Try not to Criticize the format, the spelling, grammer errors. I did this sitting on the Couch in a hurry when I had a bunch of other things to do that were pressing, but, I realized how important this type of information is, when I had my girlfriend and Mom, and two more friends get interested in becoming Hams, and I remembered how I wanted to do this a long time ago.
I still don't have much time, but I have been adding things to this quickly as I consider them important.

So, while fresh in my mind, after repeating most of this to this new group of potential hams, I decided to write this up and put it on the web, instead of just on the computer, in case someone finds it.
I am sure it will be very helpful. God knows, it took hours and hours and hours to learn these things for myself, when there were not many hams in my area, and the meeting and lunches were at least an hour away for me to make the trip. I tried to post as much as I could remember to help out as much as I could here in the time that I had to write this.
I need to go back and write something more about Repeaters, PL-CTCSS Codes, etc.. because I had a hard time finding out about the details which I remember well now.
I also sat down with Mom and Ruth and found things that neither of them were able to grasp out of the book. I think some better more down to earth explanations of Wavelengths/Bands/Band Charts, how they relate to each other, etc. is in good order. There were several other key concepts that neither of them picked up, and I had the same trouble with. I am making notes on these and will expand on them later.
So, cheers, and I hope this saves you some valuable time, as it would have me, and I hope it gives you some good concepts that you use to get with the program.. Ha..
Good luck.. If you find this, and want to ask a question, or have some comments, I usually carry a recorder for notes, so give me a call. I'll be glad to help where I can.
If you want to copy this, spruce it up a bit, and send it back to me, I would be hapy to post it more readable and more correctly formatted. I was trying to get context and content down on paper.

UPDATE: It works.. Mom Passed Technician with 35 out of 35 Correct, Ruth Passed Technician with 34 out of 35 Correct, and Stewart and Jake are just getting started with the materials, and I told them I would pay for thier tests, if they took Tech and General together, but, they had to pass my test before they go to the Exam.. Ha.. They work for me, so I grind them a bit extra.. Ha.. They can handle it... .
Thanks, Mark Thomas - KJ4SLY 828-788-2806 Cell.

SO LETS GET STARTED

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BECOME A HAM OPERATOR
And some Valuable Extras to keep you going after you get your License.

So you want to become a Ham Operator
How to get ready for your first test
Testing Pre and Post Considerations
What to Bring With You to the Test Session
Where to find Testing Locations
Where do you find your Local Ham Clubs
Passed the Test, Now What?
What to do after your Technician Licnese
What else can I do?
What to do after your General License
What to do after your Extra Lincense
How do I become a VE
What is a Vaniity Call Sign and How do I get one
I am Licensed, I want to Share this with my Wife or Children
Ideas: How can I help New Hams like myself (Please feel free to send me anything you have here)

SO YOU WANT TO BECOME A HAM OPERATOR
Here is what you need to know:
You will have to get a book, study, take a test, get your callsign from the FCC, and then you are ready to become an active part of the Ham Community.
You will have primarily VHF and UHF priveledges after your Tech Test. If you wan to see what you actually get, look at the Band Chart for details. Look for "T" for Technician.
Once you have your license, you will want to get a radio. Depeding on your budget, you can start with a Hand Held Dual Band Radio (Take it with you everywhere), or you can purchase a Mobile unit to put in your house, and move to your car. Or, if the budget permits, and Hand Held(HT-Hand Held Transceiver), a Mobile Rig for your Car, and another Mobile Rig with 30amp 12Volt DC Power Supply for your House. And, don't forget the antennas/Coax to go along with all of that. You might also want to budget for a SWR unit to verify your installation is set up correctly.
A HT or Hand Held will keep things simple, and allow you to do all sorts of new and fun things, until you learn a bit more, meet a few Elmers(Hams who are happy to help you get started), and experiment with everything that Ham Radio has to offer while you are going through the license upgrades.
You can do all sorts of things with your new HT radio. I think the best bang for your buck is the Wouxun KG-UVD1P Dual Band (VHF/UHF) Radios. They work well, and are easy to understand. Slow down, read the manual, get the software and programming cable that comes with it, and experiment with all of the exciting new things.
If your budget is very small, but you have a Computer, sound card-speakers and microphone, and can't afford a HT at first, check out the Echolink software. You can use your computer to connect to Echolink nodes all over the world, and talk through your computer to other Ham Radio operators using their VHF/UHF radios all over the world, through Repeaters connected to the Internet running the Echolink software.
If you have a radio now, you can use IRLP to connect to a tower running IRLP (an IRLP Node), and connect to other IRLP nodes all over the world. See more about IRLP(Internet Radio Linking Project)

Find a Local Ham Club near you. This is a great way to start. Go to some meetings and meet some new friends. Some of them love to Elmer new hams. Local Clubs usually have local Repeaters that you can connect to and "RagChew" or talk with other hams all during the day. Search the Internet one project at a time, and learn and try new means of communications.

When you are ready to try some new things, and have another budget, upgrade to General and you will have access to the HF bands. That means a HF radio, and they can run anywhere from $400 to $2000 dollars up to, you really don't want to know $5k or better. Then, getting the Extra License just adds more of the existing to your list of available frequencies.

HOW TO GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST TEST
First, you need to buy a book to get started. (Or,, you don't even have to do that.. Read More).
The tests are really not that bad. You have to be able to pass in the 75% range to get past the tests.
No Morse Code requirements any more.
There are two basic ways to do this. One is to read, learn, and then study for the test.
The other is to "Just Study For The Test".
There is a difference. You will get more out of the first than the second, but, more of your learning will be after the test than before it.

