Getting Started in Amateur Radio
I'm glad that you have an interest in earning a ham radio license. Those who've successfully passed an amateur radio license in the US is now a radio operator that is licensed by the Federal Government and authorized to transmit radio signals within the limits of the license class earned. It's an opportunity that is not as easy to come by in some of the other countries.
The pages referenced below will guide you in your quest for that coveted license!
Classes
Check on the item below for listings on classes, instructors and testing sessions for getting an amateur radio license.
Study Guides
If a class is not available, you can pick up one of the study guides listed below and read through it. Quite a number of hams (including yours truly) passed their license exams without having to take formal classes. Once you get exposed to the materials, find an "elmer" (a mentor or informal teacher) and ask questions about the areas that you're unclear. You'll be amazed that just a handful of questions will clear up certain areas, and the rest will snap into place.
VHF Repeaters
You can often learn quite a bit by listening to hams on the local VHF repeaters on a police scanner or other radio monitor. The list of popular frequencies can be found here.
Setting up your first ham station
There's a number of things to think about and think through to help you identify the needs and capabilities of your first ham station. And, you don't have to get all the pieces at once -- you can grow the station as your interests and capabilites grow.
Email Reflectors
There are email reflector lists available for you to sign up and stay current on items of interest to the Hawaii amateur radio community.
HIHAM is a email reflector run by Allan Waller, K3TKJ and is moderated by Ron Hashiro, AH6RH. It is a reflector of general interest and is funded by the subscribers. There are many other topics, including other states, Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood interest groups and many more. You can sign up here.
hamradiohawaii is a email reflector run by Yahoo! and is moderated by Jim Yuen, WH6GS. It is a reflector of general interest and is funded by Yahoo. There are many other topics, including other states, Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood interest groups and many more. You can sign up here.
I subscribe to both. The content may be the same, it may differ, but at least you have two ways to stay current. Sometimes one or the other list encounters problems, and you're left out in the dark.
Copyright © 1997-2008 Ron Hashiro
Updated: June 2, 2008
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