, TNCs, amplifiers, power supplies, and transceivers themselves.

Here are some places to turn when looking for ideas on building your own ham gear:

Your elmer or other hams who have built their own An amateur radio club or local repeater A Utah Facebook group or a general Facebook page Swap meets, hamfests, ham conventions ('hamventions'), special event stations, or other ham radio events Explore the few projects we have listed on our DIY page

And while you're at it, here are some things to keep in mind:

It's ok if your creation doesn't work the first time...keep trying When you make on-air tests of your gear, make sure you transmit your call sign If you build an antenna or transceiver, you might want to borrow or invest in an SWR meter to measure your power output efficiency. If your transmitter is not made to automatically reduce its power output when the SWR is high, it's possible to burn up your finals when you transmit. If you never build anything yourself, I encourage you to at least consider putting together a 72-hour go-kit


A final note on making your own transceivers: you're free to do so, and while the powers-that-be encourage you to experiment with them (although today's technology sometimes discourages all but the most expert electrical engineers), your homebrew transceiver does not have to meet type acceptance or other certifications unless you sell or market them as a regular product.
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Just tell me what minimum radio gear I really need

You probably don't have the time or motivation to spend hours online, shopping for ham radio equipment, especially if it's not all that clear what you really need or even what you're looking at. So, this section contains a few ready-made shopping lists of the best stuff for the lowest cost, to possibly fit your particular situation. If you happen to encounter differing opinions elsewhere, then you're well on your way to becoming a better-educated ham. Meanwhile, this is a place to start. For your home base TYT TH-7800 mobile radio ($230, includes the power supply) Carl's Joystick antenna (the "Pockrus J-pole", $30) RG-8X coaxial cable (50 feet, $23) How to install the Pockrus J-pole (shopping list, ground, tools, instructions) For your vehicle TYT TH-7800 mobile radio ($200) Powerwerx accessory power adapter ($15) Tram 1185 magnetic-mount antenna ($23, includes coaxial cable) Program these frequencies into your radio. If you use CHIRP to program your radio, use this programming file (download it and read it into CHIRP) and this programming cable ($9). For large events and missing person searches (when hands-free is important) TYT TH-UV88 or Retevis RT85 handheld radio ($35) Extended-life battery pack ($15) Kenwood shoulder-mount speaker-mic-antenna ($16) Super-Elastic Signal Stick antenna ($20) Program these frequencies into your radio. If you use CHIRP to program your radio, use this programming file (download it and read it into CHIRP) and this programming cable ($14). For back-country hiking and backpacking (when weight is important) TYT TH-UV88 or Retevis RT85 handheld radio ($35) Extended-life battery pack ($15) Smiley halfwave telescopic antenna ($29, select SMA Male) N9TAX Slim Jim halfwave antenna ($23, select UHF Connector SO-239) PL-259 to SMA-Female pigtail ($8) Program these frequencies into your radio. If you use CHIRP to program your radio, use this programming file (download it and read it into CHIRP) and this programming cable ($14). Finally, read this short article on the Wilderness Protocol

TYT TH-7800 UV-82HP "Pockrus" J-pole with choke Smiley telescopic Tram mag-mount

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How do I use my radio for the first time?

Feel free to turn on your radio and explore by listening to various frequencies! You'll find that most will be very quiet. On one hand, there might not seem to be a lot of other hams to talk with; on the other hand, this leaves the frequencies wide open for you to experiment with. You need to get on the air ASAP and practice, because during an actual emergency your family and the rest of us might need your radio communication skills. Also, you might find that your particular radio can receive transmissions outside the amateur bands, which is perfectly fine, since there is no need for a license to simply listen. But if you want to transmit within your allowed frequencies (of course you do!), there are a few things to keep in mind: Besides what's shown in the Band Chart, your area has a band plan that governs which frequency ranges are assigned to which communication types and which operating modes you're allowed to use on them You're usually safe to first tune to 146.520 MHz, the 2-meter National Simplex Calling Frequency, but you might not find many people listening. If you're in Utah County or Salt Lake County, tune to the 146.760 MHz repeater or the 146.780 MHz repeater. Announce your call sign and that you're listening, or that you're looking for a contact, like This is <call sign>...listening or This is <call sign>...looking to make a contact or This is <call sign>...anybody want to talk with a new ham? or if all else fails, This is <call sign>...could I please get a signal check? Note: if you ask for a signal check, and somebody replies with a signal check, the sole purpose in replying is to give you a signal check, not to converse with you. It's considered bad form and manipulative, to lure somebody into chatting by requesting a signal check. If you want to converse with the person, you need to ask whether your contact can also talk for a minute. If there's a conversation going on, try listening for a while before joining in and announcing your call sign; if there's a net in progress, listen for when it's appropriate to check in, then feel free to do so If you're attempting to use a repeater, keep in mind that it'll probably require you to set the offset and tone to communicate through it Get familiar with your radio by changing frequencies, playing with the settings, and communicating with different repeaters Check out our list of Ham Radio Best Practices And when you do make radio contact with somebody for the first time, be sure to ask for the First Contact Award

You can find other tips for first contacts on the ARRL website
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What frequencies should I use first?

It can be a little discouraging to shell out cash for this nice electronic device, only to find that there's nobody on the air to talk with. At least, that's what it seems. Knowing what frequencies people hang out on might be helpful. People tend to congregate on the frequencies of local repeaters because of their wide area coverage and accessibility. Here are four short lists of the most popular Utah repeaters along the Wasatch Front, listed by popularity.