The books change, so, make sure the book you are buying is in the date range of the current tests. They are named by Elements. Element 2 for the first test (Technician),
Element 3 for the General (second Test), and
Element 4 for the Extra Test (last test if you are going all of the way).

The ARRL has a more extensive book for learning and taking the test. It is a larger book with more text materials, and explains things a little better.
Gordon West has a set of books that are designed more towards learning and passing the test materials. I took this route, and researched everything else on the Internet. Can't say it was the easiest way to do it, but it worked. There was a lot that I did not understand, but, I figured it out without much help, since the closest club was an hour away. I bought the ARRL book, but have so much to do, that I never reviewed it to see if what I was missing was in there.. One day, I'll ask someone who went through the ARRL book, what I did not know when I got started.
The Gordon West Technician Manual at Amazon, Ebay, etc..
Just Remember.. The test and booklets Expire every 4 years, so be sure you get the correct book.

As of Now:
Technician From July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2018
General     From July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2018
Extra         From July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2016

If you buy the book, read it through the first time, and get as much out of it as you can. Then, go back and read through the book again. Breeze over the parts that make sense to you, then, dig into the parts that don't. Some things, you'll just have to remember, like any other subjects. Stop, if you have time, and look things up on the Internet to get a better understanding, or pick up the phone after your research and talk to your Elmer for a better concept of what you have studied. Most will give you a little different concept, and help you fill in the blanks. Remember, they were you once also.
When you think you are pretty knowledgeable, go and download the complete list of questions from the ARRL website, and take a few minutes to create a answer sheet, and a question sheet.(I have done this for the dates above, and will give you download links for the files for the dates above.
I'll show you what I mean.


This is a sure way to study, and when you go to take the test, be sure you are going to pass it. It is just that simple..
You will make two question sheets, and two answer sheets.. I have done them for you here, for the dates listed above for each.
One Question file will have the answers for you to study with, and the other wil have questions, but no answers.
One Answer Sheet will have all of the right answers, the other blank for you to test your skills, and identify what you have to study over before you try to test again.. Just that simple..

I'm working on the files Presently.. I should have these up in a few more days... Call me if I don't.. 828-788-2806 Mark.

Technician Question-Answers.doc
Techinician Questions-Only.doc
Technician AnswerSheet.xls
Technician AnswerSheet-Blank.xls

General Question-Answers.doc
General Questions-Only.doc
General AnswerSheet.xls
General AnswerSheet-Blank.xls

Extra Question-Answers.doc
Extra Questions-Only.doc
Extra AnswerSheet.xls
Extra AnswerSheet-Blank.xls

If the proper test question pool is out of date above, you can find the up to date question pool here on the ARRL website: (http://www.arrl.org/question-pools# ), download the complete Question Pool, and the Graphics associated with the Answer pool. Save the Question Pool as the original file. If the question pool has changed from the above date, you will need to check/update the answer excel sheet above as well.
The above files are the same as you would be downloading.. The only difference is, one of the files has the answers deleted, the other one does not.. The Excel answer sheets, the same. One has answers, one does not.
DO NOT...REPEAT,, DO NOT, Only study the Answers.. You will not do well when there are 4 more possibles that you have not looked at when you take your test for real.. Some are selling short cut books.. They don't work for 90% of the people out there.
Trust me,, I grade the tests..

Each part of the test is called a SubElement, and each of these have groups under the Subelement related to the Subelement Topic. Each of the groups under the Subelement will have questions. You will get one question from each of the SubElement Groups. There were 11 Elements, with 35 Subelement groups when I took my test. In total, 396 questions in 35 sections, but only one question from each Subelement group that will make up your 35 question test. I hope that didn't confuse you.. It is simple when you see it.
Each Question has a Alphanumeric identifier. This is what you will want to copy to your spreadsheet, and leave room for an Answer for each question. The test is Multiple choice, so A-D works.
For example, The T1 Element consists of 6 Subgroups, and one question from each group. The groups start with T1A, T1B, T1C, T1D, T1E, T1F. Example: The T1A questions start off with T1A01, and go through T1A11. So, 11 Questions, and you get one of them on the test.
So, make your spreadsheet, start with T1A01, and copy it down to T1A11. Leave the next column open for your Answer. Now you are ready.
Look for the first Question: T1A01. Here is the Question Line: T1A11 (C) [97.3(a)(7)] (This is the question number, the (ANSWER), and the FCC part 97 where you can go and look up the FCC rules associated with it. You are interested in the (C) answers..

HERE IS HOW TO STUDY TO PASS THE TEST..
Take a solid weekend, and find someplace quiet for the day.. (Have someone bring you, your lunch and leave it)
Dig in, and don't stop until you have it.. Once you have it, then, you can wait for the test to come, and just review several days before the test, and the night before the test once more with practice exams.. I'll explain that in a minute.

Get your Question-Answer Word document.. Open it up..
Read the Question: (Don't look at the answer, until you have read all of the possible answers (A-D multiple choice).. Pick one, and look at the answer... Then read the question and answer together, and try to relate something in the question, with something in the answer that you will remember... This works... We will us the process of elimination.
Go through the complete question pool..
Now, Pull up the questions without Answers Word file,, and print out your Excel Answer Sheet with the Answers...

Read the question... Look for the answer.. Look for the relation that you made in your mind.. If you can't see it, read all of the answers again, and see if you can pick it out... Then,, look at the excel answer sheet and find the correct answer..
Now, go back, and review the same question, answer, and try again to associate the two together with something, some how..
This works, so don't give up. If you don't already do this, you will have to work at it, but, it should come fairly quick to you.

