Gold Medal Software 3/Gold Medal Software - Volume 3 (Gold Medal) (1994).iso/misc/hod003.arj/FILE4.003

Text File | 1994-03-26 | 30KB | 571 lines

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 F R E Q U E N T   Q U E S T I O N S   A B O U T   A M A T E U R   R A D I O
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**  What is Amateur Radio? (HAM RADIO)

 Amateur Radio is a non-commercial radio communication service whose
 primary aims are public service, technical training and experimenta-
 tion, and communication between private persons.  Amateur Radio opera-
 tors are commonly called hams.  Hams often communicate with each other
 recreationally but also provide communications for others at public
 events or in times of emergency or disaster.

**  Who can become a ham in the United States?

 Anyone who is not a representative of a foreign government can
 be an Amateur Radio operator in the USA.  There are tests that
 you must pass to get a license, however the tests are not
 insurmountable.

**  Where can I locate information and books on Amateur Radio?

 Your local Radio Shack sells some ham radios and Amateur Radio
 license books.  Books can also be obtained through the mail
 from ham radio organizations, such as ARRL in Newington, CT
 (203-666-1541) and W5YI in Dallas, TX (1-800-669-9594).  There
 may be one or two ham radio stores in the local area (ie,
 within 50 miles).  Try looking in the Yellow Pages under Radio
 Communications.

 Use the programs contained on the World of Ham Radio CD-ROM

 For the Novice license, get a Novice License manual, plus 5-word-per-
 minute Morse code tapes, costing around $25.  For the Technician lic-
 ense, get a combined Novice and Technician License manual, and an FCC
 Rules manual, costing around $32.  The FCC Rules manual is a good idea
 for Novice also, but not necessary, since the Novice License manual
 contains all the FCC Rules that are required for the Novice License.

 The ARRL Education Activities Department has several programs to
 help amateurs (or prospective amateurs) to get started.  Ask for a
 "New prospect package" available free of charge, from ARRL HQ,
 Educational Activities Department, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.

**  How much does it cost?

 To take the Novice tests, it's free.  To take the Technician or
 higher class tests, there is a small charge (around $5-$6 currently)
 to cover copying costs and running the testing sessions.  The cost
 of a radio is really dependent on what you want to do.  You can
 make your own radio and antenna for under $150.  You can buy a used
 single-band radio for $150-$300.  Or you can buy a new multi-band
 multi-mode radio with all the doodads for $300-$3000.  I'd suggest
 you learn more about ham radio, talk to local hams, find out what
 you want to do with ham radio first.

**  Where can I take the tests?
 The Novice tests can be given by any two qualified hams of General
 class license or above.  The Technician tests and all higher class
 license tests are given by three qualified Volunteer Examiners (VEs)
 who volunteer their time.

 To locate an ARRL testing session in your area, you can contact
 ARRL at 203-666-1541 x282.

**  What are the tests like?

 First off, come prepared to VE sessions.  Bring:  TWO forms of ID,
 one of which has a picture on it; a calculator (if necessary); a pen
 and two pencils; the applicable examination fee (around $5-$6 for
 1992); the original AND a copy of your current Amateur Radio license
 (if you have one); the original AND a copy of any CSCEs for tests
 you've already passed (if you have any).

 Each of the written tests (Novice, Technician, General, Advanced,
 and Extra) are generally a multiple choice test of approximately one-
 tenth of the question pool.  For example, if the question pool is
 approximately 300 questions, then the test will be a 30-question
 test.  You need to get 75% correct to pass.  Note that they truncate
 to determine the correct number of questions.  That means for a 30
 question test, you need to get 22 right, which is actually only 73.3%.

 Once you've paid the small fee for Technician-Extra tests, it costs
 no extra to take another test, so I'd suggest you keep taking the
 next more advanced test until you fail.  If you pass the written
 but not the Morse code (or vice versa) for a specific class license,
 you have up to one year to take the other test before you would have
 to retake the written test again.  Note that some VEs will not allow
 you to take the written test unless you've first taken the Morse code
 test.

 The Morse code test is a receiving test only.  The test run 5 to 7
 minutes.  After the test, you are given a 10-question multiple-choice
 or fill-in-the-blank test.  Passing grade is 7 or more.  If you fail
 the 10-question test, the examiner team will examine your copy sheet
 to see if you have 1 minute of solid copy with no errors.  For 5 wpm,
 that's 25 characters, for 13 wpm, that's 65 characters, for 20 wpm,
 that's 100 characters.  If they can find 1 minute solid copy, you've
 still passed.

