#8 Setting up your station

Please remember, This is only my opinion.Other hams will have their own opinion on how to set up a station depending your desired mode.

My desired mode of transmission is CW and SSB.So a simple mic and key was sitting on my desk at first.Then I graduated to Iambic paddles and a set of Heil headphones and boom mic as comfort is needed for prolonged periods of use.

Setting up your choice of gear is important for the sake of ergonomics.For example, weather your right or left handed or if you like to lean over your desk or "kick back"as I do.My set up as shown in this last pic demonstrates my choice.

Applying power to your set up again is important.All kinds of bad things can occur including personal injury,burning the house down among others.It would not hurt to have an electrician have a look at your needs before you start plugging things into the wall plug.

Also,consider R.F.is a different animal than your simple household current.

This isn't the usual house hold appliance we are talking about here.Especially if your wanting to be a "BIG GUN" operator.Oh! a BIG GUN means using an amplifier.This calls for a draw of allot of amps and or Double the average volts.

Calling out my electrician cost my only a few hundred dollars but saved me a lot of grief.I had a potential problem I didn't know about.So think before you act.Next setting up your antenna.

#7 Selecting the RIG

In selecting the rig of you choice, first, don't be in such a big hurry! Once you buy the thing, you are stuck with it for a long time. Look for reviews on Eham. Check out the trader nets, see which one is the most popular, then beware. Think, why are they selling a "like new" rig. All brands have had their "DUDS". I know I had them. Old Uncle Ralph, W6WET, used to say, "RF is RF". It doesn't matter what it come out of. Uncle Ralph never got to know DSP.

Digital Signal Processing has been a new advance in the world of communications. Amateur Radio is no exception. DSP works on transmit and receive.

First consider what are you going to use it for and how often are you going to use it. If you are thinking CW, then get one with a built in keyer and is optomised for CW on receive.

For instance on receive, a filter or DSP that you can adjust .500 to .250 kc. for CW or adjust your DSP for 2.4 to 1.8 kc for Single Side Band. Your transmitted audio works in a similar way.

Perhaps you would like the data modes. There are some rigs that have modems already built in, like Kenwood and Icom. They are tailor made for the serious computer guy or gal.

Most major brands have options that will fit your needs. There are amateur radio stores in most large cities. They have demonstrator models on the floor and knowledgeable sales people happy to help. The names to consider are Icom, Yeasu, Kenwood, and Elecraft. All very good brands. I have owned some from all brands, but it seems I have settled for an Icom 746 & 756 PRO 3. It just happened to be my choice this time. Let us not forget a 706mk2g in my truck. I will get to mobile setups later.

I like SSB and CW modes. Chasing DX and rag chewing with friends. I like hunting islands. Icom has no extra filters or modules to buy. Just connect your power supply, antenna and you are on the air. I like that!

There is something special about making contact with that distant ham op on the other side of the world or, now from outer space as many astronaut's are hams as well.

There are many excellent books written by highly educated and skilled hams. These are available through Amazon books and The American Radio Relay League. Just click on to any of these symbols on this blog and they will lead you to another world that is open to anyone.

Are you ready?

Next is Part #8, Setting up your Station

#6 Getting That first rig

Oh Boy! Here we go getting that first rig. For me that was December, 1987. The snow was flying outside and, I was twelve years old again. Bought my first rig from a radio store.

Well, with the wise advise of Uncle Ralph (W6WET) I picked out an Astron RS20. That is a 20 amp power supply. A Kenwood TS130SE Transceiver and cut a wire dipole L=468/f, and purchased a length of RG8U coax. Then waited six weeks before the license arrived. That was painful because, I had the station set up and could only listen.

I made many mistakes over the years and, I hope you can avoid some by reading this blog.

Head my advice #1: Never buy something from a friend if you want to keep the friend.

#2: Never buy anything unless you can try it out first. #3: Don't buy anything if it smells of smoke. #4: Do not buy anything "used", unless you get a 100% money back guarantee for 30 days, in writing. #5: Don't buy anything if it looks like it was pulled from a junk pile. #6: Don't buy it if the seller says "it worked the last time I turned it on 2 years ago." #7: Don't buy it if it comes from an "Estate Sale". #8: Don't buy it if the seller does not have a call sign. #9: Don't buy it if you don't need it. And, #10: Don't buy it if the deal is too good to be true!

Buying anything over the internet is a risk unless, you buy from an established business or someone with a reputation as a good dealer. It is always wise to check out the seller on one of the trading sites like QRZ.COM or, QTH.COM or, EHAM.COM

Also, look into the reviews on EHAM.COM. There are first hand reports on gear you may be interested in. Post #7: The next time will be about selecting the rig.