Move on and finish the test..
Now, Same "No Answer Word File", and print out a couple of Blank Excel Answer sheets" (No Answers)
NOW, take the test, and write in your answers.. "Don't Check them... Just take the test".. Feel the Test Pressure, and test Anxiety.. This is why you are doing this.. To work under the same pressure you will experience in the test session..
Print the Spreadsheet with the Answers and check them.. Mark each one wrong, and keep the sheet with the mark ups..
Now, go and review only those that you miss.. When you are done, hand write the question numbers down on a scratch sheet, or another blank sheet, and go back to the questions, and take only those again... If you get one wrong again, Study it again, and then study all of the ones you got wrong on the first test and then, again, the ones you got wrong the second time..
You will repeat this, each time you take the test..
Start with a fresh answer sheet, take the test, mark the ones you get wrong, and go back and study all of them, retake the test of only those you get wrong, and study them again..

You will quickly eliminate those you are getting wrong, and have less and less to study...
Then, go back and look at each of the sheets, and mark every answer you got wrong on one new blank sheet, and take the test with only those you got wrong again.... Study those you miss again..

Now, it is about time to take the whole test again, so stop, go outside, stretch, get some water, take a breather, and sit down and take the whole test over again. You will go from missing 35 or 40 to missing 3 or 4 or 5, maybe 10..

Then, when you think you are ready, it would be time to start taking some practice tests.. Remember.. They are the same questions, they are just delivered differently.. If you fail miserably, go back to the Word and Excel files.. You are not ready to practice test yet.

WWW.QRZ.com is the best place to take your practice tests. You will have to create an ID and then convert it over to your call sign later. This is where I did my study tests. AGAIN... If you are not passing the tests, you need to be back in the Word and Excel files, not taking practice tests.. NOTE: The practice tests are to give you confidence that you "WILL" pass the tests.. NOT TO HELP YOU STUDY.. That won't work.. Trust me... You time is much better spent studying what you get wrong...

Once you go over these tests, if you are making 90% or over, there is no way you will not pass the test. This also gives you a good idea of what the test will be like, and will reduce or eliminate any of the test anxiety. I knew I was going to do well when I took my tests, and I took both Tech and General on the same day, and only missed 1 or 2 on each test. I did both in 5 days of study together. For those of you who are ready for the Yahoo,, 4.5 days is what I spent on the Extra exam, but, I had brushed up on my relational skills a bit with someone who was much better than I at it..

I would suggest, that if you are very close to the 90%, you use the www.QRZ.com site to study a particular section or topic. I find that is a good way to confirm where you need to study more, and when you are finished with the section, and can move on to the next. But, it is much faster to do this in Word and Excel, than on the computer. You need to stay on topic.. QRZ will quiz you on topics, but, not every question each time.
When you are consistanly making a 92-97%, and no more than 1 test out of 5 making near 87 or 85%, then, you are at a minimum to go and take your test.. But, if you want to be sure, Stay above 90% on all of your tests, and you have a sure deal.
This works.. Too many people have used it, and I have been in test sessions where they have not..
When I start grading the tests, I can tell you if they used my technique or not.. When they do, EVERYONE KNOWS THEY HAVE PASSED THE TEST,, even if I know one of them well enough to joke with them and say,, "You OOPSed",, they are confident enough to know I "Have" to be joking with them, and I have had up to 16 people taking the test, and no one even came close to not passing.. Again, I have tested the same person 3 or 4 times and have had them fail, from trying to just study the Question, and only the correct answer.. Very few people can study that way and do well on a test.. It takes a certain mindset, and that person usually can take tests well, but, doesn't do very good in practical situations..
I wish I would have learned this in Elementary school, instead at the ripe old age of 50.. And it was taught to me by a 72 year old.. Just happened to be my Mom.. She Aced her first two tests, and I helped her study.. I knew something was up.. Ha.. Cheers..

TESTING PRE AND POST CONSIDERATIONS
Pre Testing: I went to the FCC and got my FRN number before my test. Then, instead of using my Social Security Number on the 605 Form, I used my FRN number. When the forms get to the VEC and FCC, you already have all of your info correct, and it takes them less time to enter your info in your FRN, rather than entering all of your data and creating one, and possibly making a typo.
I keep this file updated, more than I do the instructions under here: Use this document first.. It is easy:
GetYourFRN-Number.pdf
Go here and Register First. It is easy and Free, and you get your FRN(FCC Registration Number) immediately.
This is the FCC ULS Database (Universal Licensing System) http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home This is where you will go to find and make any changes to your License. This is also where you will go to see if you have a new call sign yet.. Please make note of your FRN when you complete your registration, and please make note of the Password you used. You will need this later.
Click on the Register for New Users and complete the application. Your FRN number will be 10 Digits, and probabaly start with a 000. After you take the test, usually takes about 1 week, you should go back here, login, and check to see if your new call sign has been associated with your FRN.
Once you have your CallSign, you are ready to Roll. Congratulations!!

But First,, now you are ready for your test.. Contact the VE in charge of the testing, schedule your test, show up a few minutes early and good luck.. Please use this time to say hello and meet some local hams that are there volunteering their time (NO PAY), to test and certify you. So,, yes, pretty nice bunch of guys and gals that you are going to meet. Bring your Pencil/Pen, notepad, and as questions..
What are the local clubs around here? Do they have regular meetings?
Ask about Field Days and any type of training or demonstrations, if they have any or participate or know of any around you.
What are the local repeaters around here?
Who might I ask questions of later? Many of them will be happy to give you their phone numbers, Call signs, and the local repaters they use. You can contact them there.
When they hand you that little Piece of paper (CSCE-Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination),, FILE IT... Keep It.. You might need it. If you move, or go to another VE Team for your next test, this is how you prove you took the las test.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE TEST SESSION.