• Negative sign following a 2-meter frequency indicates the listed frequency minus 0.6 MHz for the repeater's input (receive) frequency. Negative sign following a 70-cm frequency indicates the listed frequency minus 5 MHz for the repeater's input frequency. Many modern transceivers set these automatically, but many (Baofeng, Wouxun, TYT, Quansheng, Puxing, Anytone) HTs do not.
• 'Link' indicates how or whether the repeater is connected to other repeaters. 'Intertie' indicates a repeater linked by means of the Intermountain Intertie, which connects many repeaters along the Wasatch Front. 'Sinbad' indicates a repeater linked through the Sinbad System.
Salt Lake Area:


Frequency	Tone (Hz)	Location	Coverage	Link
146.620 -	none	Farnsworth Peak	SL Co, Utah Co, Tooele Co, Nev border	none
146.760 -	none	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	IRLP 3352
146.780 -	100.0	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	EchoLink 762028
449.425 -	100.0	Nelson Peak	SL Co, Utah Co	IRLP 3310
448.200 -	100.0	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	EchoLink 762028
145.450 -	100.0	Butterfield Peak	SL Co, Utah Co	none
147.120 +	100.0	Farnsworth Peak	SL Co	Intertie
147.080 +	77.0	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	Sinbad
147.180 +	100.0	Hidden Peak	SL Co, Park City, Heber	Intertie
146.700 -	100.0	Ensign Peak	SL Co, South Ogden	none

Utah County Area:


Frequency	Tone (Hz)	Location	Coverage	Link
146.780 -	100.0	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	EchoLink 762028
146.760 -	none	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	IRLP 3352
146.620 -	none	Farnsworth Peak	SL Co, Utah Co, Tooele Co, Nev border	none
449.425 -	100.0	Nelson Peak	SL Co, Utah Co	IRLP 3310
448.200 -	100.0	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	EchoLink 762028
147.120 +	100.0	Farnsworth Peak	SL Co	Intertie
147.080 +	77.0	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	Sinbad
449.475 -	100.0	Lake Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	IRLP 3310
147.340 +	100.0	West Mountain	SL Co, Utah Co	none
145.330 -	100.0	BYU	Utah Co	EchoLink 96806

Central Utah Area:


Frequency	Tone (Hz)	Location	Coverage	Link
146.860 -	100.0	Monroe Peak	Sevier Co, Millard Co, Emery Co	Law Enforcement
146.840 -	100.0	Cove Mountain	Sevier Co, Millard Co, Emery Co	IRLP 7475
145.270 -	103.5	Levan Peak	Sanpete Co	Intertie
146.660 -	100.0	Skyline Drive	Sevier Co, Sanpete Co, Emery Co	none
146.940 -	100.0	Frisco Peak	Millard Co, Beaver Co, Iron Co	Intertie
146.760 -	123.0	Iron Mountain	Cedar City, Beaver	none

St. George Area:


Frequency	Tone (Hz)	Location	Coverage	Link
146.820 -	100.0	Utah Hill	Washington Co	Intertie
147.300 +	100.0	Jacob Lake	Kanab, Page, Escalante	Intertie
146.800 -	100.0	Blowhard Mtn	Washington Co, Cedar City	Intertie
146.760 -	123.0	Iron Mountain	Cedar City, Beaver	none
146.960 -	100.0	Navajo Mtn	Lake Powell, Page	Intertie
146.640 -	100.0	Webb Hill	Washington Co	none
449.925 -	100.0	Navajo Mtn	San Juan Co, Page	none

For a more comprehensive list of repeaters in the Utah area, see the repeater page. For repeaters all over the US and in your own area, see the Repeater Book. Download the Utah Programming List, a CHIRP-compatible file that lists many Utah repeaters and other frequencies.
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Where can I find all my ham radio privileges listed?

If you're new to ham radio, chances are you hold a Technician class license, and most of your phone (voice) operating frequency privileges are confined to the 6-meter band and higher, plus a portion of the 10-meter band. And if you hold a higher license class, your privileges get a bit more complicated. This handy chart illustrates the frequency privileges for all amateur license classes, plus mode, power, and a few location restrictions. Additionally, your privileges are further limited by your local band plan, which is a (strongly recommended) gentleman's agreement between amateur radio operators in your state or region, defining what modes, bandwidths, and power levels are allowed for each band. By the way, CW (Morse code) is the only mode allowed on all amateur radio frequencies.

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How can I use my radio to contact other hams?

If you know other hams, tell them you'd like to talk with them on the air, then ask them when and on what frequencies they plan to talk. Most likely they'll be happy to help out somebody like you, who is new to ham radio and wants to get started. If you don't know any other hams, try announcing your call sign on 146.520 MHz simplex, and listen for who might answer. If somebody answers, just speak with them like you normally would, remembering to announce your call sign every ten minutes and at the end of your communication. Don't get discouraged if you announce your call sign repeatedly and nobody responds, even though others might do the same and get a huge response. The ham radio world tends to attract those who are more disciplined and reserved than other kinds of interests, so hams might not acknowledge your presence, or even want to engage you, if they don't already know you well. ("Obviously, he's asking for somebody else.") A good way to overcome this is to announce the call sign of a specific ham, then your own. ("Oh, he's asking for me.") And if that doesn't work, look up a listing of the repeaters in your area and tune into one of them, remembering to set the appropriate offset and tone for it.

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How do I join a radio conversation already in progress?

You've been listening to a conversation (QSO) between two or three people on the radio, and you'd like to join in because you have something to add, or have some information they're asking about. But how do you break in, to throw in your two cents? It can be a little scary to jump into a radio conversation if you've never done it before. What are the rules? What happens if you transmit over somebody else's transmission by mistake? Will you make one of them angry because you've invaded their conversation? Is somebody going to send the ham police after you? Well, no, but here are some tips to get you going: At an appropriate moment, as soon as one of them releases the PTT button, push your own PTT and say your call sign suffix (letters after the digit). If my call sign is K7ABC, I would say, A-B-C ! Do not use the word break to break in. Don't assume you have permission to proceed, so just wait until one of them says, "Go ahead, break" or "Go ahead, KI7ABC" or "Go ahead, Spencer" If they don't give you permission to join the conversation, they might not have heard you, or you might have transmitted over somebody else. Just wait awhile and try again. If they never grant you permission, you can't join the conversation, so don't just butt in anyway and say your piece. Once they invite you into the mix, simply start speaking like normal. You might want to say your name, but saying your call sign is optional until ten minutes have passed or it's the end of your communication. Be a good sport and pass the control of the conversation to the next person in the group by saying, Over to Andrew for example Avoid saying your call sign too often, which tends to irritate others in your QSO; every ten minutes is good enough Finally, avoid using trite and unnecessary expressions perpetuated by some hams, like Over to K7XYZ in the group. They would rather hear the person's name, and they already know that he's in the group. Similarly, avoid W3ABC for ID. People already know that W3ABC is your ID; simply say your call sign.

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What basic ham radio words should I know?

