For my SG friends…
“How to get your ham radio license”
copyright Michael Pfaeffle 2021
First, the
learning: I will make myself available for groups or
individuals to review basics. I am
generally available weeknights after 18:00 and often on weekends. Just reach out. (K3FEF@ARRL.NET).
There are 3 levels of
license: Technician, General, &
Extra (from lowest to highest privileges).
The goal should be at least General, which
gives you privileges on the HF bands which have international reach!
Three
excellent resources (aside from myself!):
·
If you like books & reading, the ARRL Technician license study
guide is great in my opinion. But I enjoy reading – some don’t. This book will really give you a full
understanding! And
also serve as future reference.
http://www.arrl.org/shop/Ham-Radio-License-Manual/
·
The free online exams which use the
actual questions from the question pool.
https://arrlexamreview.appspot.com/
·
And finally, an app for your phone which not only scores you but explains
incorrect answers (also uses the real questions). Great if you’re
on the road a lot or just enjoy the convenience of using your phone.
https://hamradioprep.com/mobile-apps/
Your goal should be to pass the “Technician Exam”. And if you can, “General
Exam”. When taking the exam you will
have the opportunity to take as many exams as you can pass. If you pass Technician, they will ask if you
would like to take General – I suggest you do!
If you’re an over-achiever, shoot for the “Extra”. This is an FCC license! Once you get it, nobody can take it away from
you! (If you remember to renew every 10
years!).
Next up is
to get ready for the actual exam.
·
You will need an FCC ID (aka: FRN
number). It’s
free. Complete the signup process at: https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
(use the registration button in the middle).
It is a federal offense to falsify any information – so please use legit
info! Upon completion, you’ll have your FRN number.
Print that out. You’ll need that number when you take the exam. You’ll also need
some form of ID, e.g. a driver’s license.
·
The exams are given every
3rd Friday of every month in Sussex county at the fire training
academy. 114
Morris Turnpike, Newton, NJ 07860.
·
Because of Covid, you MUST let me know when
you plan on taking the exam because I need to make
sure we have 3 volunteer examiners on hand to administer the tests (I will be
one of them). Testing begins at 19:30
sharp. Test fee is $15 - cash only. If you FAIL, you can take it as many times as
you like in the same evening but each additional test will be $15 each. I suggest bringing $45 (just in case). Bring two #2 pencils, and a regular pen. You are allowed a
calculator, but nothing programmable – you may NOT use your phone as a
calculator.
General info: http://www.scarcnj.org/meetings.html
Exam details:
http://www.scarcnj.org/downloads/VEExams2016.pdf
(still applicable).
Note: It
says in the pdf to notify Sid via email.
You’re more than welcome to, but please CC me
at K3FEF@arrl.net. Or simply email me
and I’ll coordinate with Sid.
IF we do the exam together,
I expect you to pass. Moreover, that is why I
make myself available to help teach & review. I have a good track record
for getting people through the exam and I’d like to maintain that reputation! J
Next
up: The gear you will need.
These are “starter” recommendations. If you fall in love with the hobby, you’ll want better gear down the road. But this will get
you started quick, and will serve you well for many years.
·
The radio: https://amzn.to/3lUgWbV
·
The optional (but highly recommended) whip antenna: https://amzn.to/31MzZOH
The above 2 items will
be your handheld setup. I have a cable
and software to program it for you (if you’d like).
OPTIONAL: If you would like to setup a home station, the first thing you will
need is a good base antenna that extends above your roofline. You can connect your handheld to this system,
OR down the road, you can buy a better mobile radio that can
be used as a base station. The
antenna system is always more important than the radio. A good base antenna system will always
outperform a whip antenna.
For base antenna, I would definitely recommend
Diamond. This list is what would
work. Of course the more you spend, the
more "sections" internally which lead to more gain - but also taller in height. I
always say, buy what you can afford when it comes to the antenna.
·
Wall mount standoff: https://amzn.to/3yeH2vk
·
two 5' mast sections: https://amzn.to/3lSJsLe
·
RG8x cable: 100ft.: https://amzn.to/3EVGkW8
·
SMA to SO-239 flexible adapter: https://amzn.to/3IHfH9N
You will need all five of the above items to
fully setup and install a base antenna system for your handheld. I chose a wall mount for the mast that can
extend past a 12” eave/gable. If your
eaves are deeper than that, you might need to do some additional shopping, or
simply build it out with some 2x4’s. In
addition, I highly recommend NOT using any type of tripod mount that requires
you penetrate your roofing with screws. Don’t do it. J
If any of the links on this page don’t work,
please let me know asap: K3FEF@ARRL.NET
Long term: After licensing and getting a call
sign, if you find the hobby interesting, I highly recommend you join the ARRL
(Amateur Radio Relay League). They are a
lobbyist organization that helps protect our RF spectrum rights,
they are also a tremendous resource for additional learning, special events,
and you’ll get a free magazine subscription with your membership. http://www.arrl.org/home
Enjoy!!
Michael – K3FEF