WHERE DO YOU FIND LOCAL HAM CLUBS?
A lot of Clubs are associated with the ARRL. But some are not, so start here.
http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club is a good place to start.
http://www.hamdepot.com/ is another good place to start.
Most likely, you have found your local clubs.. Call them, and ask them who the VE's are in the area, and who is testing.
And, last, but not least, if the club is not affiliated, it still has a CallSign. You can still contact http://www.w4vec.com/, and http://www.w5yi.org/exam_locations_ama.php and ask them if they have issued any call signs in your area to clubs that are not affiliated with the ARRL. With all of this,, you can find a needle in a haystack.. Trust me.

PASSED THE TEST - NOW WHAT?
Well, you just wait.. Ha..Ha.. It will be like a kid waiting on Christmas to arrive.
Use these instructions.. I keep them updated. Check the next day after taking your test to see your new Call Sign, or the Upgrade results..
SeeingFCC-Results.pdf
BTW.. Testing with the W4VEC, you get your test results the next day... If you test with the ARRL, you could be waiting 2 weeks or better..

Usually, within 5 to 10 days, the FCC will have your Callsign listed on the FCC Database. If you created a FRN, you can log in and check to see when it happens. If not, you will have to wait for your FCC/CORES registration to arrive in the mail to see what it is.. So, if you have your FRN and password, go and Log into the FCC and check to see if it is there..
FCC ULS Database (Universal Licensing System) http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home
If it is there, it will be already associated with your FRN, so ignore the association messages if you see them. It is not time yet. It will be associated if the VE does it correctly, which he/she most likely will.
Once it shows up, you will have your callsign, and you are ready to go.
Hopefully by now, you have your local repeater list programmed into your radio, and are ready to say hello to someone.
Hopefully, you have been listening, waiting on your callsign, and you know how the game works.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU GET YOUR TECHNICIAN LICENSE
MAKING YOUR FIRST TRANSMISSION or QSO
There are a few things you should know. If you have a callsign like K4MNO, how are you going to say that? Who is going to know the M from the N?
The Phonetic Aphabet! Your CallSign is: Kilo, 4, Mike, November, Oscar to be sure that someone knows who you are.
Your handle is your name, and if it is Mark, it is (Mike, Alpha, Romeo, Kilo).. Look in your book you just put down, and pick it back up. The Qcodes and Phonetics are in there. Mark the pages and keep it handy until you get the hang of things.. If someone asks you "What is your QTH?", you reply with the general area of your home. Not particularly your address.
If you are bored, and nothing is going on, on the repeater, you can say "K4MNO CQ - New Ham, First Time on the Repeater, Hello anyone". Chances are, you will be welcomed by someone who is listening. Just explain who you are, where you are from, you just took your test with "The callsigns of the 3 VE's who just did you that Gracious Favor of giving you the test.. Where is that? It is on the CSCE form (Certificate of Sucessful Completion form you got when you passed the test).. The 3 VE's who certified you are listed on that form. Give them credit, and let people know you appreciate it. It is what being a Ham is all about. Helping others. It is why Hams are so important during disasters.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO
Check into your local clubs.. Check into the Local ARES group. Check into RACES. Go back to your book, and the Internet and see what it is all about. Offer help through these groups to other Hams like yourself. You will be surprised how much you can learn.
Don't miss the ARRL Field Day. This is a WOW experience. Go to a Ham Fest, or Ham Convention, or a Tech Fest. These are all experience builders.
Check into Echo Link or IRLP Nodes in your area. Get on the Internet, research, and then talk to an Elmer about it, or vice versa.
If you got the Gordon West manual, put the Included CD in, and Play it.. Listen to what he has to say, make notes, and add to this list. There are lots of things to research and try.
Do you have a Hand Held Dual Band Transceiver and $140 Bucks for a Yaggi Beam Arrow antenna? Want to take a shot at talking with the International Space Station?
When you get into this,, WOW.. Not just the ISS, but using other Ham Satellites to talk with other hams around the USA..

TALKING WITH the ISS or using SATELLITES TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER HAMS AROUND THE USA.
Let me throw in this little primer to get you started, if you wan to go that way.
Go to the http://www.arrowantennas.com/arrowii/146-437.html website. Buy the whole ball of wax. (146/437-10WPB antenna, and get the Portable Bag to go with it). Watch the two videos that are on that page. That should get you started.
Go here to track the Satellites: http://www.n2yo.com If you are planning on using your HT, there are only a few Satellites that you can use right now. The ISS (Zarya-International Space Station), the EYESAT-1 (AO-27) , and the SAUDISAT 1C (SO-50). Heck, sometimes they make 4 or 5 passes over you in a day. It's fun. Get a Compass and a Protractor to get started. You can plug in the SAUDISAT 1C, EYESAT-1 or ISS (ZARYA), then click on Track it now, 5 day predictions, or Add it to your list. Add all 3, then look at the passes. You can select only visible passes, or all passes. Visible does not mean it will be right over head (that is Peak Azmuth), it means that if you can see the Satellite in the sky, it will be early twilight or early evening, where clear dark skys will be able to see the sun shining off of the satellite in your location. You will need to update the website with your current location. Latitude and Logitude. If you have already created an account on www.QRZ.com, look yourself up, and see the deails of your address. Your Lat/Long will be there, and also make a note of your Grid Location, you will want to know it when you make a contact. It is usual to exchange grids when you make a contact. Just listen the first few times to get the feel of it. Get a recorder of some type.. Record what you are hearing. When you make contacts it will be fast enough that you won't remember who it was, so refer to your recorder.. And, it si pretty cool to record your QSO's via satellite.
Here is the link to the Saudistat-1C http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/satInfo.php?satID=4&retURL=/satellites/status.php Get the Frequency and PL code here.
Here is the link to the EYESAT-1 http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/satInfo.php?satID=7&retURL=/satellites/status.php Get the Uplink and Downlink frequency here.
NOTE: Downlink is where you listen, Uplink is where you Transmit. You will want to be able to vary your frequency on receive to compensate for the Doppler effect. Usually 5kH each side of the target frequency is good enough. So if the target frequency is 436.795, you will listen on 436.790 when the satellite starts its pass, to 795 when it is direcly overhead, to .800 when it is leaving. VHF is more troublesome with the dopler effect, so make note of it.

