Resources for the amateur radio newbie?

[mmtoy]

I plan on taking my technician exam in early December. I'm looking for resources, not to study for the exam, but as references while operating the radio. Most of what I've found are HOW-TOs on passing the exam, not on actual operations. I'm not worried about passing the exam, but as we all know, being able to pass a test doesn't necessarily make one competent.

So, to my question: Are there any amateur radio resources you intermediate and advanced operators have found invaluable as you have used your radios over the years? I plan on having a mobile station and will probably build a base station when my son is a bit older and more able to be involved.

Thanks!

[Ursidae69]

The QRZ website (http://www.qrz.com/index.html) has a forum with a lot of info. Local hammys are a great resource too. I hear people of all ages talking on my local repeater. The local clubs have many good clean family activities.

[mmtoy]

I've been digging around the QRZ website, but most of the purchasable resources there are study guides. I have not, yet, searched their forums, so maybe I should do that there instead of here (but I can't get into too many online forums!). I'm looking for something more in-depth than study guides, and I'm looking for hints on which books to purchase...

That is, I want peoples' opinions on books and other resources. Something along the lines of: "The book, Joe Hammy's guide to Hams , by Joe Hammy is THE book to own if you can only own one book about the theory, procedures, and etiquette of amateur radio."

I suspect the most common answer will be the ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, but I want to know of other possibilities, if they exist.

Thanks!

[mountainpete]

To be very honest, when it comes to actual radio use, nothing beats listening on air and joining a "New Hams" net. You will find that certain repeaters have their own culture which dictates their local use. It's best to get on the air and listen for a while.

To this day, I still do 95% listening and 5% talking

[Azrocks]

I will tell you this, Tucson is a GREAT area for 2 meter activity. With the linked EAARS repeater network you can cover a really big area. I've found the best way to learn is to listen as well as just ask people on the radio about stuff. Everybody so far has been readily willing to help me learn. You won't regret getting licensed! It's awesome.

I just installed the FT8900 in my truck and use the cross-band repeat function so I can hit longer distances in my house with my HT. Eventually I'll get a base unit as well, but for now that works great!

I am planning a long backcountry trip in December and am anxious to see what I can reach.

I have a two hour commute every day and am usually monitoring or talking on the Mt. Lemmon repeater 147.16 I am KE7PMI. PM me if you have any specific questions. If I can't answer them, I'll find someone who can.

[Azrocks]

Also, the best way I found to study for the exam is to download the entire question pool and just study the correct answers only. Personally I think the practice tests are a waste of time.

[Big_Geek]

Tucson is the place to be for digital amateur radio. Check out TAPR. There is also a really good echolink reflector in Tucson with several 2m repeaters linked in. I can't think of the group off the top of my head, but if you scan around on 2m, you'll hear them.

As far as operating on two meters, find a repeater and listen for a bit. Once you've got the pattern down for a QSO, JUMP IN THERE and use that license!

[Azrocks]

I have a pretty good spreadsheet for the tucson / phoenix area I use for programming my radio. I'm in the process of updating it now. If anybody in the area is interested, let me know and I'll send it to you when I'm done.

By the way, for programming Yaesu radios, don't use the recommended software by Yaesu. It's junk.

This guys is cheaper and works great.

http://www.g4hfq.co.uk/

[1leg]

I'm in the exact same place you are. I will be taking my tech exam on Dec 17. I have found good info on EHam.net Almost everything i have read and been told is, Join a club and listening to your radio are the best way to learn. I was told that when you first start CQing you should tell others that you are new. The Hams will till you what your doing wrong and how to do it right.

73
JD

[mmtoy]

I have a pretty good spreadsheet for the tucson / phoenix area I use for programming my radio. I'm in the process of updating it now. If anybody in the area is interested, let me know and I'll send it to you when I'm done.

I'm definitely interested. Thanks!

I'm looking at Yaesu radios, but haven't made a decision yet...That's an entire different topic...

Thanks to all for the tips. I definitely plan on listening more than talking; I don't like to barge in and make a fool of myself.