Novice Adventures in Ham Radio

Barry Sprajc - - KF6YHN

Hello there! This page is being developed for those persons who might be interested in becoming a Ham radio operator, likes to build things, looking for a new hobby, or the casual web server who got here by mistake.

This page will also contain information which may be valuable to any Ham. It will eventually contain lots of technical information.

I’m just getting started myself, so by no means am I an authority on any topic, I’m just learning and sharing my experiences.

So, without getting long winded, here are the current topics:

 

What got ME started?

I build a RAMSEY ( http://www.ramseyelectronics.com ) FM Stereo transmitter for an MP3 jukebox for my truck. I soldered the simple kit together, installed a 9V battery, powered it up, and adjusted it. I was amazed how a simple one chip kit could work so well!

I read the entire booklet that came with it that described how the circuit worked. I know only basic AC and DC theory only – in fact, the hardware engineers were concerned that a software engineer was holding a soldering iron! I read about the laws and regulations about operating such a transmitter, read up on pirate radio, the FCC, etc... Read about broadcast transmitters, spurious emissions, $10 one inch CW transmitters.

I think then, I decided to give Ham radio a try – I built the RAMSEY 40 meter mini-receiver, and listened to shortwave broadcasts from London, Cuba, Portugal, Austria, and Latin American countries. This was exciting stuff.

I decided to learn Morse code, so I could build little CW transmitters ( which I still haven’t got working yet ). I studied my Gordon West ( WB6NOA ) tapes to learn CW ( bought at Radio Shack about 10 years ago! ), and practiced my written exam with the help of Ham Exam (http://w5ac.tamu.edu/ham-exam-v2/ham-exam.html ), and AA9PW’s Amateur Radio Exam (http://www.biochem.mcw.edu/Postdocs/Simon/radio/exam.html )

After I was able to answer the QSO tests from AA9PW’s Amateur Radio Exam, I got up early one Saturday to take my code and written exams at a local VEC ( a ham radio examination, given by volunteer hams ). I passed my tests, and two weeks later I got my call sign.

 

Hams are nice people

I like to mention that hams are very nice people. Every ham I’ve been able to eyeball QSO ( meet in person ), has been eager to help in various ways, enabling my to enjoy and advance my new hobby. I have been given advice, references, some ham gear, and good ‘ole pat on the back when I’ve accomplished something. I really feel a sense of community here.

 

Some useful books

The books that I read almost daily, attempting to learn what I need to know, are:

The ARRL Handbook ( http://www.arrl.org )

If you own only one ham book, this should be it. It is your guide into any aspect of ham radio, that your adventures may take you.

W1FB’s Design Notebook ( http://www.arrl.org )

This book provides practical examples and discussions of solid state ( transistors, not vacuum tubes )radio related circuits. If you want to design or somewhat design your own gear, but don’t know radio or analog electronics, this book will help.

 

Learning Morse Code

I’ve learned the Morse code ( CW ) using New Novice Voice Class FCC License Preparation course, by Gordon West, available at Radio Shack stores.

I’ve also used NuMorse, a Windows program, available at ( http://www.btinternet.com/~tony.lacy/ )

AA9PW’s Amateur Radio Exam (http://www.biochem.mcw.edu/Postdocs/Simon/radio/exam.html ) is another useful aid in learning CW and the written exams.

 

Exploding Radios

After building my first QRP transmitter, I attached the supply voltage with reverse polarity. After about 20 second, the 220uF capacitor exploded, send pieces of the part all over the room, and my dog running. Neither I, my dog, or the rest of the radio was damaged. I replaced the part and hooked it up correctly – it worked.

Given this, I now where eye protection when powering up a circuit for the first time.

 

A cool VCO controller

If you want to build a rig with a controlled VCO, Radio Adventures ( http://www.radioadv.com/ )has a cool chip ( the C7 ) for 17 bucks. It controls a VCO, drives 4 LED segment displays with correct frequency, and has EEPROM memory. I’m waiting for mine to arrive. I found this by luck, so if you’ve never heard of this chip, you should check it out.

I’ll add more comments when I get to play with it.

 

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