                                  T H E

                               Z E P H Y R

                      __     M A G A Z I N E
                     {__]++++++++++++++++++++++++++[]
                     Issue #35                1-10-87

                A weekly electronic magazine for users of
                            THE ZEPHYR II BBS
                        (Mesa, AZ - 602-894-6526)
                    owned and operated by T. H. Smith

                        Editor - Gene B. Williams

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                                (c) 1987

    THIS ISSUE:

         One of the more fascinating hobbies (in my opinion) is
    amateur radio. With it you can talk to people from all over the
    world, free. (Well, not quite free. You have to have the
    equipment, and pay for the electricity.) Most of those people are
    strangers. At least they are at first. Quite often they become
    friends.
         In a way, ham radio is like a massive, worldwide BBS. The
    users have a common interest, just as do computer operators. And,
    as with BBSing, there are other mutual interests that come out.
    Sometimes these are networked - with a specific frequency set
    aside, along with a specific time, for those interested to join
    in to the conversation.
         Hence, this week's article.

                   Becoming an Amateur Radio Operator

         Right about the turn of this century a guy named Nicola
    Tesla developed some fascinating ideas. Among these was the
    theory that a signal could be sent through the air, instead of
    through wires, to bring about communications. Another guy, named
    Marchese Guglielmo Marconi, took that idea and became famous for
    it.
         Marconi stuck a length of metal up into the air and sent a
    heavy spark into it. A similar length of metal hanging in the air
    at a distance was able to pull in this spark, and associated
    equipment detected it and put it back into the audible range. The
    entire world was astounded when Marconi was able to send such a
    signal, and the message it contained, clear across the Atlantic
    Ocean.
         As with any new technology, home experimenters jumped on
    this new idea. Within a very short time, there were several
    hundred "radio stations" in existence.
         And as so often follows new technology, groups cropped up to
    fight the new ideas. Some very still claiming that electricity
    was a thing of the devil. Reading some of their comments on what
    electricity was doing to the world is quite like reading scare
    tactic reports about nuclear weapons.
         The combination of these outcries, and primarily due to the
    growing popularity of the study of radio electronics, caused the
    government to create the Federal Communications Commission.
    Stations that wished to go commercial had to satisfy certain
    standards and requirements. In an unusual bout of fairplay and
    rational thought, sections of the radio bands were also set aside
    strictly for use by nonprofessional experimenters.
         Almost immediately a special group was formed, now called
    the Amateur Radio Relay League - the ARRL. This group has grown
    until it now takes in a large portion of all amateur radio
    operators in this country. It represents the amateurs to the FCC
    in an effort to make sure that amateurs remain protected. (And
    they do an awfully good job of it.)
         Quite a few people make the mistake of likening amateur
    radio to CB. The two are about as much alike as are a pencil on
    paper writer compared to the use of a computer. That's why you
    used to be able to get a CB license just for mailing in a form -
    and also why it was decided that operating a CB radio no longer
    requires a license of any kind.
         The range of a CB radio is 30 miles or less. By law, you
    CAN'T operate the radio over a long distance path. Also by law
    (and one which many ignore), you are limited to 5 watts as an
    input to the final transmitter stage. That's plenty for local
    communications, but if you remain legal it's useless for anything
    else. (Then again, it's not *meant* to be for anything else.)

                            How Tough Is It?

         A move was made to expand CB into the amateur bands, to give
    them more power and thus greater range. Failing this, that group
    tried to push through a new kind of amateur license, one that
    required no code test. That too has failed. The major opponents
    to these has been the ARRL and ham operators in general.
         Those on the outside quite often view this resistance as a
    "sour grapes" attitude, or as some kind of effort to keep people
    out.
         To be fair, that's just what it is - an effort to keep out
    those people who don't care enough to put forth at least a little
    effort. As some have stated, "There will be no 'free ride.' The
    amateur radio operator can reach all across the country, and all
    across the globe. Before that kind of power is granted, the
    individual should demonstrate a sense of responsibility. Do we
    really want the kind of abuse so common in CB to spread even
    farther?"
         You see, since its beginning amateur radio has managed to
    accomplish something that few other such things can claim. It is
    self-regulating. The government, through the FCC, creates the
    laws that govern communications. In essence, there is next to no
    government interference beyond this, simply because amateurs have
    a long-standing reputation for being able to "take care of our
    own." And they want it to stay that way.
         Actually, the license requirements aren't all that strict.
    And getting a license isn't all that difficult. If you have the
    idea that you can't do it, think about Guy Mitchell. He earned
    his novice class license 5 months before he entered kindergarten.
    Are *you* to be outdone by a 5-year-old?
         The number of open channels for the amateur is quite large.
    Despite the fact that there are millions of amateurs scattered
    all over the world, it's rare that you can't find a frequency
    that is open for use. And, the higher your license, the more
    frequencies there are available for your use.
         Most of the bands available for amateur use are excellent
    for long range communications. When I had my novice class
    license, the lowest category, I talked to people in virtually
    every state. My first out-of-country communication took place
    early one Sunday morning when I talked to a serviceman in Panama.
    After that I talked to Mexico, Spain, Brasil, Australia and once
    had a brief communication with someone in Tibet. All this with
    the lowest level license, its relatively limited frequency
    allocations and operating within the legal 200 watts of power.
         There are some distinct advantages with amateur radio. These
    advantages bring with them increased responsibility. You already
    realize the kind of damage a single idiot can do to BBSing.
    Imagine this idiocy being on the air waves from coast-to-coast,
    or even from country to country. To help weed out the "turkeys,"
    several things have been done. Most well known of these things
    are the tests required before a license is granted.
         Unless you're upgrading an existing license, all licenses
    come in two parts - code and written. The higher the license, the
    more privileges you have, and the more difficult the testing. For
    example, the beginning class (novice) requires only a simple code
    test and an even simpler technical test. The top category (extra)
    requires 20 wpm for the code test and a very comprehensive
    technical test.