Like with any group, hams have their own vocabulary, and it might be good to know what their words mean, even if you don't use 'em yourself. Here are a some of the more frequently used ones:

7-3	best wishes / good luck	7-3 from K-N-Ø-J-I
roger	got it / agree	Roger that
copy	understand	I copied your entire transmission
QSO (cue'-soh)	conversation	I just had a QSO with a guy in Florida
clear	good-bye / off-air	This is K-N-Ø-J-I, clear
mobile	traveling	I'm mobile at the moment
monitor	listen	This is K-N-Ø-J-I monitoring
QSY	change frequency	I'm going to Q-S-Y over to the '62
double	talk simultaneously	You two doubled with each other
step on	talk over	Sorry, I stepped on you
PTT	push-to-talk button	Press your PTT when you're ready to speak
HT / handy	handheld transceiver	My only radio is an HT
rubber duck	short stock antenna	I'm using a rubber duck
stand by	wait / pause	This is K-N-Ø-J-I standing by
net	on-air gathering	The net's at 7 pm
early / in-and-out	offline check-in	Please give me an early for tonight's net
elmer	ham radio mentor	Daryl is my elmer
final	concluding transmission	I'll be clear on your final
jump off	leave the radio	I need to jump off right now
kerchunk	key up silently	All I could hear is somebody kerchunking
picket fence	fluttery transmission	You're starting to picket fence
ragchew	shooting the breeze	We're just ragchewing at the moment
shack	radio room	My shack is in my basement
silent key / SK	passed away ham	My father is a silent key
steam	hissing background noise	You have a lot of steam in your signal
full-quieting	no backround noise	You're full-quieting into the repeater
relay	pass a message	Could you please relay?
key up	transmit	Key up when you're ready to speak
unkey	stop transmitting	I heard an odd noise when you unkeyed
ticket	ham radio license	When did you get your ticket?

For a more comprehensive list of ham radio terms, check out the Ham Radio Glossary
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What are phonetics and the phonetic alphabet?

We're often asked to spell out our call signs and names and other things using the phonetic alphabet, sometimes called standard phonetics, to help clarify them when spoken in noisy environments or difficult-to-hear conditions. The ham radio version of the phonetic alphabet has increasingly become the standard in recent years for many groups, including the ITU, the US Army, and the FAA. This table displays the phonetic alphabet that we use in amateur radio: Alfa Hotel Oscar Victor Bravo India Papa Whiskey Charlie Juliet Quebec Xray Delta Kilo Romeo Yankee Echo Lima Sierra Zulu Foxtrot Mike Tango Golf November Uniform Finally, don't get stuck trying to remember this alphabet; there is no rule that demands you say only these words. If you need to clarify your call sign and can't remember the right letter abbreviation, make it up. See this brief article for a better explanation on alternate phonetics.

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How can I make radio contact with my brother in another state?

Another reason many folks get into ham radio is to maintain contact with family members many miles away should normal communication methods become unavailable. If both you and your brother have General class licenses and HF equipment, you can contact each other by ham radio directly anywhere on the planet. But, chances are you two are fairly new to ham radio, and so have no higher than Technician class licenses and only handheld radios. If that's the case, try following these steps to make that contact:

Do a little research, and find out what repeaters are available in both your area and his Of those repeaters, select ones that support IRLP or that are linked to other repeaters that do support IRLP, and find out their node numbers Contact your brother ahead of time and agree on which repeaters you plan to use Use your radio's keypad to send tones to your local repeater and initiate the IRLP When the IRLP link opens, you might find a conversation already in progress; follow best practices and be patient When you've finished your conversation, follow the procedure to close the IRLP link

Please note that some repeaters hold their IRLP node open 24/7 and are connected full-time to a reflector, making it unnecessary for you to initiate the link on those repeaters; just opening the repeater will automatically make your voice heard from all the repeaters linked to yours
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What does it mean to 'monitor' a frequency?

To announce that you're monitoring a frequency means that you're listening for people who might be requesting something as simple as a signal check or calling for help in an actual emergency. It can also mean that you just want to talk with whomever is listening at the moment. If somebody does request help, you can answer the call if you feel you're able to provide the requested assistance, or direct the caller to another person who is able to help. How do you become a monitor? If you have a valid ham radio license, simply listen, and when there's no traffic on the frequency, just say one of the following: This is <call sign>, monitoring This is <call sign>, listening This is <call sign>, mobile (if you're traveling) Even if you announce that you're monitoring, you have no obligation to answer anybody; it's still your choice who you want to talk with. If you'd like to monitor while you're out hiking in the back country, try using the Wilderness Protocol and be of help to potentially stranded hams.

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Are there service groups in which I can make use of ham radio?

Ham radio is probably much more than a hobby to you, and you'd like to put your skill and equipment to use in the service of others. Fortunately, there are volunteer organizations in place to serve the public in the event of an emergency or other needs, who also help provide you with ham radio usage and other training you'll need to assist them. Here are a few:

UCARES (Utah County Amateur Radio Emergency Service) SLCOARES (Salt Lake County Amateur Radio Emergency Service) TERT (Timpanogos Emergency Response Team) RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) Skywarn (storm-spotting)

There are simply not enough police, fire, and medical personnel available to service all the public needs in every event, whether that's a natural disaster or a downtown parade. These paid officials depend on trained ham radio operators who volunteer their services to provide the needed eyes and ears that otherwise would be unavailable during these critical moments. We are not the police, but we use our radios to report lost children / parents, injuries, patient conditions, weather updates, and suspicious activity to Net Control, police, or other officials as requested.
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How can I use ham radio to serve my church area or neighborhood?

There is probably a group of hams within your town, neighborhood, church group, work place, or other local circles who already meet in a regular net that's not part of an organized club. These folks often use ham radio to participate in emergency preparedness, community training (such as CERT), and local disaster relief (such as the American Red Cross). If you're certain that your community has no such net, learn how to start one.
If you're a member of the LDS Church, there is most likely an organized net within your own stake. Contact your Ward or Stake Emergency Preparedness Specialist to be sure, and find out how you can serve. If you're not LDS, or if your stake doesn't have an organized ham radio net, start one, but understand that you do not necessarily represent your religious institution when you create or participate in their net.
The LDS Church has an organization for emergency communications known as the ERC, which falls under the responsibility of regionally located Bishops' Storehouses world-wide in the Church. (For those familiar with MARA, the Church's former emergency communications arm, please note that it is no longer associated with the LDS Church, but is still a valuable communication resource.) Feel free to contact your local ERC group and find out how you can check into their net and become part of the plan.

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Are there ham radio clubs or fun ham radio groups I can join?

