# Looking into becoming a HAM operator **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 10, 2009, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348 "2009-10-10T21:34:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/1 "2009-10-10T21:34:14Z")
So, I’m looking into becoming a HAM radio operator, and I’ve located a club local to me that should be having a meeting in a few weeks, but I figured I’d ask a random question or two here first: 1. Radio antennae: What kind of antenna would I need for a HAM Radio? Something that would be easy enough to set up inside an apartment? Failing that, could I connect my radio to the apartment building’s attic TV antenna rig and have some success there? 2. How much money am I looking at for a decent enough radio rig? 3. How much time does it take most folks to work their way through the various licensing tests? They don’t sound that hard to me, but I haven’t looked at any of the materials for them yet. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/2 "2009-10-10T22:07:17Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > So, I’m looking into becoming a HAM radio operator, and I’ve located a club local to me that should be having a meeting in a few weeks, but I figured I’d ask a random question or two here first: > > 1. Radio antennae: What kind of antenna would I need for a HAM Radio? Something that would be easy enough to set up inside an apartment? Failing that, could I connect my radio to the apartment building’s attic TV antenna rig and have some success there? > > 2. How much money am I looking at for a decent enough radio rig? > > 3. How much time does it take most folks to work their way through the various licensing tests? They don’t sound that hard to me, but I haven’t looked at any of the materials for them yet. you need to decide if you want to communicate with local people (least expensive and easiest) or worldwide. there are a number of frequency bands and what you can do on each and the radios and antennas will differ. you can not conne3ct to your building tv antenna. to do local you could get a used radio and antenna for less than $200. local has lots of conversing and the most frequent use for emergency communication. to do worldwide some used equipment could be had for a few hundred. this is the widest range of cost and function. antennas are bigger issue, these take more space. basic electronics and knowing the legal restrictions can be had in a couple weeks, depends on your aptitude. often best to go to local meeting. people may have stuff to sell. people could give you guidance. you might befriend people and visit them and see their setup. your chance of doing worldwide communications might only be at someone’s radio because you would need an outside antenna for anything decent. ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2009, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/3 "2009-10-10T23:42:48Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > How much money am I looking at for a decent enough radio rig? I only know indirectly, my grandfather was big into this stuff. He spent like $3500 on his radio. His antenna array was like a 60’ structure behind the house with multiple sub antennas for various bands. When he moved from CA to WA he had to hire a flatbed truck to haul his antennae. I don’t even want to know what that cost. If you cross paths with KF6XT let him know I said hi. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2009, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/4 "2009-10-11T02:22:32Z")
[Here](http://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/0872599639) is everything you need in regard to licensing. You can’t connect to the building TV rig (wrong configuration, and probably illegal) but you can get some portable rigs for a couple hundred bucks, albeit the range isn’t great. The larger the rig, the stronger the reception. There are several posters who are licensed ham operators. I know that **Q.E.D.** in particular is a licensed operator, so you might try contacting him. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2009, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/5 "2009-10-11T02:38:09Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > [Here](http://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Ham-Radio-License-Manual/dp/0872599639) is everything you need in regard to licensing. You can’t connect to the building TV rig (wrong configuration, and probably illegal) but you can get some portable rigs for a couple hundred bucks, albeit the range isn’t great. The larger the rig, the stronger the reception. > > There are several posters who are licensed ham operators. I know that **Q.E.D.** in particular is a licensed operator, so you might try contacting him. > > Stranger [Regretfully, I don’t think that’s going to happen](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=535212)☹ ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2009, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/6 "2009-10-11T03:26:08Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > [Regretfully, I don’t think that’s going to happen](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=535212)☹ Jesus fuckpuppy! I was wondering the other day why I hadn’t heard from him in a while; he was one of the few posters I occasionally corresponded with via e-mail. Great way to end a craptastic week. Um, regarding the o.p., I know a couple of hams and I’ll inquire as to your questions. Gonna go drink now… Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2009, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/7 "2009-10-11T03:37:31Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > Jesus fuckpuppy! I was wondering the other day why I hadn’t heard from him in a while; he was one of the few posters I occasionally corresponded with via e-mail. Great way to end a craptastic week. > > Um, regarding the o.p., I know a couple of hams and I’ll inquire as to your questions. > > Gonna go drink now… > > Stranger ☹ Sorry to bum you out, man. ---
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2009, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/8 "2009-10-11T03:54:42Z")