If you enjoy this, you might want to download SATSCAPE an install it. Just a single JAVA script file that you put on your desktop and click on. You can plug in your coordinates and pick your favorite satellites from a group, and print a list for several days to see when it is the best time to make your contact. The higher the Peak Elevation, the better the signal. Try it on 60 degrees and above for your first few tries. I print the list out daily for the days events. I have all 3 on my favorites list.
One note... Don't chase the ISS first. That will lead to a slight disappointment. These guys are on schedules. They are very busy. They only turn on the radios when they are not busy. So the bes time to catch them is breakfast, lunch, or after the day is over. They do have a repeater uplink that you can use to talk to other Hams, but, I have tried it several times on late passes and it must not have been turned on. They are on Zulu time, so the best time to conact them is 20 to 22 hours as far as I can tell. I have not be blessed with a pass during that time yet, to try to talk with them directly, or use the repeater.
The website www.n3yo.com displays your local time, once you put your coordiates in. So, you will have to coordinate the two of them at the correct time to increase your chances of working them.
You can downlod the schedule for the ISS Crew here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/timelines .
Here are the Frequencies for the ISS:
You listen to the ISS on 145.80 World Wide. For USA Regions 2 and 3(Americas and the Pacific), you Transmit on 144.49. This is what you want if you want to contact the Crew.
If you want to use the repeater, here is the info:
Crossband FM repeater downlink: 145.80 MHz (Worldwide)
Crossband FM repeater uplink: 437.80 MHz (Worldwide)
There are many websites related to Satellites and specifically the ISS.. You can search and find anything else you want.
If you want to get really fired up about it,, check this YouTube Video out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSIAi-t0OQI A physician in Portland Oregon KF7ETX who made a nice contact with the ISS.
BTW,, the ISS Callsign is: NA1SS. Look them up on QRZ.com.. They have links there to get you to the most popular websites.
Good Luck with your Contacts.. If I forgot something, let me know.. I did this pretty quick to help others.. I did not review it carefully.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR GENERAL LICENSE
Use the Same Technique above to get your General License:
The Gordon West General Manual at Amazon: $24.95 ISBN-10: 0945053657 Good from 2011 to 2015 (usually ends in June)
Check into ARES, RACES, and your local Club. See what you can give back to the Community.
Check into becoming a VE if your area could use you. Extras can test all other applicants. Generals can help test other Technicians, but not Generals.
Well, you just added the HF bands to the list.. To use them, you have to get a HF radio. There are all sorts. New, Used, etc.. With internal Tuners and without, With all bands, and with HF bands, and some with MF, HF and some VHF. If you go for the ghusto, get one that covers 160M down to 70cm, or 160 to UHF. That covers VHF-2meters and UHF-70cms along with the HF bands.
Or get a 160-6meter rig with Internal Tuner and get another radio for VHF/UHF later to add to replace the handheld radio at your shack, or vehicle. It depends on where you will spend you time, and what you will spend it doing.
I chose the Kenwood TS-480-SAT 100Watt rig with Internal tuner. It is a mobile rig that I can move to my truck, and also use in the house. They are not cheap. I think about $1600 new. I bought my for $1000 with a laptop and a digital link system software configured, etc.. but have not explored the digital side of the house yet. It has a removable face plate so I can put the radio base in one room, and run wires to another to operate it. I like that, since I move it around and don't have to relocate the antenna coax runing into the house. I have it in my den where I relax and work, and I move it into the other room when I am working on projects and want to listen.
I built a home made 80Meter Wire dipole using 14 Ga stranded coated wire from Home Depot. Nothing special. It works on everything from 80Meters to 6 meters, except 40 meters. I built another 40 meter dipole for it. The Internal tuner in the Radio will only tune about 4to1 SWR or lower, so, that is the reason it did not work on 40 meters. It is better to have a resonant dipole with low SWR than to have a Out of Range SWR and a higher power tuner, but, some will disagree. You make your own choice. My thoughts on it. The Tuner is between the Radio and Antenna. It does not change the Antenna, just fools the radio in to thinking that the antenna is resonant. So, the radio puts out full power, but, the antenna is still not resonant, so does not radiate properly, so, high power and reduced radiation surely does not beat high power and good radiation.
Either way, you are not going to get one antenna to fit all of the bands. This setup 80meter dipole and 40 meter dipole works well. BTW, the 80meter dipole was tuned for resonance on 3.902 on 75 meters. I have not researched the harmonics to see exactly how this works yet, but it works well for me. The 40meter dipole is tuned for the center of the 40 general band. So, I have access to 80-6meters.
The 160m band requires such a long antenna, I did not have room for it, and decided not to use it for now, and experiment with it later. I have some tall trees, but not much horizontal space.
If you add 2meters and 70cm to the radio, you can get separate antennas, or you can get a dual bander for that side of the house.
If you want to get fancier, and get antennas and a tower for beams on 20, 17,15,12,10, 6, etc.. bless you, and get a electronic antenna switch box to put on the tower, and run coax from each antenna to the switch, and one down from the switch to the radio. Your radio might have one separate connector for 2meters and 70cms, so make note before you climb the tower.
I would get a Jack up, fold over tower, self standing to make it easy to check and work on the antennas or check/change them, etc.. I don't like climbing that much and hanging on the side of a tower while working with both hands, even if I do have a safety harness and belt. Ha.. But, will do it, if I ever have to.
What about Mobile Antennas.. You have a choice.. Either one antenna for each band (bunch of them), or choose which bands you like and have one or two, or have one whip stlye of mount and change whips for the bands you will use. Check out the Hustler whips. One base, and change the whip for each band you want.. OR,, you can get a motorized antenna, and change the frequency of the antenna by raising and lowering the antenna. These are usually called Screwdriver antennas. They range from $130 to $1000 dollars.
I bought one of the Alpine Antennas. It covers 80-6meters and works great. Mobile antennas sometimes work great, sometimes have lots of RF interferance. I made sure I had a good ground, and the only RF I got was from the spark plug wires. A new set of RF resistant plugs and plug wires will most likely solve this. That is a whole nother ball of wax. Research, research, research.. You will find what you need.
I have a bunch of notes, but have not had time to post them on the web yet. Just thought this was important enough to post to help some new hams getting started. I know what I was looking for when I got started.
There are lots of HF radios that are good out there. I can't tell you about any of them, because I only have one. When you are looking for radios, check Eham.net for their reviews. Remember, most everyone likes their new radio if they can talk to a few people. Don't spend a bunch until you are confident, or, you have a friend who recommends one to you. Ask the older hams who seem more technical what they have had, and what they would buy if they had the choice. Some will tell you about the radio they once had and wish they still had.. But, when you are talking about these things, make sure who are talking to, knows about tuning antennas, resonance, and how to properly setup and use one. If they don't, they may bash a perfectly good radio, because their had a bad SWR, and the radio did not work well for THEM.
If you buy one used, test it on all of the bands, make contacts that are a bit away from your QTH, and if you are dealing with the average Ham, he won't shaft you.
In my opinion, the Tentec are the top of the line radios. Don't buy the most expensive. Get the one that they think is the easiest to use and the best performer. It will take you quite a while to learn everything these radios can do.
I hope this helps.. If you have any comments, please feel free to send them. I would be happy to include your comments, clarify or correct anything that I have here.

