Just got your Technician Class license?
Welcome aboard!
You might be asking yourself:
“Ok, I got my license, now what do I do?”
Not everyone get’s into radio for the same reason(s), but like you, we all started out new and we share many of the same “getting started” types of questions. Below is a list designed specifically to help a brand new operator get going.
Assumptions:
– You already have a Technician Class license
– You already have a VHF/UHF radio
– You are aware of and abide by the Radio Amateur’s Code
Especially:
“You will never knowingly operate in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.“
Optional: Before completing the check list below:
If you want a vanity callsign now is the simplest time to do so.
Next:
1.) Program a list of local frequencies, repeaters and settings into your radio’s memory channels!
Get a list of VHF/UHF repeaters in your area (click on your state and then your county) and then program them into your radio’s memory channels using the free CHIRP software (make sure you have the correct USB cable for your radio). Pro Tip: Having a paid RadioReference account gives you access to download frequency databases directly into CHIRP (not mandatory, but can help you add repeaters to your radio memory quickly). If you don’t have a computer or a USB cable for your radio, you can still use the buttons on your radio to program in various memory channels by following the manual for your radio. Learn and know the difference between “Simplex“ frequencies (direct radio to radio without a repeater) and “Duplex“ frequencies (that repeaters use). While adding repeater frequencies to your radio’s memory channels, be sure that you add some commonly used simplex frequencies into your radio’s memory channels for convenience as well!
Note: I always include standard simplex frequencies on every VHF/UHF radio that I setup. This makes it easier for my friends and I to call each other, everyone has the exact same memory channels 1 through 6 on their radio, so we can simply say things like:
“Switching to simplex 146.55 on memory channel 6“
Here are the standard simplex memory channels I always setup:
Ch.0 – vCall – 146.52MHz – National VHF Calling
Ch.1 – 22Call – 223.5MHz – National 220 Calling
Ch.2 – uCall – 446MHz – National UHF Calling
Ch.3 – vSimp1 – 146.58MHz – North American Adventure
Ch.4 – vSimp2 – 146.43MHz – local chatter
Ch.5 – vSimp3 – 146.55MHz – local chatter
Ch.6 – SvCall – 147.54MHz – Scouting VHF Calling
Ch.7 – SvSimp1 – 146.45MHz – Scouting VHF simplex
Ch.8 – SvSimp2 – 146.48MHz – Scouting VHF simplex
Ch.9 – SvSimp3 – 146.51MHz – Scouting VHF simplex
Ch.10 – SuSimp1 – 445.95MHz – Scouting UHF simplex
Ch.11 – SuSimp2 – 446.05MHz – Scouting UHF simplex
Ch.12 – SuSimp3 – 446.1MHz – Scouting UHF simplex
Ch.13 – SuSimp4 – 446.15MHz – Scouting UHF simplex
2.) Scan through the list of memory channels on your radio and see what you can hear!
Try to determine how far away your radio can hear stations with your current antenna. Use your radio’s “scan” function (usually the “star” * key on the radio keypad) to scan through your radio’s memory channels including local repeater frequencies and listen for conversations. Make a note of which repeaters that you hear folks talking on and listen to how they call, talk and respond to each other. Learning how to talk and how to join in starts by listening first.
Q. What can you do if you don’t hear anyone or anything on your radio?
A. Start by taking some basic steps:
– Fully charge the battery and make sure the antenna is connected and volume is turned up
– Take your radio outside and/or to a higher elevation
– Try testing near a more populated area (if you are located far away from civilization)
– Try listening to a known frequency (like an FM radio station) to confirm your device is working
– Try testing a call from a second radio
– Try another antenna, even a relatively inexpensive magnet mount antenna can greatly improve your range
3.) Make a call using your radio and see if anybody can hear you!
Start on the National VHF Simplex frequency: 146.52MHz
Consider stepping outside, holding your radio up high, press the PTT (Push To Talk) button and loudly and clearly say:
“This is <YourCallSign> testing on 146.52, can anyone hear me?”
If someone answers, say hello and tell them you are a new operator!
Next, try making radio contact with anyone on the local repeaters in your area and test/try out each of the various repeaters you have programmed into the memory channels on your radio.
Say: “This is <YourCallSign> listening.”
Do you hear the repeater after you un-key?
Try calling someone that you hear talking and saying:
“Hello <TheirCallSign> this is <YourCallSign>.”
If anyone answers, let them know that you are a new operator just getting started. Feel free to tell them your first name and what town you are in and then ask them where they are located and how well they can hear you. Be sure to log (write down) who you talked to (call sign, name, frequency and time) since keep a station log is not only a good practice but it will also help you make friends and remember names.
4.) Learn more about which groups, clubs, activities and repeaters are in your area!