#5 Rules for operation.(Open the book and read it)

Radios are fun, period. People can call me a geek, or whatever. I love radios and all kinds of gear! If it lights up and makes a sound, I love it. Especially if I made it work. Operating an amateur radio is fun and fascinating, but it is not as easy as it looks. Understanding the fundamentals of electronics and F.C.C. rules are essential in being a good operator. We all want to be good operators. Right? We want to obey the law and, don't want to look stupid when that F.C.C agent comes knocking at your door with the Federal Marshall with warrants in hand. This is no laughing matter. Our frequencies are regulated by the Feds and they do monitor them. Now don't get me wrong. The F.C.C is not the bad guy. They keep our frequencies clear of wrong doers and those who have no business being there. Otherwise we would have chaos. F.C.C rules and regulations regarding amateur radio can be found on the F.C.C web site. The ARRL web site arrl.org, your local Radioshack Store, public library and your local amateur radio store. In Houston, Texas, where I live, there is Houston Amateur Radio Supply. Houstonamateurradio.com is a good source of information, technical and general. George, the owner, Charlie at the desk, and Russell, the tech, are friendly and willing to help answer your questions.

Now every large city has an amateur radio store nearby. I hope they are as friendly as the guys at my local store. There are many stores here in the US and I can only write about those I have experience with.
Well, next I will write about actually operating amateur radio gear. o73 Dan ki5jb

#4 Kits

When I was a kid (boy! that was a while ago) Heath Kit was king of kits. Also, Knight then became Allied from Chicago, was popular. These companies lost popularity in the 70's and ended their kit divisions in the 80's. Now I can't write about every kit company in this small blog and YES, there are many more and many still alive and well today! Knight & Heath Kits are still around. Most are already built or partially built. If you can find one that is in good shape, go for it. The manuals are not hard to find on the net and they provide good experience for the tech in us. In case you really get the bug and can't get it working (this happens), you can count on Ron at R.T.O.electronics in Calexico, California. Email: hamtech@rtoham.com. I have used his service. He is great and the cost is very reasonable. In fact he is so popular, there will be a wait 'till he can get to it, but it will be done right.

Furthermore, Ramsey kits are still popular. They provide an excellent choice for the novice to expert kit builders. Necessary tools can be easily found at your local Radio Shack. For you dad's that feel the need to do some bonding, order a simple kit that is quick and easy to build, and turn off that T.V. set. You will soon discover and get to know that other person you are living with (beside your wife). Kits take time if they are done right. Putting the power to something and watching something come to life which you built is worth it. My Uncle Ralph ( W6WET) was right; there is something in ham radios for everyone. Well I can go on about kits all day, but I need to move on to another subject. That is setting up a station...Anything worth doing is worth your time to do well. 73 ki5jb

#3 Study guides & material

I am sure most communities have a local Radio Shack store. This may not turn some on, but others may prefer Barnes & Noble which has a good selection of books and study guides. Then, there is the internet. The American Radio Relay League is a good source. Just go too ARRL.NET and you should find what your looking for.

The test has been revised since I last took it. There are no more Morse code questions. Mostly tech questions and FCC regulations. The regulations are not the toughest part, but remember them always. They will keep you out of trouble if you just follow the rules.

Once you feel you have studied enough it is time to take the test. Nearly all locals around the country have volunteer testers. These are people who donate their time to see that you are tested. They do not receive compensation, except for what they spend on materials and postage. These individuals should be respected for what they do. They go through alot and only get satisfaction for a job well done. Now, to find a volunteer get on the net and look for a local radio club. Try amateur radio clubs or, you can try The ARRL web site ARRL.NET or look up ARRL web page.

Once you have your studies completed and located a volunteer testing center, it is time for that moment.

When you arrive at the testing center you should have your necessary photo Id's and the necessary cash to pay for your testing material and a #2 pencil and a black ink pen. The volunteers should have the rest. Now just relax and do your best and remember you can retake the test if you fail the first time. I did on two occasions and passed the second time! So don't beat your self up if you don't pass the first time.

Now that you have studied and passed, it is now time for buying the goodies such as antennas and radios and wire and, all that good stuff that us hams love (next to our wives of course)!

So that will be your next subject in Part #4..So 73 (that means best wishes in ham talk) /ki5jb

#2 Getting started

When I started in this hobby, I wasn't so lucky to have a friendly ham just down the street. I lived out in the country. So I visited the library in town and shopped at the local book store. Also, as luck would have it, there was no internet as we have today. I mail ordered books. That is why I stress Amazon.com and the ARRL for study material, to name a few. There are many more that I will include later.

I did have an Uncle that was of great help. His name was Ralph. He was a ham and his call, W6WET. My luck again, he lived 1800 miles away. I spent a great deal of money on phone calls, but I got the job done. On January 1988, I became KB5IIQ. I was so proud. I did it on my own, no classes, just me, my books, my code tapes and good old Uncle Ralph.
I hope you have an easier experience that I did getting started. Next I will explore another area, kit building. For now 73 Dan ki5jb.