                                The Tests

        ********************************************************
        * Class               Code           Written           *
        *------------------------------------------------------*
        * Novice              5 wpm          easy!             *
        * Technician          5 wpm          general           *
        * General            13 wpm          general           *
        * Advanced           13 wpm          more technical    *
        * Extra              20 wpm          very technical    *
        ********************************************************

                                 Novice

         The easiest and fastest way to get started is with the first
    category, the novice class license. The average person can
    prepare for the novice class license in just a few weeks without
    much difficulty. (It took me less than two - and then another
    month before I was ready for the general class test.)
         For the novice test, the would-be ham must be able to receive
    Morse code at 5 words per minute. This test normally lasts about 5
    minutes, 1 minute of which must be perfect.
         The technical test for novices consists of 20 questions. Of
    these, 7 concern the rules and regulations. Another 4 cover
    operating practices, propagation and such things. Only 8
    questions on the test are more technical in nature. These ask
    about the basic principles of electronics and communications and
    of safety.
         Due to the self-regulating nature of amateur radio, any
    general class or above license holder who is over 18 can
    administer the novice test. If you take a class, such as through a
    local radio club, quite often you can take the test right there in
    class. Either way, the novice can get started with a minimum of
    hassle.
         With a novice license, you are limited to communications by
    Morse code, and to 200 watts of final input power. The idea of
    these restrictions is to almost force the operator in two
    directions. One is the desire for more power and more versatility
    in the frequencies allowed. This will (hopefully) stir the
    operator to learn more and to attain those higher goals. The
    other is to keep the newcomer on a relative "leash" where he or
    she can do the least harm.
         Keep in mind, with a ham radio, and even within the limita
    tions of a novice license, you can reach all over the world. With
    my novice license and restrictions, I reached every state -
    including Alaska and Hawaii, plus a number of foreign countries.

                             Higher Licenses

         All higher classes of license require testing through a VE
    (volunteer examiner) team. This team is made up of local ham
    operators - people just like you. The only thing the FCC does is
    issue the license, based on the test results, of course.
         Testing is held several times per year in a variety of
    places. (The next testing as of this writing will be March 7 and
    again on May 30 in Tucson. Testing will also be held on March 21
    in Scottsdale. Pre-registration is required at least 30 days ahead
    of the date. Deadline for the Scottsdale testing is Feb. 20th.)
         The technicians class brings with it all the privileges of
    the novice class license, plus the privileges of operating in the
    VHF and UHF frequency ranges (2 meter and above - primarily for
    local communications - if that makes any sense to you). The code
    test for technician class is the same as for the novice. The
    technical test is the same as for the next category - the
    general class license.
         General class opens a new world for the radio operator -
    namely voice communications over long distances. It also carries
    increased frequency privileges. A General Class holder has all
    the privileges of the novice and the tech, plus a whole new load
    of privileges.
         Advanced and extra classes continue to add new privileges,
    such as amateur television.
         The way things are set up, you can skip steps. Your first
    goal might be to obtain the general class license, for example,
    and bypass the novice and technician licenses. Once your test
    appointment is set with the VE, you can go right through all the
    tests and become an Amateur Extra in a single day - assuming that
    you know enough.

                                How Much?

         One concern of many beginners is that amateur radio is going
    to cost a lot of money. Not true. (Well, not *necessarily* true.)
         My own first transceiver (capable of receiving and
    transmitting) could put out more than 500 watts of transmitting
    power. You can effectively reach around the world on just a few
    watts if you know what you're doing. 100 watts will take you just
    about anywhere. 500 will really punch things through. Total cost -
    about $200. You *can* pay less. (Of course, you can also pay a lot
    more. That's up to you.)
         My first antenna was a ground-mount vertical. Cost - $40. I
    could have gotten by for considerably less by building my own, in
    which case the antenna would have been no more than the cost of
    the materials. (A very simple, but very effective, antenna is just
    some wire.)
         So, for me, I got into international communications for $240
    - about the same cost as a decent modem. I could have done it for
    about $100. And, if I'd wanted to spend the time to build my own
    equipment (there are thousands of plans available), it would have
    cost even less.
         You can spend thousands and thousands on equipment if you
    want to. You can do that with computer equipment, too. (How
    difficult would it be to spend $10,000 on computer equipment?
    You'd be pressed to spend that much on radio equipment.)