 Hints on Morse code tests:  Generally, it will be a standard QSO
 (conversation), and it MUST contain at least one of each of the
 following:
 26 letters A-Z, 10 numbers 0-9, comma (,), period (.), slant or
 slash (/), question mark (?), double dash prosign (BT), end of
 message prosign (AR), end of contact prosign (SK).
 The letters count as one character, all others count as two
 characters.  There are a couple other prosigns which are worth
 knowing, but will not be on the test, like "I'm done talking, next"
 is K, "I'm done talking, back to you" is KN, "Please wait" is AS.

**  What can I do with a ham radio license?

 There are so many things, it's a difficult question to answer, but
 here's some ideas:
 * Talk to people in foreign countries.
 * Talk to people (both local and far away) on your drive to work.
 * Help in emergencies by providing communications.
 * Provide communications in parades or walkathons.
 * Help other people become hams.
 * Hook your computer to your radio and communicate by computers.
 * Collect QSL cards (cards from other hams) from all over the
   United States and foreign countries and receive awards.
 * Participate in contests or Field Day events.
 * Provide radio services to your local Civil Defense organization
   thru ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) or RACES (Radio Amateur
   Civil Emergency Service).
 * Aid members of the US military by joining MARS (Military Affiliate
   Radio System).
 * Participate in transmitter hunt games and maybe build your own
   direction-finding equipment.
 * Have someone to talk to on those sleepless nights at home.
 * Receive weather pictures via satellites.
 * Build radios, antennas, learn some electronics and radio theory.
 * Talk to astronauts in space, or use the moon to bounce signals
   back to people on the Earth.
 * Experiment with Amateur TV (ATV), Slow-Scan TV (SSTV), or send
   still-frame pictures by facsimile.
 * Experiment with amateur satellite communications.

**  Should I build my own equipment or antenna?

 "Homebrewing" is a fun and educational part of ham radio.  It is a
 thrill to build your own transmitter and put it on the air.  However,
 building your own receiver can be quite complicated; if you don't have
 electronics experience, you may want to buy a receiver instead.  Most
 homebrew transmitters are QRP (transmit very low power).  That's fine
 for an experienced ham with a very good antenna, but a Novice ham will
 just get frustrated.  Your first rig, therefore should NOT be a home-
 brew.

 Antennas can be much simpler projects than the transceiver, though
 some types are also quite involved.  Most hams build their own anten-
 nas for base station use and buy antennas for mobile (car) use.  Most
 beginner ham books describe how to build different types of antennas.
 Order of difficulty, from easiest to more difficult, for some common
 antennas are:  wire dipole, Zepp, Yagi, Quad, and Log-Periodic.  Books
 from many sources, including ARRL and several Hams, discuss antennas
 in depth.

 When building or even understanding antennas, it is good to know the
 relation wavelength it is designed for.  An antenna performs best at
 multiples of 1/4 of that wavelength, though 5/8 wave also has beneficial
 qualities.  The wavelength is related to the frequency with the following
 formula:

 wavelength (in meters) = 300 / frequency (in megahertz)

 You do not need a huge antenna or tower like ones you may see around
 your neighbourhood.  Large beam antennas and 40-foot towers are very
 expensive.  As a beginner, a simple dipole antenna is perfectly
 adequate.  As you gain experience (and money :-), you may want to
 invest in something bigger.

 If you can afford new rigs and antennas, there are many mail order
 stores that advertise in ham radio magazines.  If you want to buy a
 used rig, the best place is at a "hamfest" (ham flea market).  You
 should take along an experienced ham, since some of the used equipment
 may be inoperative, overpriced or poor quality.  You can also answer
 ads in ham magazines or posted at ham radio stores, although often, by
 the time you call, the equipment has already been sold.

**  What are the different US amateur classes and what can each of them do?

 Novice - has CW (Morse code) privileges on 4 HF bands (80, 40, 15,
     and 10 meter), Voice privileges on 10 meters, and privileges
     on 2 VHF/UHF bands (220 MHz and 1290 MHz).
     Required are 5 wpm Morse code test and 30-question Novice test.

 Technician - has full privileges on all VHF/UHF bands above 30 MHz.
     Required are Novice test and 25-question Tech test.
     Technician may access Novice HF bands by passing the 5 wpm Morse
     code test.

