Night Owl 9/Night Owl CD-ROM (NOPV9) (Night Owl Publisher) (1993).ISO/032a/radio03.zip/RADIO03.TXT

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·    Subject: rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently Asked Questions (Part 1 of 3)

Posted-By: auto-faq 2.4
Archive-name: radio/ham-radio/faq/part1
Revision: 3.7 02/19/93 17:18:18

Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently Asked Questions
Part 1 - Introduction to the FAQ and Amateur Radio
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a regular posting of frequently-asked questions (FAQ) about Amateur
Radio, also known as Ham Radio.  It is intended to summarize some common
questions on the rec.radio.amateur.misc newsgroup and Info-Hams mail list
as well as to help beginners get started.

Please provide a copy of the FAQ to any new or soon-to-be Hams you know.

Regular FAQ postings can help save network bandwidth and maintain a good
signal-to-noise ratio in the newsgroup.  However, they can't do it alone - you,
the reader, have to use them.  If you are a new user, please print and review
the FAQ articles and look at the instructions in the news.newusers newsgroup
before posting any articles.  If you are an experienced user, please help by
refraining from answering frequently-asked questions on the newsgroup if they
are already answered by the FAQ articles.  Instead, send e-mail to the user who
asked the question.  (It will be helpful if you include the part of the FAQ
that answers their question, but not the whole thing.)

The FAQ cannot always prevent people from posting repetitive questions.  But
even if hundreds of questions get posted, it saves you from having to answer
them hundreds of times.  Also, a friendly pointer to the FAQ in your first
answer can help that person refer to the FAQ in the future.  That is when we
can begin to get a real savings of network bandwidth.

To reduce the size of each article, the FAQ information is posted in 3 parts:
Part 1 - Introduction to the FAQ and Amateur Radio
Part 2 - Amateur Radio Organizations, Services, and Information Sources
Part 3 - Amateur Radio Advanced and Technical Questions


Table of Contents
-----------------
Dates indicate last modification.

Part 1 - Introduction to the FAQ and Amateur Radio
**  Table of Contents (1/93)
**  Introduction to the FAQ (11/92)
    * How to Contribute to the FAQ Articles (1/93)
    * Acknowledgements (7/92)
    * Notes on "Netiquette" (1/93)
**  What is Amateur Radio? (11/92)
**  Who can become a ham in the United States? (11/92)
**  Where can I locate information and books on Amateur Radio? (4/92)
**  How much does it cost? (4/92)
**  Where can I take the tests? (pre-4/92)
**  What are the tests like? (4/92)
**  What can I do with a ham radio license? (5/92)
**  What can't I do with an Amateur Radio license? (pre-4/92)
**  I'm interested, who will help me? (11/92)
**  Should I build my own equipment or antenna? (11/92)

Part 2 - Amateur Radio Organizations, Services, and Information Sources
**  Where can I find Ham Radio information with a computer? (11/92)
    * The rec.radio.* newsgroups (new 1/93)
    * The ARRL e-mail server (1/93)
    * The Internet File Transfer Protocol (FTP) (1/93)
    * Access to FTP archives via electronic mail (1/93)
    * The Info-Hams mail list: rec.radio.amateur.misc by mail (1/93)
    * Telephone BBS's with Ham-related information (11/92)
    * Callsign servers and geographical name servers (11/92)
    * FTP access to FCC Part 97 and FCC Amateur Radio question pools (11/92)
    * Lists of radio modifications and extensions (11/92)
**  Can I send ARRL or W5YI electronic mail? (11/92)
**  "Why doesn't the ARRL do...?" (11/92)
**  What magazines are available for Ham Radio? (pre-4/92)
**  How do I use the incoming and outgoing QSL bureau? (11/92)
**  Are there any news groups for CAP? (11/92)
**  What's the name of the QRP club that issues QRP numbers? (pre-4/92)
**  How do I become a 10-10 member? (pre-4/92)
**  How do I join MARS? (1/93)
**  How do I join RACES? (pre-4/92)
**  What organizations are available to help handicapped hams? (pre-4/92)
**  I am looking for a specific ham, can anyone help me find him? (pre-4/92)
**  Can I post my neat new ham related program on rec.radio.amateur.misc?
    (pre-4/92)
**  Where can I get ham radio software for my computer? (4/92)
**  Are there Dialup News services or BBSs for Amateur Radio? (4/92)
**  Where can I find VE sessions in my local area? (6/92)
**  Why isn't XXX available electronically? (4/92)