                             The First Steps

         You can get started in amateur radio in any number of ways.
    There are several amateur radio magazines available. Most well
    known is "QST" - the official publication of the ARRL. This
    magazine is available by subscription only to members of the
    ARRL, but membership does not require a license. You can contact
    them through the address at the end of this article for more
    information on this magazine, and on their entire line of
    publications.
         Almost at odds with the ARRL is "73 MAGAZINE." This magazine
    is available on newstands, and also offers an extremely good line
    of books on the subject.
         There are other magazines available. In my opinion, the two
    mentioned are the best for newcomers. Just the ads are an educa-
    tion. And both, as mentioned, have a variety of books to help you get
    started.
         A shortwave receiver is also of great help, although it is
    often a relatively useless investment. There are three reasons
    for this. First, the novice class test is so easy that using the
    receiver as a means of practicing Morse code normally isn't
    necessary. (Besides, "73" offers some very nice training tapes.)
         Second, many shortwave receivers are meant for general use
    and do not effectively tune in the amateur bands. This is fine if
    you're into foreign broadcasts. This is fascinating in itself!!!
    (When the Soviets first invaded Afghanistan, I listened to 5
    *completely* different versions of what really happened - the
    version given to the American public, that given out by Radio
    Free Moscow, one from Afghanistan itself, one from the BBC in
    England and another from Germany.) But a "general coverage"
    receiver is usually pretty much useless for ham radio.
         Third is the cost. Even if that receiver will work with
    amateur radio, you will still have to buy a transmitter. This may
    or may not be the right solution for you. Most people prefer to
    start right out with a transceiver - a unit that does both jobs
    of receiving and transmitting. Others prefer to have both
    capabilities and in different units. The receiver you buy just
    could end up being useless. That's something you have to decide
    for yourself.
         To learn the code and all the needed technical information
    to pass the novice test, you can make the attempt to do it on
    your own, or you can join one of the many classes.
         On your own, the two best ways are to make use of either the
    code practice broadcasts from the ARRL (given at the end of this
    article), or to use one of the better code practice tapes. It's
    usually not advisable to learn by practicing with a friend who
    knows as little about it as you do. You're almost certain to pick
    up some mutual bad habits this way. The needed technical
    information can be learned from books quite easily.
         The classes are designed to teach you both code and the
    technical information. Most run for about 10 weeks. At the end of
    this period, quite often a group test is given in class for your
    first license. Find a ham radio club in your area and ask them
    for details on when and where.

    Helpful Addresses:

    Federal Communications Commission
    PO Box 1020
    Gettysburg, PA  17325

    District office of the FCC is in
    Los Angeles - phone number is
    213-426-4451

    The form used for application for a license is:
    FCC Form 610
    This same form is used to renew or update a license. You can get
    a copy by writing to the FCC. You can also get one through just
    about any local radio club or amateur radio store.

         -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -     -
    ARRL
    Newington, CT  06111

    A "Club and Training Department" has been set up specifically to
    help newcomers. For a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) they
    will send you free a list of 200 questions that you might except
    to see on the novice test.

    The ARRL also broadcasts code practice their W1AW license.
    These codes come across at 5, 7 1/2, 10, 13 and 15 words per
    minute. The frequencies are 1.818, 3.58, 7.08, 14.070, 21.08,
    28.08, 50.08 and 147.555, all in Megahertz.
    The times, in Mountain Time, are:
         7 AM and 5 PM  on M, W, F
         2 PM and 8 PM  on T, Th, S, Sn

    You can also find the names of local operators who can give you
    the novice class test (the "Dear Friends" program), local clubs,
    local classes, a list of helpful books, etc., etc., etc., etc. by
    writing to the ARRL.
    The Superstition Amateur Radio Club, for example, offers classes.
    They can be contacted at:

    Superstition ARC
    PO Box 1551
    Apache Junction, AZ  85217-1551

    Until Next Time

         It's really not all that difficult, nor all that expensive,
    to get started in amateur radio. It does require that you have an
    interest. This isn't a "Cracker Jacks" license. If you DO have
    that interest, though, there's nothing quite like it.
         We have several hams on the board here. There's me, of
    course. Dave Kelly is also a ham. Chris Mitchell was, although he
    let his license lapse. Any one of us, plus a handful of others,
    can answer any questions you might have.
         If YOU happen to be a ham, come on forward and tell us about
    it.
         Incidentally, Dave and I both monitor 147.12 on an irregular
    basis. Many nights I can also be found on the Zia Link (146.70 or
    145.25 or 147.15). My call is KA7FQW.

Zephyr Magazine is © Gene Williams. All rights reserved.