There are many avenues to getting started in the Amateur Radio (Ham) hobby. The first thing you need to know, so as not to be embarrassed is that “Ham” is not an acronym! You can call yourself an amateur radio operator, a ham, or a newbie if you want, but you do not HAM. As you get into the hobby, you will undoubtedly be inspired to look up the various theories about how be came to be called hams, but you don’t need to know that now. Now that we have that cleared up, let’s get you on your way.
The first thing we recommend is to find a club or group to attend. The Puget Sound area has many of them–some specialized and others general. Find one or more that are right for you. Then, don’t be afraid to tap someone on the shoulder and ask questions! Few hams bite! If one group doesn’t seem to be a good fit, try others. A good place to start it right here at the PSRG. We try to be helpful and welcoming, we have 3 daily nets you can listen to until you’re licensed, bi-monthly on-line educational meetings, and various social gatherings where you can meet other hams in person. You don’t have to be a member to participate, but membership is free. We are not in competition with other groups, so you can participate as much as you want.
Amateur Radio License Study Resources
When you’re ready to get your license, there are plenty of resources.
Online study resources
HamStudy – https://hamstudy.org/ – Provides on-line study and smartphone applications for all levels of ham licenses and provides links to on-line testing sessions in the “find a Session” section. To study online is free, but there is a $3.99 app for both iPhones and Android phones. (HamStudy is supported by the sale of SignalStick antennas.)
Ham Radio Prep – https://hamradioprep.com/ – the “Technician License Course” is $25. It’s designed for beginners, contains 10 lessons, learning games, videos, study on any device, quiz generator, and a money back guarantee.
HamTestOnline – https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/study.jsp – Cost $24.95 for exam preparation – not testing.
Other
Mike and Key Radio Club conducts both in-person and online classes. Can find their schedule at https://mikeandkey.org/classes.php
In addition the ARRL, the national amateur radio association, publishes printed study guides. These are often available for loan and may be available from the library. Be sure to use a current version as the questions are periodically updated. https://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed
General resources
For a comprehensive listing of in-person and online license training and testing sessions, as well as links to Pacific Northwest ham fairs and events, check out Western Washington Amateur Radio Licensing Classes, Training Classes and Examination Sessions – a listing maintained by Lynn Burlingame, N7CFO
There are many (MANY) YouTube videos and podcasts about ham radio. One older podcast, although no longer running, is Ham Radio 360. The host took the position of the One Who Asks Questions, and explored many aspects of the hobby. It’s still a worthwhile series to learn about all that there is to do in this hobby.
Some popular YouTube channels are Ham Radio Crash Course, David Casler Ask Dave, and Ham Radio 2.0. That’s just a start!
Good luck, have fun, and let us know when you’re on the air!
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