There is a long tradition of mentoring in ham radio. In ham radio slang, a mentor is an “Elmer”. Let it be known to your local club that you are looking for an Elmer. Some Elmers are wonderful, and some will be full of shinola. Look for the quiet nerdy types, not the loud opinionated ones…the one who will explain the strong and weak points of lots of different antennas, not tell you which one is best. VHF and UHF won’t be a problem from the appartment, but most of the activity is local mobiles. HF in an apartment is difficult…not impossible, but as a newb, you need every advantage you can get. Indoor antennas in an apartment are a path to frustration (due to poor performance) and poor neighbor relations (due to television interference, “TVI”) If you have a private balcony, you may be able to clamp something to the rail. Otherwise you might be able to string a wire outside after dark, and roll it up during daylight. Very fine wires supported with fishing line are sometimes called “invisible” antennas. and can stay up if they are high enough not to be a hazard. They can work OK, but it doesn’t take much wind to take them down. You MUST make sure that the antenna never contacts a power line. ETA: QED…damn! Mobile HF operation from your car may be a more viable option, has it’s own set of issues, but won’t get you tossed from your home! ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2009, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/9 "2009-10-11T04:06:17Z")
I do have a balcony on my apartment, so if it comes to it, I could probably set up an antenna of reasonable size out there if I clear it with the land lady first. ---
**Author:** ![tetranz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@tetranz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tetranz)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2009, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/10 "2009-10-11T04:14:43Z")
Ham operator here. I’ve recently got back on the air after many years away. I’m actually sitting here with my headphones on listening to some on air conversations while typing this. 🙂 Most of your questions have an “it depends” sort of answer. You’re doing exactly the right thing by joining a local club. Two big ham community type websites are [http://www.qrz.com](http://www.qrz.com) and [http://www.eham.net](http://www.eham.net) and there’s the national association in the US [http://www.arrl.org](http://www.arrl.org) > [@Raguleader](#): > > 1. Radio antennae: What kind of antenna would I need for a HAM Radio? Something that would be easy enough to set up inside an apartment? Failing that, could I connect my radio to the apartment building’s attic TV antenna rig and have some success there? Since you’re in an apartment, getting a usable antenna will probably be your biggest challenge. As johnpost said, it depends who you want to talk to. Many people interested in ham radio are attracted by the thought of talking to people around the world. That’s certainly possible but it’s not necessarily as simple as it might sound. It’s a lot more than getting a radio and a simple antenna and pushing a few buttons. You didn’t imply that in your post but I just wanted to put some reality in there, especially if you’re in an apartment. Using your apartment’s TV antenna is not an option, especially if other tenants are using it for TV. A big thing about ham radio is that there are numerous aspects and specialties that people get interested in. > [@Raguleader](#): > > 1. How much money am I looking at for a decent enough radio rig? Again, it depends very much on where your interests lie but you could probably get something second hand for a few hundred $. > [@Raguleader](#): > > 1. How much time does it take most folks to work their way through the various licensing tests? They don’t sound that hard to me, but I haven’t looked at any of the materials for them yet. The exam in the US is all multichoice and not particularly difficult these days. As for study materials, it kind of depends if you really want to learn or you just want to past the test. For passing the test, I found [http://www.hamtestonline.com](http://www.hamtestonline.com) to be very good. The three grades of license that determines what range of frequencies you’re allowed on. Even the top grade called “extra” is about 40 questions out of a pool of about 850. There is no morse code test for any grade these days. Again, joining a club and getting a feel for what it’s all about is very much the way to start. Hopefully you’ve found a good club. I’ve heard that some clubs are more welcoming to newcomers as others so if there are more than one within reach don’t be afraid and check them all out. I’m very happy to answer questions either in the forum here or via private message. Good luck Ross ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2009, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/11 "2009-10-11T23:14:52Z")
**Ragu** , I had been looking to get into it too, and started with a shortwave listening (SWL) _reciever_, where I got to listen to [certain bands](http://www.vendian.org/mncharity/dir3/frequency_allocation_chart/) at a time. I’ve learned some come in better than others under different times/weather conditions. I’ve even played with different antenna shapes, lengths and heights. However, I digress. I would recommend scraping together a few DIY kits and build yerself a _reciever_, and then save up some deployment money for the full rig. Just my two cents. Tripler I have a copy of that poster on a wall with all sorts of scribbles. ---
**Author:** ![Pitter\_Patter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/90db22/32.png) [@Pitter\_Patter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pitter_Patter)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/12 "2009-10-12T00:33:35Z")
Another ham checking in. I agree with Tetranz. There are many ways to get into the hobby depending on what you are looking for. I spent my first 6 months with a dual band (2meters and 440) portable radio. I could carry it around, or I could use it in the car with a simple magnetic mount antenna. It was 5 watts, which was good for local repeaters. If you want to “talk around the world”, you will need a HF radio. Those can be had as cheap as $200-$300 on Ebay. An antenna in an apartment can be as simple as wire strung around the ceiling. Just depends on how much you are willing to spend. Join a local ham radio club. That will give you tons of info. As stated earlier, [qrz.com](http://qrz.com) or [eham.net](http://eham.net) is a wealth of information. The FCC exams are easy. qrz has practice exams that you can take until you are comfortable with them Best luck 73 ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/13 "2009-10-12T00:57:39Z")