General - has all Technician privileges, plus larger access to more
     HF bands, including CW and Voice on 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15,
     12, and 10 meter bands.  A General class amateur can give Novice
     tests.
     Required are 13 wpm Morse code test, Novice, Tech and 25-question
     General test.

 Advanced - has all General privileges, plus wider band access on 80,
     40, 20, and 15 meter bands.  An Advanced class amateur can
     also become a VE and give tests to Novice and Tech tests.
     Required are 13 wpm Morse code test, Novice, Tech, General and
     50-question Advanced test.  The Advanced test is the most difficult
     of the five written tests.

 Amateur Extra - has full privileges on all amateur bands.  An Extra
     can become a VE and give all amateur tests.
     Required are 20 wpm Morse code test, Novice, Tech, General,
     Advanced and 40-question Extra test.

**  What is the best way to learn Morse Code?

 This is becoming an increasingly common question as many "no-code"
 Technicians realize they can add more privileges to their license if
 they learn Morse Code.  The following list of suggestions should
 be helpful in finding ways to approach the effort.

 * Listen to code at a rate faster than you can copy.
 * Participate in Novice-Roundup and/or Field Day.  Practice whenever
   you get the chance!
 * Avoid the "deciphering" plateau around 5 WPM and and character
   plateau at 10 WPM by listening to the fast Farnsworth-paced
   "beat" of each letter and the "beat" of common words.  (See the
   question on Morse code speed for more information on Farnsworth
   pacing.)
 * Practice to develop a "copy buffer" so you copy about 5 characters
   behind.  (This is not easy but it's how the higher speeds are done.)
 * Practice both with headphones and "open-air" copy as the code test
   may be in either format.  (If you only practice one, you may fumble
   on the other.)
 * Most of all, don't give up!  Recognize when you reach plateaus
   and keep trying until you break through them.

**  I'm confused. What do all those abbreviations mean???

 AM      Amplitude Modulation
 AMSAT   Amateur Satellite Corporation
 AMTOR   Amateur Teleprinter Over Radio.  A more sophisticated version
  of RTTY.  Also used commercially as SITOR (Simplex Teleprinter
  Over Radio).
 ARRL    American Radio Relay League
 ATV     Amateur Television - a way to see who you're talking to!
 CAP     Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer organization that searches for
  downed aircraft and missing kids and uses frequencies just
  outside of the ham bands and often uses modified Amateur radios
 CB      Citizen's Band radio, this is NOT part of Amateur Radio and
  does not require any license to operate
 CQ      An on-the-air request for a conversation with anyone
 "dupes" A dupe sheet is a duplicate check sheet, in matrix format, used
  to quickly check that you have not had a "duplicate" contact
  with someone (on a specific band or mode) in a contest
 Elmer   An amateur radio mentor, or "Master Craftsman" to a new ham.
  Could refer to anyone, regardless of age or gender.
 FCC     Federal Communications Commission, the "law enforcers"
 FM      Frequency Modulation
 FieldDay A June activity to practice emergency communications for
  24 hours....wives call it 'an exercise in male bonding' :-).
 HF      High Frequency - 3 MHz to 30 MHz
 HT      Handy-Talky, a shorthand for "hand held radio"
 LF      Low Frequency - 30 kHz to 3 MHz
 MARS    Military Affiliate Radio System, military affiliated Amateurs
  who provide free communications for overseas GIs and other
  Federal services.  MARS operators are licensed under DoD
  instead of FCC.
 NTS     National Traffic System, a way to send radiograms
 OF      Old Friend, or Old F#$%, used to denote an older ham
 OM      Old Man, refers to any ham, including female hams
 packet  computer bulletin boards/electronic mail via Amateur Radio
 PRB     Private Radio Bureau, administers Amateur and CB services
 QSO     One of the Q signals used in Morse code to mean "conversation"
 QCWA    Quarter Century Wireless Association, membership means you've
  been a ham for more than 25 years
 RTTY    Radio Teletype - older form of computer communications on HF
 SAREX   In Amateur Radio talk, Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment, a
  chance to talk to astronauts in space.  In CAP talk, Search
  and Rescue EXercise, practising for the real thing.
 SK      Silent Key, a nice polite way  to say a ham has passed on "to
  that great antenna farm in the sky"
 SSB     Single Side Band - need less band width than AM or FM
 SSTV    Slow Scan TeleVision - REALLY slow, low data rate, typically
  used on the lower frequency bands
 UHF     Ultra High Frequency - 300 MHz and above
 ULF     Ultra Low Frequency - 30 Hz to 300 Hz
 VHF     Very High Frequency - 30 MHz to 300 MHz
 VLF     Very Low Frequency - 300 Hz to 30 kHz, audio frequencies
 WARC    World Administrative Radio Conference, a summit meeting that
  occurs every few years, required by international treaty to
  determine how the spectrum get sliced up to all vying
  communications services (last one was in 1992)
 XYL     eX-Young Lady, or wife
 YL      Young Lady, non-ham girlfriend or female ham
 2m      Shorthand for "2 meters" (144-147.995 MHz), which is a
  reference to the wavelength of a common Amateur frequency
  band used for local communications

