Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio

George L. (Butch) Tucker, Jr.

KG4VGZ

What a "new" and wonderful experience this can be.

After many years of putting off taking the test, I finally made the jump and now am the proud holder of a Technician Class Amateur Radio License.

And soon I will begin a study for the General Class License.

The Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Club will host the class. This is a great group of individuals. Everyone has been very helpful to the new "Hams". Answering questions they have heard many times and offering to help us learn Morse Code.

There is so much you can do with Amateur Radio.

Currently I have a 2 meter radio (Kenwood TM-231A) in the car and a 2 meter radio (Kenwood TM-221A) and a 70 cm (Kenwood TK-805) radio in the house. These are older radio's, but they are serving me well. Along with these, I have an Alinco DJ580T Dual Band HT.

Of course after obtaining a General Class License, I will be able to use the HF bands. Then things can get really fun.

There is a lot to learn, but with the help of all the local "Hams" maybe an old dog can learn a new trick.

Links

ARRL American Radio Relay League

Echo Link: VoIP (Voice Over IP) allows Amateur contact via computer/computer, repeater/repeater, computer/repeater

FCC: Services: Amateur Radio Service

Muscle Shoals Amateur Radio Club

Amateur Radio Service FCC Part 97

Part 97 Rules (text)

Part 97 Rules (pdf)

Antenna Projects

Antenna Calculations Ground Planes, Half wave Verticals, Quad Antennas, 5/8 wave Verticals, Dipoles and Inverted Vee's