HOW TO GET STARTED IN AMATEUR RADIO
 
Getting started in Amateur Radio has never been easier!  You can usually
find a ham radio class in your area sponsored by friendly volunteers who
will help you "learn the ropes."
 
           Two Entry-Level Licenses To Choose From
 
The Novice Class license lets you talk by radio using voice, Morse code or
computers.  You'll take a relatively easy exam on radio operating
practices, FCC rules and basic electrical theory.  You'll also pass a 5
words-per-minute Morse code test.  Novice Class operating privileges
include FM voice, digital packet, single-sideband voice and Morse code. 
Novice operators can use many of the popular shortwave frequencies (below
30 Megahertz) to communicate worldwide using Morse code, and on one
shortwave frequency band they can even use voice.

The Technician Class license NO LONGER REQUIRES A MORSE CODE EXAMINATION,
and gives you all ham radio privileges above 30 Megahertz.  You'll pass a
relatively easy exam on radio operating practices, FCC rules and basic
electrical theory.  Technician Class operating privileges include FM voice,
digital packet, satellite, television, single-sideband voice and several
other interesting modes.  You can make international radio contacts via
satellites, using relatively simple equipment.
 
 
                Where Do I Start?
 
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and others publish ham radio license
study guides to help you learn the things you'll need to pass your exam and
have fun with Amateur Radio.  The Boston Amateur Radio Club regularly holds
licensing courses that run for eight weeks. The Club also conducts license
exams on the first Monday of each month. The exams are given at the Lotus
Corporation in Cambridge. For more information on the exams call Bob
Wondolowski, N1KDA at 617-593-1955.
 
 
                Where to hear Amateur Radio
 
Whether you have amateur equipment or just a scanner,  here is where you can
hear lots of hams in and around the Boston area.
 
Boston                145.230 -                Dorchester        145.210 -
Northestern U.        145.310 -                Dedham            147.210 +
Dedham                147.390 +                Quincy            146.670 -
Stoneham              146.715 -                Wakefield         147.075 +
Waltham               146.640 -                Wellesley         147.030 +
Weston                146.820 -                Weymouth          147.300 +
 
This is just a quick reference list.  The  A.R.R.L. Repeater Directory
contains over 3500 repeater listings covering the United States, Canada and
Mexico.