You might not be the kind of person who sees yourself joining a club and attending club meetings for the sake of discussing ham radio. After all, that's why you have a radio, right? It turns out that one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the ham radio world and learn the art better and faster is to associate with groups of hams who have common interests, such as family preparedness, community, religion, hobby, school, vocation, scouting, and locale. Most likely you have a lot that can benefit others too, and the rest of us would love to meet you and find out what you have to offer. Nearly everywhere in the US you can find local ham radio clubs or social groups that will welcome you among their memberships. You can search for an ARRL Affiliated Club in your area from the ARRL website, for example. If you'd like to join the Utah Valley Amateur Radio Club, we have a website you can look over, and a Facebook® group through which you can join, dues-free.


If you live in Utah, you might find the following list handy (repeater tones in parentheses, times in Mountain Time):

Group	Interest / Locale	Net	MHz
UVARC	Utah Valley Ladies	Tue 6 pm	146.780- (100.0)
UVARC	Utah Valley Family	Thu 6:30 pm	146.780- (100.0)
UVARC	Utah Valley New Hams	Thu 7 pm	146.780- (100.0)
76'ers	'76 repeater	Wed 7 pm	146.760-
UARC	Utah	Mon 8 pm	146.760-
Orem CERT	CERT Ham	Thu 8 pm	146.780- (100.0)
Lehi CERT	Lehi CERT	Wed 8 pm	448.875- (100.0)
Springville City	Springville residents	1st Sun 6:30 pm	145.750 simplex
BYUARC	BYU (students only)	Thu 9 pm	145.330- (100.0)
SDARC	Central Utah	Tue 8 pm	147.080+ (77.0)
UHDARC	Utah County Desert	?	449.175- (131.8)
BARC	Northern Utah	Tue 9 pm	146.720-
BARC	Northeastern Utah	Mon 9 pm	147.100+ (136.5)
OARC	Ogden	?	146.900- (123.0)
RCARC	Cedar City	Daily 7 am, 9 pm	146.980-
HVARC	Heber Valley	Thu 9 pm	147.200+ (88.5)
GSARC	Northern EmComm	Sun 7:30 pm	145.430- (123.0)
Skyline	Sevier	Thu 6:30 pm	146.640- (100.0)
DCARC	Davis County	Thu 8:30 pm	147.420 simplex
DARC	Southern Utah	Sun 8 pm	145.490- (100.0)

Select a group near you or one that shares your interest, and click to find out how you can get included. Or just listen in on one of the nets, and when their Net Control operator asks for guest check-ins, that's your chance to announce your call sign to the world and introduce yourself. Check out more ideas on picking a ham radio club For Dummies.
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How do I join a ham radio net?

A ham radio net (network) is an on-air gathering of ham radio operators who are organized socially or for a common interest, such as emergency preparedness or religion. Probably the best and easiest way to join a ham radio net is by listening to the net, then saying your call sign when the Net Control station (NCS) or operator asks for any new or visiting hams. NCS will be happy to give you whatever instructions you'll need to participate in the net and be listed on the roll. Perhaps the most active net in all of Utah is the 76'ers net, which runs every Wednesday at 7:00 pm on the 146.760 MHz repeater in Utah County. There's also a fun New Ham Net, which runs every Thursday at 7:00 pm on the 146.780 MHz repeater (rerquires a 100.0 Hz tone). Check out this page of local ham radio nets.

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How do I start my own net?

Even if you already participate in a net, your group might want to create yet another one that addresses a particular need. If you want to start your own net, you're perfectly within your privileges to do so. There are no actual rules for creating a net, just what you've already learned. Here are some tips to get you started:

Agree on the type of net you want to hold, which can dictate who you want to include in your net Agree on a format for your net, including training topics, if any Agree on a date, time, length, and how often you want to hold your net Agree on a band plan and media policy Agree on a net control policy Agree on a check-in policy If it's appropriate for your net type, develop a script and log for your net (check out the net control script and net control log we use in the UVARC New Ham Net, and feel free to use it, change it, or make your own) Search for hams within your potential net group using QRZ or ULS and begin inviting these hams to your net If you're about to start your net on a repeater, you have priority use of the repeater if your net is scheduled by the repeater trustee. If you use a simplex frequency, and people are already talking on your selected frequency, they have priority on that frequency, and your net must move to another frequency. You can politely request that the current conversation pause or move to another frequency, or wait until they clear.

One last but very important thing about holding a net: if you plan to use a repeater for your net, you must have the express permission of the repeater owner or trustee to use the repeater for that purpose and for the particular date and time you plan to hold your net. If your net revolves around an emergency training or preparedness theme, I highly recommend that you avoid using a repeater for your net for several reasons, one of them being that your nets will train you to become dependent on it, yet during a disaster the repeater will likely not be available to you.
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How can I use ham radio to prepare for an emergency?

One of the reasons you might have gotten your license includes preparedness, because you know that ham radio can provide a lifeline to help when other resources become unavailable. So, what can you do with your little electronic gadget so that it'll be ready for you when you really need it? In fact, there are many ways you can include your radio in family and personal preparedness plans, but think of these activities in two different ways: use your radio now, and prepare to use your radio later.
Use your radio now
During a disaster is a little late to start becoming acquainted with your radio gear. It might be better to practice getting on the air and rubbing shoulders with others who feel the same urgency for preparedness. These suggestions could help you reach that goal:

Join a ham radio club Find a neighborhood or church net and check in regularly Get on the air and practice Store repeater and useful simplex frequencies in your radio memory Get on the air and play Volunteer for radio training, either to become trained or to present a training topic of your own Get on the air often and make new friends Participate in a city-wide drill Get on the air

Prepare to use your radio later
There are things you can do, to help prepare you for a disaster, without requiring you to get on the air very much right now. Here are some ideas that might help you prepare further:

Build a 72-hour go-kit Become CERT certified Make a family preparedness plan Rehearse your plan Practice packing your go-kit places, setting it up, and actually using it Learn how to scan channels and frequencies with your radio, so that you can quickly locate a conversation in progress Being able to make your own antenna or other components could come in handy when times get rough and you need to improvise, so try experimenting with a few small do-it-yourself projects

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How do I make a (72-hour) go-kit that includes ham radio?

