Ham Radio For Dummies
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If you’re new to ham radio, these articles contain information that new ham radio operators should keep handy while gathering experience. You’ll find these references to be just what you need while learning to navigate the radio bands and make contacts. Bookmarking the websites in your web browser will help while you’re online, too.

ham radio hobbyist © Aubord Dulac / Shutterstock.com

Technician class frequency privileges in ham radio

When you’re getting started, remembering where you’re allowed to operate is important. As a Technician licensee, you have full access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, but what about on the shortwave high-frequency (HF) bands? This chart helps you follow the rules.  You can transmit with up to 200 watts PEP A band-by-band plan showing where to find different types of activity is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

Band Frequencies (In MHz) Modes You Can Use (200 watts PEP maximum power)
80 meters 3.525 – 3.600 CW
40 meters 7.025 – 7.125 CW
15 meters 21.025 – 21.200 CW
10 meters

 

28.000 – 28.300 CW and RTTY/data
28.300 – 28.500 CW and phone
Above 50 MHz All amateur privileges

CW = Morse code; PEP = peak envelope power; RTTY = radioteletype.

General class frequency privileges in ham radio

Soon, if you haven’t done so already, you’ll be thinking about upgrading. You have many more frequencies to use on the high-frequency (HF) bands, as shown in the following table. A complete chart of the U.S. frequency and mode privileges for all license classes is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

Band Frequencies (in MHz) Mode
160, 60, 30 meters All amateur privileges
80 meters 3.525–3.600 CW, RTTY, data
3.800–4.000 CW, phone, image
40 meters 7.025–7.125 CW, RTTY, data
7.175–7.300 CW, phone, image
20 meters 14.025–14.150 CW, RTTY, data
14.225–14.350 CW, phone, image
15 meters 21.025–21.200 CW, RTTY, data
21.275–21.450 CW, phone, image
17, 12, 10 meters All amateur privileges
Above 50 MHz All amateur privileges

CW = Morse code; RTTY = radioteletype.

Common ham radio Q signals

Hams use three-letter Q signals on every mode and even in face-to-face conversation. Here are the Q signals most commonly used in day-to-day operation. Each signal can be a question or an answer, as shown in the Meaning column. A complete list of ham radio Q signals, including those used on nets and repeaters, is available via the AC6V Operating Aids web page.

Q Signal Meaning
QRL Is the frequency busy?
The frequency is busy. Please do not interfere.
QRM Abbreviation for interference from other signals.
QRN Abbreviation for interference from natural or human-made static.
QRO Shall I increase power?
Increase power.
QRP Shall I decrease power?
Decrease power.
QRQ Shall I send faster?
Send faster (__words per minute [wpm]).
QRS Shall I send more slowly?
Send more slowly (__wpm).
QRT Shall I stop sending or transmitting?
Stop sending or transmitting.
QRU Have you anything more for me?
I have nothing more for you.
QRV Are you ready?
I am ready.
QRX Stand by.
QRZ Who is calling me?
QSB Abbreviation for signal fading.
QSL Did you receive and understand?
Received and understood.
QSO Abbreviation for a contact.
QST General call preceding a message addressed to all amateurs.
QSX I am listening on ___ kHz.
QSY Change to transmission on another frequency (or to ___ kHz).
QTH What is your location?
My location is ____.

 

Common ham radio repeater channel spacings and offsets

Until you become accustomed to using repeaters on all the different ham radio bands, this chart can help you remember the right offsets and channel spacings to use. Many radios have the standard options preprogrammed, but you need to be aware of what they should be.

Band Output Frequencies of Each Group (In MHz) Offset from Output to Input Frequency
6 meters 51.62 – 51.98 – 500 kHz
52.5 – 52.98
53.5 – 53.98
2 meters (a mix of 20 kHz and 15 kHz channel spacing) 145.2 – 145.5 – 600 kHz
146.61 – 146.97 – 600 kHz
147.00 – 147.39 + 600 kHz
222 MHz or 1-1/4 meters 223.85 – 224.98 – 1.6 MHz
440 MHz or 70 cm (local options determine whether inputs are above or below outputs) 442 – 445 (California repeaters start at 440 MHz) + 5 MHz
447 – 450 – 5 MHz
1296 MHz or 23 cm 1282 – 1288 – 12 MHz
1290 – 1294

 

Your ham radio go kit

Would you be ready if a call came from your local public service group to provide some ham radio expertise for a day or so? Items in the following list are the basics of what should be in your radio go kit. Now is a good time to check your supplies and be prepared! Don’t forget to put together a personal go kit, too.

  • Dual-band (VHF/UHF) handheld radio and mini manual
  • Full-size flexible whip antenna
  • Copy of your Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license and any public service group or government agency IDs
  • Mag-mount antenna with necessary adapters for connecting to various connectors
  • Extra coaxial cable with the right connectors for your radios
  • Extra battery packs and charger
  • AA-cell battery pack if available and fresh batteries
  • AC power supply and auxiliary power (cigarette lighter) adapter with spare fuses
  • Headset with microphone (preferred) or speaker-mic
  • Copy of your local public service team’s frequencies, phone numbers, and procedures
  • Pocket knife and/or multipurpose tool
  • Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries
  • Pencil and notebook, clipboard, and permanent marker
  • Duct tape, electrical tape, and a few small cable ties
  • Cash for food, gas, and telephone calls (about $20 in small bills and change)

10 handy ham radio websites

The most common question asked by newcomers to ham radio is “How do I…?” These ten websites are full of information that you can use as you try new things or hone your existing skills. Be sure to bookmark these pages in your home and mobile browsers.

Website Organization and Use
ARRL Many useful regulatory, educational, operating, and technical items and links
AC6V and DX Zone General-interest websites with many links on all phases of ham radio
QRZ.com Call sign lookup service and general-interest ham radio portal
eHam.net News, articles, equipment swap-and-shop, product reviews, and mailing lists
Solar Ham Real-time information on propagation and solar data
Space Weather Prediction Center Real-time information on space weather and radio communications
TAPR Information on digital data modes and software-defined radio (SDR)
AMSAT Main site for information on amateur satellites
WA7BNM Contest Calendar Contest calendar and log due dates
YOTA (Youngsters On the Air) World-wide group for student and young adult hams, based in Europe
DXMAPS.com Collection of real-time maps showing worldwide activity on any amateur band
DX Summit Worldwide DX spotting network

 

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book author:

H. Ward Silver has experienced a 20-year career as an electrical engineer developing instrumentation and medical electronics. He also spent 8 years in broadcasting, both programming and engineering. In 2000, he turned to teaching and writing as a second career, producing Ham Radios For Dummies in 2004. He supports Seattle University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in laboratory instruction. He is an avid Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class, first licensed in 1972. Each month, his columns and articles can be found in the national ham radio magazine, QST, published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). He is the author of the ARRL’s online courses in Antenna Design and Construction, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics. When not in front of a computer screen, you will find him working on his mandolin technique and compositions.

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