wb0nni.dakotamade.comHam Radio for New and Returning Amateurs - Welcome

First HF Rig The Shack Antennas Tips AboutUs Decoration WELCOME The original WB0NNI scratch built RF amplifier site launched in 1999 has enjoyed a very long and useful life. However, with an increasing number of new hams joining our ranks, I felt it may better serve the amateur community by focusing on HF station setup and operation, both as an aid for new and returning General and Extra licensees, and as a way to encourage newly licensed Technicians to explore use of the HF bands. Occasionally we’ve found new hams, often newly licensed Technicians, concerned with hearing anyone on vhf or uhf, much less finding anyone to share a QSO. This may be due in part to the absence of committed Elmers, or the effect of studying the available question pools rather than actually understanding theory, culture and tradition that underlie them. Or, perhaps it’s just due to the excitement of being able to communicate over an open mic. Regardless this site is here to help. The hope then is to encourage new and older hams, that may have limited their scope, to explore a bit of the culture and perhaps retrace some of the history of this marvelous hobby. We’ll look at economical ways to set up an HF station and begin enjoying all the benefits that amateur licensing provides. Moreover, within the context of this site, we will continue our original mission of resurrecting some of the practical, ethical and cultural aspects of ham radio, including a glimmer of the "tongue-in-cheek" humor, fun and excitement that has, for so many years, attracted innovators of all ages. Check Out These » "Click Here - Joe Walsh About Ham Radio" » "Click Here - First HF Contact" FCC LICENSE JUST THE BEGINNING In the earliest days, making contact involved far more than passing an FCC administered exam. Passing the exam and waiting 6 to 8 weeks for a license in the mailbox was the first step in working with other hams to study and construct, from what was available, a receiver, a transmitter and a functional antenna. While the times have changed, as this station of W0JD illustrates, the comradry and brotherhood that surround a common interest in ham radio never has. Unlike so many endeavors, amateur radio involves so much more than simply visiting on the air. The exchange and testing of new ideas, the design, redesign, retesting and documentation that continues in response to never ending changes in HF propagation, combined with that ongoing desire to provide necessary public service when the need arises are all factors that go into the neverending story of ham radio. The North Fulton Amateur Radio League NFARL has compiled a short list of the massive array of activities associated with ham radio: » NFARL List ARRL Your Voice in Washington The American Radio Relay League is the largest membership association of amateur radio enthusiasts in the USA. ARRL is a non-profit organization, and was co-founded on April 6, 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim and Clarence D. Tuska. The League plays a key roll in ensuring the ongoing viability of Amateur Radio in this country and abroad. » ARRL Home Page MAKE IT YOURS Traditional Station (W6LG) YL At The Controls (ARRL) Vintage AM Station (KK7TV) Simple Working Station (ARRL) FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US Bob Hopper WB0NNI 125 Norbeck Drive Pierre, SD 57501 wb0nni@msn.com » MoreFar More Than Simply a Hobby or a Pass-Time As with any endeavor, your experience as a licensed radio amateur will inevitably become what you make of it. Acquiring the knowledge necessary to pass the examination merely opens the door to all the possibilities that await your discovery. Where you start is entirely up to you, but your legacy as a ham will inevitably depend upon the contribution you make to the public service and science of radio communications. To that end, you are encouraged to ascertain a complete understanding of the theory, and regulatory basis behind each and every question that appeared on your examination. From there, we invite you to explore first those areas of particular interest. Whether you find information here that may be helpful, we encourage you to look elsewhere, as well, to develop a focus that will permit you to significantly contribute to the art and science of Amateur Radio. » MoreDon’t Go It Alone Checking out one or more of the local clubs is a great way to meet other hams. Most offer practical knowledge on setting up the technology to work for your intended purpose. Learning from the experience of others will reduce the learning curve in setting up a working station and becoming proficient at operating it. Simply put, joining a local club can help you get on the air and be successful much faster than simply going it on your own. » Club Listings Copyright © 2019 - RHopper -...