A go-kit is also called a jump-kit, ready-kit, go-bag, bug-out bag, 72-hour kit, disaster kit, battle box, and more, but whatever you call it, it's essential to your emergency plan. So, how do you make one for ham radio, or at least includes ham radio? There are many ways of making a go-kit that fits your radio needs, but most tend to gravitate toward two ideas: one kit that contains your radio and all your emergency supplies; or two separate kits, one for personal supplies and the other for utility needs, such as ham radio and tools. Both are good ideas, so let's take a look at the two options.
One emergency kit that contains your radio gear

A single emergency kit allows you a little more freedom than having to pack two around. You're limited, however, to a small radio that has little power, which actually might be quite sufficient in most cases. Your one kit should probably be a backpack, daypack, or some other container you can quickly and easily strap to your back or shoulder, but should also contain the following:

Appropriately complete first-aid supplies Water and food Clothing Hygiene items Medicine Hand and foot warmers Ham radio, antenna, and two battery packs

go-kit suggestions

Separate personal and utility kits

Separate kits allow you to carry more personal supplies and a more elaborate radio setup. Typically, one kit will strictly be for your radio gear, tools, and other useful items, while the other will be for everything else. The above section, excluding the radio gear and tools, is what you'll probably want in your personal kit. Here are some ideas for building your utility kit:

Select a backpack or container Connectors, adapters, and feedline Power source Appropriate tools Headlamp and batteries (candles are often handy) Pen, pad, permanent marker, cheat sheets Other Finally, make it as light as possible

Other things to consider

At the moment you need to care for your family, or even evacuate, you only have so much time to gather your needs, and you can only carry so much. Still, here are some other things to think about, in case you do have the luxury of a little extra time and back muscle:

Lightweight tent, tarp, sleeping bag, blankets Portable toilet Water purifier Eating items Hand sanitizer, paper towels, wipes, tissues Hatchet, folding shovel, work gloves Umbrella Sunscreen, insect repellant, hand lotion Activities A small, portable and collapsible wagon to lug all this stuff around in

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What first ham radio steps should I take in the event of an actual emergency?

Fortunately, you'll probably never experience a true disaster in your lifetime, yet they do happen, and it's your hope that you'll be prepared should such an incident affect you or your family. If you are involved in a possible life-threatening situation, you need to act quickly, so the last thing you want is a long checklist of action items to remember. Collected and compiled from FEMA, the Red Cross, CERT, and ARES, then summarized here, is a set of emergency steps you should take immediately after a disaster strikes:

Use your head — stay calm Check yourself for injuries Check household members for injuries Call 911 Check your place for damage Notify your Block Captain Grab your go-kit and your 72-hour kit Gather your family and leave your place Check your neighbors for injuries Go to your assignment or shelter Inform your out-of-state contact Set up your radio and check in Adjust these steps to suit the incident

Notice that some of these steps require you to do a little thinking. They are not necessarily listed in the order you need, not all of them are applicable in every incident, and many useful tips have been omitted, requiring you to be resourceful.

Note that your ham radio doesn't come into play until way down the list. But if that's the case, what's the difference between you and anybody else, who might not have a radio and a license? The difference is that you are familiar with how to use your radio during moments like these. And where did all this supposed training come from? From participating regularly in local nets.

Chances are, during an actual emergency you won't be looking at this website, so we've prepared a half-page card of Emergency Steps that you can print and laminate ahead of a disaster, to include in your go-kit. A more general Neighborhood Plan is also available.
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How can I sharpen my ham radio skills?

Like the old saying goes, practice, practice, practice. Experience is probably going to be your best teacher in the ham radio world; you'll likely learn the most by on-the-job training. Still, there are tools available to help you become the expert ham that others seem to be. Here are some of them:

Get on the air and engage other hams in conversation about whatever; ask about them, their families, their jobs, their hobbies, and what they do in their spare time Join a ham radio club and attend meetings, activity nights, and social events, where you can rub shoulders with more experienced hams Volunteer to help out in public events such as parades, festivals, races, and fireworks shows (sign up for radio help through UCARES) Take your radio with you camping, hiking, biking, jeeping, or on a road trip Join ARRL Experiment with your radio's settings, buttons, menus, and other features, to become better acquainted with your equipment Read and do the things listed under How can I use ham radio to prepare for an emergency? to become better prepared

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What kinds of fun things can I do with ham radio?

If you're like most normal people, especially if you came into the amateur world for reasons of family or personal preparedness, talking on a radio might not be your idea of entertainment or fun, let alone a hobby. Still, there are a variety of ham radio activities that might interest you, beyond just fumbling with another electronic gadget and talking. Here are a few of the ham-related activities that people just like you find enjoyable :

Nets Local and neighborhood Religious and ERC Official (ARES, RACES, etc.) Social Gatherings Clubs Socials Hamventions, hamfests, expositions, swapmeets, exhibitions, and conferences Training, sharing, build-it nights Contesting Field Day, Winter Field Day Worldwide DX QSO parties Fox hunts DFing Necessary equipment Logging your contacts QRZ N3FJP LOTW eQSL Earning awards WAS (and Wiki) DXCC (and Wiki) WAC (and Wiki) Digital radio Packet RTTY, PACTOR, Winlink, FT8

DIY Building Experimenting Repairing Contacting methods IRLP (and Wiki) EchoLink (and Wiki) DXing (and Wiki) Space contacting Contact the ISS EME Satellites Giving back Join ARES Join RACES Become a Volunteer Examiner Become an elmer Teach ham radio courses Serve in events and weekend watches Monitoring Other Learn Morse code (CW) Spotting Join ARRL ATV Repeaters, repeater verification Skywarn

And more, but let's start with these
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Are there ham radio events or other large get-togethers I can attend?

Periodically ham radio enthusiasts gather in large conventions known conveniently enough as hamventions. During these events, and others, such as hamfests, expositions, conferences, and exhibitions, hams can share what they've learned, learn new concepts, and be the first on their block to hear about what's trending in the amateur radio world. It's a chance to rub shoulders with those you might have contacted only on the air, see people you've been wanting to meet, or play with equipment that might be out of your financial reach at the moment. They might even give you an opportunity to see how something works or ask questions that hadn't previously occurred to you. There are other gatherings that could also satisfy your need to meet fellow and sister hams and prospective hams, like swapmeets, club meetings, club socials, special radio events (such as Field Day), and nets.

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How do I request a First Contact Award for somebody?