Search for Ham radio clubs in your area. Many local clubs have repeaters and publish specific times and frequencies when they meet, typically called a “net.” You don’t have to be a club member to use repeaters or join in with nets. Different clubs have various activities both on and off the air. Try listening to various nets in your area and even check-in and say hello on the air. If you find a net that you enjoy, consider becoming a regular check-in and maybe even join their club, small membership fees and donations help clubs keep repeater systems operational for all of us.
Example: In my area, I joined the State Line Radio Club.
5.) Learn more about frequencies and bands!
– Be aware of the “band plan” (what can you do on which frequencies)
– Download and print out the complete USA Band Chart
– At a bare minimum know the US Technician Privileges
6.) Learn the NATO Phonetic Alphabet!
Do not make up your own words and sound crazy. Learn and always use the correct phonetics whenever you need to spell anything. When in a hurry (like a boat sinking) or under poor audio conditions or during any emergency, these are the words that may save a life when an accurate copy is needed the most, practice them, know them, use only these:
A – Alpha
B – Bravo
C – Charlie
D – Delta
E – Echo
F – Foxtrot
G – Golf (not Germany)
H – Hotel
I – India
J – Juliet (not Japan)
K – Kilo (not Kilowatt)
L – Lima
M – Mike
N – November
O – Oscar
P – Papa
Q – Quebec
R – Romeo (not Radio)
S – Sierra (not Sugar)
T – Tango
U – Uniform (not United)
V – Victor
W – Whiskey
X – X-ray
Y – Yankee
Z – Zulu
7.) Learn some basic lingo (“Q Codes” that you might hear)!
On VHF/UHF FM repeaters, try not to use Q-Codes, instead just use plain language and say what you mean (and especially never use “10-Codes“). For example say: “My location is <YourTown>”
Sometimes on VHF/UHF FM repeaters, some folks do use Q-Codes (and they are heavily used on HF bands), so you should know a few of these and be aware that there is a longer list of others.
Most common examples you will hear or see:
(Note: These can be used in the form of a question or as a reply)
QTH – Means “location” – What is your QTH? My QTH is <TownName>
QRT – Means “stop transmitting” – Station is likely powering OFF.
QSL – Means “acknowledge” – Do you copy/understand? Or I copy.
QRM – “man made interference” (another station or electronic noise)
QRN – “natural interference” (lightning or atmospheric static)
QRZ – Who is calling me?
QSB – Signal is Fading
QSO – Communication or conversation
QRP – Decrease power (or a low power station ~5 watts or less)
QRO – Increase power (or sometimes a station running ~100 watts)
QSY – Change frequency
QNI – Net stations please report in
QRU – I have no messages (no traffic, just checking in)
QTC – I have messages (traffic for the net that I want to send)
QTR – What time is it? Or the time is ________.
QST – Calling all Amateur Radio Operations / Attention all operators.
8.) Understand signal reports and how to give them!
Different bands and modes use different words to describe how well someone sounds. Don’t make up strange things or use phrases that you may have heard on old movies! Take some time to learn how to give signal reports and/or audio quality reports.
Not: “You sound crispier than bacon left in the microwave on high”
On FM, typically VHF/UHF repeaters, we talk about “quieting” and a perfectly clear signal that can easily be understood without any static or crackling would be said to be:
“full quieting”
If you are communicating via simplex and your radio has a signal strength meter, you should include that too.
Like: “S9“ or “4 out of 5 bars” (if your radio does not have an S-Meter).
If you are communicating via a repeater, do not give the meter reading, telling someone what your radio’s meter reads when using a repeater is not helpful, that only indicates the signal strength that your radio is receiving from the repeater (how close you are to the repeater). Instead describe the person’s audio quality like:
“full quieting”
A signal that is not making it to the repeater as well might be described something like:
“good audio, but a little scratchy”
or
“readable but with a lot of noise”
or
“hard to copy, mostly noise”
or
“unreadable, just noise”
When talking on HF voice, typically SSB (Single Side Band aka “phone” aka “voice”), we use a different way to describe how well you can copy someone.
We use two (2) numbers to indicate:
“Readability” and “Signal” strength.
Examples:
59 = Perfectly readable / Extremely strong signal
(you would say: “fifty-nine” or say “five nine”)
or if the signal was weaker maybe:
43 = Readable / Weak signal
(you would say: “forty-three” or say “four three”)
Using this chart and selecting two (2) numbers is how you would give a voice (aka phone) signal report on HF:
Readability (an number you select based on what you hear):
5 = Perfectly readable
4 = Readable with practically no difficulty
3 = Readable with considerable difficulty
2 = Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable
1 = Unreadable
Signal Strength (displayed on your radio’s S-Meter when they talk):
9 = Extremely strong signals
8 = Strong signals
7 = Moderately strong signals
6 = Good signals
5 = Fairly good signals
4 = Fair signals
3 = Weak signals
2 = Very weak signals
1 = Faint signals, barely perceptible
9.) Keep a logs of your radio contacts!