**  What do all those "tones" mean?

 Sub-Audible Tone:  A low tone that you're not supposed to be able to
 hear.  It's used as a "PL Tone."  PL is "Private Line", a trademark
 of Motorola for their implementation of CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded
 Squelch System).  Basically, the transmitter sends the signal with
 the Sub-Audible tone and the receiver only opens when it hears signals
 with that tone.  Signals without the proper tone are ignored.  This
 is useful for "closed" repeaters, or for repeaters on the same
 frequency that have overlapping geographic areas.
 Tone encode refers to the feature of providing the tone on transmit.
 Tone decode refers to the feature of responding to the tone on receive.
 Tone squelch refers to all of the above.  DTMF refers to Dual Tone
 Multi-Frequency, or "Touch Tone" which is a trademark of AT&T.  DTSS
 probably means Dual Tone Squelch System and refers to the feature of
 providing a predefined sequence of Touch Tone digits to open the
 repeater for transmit.  DTSS is an alternate method from CTCSS, which
 provides a way to use a "closed" repeater even if your radio doesn't
 do Sub-Audible Tones.

**  How can I get a "reciprocal license" if I am a licensed ham from another
    country or if I am a FCC licensed ham who wants to operate in another
    country (on vacation)?

 For FCC licensed hams operating abroad, the following guidelines
 apply:
 * A reciprocal license is required in all foreign countries (that have
   a reciprocal operating agreement with the US), except Canada, where
   the FCC license is automatically valid.
 * Send a SASE to ARRL Regulatory Information Branch, telling them
   which country you are going to visit and they will send you the
   info and an application form.  Foreign hams can likewise request
   information from their national Amateur radio society.
 * Submit your application with a certified copy of your Amateur
   license (ie, notarized copy), and fee if applicable (use a bank draft
   of a bank that does business in that country) to the appropriate
   licensing administration of the foreign country.  Processing may
   take 30 to 90 days.
 * If less than one month, you could try sending the application and
   pick up the permit upon arrival in that country.
 * Most countries will not allow you to bring communications equipment
   into their country without a license or permit.  If you applied, but
   haven't received the permit yet, show the copy and your FCC license
   to the customs officer, however, the equipment may still be held at
   customs until your departure.
 * Be sure to use only those frequencies covered by your FCC license
   which are also used in the foreign country, unless otherwise
   authorized.

**  My apartment or housing complex does not allow outdoor antennas, now what
     do I do?

 First of all, don't despair.  Many hams have similar problems.  Many
 books offer advice for the growing group of hams that cannot put up
 antennas.  Some options are:
 * Install an "invisible" antenna made of magnet wire.
 * Disguise an antenna as a flag pole.
 * Install an antenna in the attic.
 * ASK the apartment manager.  You may find they will let you put up
   something as long as it "is invisible" or "doesn't disturb your
   neighbours" or "doesn't attract lightning".
 * Operate primarily from your car.
 * If the restriction is due to local ordinance, you may have relief
   via PRB-1.  Meet with the local government and seek an informal
   compromise.  It is possible to win in court...but it's expensive and
   time consuming.
 * If you are restricted by "covenants" attached to the deed of your
   home, your options are severely limited.  Covenants are considered
   to be private, voluntary contracts between individuals and are
   outside of the intended application of PRB-1.  In many cases, you
   can petition the Homeowner's Association for an exception.  Sometimes
   you can win in court on the basis that other violations of the
   covenants by others without action taken constitutes abandonment
   of the agreement.
 * For further information, contact the General Counsel's office of the
   ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111.

**  I got TVI...HELP!!!

 Here's some hints on Television interference, but this is not a
 complete list.  There are also books on the subject available from
 ARRL.