When you (the new ham) contact somebody (the old or experienced ham) on the radio for the very first time, you qualify for the First Contact Award, which is a certificate given to congratulate a new amateur on making that first radio contact. The old ham should go to the ARRL website to apply for that award to be given to the new ham, but many of the the instructions listed on that site are rather confusing and verbose, so here is what the old ham should put in the boxes, to award the new ham with this certificate. Name : Name of the new ham Recipient's Call Sign : Call sign of the new ham Requestor's Email Address : Email address of the old ham Station Worked : Call sign of the old ham Day of the month : The UTC date, as in, if the time of the contact was 9:30 pm MDT on 03-24-2016, the UTC date would be 25 because the UTC time will be 0330 (six hours different), past midnight Month : The UTC month of the contact Year : The year of the contact UTC Time (HHMM) : The UTC time, which is MST - 7 or MDT - 6 (like military), and without the colon Band : The band you were on, most likely 2m or 70cm if you made your contact with a handheld radio Mode : Most likely FM if you made your contact with a handheld radio Mail Name : Name of the new ham if you're having this award sent to that person (or your name, if you plan to present this award to the new ham later) Address : Mailing address of the new ham (or your address, if...you get the point) Address line 2 : Leave this blank City, State, Zip Code : Mailing address info of the new ham (leave US Territory blank, unless it applies) Country : Scroll way down and select USA Click SUBMIT Certificates are typically processed on the Wednesday following submission, so expect them to arrive a few days after that

click to take you to the ARRL page

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How do I request an Elmer Award for somebody?

You know somebody who's been a good mentor and a real friend who's not just helped you, but maybe even gone above and beyond the call of duty. In the ham radio world, we call that person an elmer. It's time you award that person with a certificate of your appreciation. Go to the ARRL website, and apply for the Elmer Award. Certificates are typically processed soon after submission, so expect them to arrive a few days after that.

click to take you to the ARRL page

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Just how far can I talk on a ham radio?

With just your 5-watt handheld transceiver (HT), you'll find that your range is from within your city to around the world and beyond, all depending on how you use it. If you wrap yourself in a metal cage, like your car, you might be lucky to reach the other person a half-mile away in another car. But on a clear day under ideal conditions, you might be able to contact the ISS. This table can help you visualize the potential reach of such an HT under a variety of conditions. Points Conditions Distance Explanation HT to HT Inside a vehicle to inside another Under ½ mile Your vehicles are metal shields HT to HT Within your city 1 to 3 miles Buildings, trees, other obstructions HT to HT Suburbs 3 to 6 miles Depends on the amount of leaves on the trees HT to HT Flat desert or over water 6 to 12 miles Line of sight HT to HT Mountaintop to valley floor 15 to 20 miles Mountain height vs. terrain topology HT to HT Mountaintop to mountaintop 30 to 35 miles Mountain heights HT through a repeater Standalone repeater 30 to 100 miles Using the repeater's range HT through a repeater Repeater on the web Unlimited The internet's the limit HT through a satellite Clear path to the satellite Nearly halfway around the globe Determined by satellite angle above your horizon HT to ISS Clear path to ISS Hundreds of miles to ISS Determined by ISS angle above your horizon

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How can I get into HF?

Even though you're fairly new to ham radio, you're ready to extend your skills to the lowband realm. You know that HF opens up an exciting new set of possibilities to you; after all, you'd like to contact hams across the globe without resorting to EchoLink or IRLP. You might also want to participate in contesting to help sharpen your skills and prepare you to handle radio communication during a large-scale disaster without having to rely on repeaters or the internet. Besides, it's a whole new way to have fun with ham radio.

If this is the direction you're headed, here are a few things to keep in mind: Holding a Technician license, you already possess the privileges of transmitting by phone on a small segment of the 10-meter band. But if you hope to transmit by phone on a much larger set of frequencies, you should consider upgrading your license class to General. HF is more difficult and more expensive to operate effectively: You need to purchase an HF transceiver. I recommend purchasing a used radio or a new Icom IC-7300 because it is perhaps the lowest-priced, full-featured HF transceiver available. You need to purchase a power supply that's appropriate (voltage, amperage, connectors, etc.) for your radio. I recommend the Powerwerx SS-30DV because it's well-suited for the Icom IC-7300. (You'll also need to make or purchase the adapter cable .) You need to purchase an HF antenna and appropriate feedline. I recommend the inexpensive vertical Hustler 5-BTV antenna because it supports the 80-, 40-, 20-, 15-, and 10-meter bands. For the feedline, I recommend RG-8X for a temporary (testing) setup or LMR-240 for a permanent one. If your feedline needs to be longer than 70 feet, I recommend LMR-400 or RG-213. You need to borrow an antenna analyzer, an SWR meter, and an antenna tuner, if these aren't already built into your transceiver Once you have these things in place, test the SWR of your antenna-feedline combination and repeatedly ask for on-air signal reports as you modify things, remembering to use your call sign, then adjust your equipment as needed (keep in mind that changes in antenna height above ground will also affect the SWR) Proper HF operation requires a little experience: Locate a frequency that is appropriate for your license class and your transceiver, then listen Listen some more, in case a QSO is going on, and you're only able to hear one side of it Ask twice, This is <call sign>...is this frequency in use?, then listen some more If nobody answers, say, CQ...CQ...CQ...this is <call sign> calling CQ...over, wait a few seconds, then repeat (say your call sign clearly, using phonetics) If somebody answers, go ahead and converse as you normally would. If nobody answers, either keep trying or consider changing frequency, then start over. If more than one person answers, you'll need to learn how to work the pileup. Learn how to participate in contesting to improve your HF skills

Icom IC-7300 Powerwerx SS-30DV Hustler 5-BTV RigExpert AA-170 analyzer

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Where can I go to learn Morse code?

You know that demonstrating Morse code is no longer required to pass a ham radio exam. But you probably also know that code is part of ham radio's legacy, and you might even be a little curious about it. Maybe you've wanted to learn it since you were younger or saw people use it in movies and such. Here are some things you can do to get started, or at least find out whether doing code is something you really want to start on:

Register for a free account on LCWO Spend five minutes each day going through the lessons, using only your computer keyboard, at 5 wpm Once you complete all the lessons, increase your speed gradually, until you reach about 10 wpm Purchase a straight key Get on the air and send small messages, along with your call sign Find a CW net on which you can start transmitting slowly Learn about Morse code abbreviations and prosigns Find a faster-code (12 wpm) net on which you can increase your code speed and proficiency

Finally, you might not feel that learning Morse code is worth your while, but if you plan to set up a ham station in a Central or South American country using General class or higher privileges, they require you to demonstrate code proficiency if you seek a Class 1 IARP permit
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Where can I learn more about ham radio without getting overwhelmed?