Thanks,, Mark Thomas - KJ4SLY (Look me up on QRZ.com for my contact info)


WHAT CAN I DO AFTER GETTING MY EXTRA LICENSE
Use the Same Technique above to get your General License:
The Gordon West Extra Class Manual at Amazon: $24.95 ISBN-10: 0945053746 Good from 2012 to 2016 (Ended June 30th) This is the New Manual.
Enjoy more frequencies, and the extra knowledge you gained getting ready for your test.
Check into ARES to see if you can help with your extra resources.
Check into becoming a VE if your area could use you. Extras can test all other applicants. Generals can help test other Technicians, but not Generals.
Update: If you are going to apply for VE,, please check into the W4VEC.. They, in my opinion are the best way to go,, if you are going to start a VE Team.. You get into the FCC database in a day or two verses the week to two weeks it takes for the ARRL. A week or two is a very long time when waiting for your call sign or upgrade.

HOW CAN I BECOME A VE
http://www.kj4sly.com/NewHams/W4VEC-BecomingAccredited.pdf
There is only one VEC as far as I am concerned.. It is the W4VEC... If you work with the average VE team, you get your results posted in the FCC Database the next day..
You don't have to wait 2 or 3 weeks to get posted through the ARRL.
It is best if you work with an existing team to get certified.. Get with the team, and have them submit your paperwork. It is much faster if you have someone vouch for you.
All you have to do is open the above PDF, and follow the instructions.. While you are at it, go ahead and apply for the ARRL VE.. You will have everything to apply for both.
When I sent in my application to the ARRL, it took 3 months..
If you decide to start your own VE Team, give me a call and I'll give you some pointers.. The guys at the W4VEC are great to work with, and you only have one additional Electronic file to submit to get your results back the next morning..
It is a simple Excel file..
Try to Encourage your Generals to get their VE's also. They can help in the sessions to grade the Tech Exams and can help do lots of other things in a session..
Mark 828-788-2806 cell.

WHAT IS A VANITY CALL, AND HOW DO I GET ONE.
When you are issued a new call sign at the Technician stage of the game, you get issued a call sign Sequentially. That means the next one in the list. It is also what is called a 2x3 call sign. To explain that, the "x" in the 2x3 is the Call Area Number, and the 2 represents the number of Letters in front of the number, and 2 represents the number of letters after the number. After your first license (Technician), you have the opportunity to change your callsign. You can actually reduce the length of your callsign by one letter. From a 2x3 to a 1x3. So, if your callsign was KJ4SLY, you could change it to K4SLY, but only if the callsign was available, and not in use when you apply for it. For Tech and Generals, you may only use K, N, and W as the first letter in the prefix.
As you upgrade to Amateur Extra, you can get down to a 1x2 or 2x1 callsign. 1x1's are special event calls, so you can't get any smaller. They also have restrictions as far as prefixes and suffixes.
To get more details, go here: http://www.w5yi.org/page.php?id=298 and then here: http://www.w5yi.org/page.php?id=254. To understand the groups for the callsigns, just remember that now, it is Tech, General and Extra, but it used to be Novice, Tech Plus, Advanced, etc..).. Go here for the Groups breakdown page: http://www.w5yi.org/page.php?id=281
How do you know what call signs are available? This is a bit more difficult, but not hard. In my opinion, it is not worth the time. I'll tell you why in a minute.