My late husband was a ham and left me with a whole bunch of equipment. PM me. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/14 "2009-10-12T01:33:58Z")
I’ve always wondered why there are exams and licences associated with HAM radio (other than _“Because The Government Wants Your Money”_). Anyone have any insights? I assume it’s a holdover from the early days of radio broadcast mixed in with fears about German/Russian agents from last century… ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/15 "2009-10-12T01:40:04Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > I’ve always wondered why there are exams and licences associated with HAM radio (other than _“Because The Government Wants Your Money”_). Anyone have any insights? I assume it’s a holdover from the early days of radio broadcast mixed in with fears about German/Russian agents from last century… Granted it’s because they “want your money,” but primarily, it’s there to keep every Tom, Dick, and Harry from turning a good forum into a cacophony. Do you really want The Pit on the radio waves for any and all to hear? It’s a QC check on would-be broadcasters both for competence, and to keep everyone honest. Tripler I agree that radio needs _some_ sort of moderation. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/16 "2009-10-12T02:03:12Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > I’ve always wondered why there are exams and licences associated with HAM radio (other than _“Because The Government Wants Your Money”_). Anyone have any insights? I assume it’s a holdover from the early days of radio broadcast mixed in with fears about German/Russian agents from last century… since radios waves can travel over borders and many of the frequencies and power of ham radio transmissions are designed to do so, it is an international treaty issue. so a license helps insure those treaty rules will be followed. radio waves travel, if there were no rules you might not have reliable cell phone, radio or tv. the rules are such so that one radio service can’t interfere with another. the FCC (USA) is in charge of regulating civilian use of the radio spectrum. their regulations are an attempt to keep the radio spectrum useful for all users. ham radio licenses currently have no charge. when previously there was a charge (a long time ago) it was a dollar or two a year (i don’t know exact). ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/17 "2009-10-12T02:25:03Z")
My username is my callsign. I talked with Estonia from my dorm room in college - so an apartment setup is possible. I mostly used 2m though. Though 2m is typically line of sight, LOS includes things like sattelites and the ISS (I’ve heard but not contacted sattelites and the shuttle) Brian ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/18 "2009-10-12T03:16:53Z")
Another ham checking in. You don’t give your location, but [this](http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/clubsearch.phtml) page at the ARRL web site allows you to search for clubs in your area. I know you said you found one, but there may be others nearby that you’ve missed. One thing many clubs offer is a “club shack” or room full of equipment that club members may use within the limitations of their license. My club has a trailer with four operating positions, one set up for satellite operations while the other three are set up for HF operation and each has a 1.5KW amplifier. Most individuals can’t afford to set up an outfit like that. So often folks will join a club to get access to good equipment they couldn’t afford on their own. There are lots of things to do with ham radio. For example if you’d like to participate in emergency communications about all you’d need is a 2m/70cm handitalkie and a similar rig in your car. Have fun! ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/19 "2009-10-12T03:39:46Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > Granted it’s because they “want your money,” but primarily, it’s there to keep every Tom, Dick, and Harry from turning a good forum into a cacophony. Do you really want The Pit on the radio waves for any and all to hear? It’s a QC check on would-be broadcasters both for competence, and to keep everyone honest. That makes a lot of sense and I can agree with that. We used to get people coming into the electronics store I worked in wanting to buy hand-held UHF radios for their kids as toys, and we’d have to explain to them that CB radio (which is “unregulated”) had a number of users expressing ideas and concepts (conspiracy theories, moon landing denials, and other assorted lunacy, not to mention truckies and tradies using “adult” language) that they may not want their 11 year old exposed to, and that even though the broadcast range of their 0.5 watt handheld units might be pretty short, they could pick up transmissions from more powerful UHF transmitters and repeater towers at much, much longer range. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2009, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348/20 "2009-10-12T20:10:30Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > to keep every Tom, Dick, and Harry from turning a good forum into a cacophony. Do you really want The Pit on the radio waves for any and all to hear? not to hijack the thread, but I have a related question: What do /Tom Dick and Harry talk about on HAM radio ,… and why? It was a great technology until about 1995. It was the only way to have a conversation with somebody far away. > [@](#): > > I talked with Estonia from my dorm room in college But nowadays, like, ya know,… doesn’t the internet provide sorta the same thing, but without the background noise and static? What’s the advantage of radio? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-into-becoming-a-ham-operator/513348.md?page=2)