 * IF cable TV is an underground feed, look for central distribution
   box.  Check for a grounding rod.
 * Try installing torroids on the cable TV cable close to the TV, and
   maybe torroids on the AC cord as well.
 * VCRs are notorious for RF leakers, try disconnecting the VCR.
 * Check to see if interference is better or worse when cable is
   disconnected and you use rabbit ears instead.  It could be the
   cable company's problem!
 * Calling the cable company may get results, since they are also
   responsible for RF leakage from their equipment.  However, they
   are very often obstinate.  Good luck!  Try some or all of these
   suggestions before calling the cable company:
   1.  Log the interference, noting geographical location, frequency,
       and characteristics.
   2.  Bring it to the cable company's attention in writing, preferably
       addressed to "Chief Engineer", or "Technical Staff".
   3.  Don't be accusatory, instead ask for assistance in resolving
       the problem.  Try to work it out with someone technically
       knowledgeable.
   4.  Do mention your "licensed radio system", but try not to be too
       specific about "ham" or "CB" unless requested.
 * Try moving the radio antenna further away from the TV sets.  Make
   sure the SWR is LOW.

**  Did you know that you can get college credit for being a ham?

 It's true!  You can receive up to 14 credits in electronics and
 engineering thru placement tests for CLEP (College Level Entrance
 Placement) exams and DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional
 Educational Support) exams if you have an Advanced or Extra class
 Amateur license.  For more information, ask your campus education
 office or (for DANTES) your military education office.

**  On what frequencies do JPL and GSFC retransmit the shuttle audio?

 Station  VHF     10m     15m     20m     40m     80m     Video
 =======  ======  ======  ======  ======  =====   =====   ======
 WA3NAN   147.45  28.650  21.395  14.295  7.185   3.860
 W6VIO    224.04          21.280  14.282  7.165
 K6MF     145.585                         7.165   3.840
 W5RRR    146.64  28.495  21.350  14.280  7.227   3.850
 W6FXN    145.46
 KA9SZX   146.88                                          426.25
 K4GCC    146.94
 WA4VME   145.17

 All frequencies are in MHz.  Use FM on VHF, USB on 10-20m, LSB on
 40-80m.
 WA3NAN - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD
 W6VIO  - NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, CA
 K6MF   - NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), Moffett Field, CA
 W5RRR  - NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
 W6FXN  - Los Angeles, CA
 KA9SZX - Champaign-Urbana, IL
 K4GCC  - Titusville, FL (near or at Kennedy Space Center)
 WA4VME - Melbourne, FL (near or at Kennedy Space Center)

**  Can I take my HT on an airplane and operate it if I get the permission
    of the captain?

 Technically, maybe.  But don't count on it.  In general, you can't use
 a radio or scanner on an airline (or charter) *unless* the airline
 allows it and the pilot-in-command (PIC) determines that it will not
 interfere with the instruments and radios on that specific aircraft.
 Very few US airlines allow passengers to use radios so be ready to
 disconnect the antenna when you ask.  (Don't even ask to transmit.)
 For reference (in the US) the pertinent portion of the Federal Aviation
 Regulations (FARs) is Part 91, paragraph 91.21.

 Due to airport security, you may have a little difficulty carrying the
 HT (or any electronic equipment) onto the airplane.  Generally, you
 can appease the security guards, simply by showing that the unit is
 operational and doesn't have a bomb inside.  For a radio, just turning
 it on and opening the squelch satisfies them.  Expect more difficulty
 during periods of increased security.

 On a private airplane, it is legal to operate an amateur radio if you
 have the permission of the PIC.  It is still possible for the radio to
 interfere with the plane's navigation or communication equipment, so
 be sure to ask first.  Always obey the requests of the PIC.  He knows
 his airplane and radios better than you do.

** How do I modify my current Amateur license?

 To modify your license (change of address, change of station location,
 change of name, renewal, or even change of callsign), submit an FCC
 Form 610 to the FCC.  Forms are available from the FCC or ARRL or a
 local VE session or ham radio store.  Do NOT use a photocopy.  Check
 off the appropriate boxes, fill in the new/changed information, SIGN
 THE FORM, and attach a copy of your current license (or a brief letter
 of explanation for its absence, ie, "my dog ate it").  NOTE:  If you
 check the box to change your callsign, YOU WILL GET A NEW CALLSIGN,
 even if all you wanted was to supply a new address; if you want to keep
 your callsign, DON'T CHECK THAT BOX.  Send the form to FCC, POB 1020,
 Gettysburg, PA 17326.  Turnaround time (for CURRENT licensees only)
 is about 2-4 weeks.

