Getting Started with Ham Radio

Get on the air now! A guide to your first Amateur Radio station.

Select radios and antennas.
Explore operating modes: voice, Morse code, digital and more.
Assemble your station.

Have your license? Get radio-active! Now you can get on the air with confidence. Here, in one place, is help getting started in just about any ham radio activity.

Contents:
Your First Radio. Advice on choosing a transceiver and power supply that fits your budget and operating style.
The Antenna-The Most Important Part of Your Station. Practical information to help you choose and install economical, yet effective, antennas.
Propagation-The Science of How Signals Travel. Get the most from your station by understanding how HF and VHF signals travel.
Using Your Voice on the HF Bands. Advice on making your first voice contacts.
Code Conversations. Advice on using Morse code on the air.
The Digital Universe. How to set up a station for digital operating.
Chasing Contacts and Wallpaper (awards). Enjoying the sport of on-the-air contesting. Also, earning awards such as DXCC, WAS and more.
FM: "No Static at All." How to operate FM on the VHF and UHF bands (including repeaters).
"Weak" Signals and the World Above 50 MHz. Operating SSB, CW and digital modes above 50 MHz.