CALLING ALL ROOKIES!
By John AB8O
“Rookies, newbies”, whatever. It doesn’t sound that good. However, if you are new to ham radio, you fit the bill. Have you Got On The Air yet? Your new license (“ticket”) shows that you know the basics: a transceiver, a dipole, a mic. As always, the devil is in the details.
Have you joined the ARRL? Google it and find the American Radio Relay League. You don’t have to join but sometimes it helps. They are the folks that produce the many books on ham radio topics, from getting started to digital to satellites and more.
It’s important that you know that the family of ham radio wants you to join us and Get On The Air (GOTA). Do you need some technical assistance? Trouble finding gear?
How exactly DO you put up a dipole? How do I make contact (have a QSO)? There are local hams that are here to help. An old term to describe one of these mentors is “Elmer”.
We can hook you up with an Elmer.
Why not use the Forum on the Milford Amateur Radio Club website (www.w8mrc.com) to ask any question you want. Steve, K8JI, publisher of the website will help you connect to the proper help.
Why not join MARC on Field Day? It’s June 25, 26 and 27. Directions are available on the website. You can see how others work the bands under contest conditions…and YOU can try your hand at operating the station. It’s a lot of fun. AND… the place is crawling with Elmers
So, don’t sit on your ticket! Use it. We can help. We’ll try to get an ongoing dictionary of ham terms. Until then, you can see the same thing in the back pages of QST, the monthly mag you get when you join the ARRL. I still look forward to each issue. Also, start googling ham radio…you’ll find a real world of stuff that will interest you. 73!