 ANY ham can apply for a new callsign (this is different from the past
 where you can only get a new callsign if you move or upgrade).  You
 can't specify WHICH ONE you want, a new one comes from the same pool
 as new licensees for that class of license.  The callsign is based on
 your mailing address.  For overseas military and civilians, be sure to
 specify a station location that is within FCC jurisdiction.

 New licenses are for 10-year terms.  If you apply for renewal before
 its expiration date, the expired license is valid for 60 days after
 expiration to allow for the new license to arrive.  You have up to
 2 years after expiration (5 years for an old 5-year license) to renew
 before re-examination is required (but you can't operate with an
 expired license).  You will lose your current callsign after 1 year
 after expiration if you don't renew.

**  What do I need to get started in packet radio?

 Packet radio is a digital form of communication using radios.  There
 are OTHER digital forms, as well, like CW, RTTY and AMTOR.  To use
 packet radio, you'll need a radio (2 meters and 70 centimetres are
 most popular), a box that converts radio signals to digital signals
 that a computer can understand (called a TNC or terminal node control-
 ler) and a computer or terminal.  For some computers or TNCs you may
 need special software as well.  However, most TNCs and computers get
 along quite well with just a terminal emulator software package.  Most
 personal computers can be interfaced to use with packet radio.  Since
 there are many digipeaters, generally even an HT will work with
 packet radio.

 Your first source of information on Packet Radio should be the
 rec.radio.amateur.packet newsgroup.  It has its own regularly-posted
 FAQ that goes into much more depth on the subject than this one can.
 See also the mailing list and archives info in Part 2.

 For more information on packet radio, you might try TAPR (Tucson
 Amateur Packet Radio), PO Box 12925, Tucson, AZ 85732 (602-749-9479).

**  What do I need to get started in satellite communications?

 For more information about Amateur Satellite Communications, try
 AMSAT (Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation), PO Box 27, Washington,
 DC 20044 (301-589-6062).  They also have an international net on
 Sundays on 14.282 MHz at 1900Z.

**  What are these contests I sometimes hear, and how do I participate?

 Dozens of contests are held each year, usually at weekends, and can
 provide useful operating experience.  They typically last for 24 or 48
 hrs, and are usually on SSB or CW only (the Russian CQ-Mir contest is
 on both modes at the same time).  You can participate by making one
 QSO or several thousands.  In most contests you send a signal report
 (traditionally 59 or 599) followed by a number that is different for
 different contests - the most common one is a serial number (so you
 send 599 001 for your first QSO, then 599 002 etc).  The exchange may,
 however, be your age (All Asian contests), your CQ or ITU zone (CQWW
 and IARU contests, respectively), your state (ARRL contests) or
 something else.  Read "Contest Corral" in QST for the rules for all
 major contests - the more serious contester may wish to subscribe to
 the National Contest Journal, or join the e-mail contest mailing group
 (write to Trey, WN4KKN, at [e-mail]).   Knowing the rules can
 prevent embarrassment - you will get a cool reception if you are a W
 or VE and call a W/VE in the ARRL contests, since they can only work
 non-W/VE stations.   Otherwise, QSOs made in contests are just as
 valid for DXCC (DX Century Club - more than 100 contacts), WAS (worked
 all states) and other awards as are 30-minute ragchews.  Although not
 strictly a contest, the annual Field Day provides very useful operating
 experience under less than optimal conditions and is highly recommended
 for new operators - check with your local club for their Field Day
 plans some weeks before the (late June) event.

**  What magazines are available for Ham Radio?

 QST, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111 - basic projects and
  contesting

 CQ The Radio Amateur's Journal, 76 North Broadway, Hicksville, NY
  11801 - beginner ham radio articles

 73 Amateur Radio Today, WGE Center, Forect Rd, Hancock, NH 03449,
  FAX [phone], email: COMPUSERVE 70310,775 or Internet
  [e-mail] - more technical ham radio articles

 QEX, ARRL, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111 - more technical projects

 WorldRadio, 2120 28th St, Sacramento, CA 95818, [phone].
  Subscriptions to 201 Lathrop Way, Ste D, Sacramento, CA 95815,
  (800) 365-SUBS - lots of special interest columns, like QRP,
  ATV, YL, etc.

 W5YI Report, PO Box 565101, Dallas, TX 75356, 1-800-669-9594 -
  up-to-date information on Amateur Radio happenings.