Step 1: Paper Logs!
As a person just starting out, having a simple pen and paper log sheet using an inexpensive spiral ring notebook you can easily get at any local store or that you may already have laying around will do nicely. Logging should start out simple and be used to help you remember call signs, names, frequencies and dates/times.
Step 2: Get on QRZ, setup your profile page and confirm contacts!
– A free QRZ account will do nicely (paying avoids seeing ads and gives you some nice advanced features)
– Setup a nice QRZ profile
– Stations logs get “confirmed” if both logs match
– This also starts your journey towards getting some awards
Step 3: Get on LoTW (Logbooks of The World)!
A. (Optional): Start your ARRL member trial account
B. (Required): Setup your LoTW account
– LoTW is the defacto standard for logging confirmations
– LoTW is harder to setup and takes many steps
– LoTW can take more than a week to get fully confirmed
– LoTW is recognized internationally
– LoTW has some of the most coveted awards (DXCC 100 Countries)
– Pro Tip: LoTW can be more easily managed using QRZ linked mode (import/export is super easy to sync LoTW from QRZ)!
Step 4: Get on eQSL
– Trade virtual confirmation cards and earn awards
– Less expensive than paper QSL cards
Step 5 (Optional): Get real QSL Cards for your call sign!
– Not mandatory, but super cool!
– Trade cards with various contacts you make throughout your life!
10.) Mapping: Know your callsign prefix numbers!
For instance , when you hear a “6” in the callsign, that normally denotes a California station (but not always since people move).
Examples:
– United States callsign number prefixes
– Amateur Radio Prefix Maps for the World
11.) Mapping: Know your “Maidenhead Grid Square” locations!
Radio uses many maps for logging and various awards. Maidenhead grids are used for several reasons, when making VHF/UHF satellite calls and also on 6 meter SSB, exchanging your callsign and grid is standard. Make sure your QRZ profile and your actual QSL cards have your correct grid square.
– Amateur Radio Maidenhead Grid Square Locator Map
– QRZ Grid Mapper
– ICOM Printable US Grid Map
12.) Mapping: Know your “CQ Zone” locations!
There are currently 40 “CQ Zones” on the CQ Zone map that are typically used for world-wide contests. Try to collect them all as you make contacts and work your way towards the coveted WAZ Award (Worked All Zones)!
13.) Mapping: Know your “ITU Zone” locations!
There are currently 90 “ITU Zones” on the ITU Zone map and they are also sometimes used by world-wide contests. Although Amateur radio operators can and do collect and log ITU Zone contacts, the original ITU Zones were mapped out and defined by the Conferencia Internacional de Radiodifusión por Altas Frecuencias (also known as CIRAF) at the World Administrative Radio Conference held in Mexico in 1948.
14.) Mapping: Know your “ITU Region” locations!
There are currently 3 “ITU Regions” on the ITU Region Map as defined by the International Telecommunication Union.
15.) Mapping: Know your “ARRL Sections and ARRL Divisions“!
These location identifiers are normally used every year during both the ARRL Field Day and Winter Field Day events.
16.) Reserve and confirm your DMR ID.
Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) is a limited open digital mobile radio standard. DMR is sometimes used on FM voice repeaters and other digital radio systems. Some vendors have similar digital capabilities that compete with DMR, some examples include Yaesu’s YSF (Yaesu System Fusion) and Yaesu’s Wires-X and Icom’s D-STAR.
17.) Setup and confirm your AllStarLink account.
AllStarLink is a network of Amateur Radio repeaters, remote base stations and hot spots accessible to each other via Voice over Internet Protocol.
18.) Setup and confirm your EchoLink account.
EchoLink allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate with one another over the Internet, using streaming-audio technology.
19.) Setup and confirm your International Radio Network account.
IRN allows licensed Amateur Radio stations to communicate on RF and over the Internet using TeamSpeak and Zello.
20.) ARRL Field Day (always 4th full weekend in June)!
Field Day is ham radio’s open house. Every June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio.
– Mapping: Know which ARRL Section you are in!
21.) Upgrade you radio gear starting with your antenna!
If you are using a handheld radio for VHF/UHF and only have the “rubber ducky” antenna that came with your first radio, a better antenna should be your first upgrade!
– A magnet mount antenna for your car (or house) is your best first upgrade to talk further!
– Consider an outdoor J-Pole or vertical base antenna for your house and try to get it as high in the air as possible (on VHF/UHF antenna height = might).
– When you have a better antenna (mobile or base), consider upgrading your handheld radio to a 25 or 50 watt mobile or base radio.
22.) Work on your General Class license!
As you work towards mastering VHF/UHF communication, consider learning about HF communication and check out Parks on the Air!