This isn't the only website in the world that has ham radio information or links to ham resources. But you might have found that arbitrarily searching online can result in many links to sites that require special knowledge or experience to understand. And even though you're a beginner at this new craft, you'd like to know more about it or how to use it without getting drowned by unfamiliar terminology. Here are some links to other websites that might be helpful to you:

ARRL eHam Rocky Mountain Division HamUniverse QRZ Ham Radio for Dummies Ham Radio School DX Zone Instructables TechWholesale KØBG.com

As you know, websites often come and go, so if any of these links are broken or outdated, please inform Noji (KNØJI).
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How do I upgrade my ham radio license class?

If you don't already hold an Extra class license, you can always upgrade to a higher license class. So, how do you go about getting that higher class license? The same way you did for your current license: study for the exam, then take and pass the exam.
To study for the exam, you can download and study exam material, study online, take classroom study courses, or do all three. You can access all of these on our Licensing and Study page.

But why would you want to upgrade your license class? If you hold a Technician class license, your main reason is probably to gain transmit privileges on the HF bands beyond 10 meters. If you hold a General or Advanced class license, there aren't many good reasons to upgrade, but these might be some of them: Hold transmit privileges on all amateur frequencies Get a shorter call sign (see the rules) Assist with administering exams as a VE Help out with contesting on otherwise unavailable frequencies Prestige Possibly provide more credibility for teaching ham radio courses Ability to set up a ham station in Europe without the need of an additional license The sheer challenge (because you could)

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Could I become a ham radio instructor or examiner?

Absolutely! No qualifications whatsoever are required to teach ham radio courses. Besides having a little teaching skill, however, you might want to consider at least these things before launching a ham radio course of your own:

You should be a licensed ham, to gain the respect of your students You should hold an Amateur Extra license, to obtain (and therefore present) the best education you can for the greatest benefit to your students Your sponsoring organization, if any, might actually require that you hold a minimum license class, plus have some amount of experience under your belt before you teach in their behalf You should become registered as an instructor to lend more credibility to your teaching Instructor registration with the ARRL does require that you meet a minimum set of qualifications

You can also administer ham radio examinations by becoming a Volunteer Examiner, but that requires a little more on your part, as follows:

You must be 18 years old You must hold at least a General license to administer Technician exams and an Amateur Extra license to administer General and Amateur Extra exams Your ham radio license must never have been suspended or revoked, even if it is current today You must apply with the W5YI VEC or the ARRL VEC and be familiar with the VE Manual to become accredited as a Volunteer Examiner

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How do I apply for a vanity call sign?

You might have found that you didn't have much say in your first call sign issued by the FCC. Then again, any person holding a current ham radio license can apply for a vanity call sign free-of-charge, regardless of license class, but your license class and residence location will determine the choices of vanity call signs available to you. Review the rules by list or by chart Search for the vanity call sign you want, to be sure it isn't already taken Unless you already have it, go to the same FCC License Search page and enter your current call sign, to get your FRN Log in to the FCC License Manager using your FRN and password, then click your call sign On the right sidebar click Request Vanity Call Sign, then on the next page click Continue Note that, if you use the Contact Tech Support link to recover your password, you might see a different web interface than what's described here Click Primary station preference list and Continue Enter up to 25 vanity call sign(s) you want to apply for and click Continue Select Yes or No for the felony question and click Continue Make sure your name and address appear correct, then click Continue For the Signature section, enter your First and Last names, leave the Title blank, then click Submit Application

The FCC should respond to your request within two to three weeks.
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How do I apply for amateur radio license plates?

Any person holding a current ham radio license can apply for amateur radio license plates. Unlike regular personalized plates, Utah amateur radio plates renew annually free-of-charge. For Utahns, do the following (for other states see the ARRL website) :

Fill out the application form, then print it out and sign it (this is from the Utah DMV website) Print out a reference copy of your amateur radio license: Go to the FCC license search page Enter your call sign and click Search Click your call sign Near the top of the page, under your name, click Reference Copy Make a $21 check out to Utah State Tax Commission Mail the application, your license copy, and the check to Utah State Tax Commission Motor Vehicle Division PO Box 30412 Salt Lake City, Utah 84130

All the cool kids are doing it

Your plates should arrive in the mail about three to five weeks from the date of your payment
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What are some ham radio best practices?

This is a whole new world for you, and you want to jump into it with both feet, so you're bound to make a few mistakes here and there, but that's alright. Still, to play nicely with everybody else, here are a few tips, good habits, and even unwritten rules, to help you avoid little pitfalls and maybe some embarrassment:
On the air:

After pressing your PTT button, wait about ½ second before speaking, especially if you're communicating through a repeater When speaking into your microphone, try talking across its face, rather than blowing directly into it (some call that puffing) Place your hand microphone about two or three inches from your mouth when transmitting, but stay within an inch of your built-in microphone When using a handheld radio with a whip or duck antenna, try and keep the antenna pointed upward when you're transmitting When announcing your call sign along with that of another ham, the rule is to put yourself last, as in "KR5LYS, this is K7ABC" if your call sign is K7ABC While it's customary to call out CQ on HF bands, it's best practice on the 2-meter and 70-cm bands to announce your call sign instead, especially on a repeater If another ham points out a problem with your transmission ("you're sounding a little scratchy"), always assume the problem is with you (location, orientation, power too low, etc.) or your equipment first, and always admit your mistakes If you'd like to jump into an ongoing conversation, avoid using the word break ; instead, say your call sign between their transmissions After your contact releases his PTT button, wait one to two seconds before you press yours, in case another person wants to join the conversation or has an emergency Avoid kerchunking, which is repeatedly pressing and releasing your PTT button without announcing your call sign; it's not only illegal, but irritating to others, especially those listening on a repeater When speaking through a repeater, try and keep your conversations to under a few minutes

Personal:

While it's not always possible, try and make your conversations positive and upbeat; sounding positive attracts friends, while negative comments tend to turn other hams away from you, even if well-intended Don't react like you're offended just because another ham can't remember your name or call sign If another ham does offend you, let it go; don't retaliate or try and belittle the other ham for it; be the adult in the encounter, even if you're a kid Be considerate of your contact's time, and minimize dead-air time by at least thinking of what you're going to say before keying up (and while it's fun to use your PTT button, don't forget that it's also an RTL button) Avoid making insulting or disparaging remarks about others on the air; what people hear you say about others, they'll also believe you'll say about them If you feel you must correct the behavior of another ham, do so off-air, tactfully, and out of earshot of others Within reason, avoid burping, coughing, sniffing, clearing your throat, smacking your lips, and making other bodily or disgusting noises on the air

Equipment:

When storing your HT for later use, like in a go-kit or bin, use alkaline instead of rechargeable batteries, and keep the battery case removed from the radio until you need to use it Make sure your radio is programmed with an appropriate frequency list before you stash it away, but be sure to accompany it with a card or sheet to remind you of what the frequencies or channel names are for Learn how to manually program your radio; you might not know when you need to travel through a location where there is no cell signal available for your phone or tablet Join a regularly held net, which will give you weekly practice on your radio, to keep you acquainted with your equipment operation and limitations As far as practical, keep your radio equipment clean; you might never know when you'll need to share your microphone with somebody else, and keeping your controls clean will help ensure that they'll work for you the next time

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Why can't my wife hear my radio transmission?

You and your wife both have your licenses, you've just purchased brand new radios that should work, and now you two have the guts to actually get on the air. So, you call each other by phone to turn on your radios, agree on a frequency, and announce your call signs, but for some reason, you aren't able to hear each other on the radios, or it's very difficult to hear each other. Here's a small checklist of things you should eventually memorize. If you're trying to communicate by simplex, answer these: Have you accidentally selected a repeater frequency? Could you be too far away from each other? Are there large obstructions between you? Is your power level set too low? If you're trying to communicate through a repeater, answer these: Are the frequencies correct? Are the offset and direction (plus or minus) correct? If the repeater requires a tone, are the tone value and tone type correct? If you do have a tone enabled, do you also have the receive tone enabled? If so, have you tried talking with the receive tone disabled? Could you be too far from the repeater? Could this be a closed repeater, requiring a special code to access? In either case, answer these: Have you tested your radios by talking with each other from separate rooms in your house? Are your antennas adequate? Are both of you using the same antenna orientation? Is your antenna connected through a coax cable that might be too long? Are either of you located inside a building or vehicle or cave? Is everything connected properly? If you're operating on battery power, is the battery charged? Are you speaking too softly or too far from the microphone? How near are you to metal structures?

All these things, and more, can affect your communication
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How do I go about programming my radio?

When people ask about programming their radios, they usually mean that they want to set them to transmit right away or to store these settings in memory to transmit later (or both!) In either case, you can go about this in two different ways: the easy way or the hard way, but each has its advantages. Easy — by computer : Probably the easiest way to get both of these done is to use ham radio programming software (such as the free software CHIRP with the compatible Utah Programming List) and an appropriate programming cable that connects your particular radio to your computer. I personally recommend that you purchase both the software and cable for your radio from RT Systems, which could save you a world of headaches. These solutions require little or no special knowledge on your part and can save you a lot of time and frustration. Note: this guide can help you navigate your way through CHIRP programming. Hard — manually : If you're traveling, away from a computer or your programming cable, and need to tap into a local repeater, you might want to know how to program your radio without the aid of software or other special tools. Besides, you want the satisfaction of being self-sufficient should an emergency occur and the power goes out. It's probably best to find out how to program your radio from your user guide or online manual, if one's available. Then again, we've put together a few step-by-step guides for some selected radio models: Baofeng UV-5R, UV-5RA, GT-3, BF-F8, BF-F9 (graphical version and poster) Baofeng UV-B5, UV-B6 Baofeng UV-82, UV-82L, UV-82X, UV-82C, UV-89 (and poster) Yaesu FT-60R (and poster) Yaesu FT-2900R Icom IC-V85, IC-V80 Wouxun KG-UV8D Kenwood TH-F6A

Whether you choose the easy way or the hard way, it might be wise to program your radio with preset frequencies long before a crisis arises and while you're close to home.

Still, after going through all of this, you might feel that programming your radio is a bit over your head, especially if you're attempting to do it manually. If it seems a little too difficult, consult your elmer or get on your favorite repeater and ask for help. There are many technically inclined hams who feel your pain and would love to help you.
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How do I update my name or address with the FCC?

Have you moved since your license was issued? Or did somebody make a typo in your address or name spelling, and now you'd like to correct it? Unless you already have it, go to the FCC License Search page and enter your call sign, to get your FRN Log in to the FCC License Manager using your FRN and password, then click your call sign On the right sidebar click Update Note that, if you use the Contact Tech Support link to recover your password, you might see a different web interface than what's shown here On the next page, leave the two questions at No, then click Continue Make changes as necessary and click Continue Complete and submit the online application

The FCC should respond to your request within a couple of days. By the way, if you'd like to renew your license, go to this page to see how.
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How do I get an official copy of my license?

There are times when you might need an official copy of your ham radio license. If you do, just follow these steps: Unless you already have it, go to the FCC License Search page and enter your call sign, to get your FRN Log in to the FCC License Manager using your FRN and password, then click your call sign At the top of the window click Download your official electronic authorizations here Under Filter by Radio Service select your call sign, then click ADD Click Download and your official license copy will start downloading

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What do all these strange words mean?

Hams seem to have a language of their own. You can learn the meanings of many of their words and phrases from the short list of ham radio terms. The best way to learn what they're saying, however, is to turn your radio on and listen. Don't be afraid to ask other hams what they're talking about; you might be surprised to find how open they are to explain what they mean, especially if you tell them you're new to the craft and the science. For a more comprehensive list of terms used in the exams and by ham radio operators, visit the Ham Radio Glossary.

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I need help!

The world of ham radio is huge, so it doesn't take much to get overwhelmed or encounter problems or to find topics you'd like to know more about. One of the things I always recommend for new hams is to find an elmer you respect and with whom you feel you can communicate freely. If you don't have one, just ask Noji (KNØJI); please let me be your (at least online) elmer, and I'll be happy to try and address your questions or concerns. Also, feel free to email one of our competent elmers at uvarcelmer [at] gmail [dot] com. You might also want to take a look at the Troubleshooting Guide (under construction)

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