Start here: http://www.vanityhq.com/ On the left side of the page, you will see the call signs listed by group. Pick the group you are interested in. You don't have to keep your call area any longer, so you can have a call group 5 etc.. even if you are living in the 4 area. If you do want to keep your call area the same, then pick the group, sorted by District. That keeps the list sorted by Call area number.
The legend says: Green Available now, Black within a month, Blue predicted to be granted and Red=dont bother. So, you can pick one, or up to 25 to put in a list to submit to the FCC. I don't see how you would ever get 25 of either or both 2x1 or 1x2 call signs from a call area (at least call area 4) at one time that were available, but anyway. Couple that with the fact that the applications are not time stamped, but date stampted, so you and whoever else applies for the callsign are in the same boat, with applications that are computer driven as far as picking, and no one application has preference over another if they are date stamped and not time stampted also. So, the computer lottery picks applications to process for that call sign that you always wanted.. Ha.
The best way I found to look at the calls by area is to click the Call Availability, and sort the calls by district.

The FCC does not make this easy...
Here are they keys if you wan to try.. You have to wait 2 years and one day to apply for a license period. Even if it has been Canceled by the Licensee. You would think, if the call sign was canceled, it would be ready to go, but, that is not the case.
So, search the callsign, and use the last appliction for that call sign, and the earliest date, either cancelation or expiration, and wait two years and one day before you apply for it. If you don't get it, you lost $14.20.. Ha.

If you are still thinking about it, go through the list, say each one both phonetically and regular. Like Whiskey 4 Golf Oscar, and then say W4GO. Does it sound right to you? Consider that M/N sound the same, B/D sound the same, etc.. when considering your new call, especially depending on what you are doing. A DX person wants a short call sign, easy to recognize. If you are just ragchewing or talking on repeaters, it is not that important.
Now, you found a Callsign you want, and are ready to take a shot at getting it, and don't care if it costs you FCC $14.20, or $39.95 to a website that makes this sound more difficult than it is.

Log into the FCC with your FRN number and password. Click on File for a Vanity Callsign, and follow the instructions. After your application, you will be taken to a Credit Card payment screeen where you log in again with your FRN number and pay for your application. 18 to 20 days later, and you know if you got it or not.. You can put up to 25 Callsigns that will be picked in the order of 1 down. Good Luck.
It is very simple. Don't let the websites telling you it is difficult scare you.. Anyone can do it, if you pick a legitimate call sign and it is available.. Good Luck.
A few notes about it:
If you really want a particular call sign (That's why we are doing this anyway), make your application 2 years and one day after the license expires or is canceled. Every application that goes in that day has the same chance at that call sign as your application does. They are computer selected in some random order, not the first appliction that went in that day first. So, if someone else applied for it, and their application comes first, there went your money. You can increase your chances of getting "A" shorter call sign, if you apply for more than one call sign. Apply the day your first choice comes available for application, and list several others that came available before your "Choice" and if you are not first, you might get one of the others, if they are still available when your application comes up.
As far as tips, that is about all that I have.

I am Licensed, I want to Share this with UnLicensed Operators.
Can my wife or child use my station to Make a Transmission?
Understanding FCC Part 97.115 Third party communications.

This is a good question.. It is not easily read or decided. I think it helps to drink too much, or take something to alter your brain,, so you can understand this.. I think it finally took me about 3 hours to figure this out... You have to read the text of the FCC Part 97, and then go back and break down the terms and understand the definitions..
First of all,, you have to finally determine that the 3rd party is Either the person you are passing the message for,, or the Person Transmitting the message..
Next,, you need to understand that the FCC Licenses the "Station" and assigns a Callsign to that Station... The Call Sign is not assigned to a Person, although it is issued to a Person.
Yes,, take another drag,, or another slurp.. It gets better. Operator Priveledges are assigned to "YOU" based on the level of examinations you have Passed.. These are the Station Privileges, and as PRIMARY, you are the assumed Primary Control Operator of that station.. Also,, you should understand the Control Point.. This is the point where the "STATION" is being Controlled. If it is a Remote, the location may be differnent than where the transmission finally radiates.. But, it is always considered where you speak into the Microphone, kit the keyer, etc. It is where you are basically.

Here is the way I read it.. This is all about someone being responsible for the transmissions of a "Station". Someone has to be responsible for the Correct Operations of the Station, and it must abide by the Rules and Regulations of the FCC. That is the key.. If you are familiar with JOTA,, it is the Scouts day to experience Ham Radio.. Unlicensed kids making QSO's with other Scouts through out the Country and World.. (QSO's outside of the USA have other considerations).. Since there is no call sign for the 3rd party in the case we are talking about,, the Control Operators Call Sign is used.
You are authorizing the 3rd Party to use your Station, Under your Supervision, and you are responsible for your Stations correct operational parameters. All of the rules apply just as if you were operating your own station. If you go to another persons Station, you would be the Guest Station. As long as both of you are present at the Control station, the higher of the Station Licenses may be used.. You will need to use both callsigns if this is the case. If you are a General, and your Elmer (your friend, or the hosts radio) is an Extra,, if you use his equipment, in his presense on the Extra Band, you need to announce yourself as YourCallsign/HisCallsign.. That way,, if someone looks you up, sees you are a General,, on the Extra Band, he will hear the "/", and see that the control operator is an extra class operator, and you are operating under his authority.. That should hit both scenarios since you are interested.
As far as talking with Overseas Stations, you need to be sure that there is an International 3rd Party Agreement in place for that Country for 3rd party Communications.

So,, Lets read the whole deal and comment in it.
FCC Part 97.115
(a) An amateur station may transmit messages for a third party to:
(1) Any station within the jurisdiction of the United States.
(2) Any station within the jurisdiction of any foreign government when transmitting emergency or disaster relief communications and any station within the jurisdiction of any foreign government whose administration has made arrangements with the United States to allow amateur stations to be used for transmitting international communications on behalf of third parties. No station shall transmit messages for a third party to any station within the jurisdiction of any foreign government whose administration has not made such an arrangement. This prohibition does not apply to a message for any third party who is eligible to be a control operator of the station.
NOTE:::: This covers you sending the message for a Third Party....

(b) The third party may participate in stating the message where: ((( This is saying the 3rd Party is "STATING" the message ))))
(1) The control operator is present at the control point and is continuously monitoring and supervising the third party's participation; and
(2) The third party is not a prior amateur service licensee whose license was revoked or not renewed after hearing and re-licensing has not taken place; suspended for less than the balance of the license term and the suspension is still in effect; suspended for the balance of the license term and re-licensing has not taken place; or surrendered for cancellation following notice of revocation, suspension or monetary forfeiture proceedings. The third party may not be the subject of a cease and desist order which relates to amateur service operation and which is still in effect.

Here it is a simple point.. There must be a Licensed Control Operator,, Located at the Control Point, who is responsible for continously monitoring and supervising HIS STATION, while the 3rd Party (in this case a Non-Licensed person) is operating the STATION. You are allowing that 3rd Party Operator to be your Guest Operator. Being that a Non-Licensed operator is using the station,, he/she will not have a license, so they will be using your Call Sign.. So,, if they are screwing up,, it is your responsibility, and you are easily identified as being a problem..
So,, if you value your license,, you will make sure all of the rules and regulations are followed (this is why you are doing this anyway),, and the problem is solved..
Then,, just to make sure the system is not being abused,,, you are also held responsible to know if this person you are allowing to use your radio has had his license canceled, or suspended, or has let lapse and not renewed it.. Shame on you for not paying a measly $15.00 to maintain your license for 10 years,,, I guess is the way that they figure it. You should know if this is/was the case, so, this you should be careful of.. The last statment covers data emissions.

(c) No station may transmit third party communications while being automatically controlled except a station transmitting a RTTY or data emission.

So,, spread the news.. Let interested kids see what it is like to be a Ham Operator. Let your Wife talk to one of your friends wives on the radio for a minute here and there. Encourge them to go after the tests themselves.. Heck,, it is only a little 35 question test..... Right??? Ha..
When you work hard for something,, you appreciate it.. It is why this is such a great place to be,,, and why there are such great people that you meet on the radio..
ENJOY!!

Ideas: How can I help New Hams like myself

On another note,,, I held a session with Ruth and Mom after they passed their Tests.. I went back over the book with them, and pointed out practical applications of much of the material, and gave them some quick tutorials on their hand helds, etc.. This was very helpful and things really gelled for them.
I also spent time giving them concept on lots of the other materials that they didn't grasp studying for the tests. Repeater operation, etiquette, basic concepts of operation, etc.. that is not grasped when trying to learn everything at once..
You guys (Larry) had a good idea about holding sessions where people could ask questions about the material, but, it didn't seem like anyone had a bunch of questions. It is quite a bit of info.. But,, when I started flipping through the pages of the book with Mom and Ruth,, there was quite a bit of info to discuss with them.

It took me about two hours to go through the book with them and cover most of the stuff they needed to know. Both had questions about PL codes, how to make a call properly (call sign order) etc.. Much of the book covers announcing your call every 10 minutes and at the end of your QSO, but, it seems everyone has trouble saying the Calling call first, then their own, but it makes sense when you conceptually explain when being called you hear your own call sign when not ready to write, but, the next call sign coming is the one you want to remember or write down.. and put that example to an outbound call and inbound call. It makes sense perfectly,, but something about the training in the book makes this hard to remember..
Next time I go over this will be with Jake and Stewart when they pass their Tech and General Tests next Saturday.

I am going to make some notes and write up something that I can hand to someone freshly licensed so they can refer to it, until they nail it down.
A cheat sheet they can build on, and identify areas they were not proficient in after passing their test.

If I get them to forward it back to me,, I'll combine it all and make a complete document..
Everyone should get a Band Chart, a list of the common Q-codes, local clubs in the area, basic info on Echolink, QSL cards, Logging software, UTC time chart, information on what other things can be done with their new license class,, etc..
Tech: Local Repeaters, Satellite, Echolink, IRLP, etc..
General: National Messaging Transfer system, ARES, RACES, MARS, Worked All States Nets, Worked all Counties Nets, etc..
Basically what these things are, where to learn more, Local Nets to get involved with, basic info on how they work, etc.
I'll work on this as I go with the guys. They are interested in ARES and when they get a HF rig, will be interested in everything else.
I think it will end up being a packet of mini documents (subject related) that gives the overall concept and where to find more information. Maybe half or 3/4 page each.
If not that short, and it becomes a larger handfull of papers to print and pass out, at least a single page with a website link where the informaiton can be found.
It is easy to find details on the Internet, but not always easy to find Summaries or Birds eye views of what things are and why you should be interested...

I ran into this when I ran across the North Carolina Morning and Evening Nets.. I finally realized what they were doing after listening to several nets, and finally found a powerpoint presentation that broke it all down and I could see what was going on,, then, found a blank form at the ARRL website to be able to fill it out. I didn't find anything in one area to explain it all.
The Net should start with: If you are not familiar with this net, please go to our website, and click on our quick start guide.

It is the same as the Worked All States Net at the 3905 Century Club.. There should be a quick start guide to participating in the WAS Nets.. The fact that the reason this works so well is that everyone is using software that you don't know about,,, QSL cards can be printed in a matter of seconds, there is chat software that lets you ask questions and get answers, and the Buro is the way to go with your QSL Cards to save a bundle, and you can buy envelopes and postage in a couple of seconds with Paypal.
The Net should start with: If you are not familiar with this net, please go to our website, and click on our quick start guide.