Part 3 - Amateur Radio Advanced and Technical Questions
**  What are the different US amateur classes and what can each of them do?
    (pre-4/92)
**  What is the best way to learn Morse Code? (10/92)
**  What is the standard for measuring Morse code speed? (pre-4/92)
**  I'm confused. What do all those abbreviations mean??? (5/92)
**  What do all those "tones" mean? (pre-4/92)
**  Where can I learn more about Amateur Radio if I live outside the US?
    (4/92)
**  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)? (11/92)
**  My apartment or housing complex does not allow outdoor antennas, now what
    do I do? (pre-4/92)
**  I got TVI...HELP!!! (pre-4/92)
**  Did you know that you can get college credit for being a ham? (pre-4/92)
**  On what frequencies do JPL and GSFC retransmit the shuttle audio?
    (10/92)
**  Can I take my HT on an airplane and operate it if I get the permission
    of the captain? (4/92)
**  How do I modify my current Amateur license? (4/92)
**  I'm confused about XXX, should I ask the FCC? (4/92)
**  Is there any information on antique radios? (pre-4/92)
**  Where can I buy vacuum tubes? (pre-4/92)
**  What do I need to get started in packet radio? (5/92)
**  What do I need to get started in satellite communications? (pre-4/92)
**  What is available to get started in ATV, SSTV and WEFAX? (5/92)
**  What are these contests I sometimes hear, and how do I participate? (7/92)


--Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently-asked Questions------------------Part 1--

**  Introduction to the FAQ

    * How to Contribute to the FAQ Articles

    We accept suggestions from the Amateur Radio community.  Please
    consider the following criteria:
    - is it a commonly asked question?
    - will its inclusion help reduce the usage of network bandwidth?
    - how useful is it to beginning Hams or to the majority of Hams?
    Contributions don't have to meet all of these but the minimum is one.
    We actually only ask that you consider these before contributing.

    We can't necessarily include every question or every topic - the
    network simply doesn't have enough bandwidth to carry that much
    information.  Besides, the point is that we're trying to conserve
    network bandwidth.  You can find the locations of much more informa-
    tion by referring to the "Index to the rec.radio.amateur.* Supple-
    mental Archives" posted monthly by Paul Schleck KD3FU.

    If you suggest a question for this FAQ, please include the answer.
    You'll get credit for your contribution and you'll speed up the pro-
    cess of getting the information ready for distribution.

    If you feel your contribution is sufficient to meet the considerations
    shown above, send it to  [e-mail]  so that it will
    reach all the FAQ coordinators: (listed in alphabetical order)

    Diana L Carlson    KC1SP   [e-mail]          (Hudson, NH, USA)
    Ed Hare               KA1CV   [e-mail]          (Newington, CT, USA)
    Ian Kluft (editor) KD6EUI  [e-mail]   (San Jose, CA, USA)
    Michael Larish     KD6CTZ  [e-mail] (Chico, CA, USA)
    Paul Schleck       KD3FU   [e-mail]    (Omaha, NE, USA)
    Chris Swartout     N6WCP   [e-mail]    (San Jose, CA, USA)
    Rosalie White      WA1STO  [e-mail]         (Newington, CT, USA)
    Derek Wills        AA5BT   [e-mail] (Austin, TX, USA)

    * Acknowledgements

    All questions listed as modified "pre-4/92" are entirely Diana
    Carlson's work or her editing of a contributor's work.  Diana estab-
    lished this FAQ.  She is now one of the larger group that maintains it
    but we didn't want her effort to be lost in the crowd.

    * Notes on "Netiquette"

    The rec.radio.amateur.misc newsgroup and Info-Hams mail list have a
    large daily volume of traffic.  They can operate more efficiently if
    the following netiquette guidelines are followed.  Please take them
    seriously.
    * If you are new to UseNet, the introductory articles in
      news.announce.newusers are required reading.  Go to that newsgroup
      now.
    * When posting a followup article, ALWAYS try to minimize the number
      of lines of quoted material from the original article.
    * As a general rule when you try to determine whether to reply to
      someone by e-mail or with a followup article, remember to "praise in
      public, criticize in private."  It's OK to disagree technically but
      be careful not to attack the person with whom you disagree.  Also,
      be careful with your use of the word "you" when posting a follow-up
      article.  Many unnecessary flame wars have started that way.
    * Use a descriptive subject.  For example, a message subject of "Ham
      Radio" tells the reader NOTHING about the contents of your article
      since the whole newsgroup is about Ham Radio.  Other examples of
      subjects which are so broad that they become useless could include,
      "Help," "A Question," "Antennas," or "Frequencies."  Maybe "Books on
      Antennas?" or "Where can I find Repeater Frequencies?" would be
      better, for example.  Remember, in a busy newsgroup a lot of users
      decide which articles to read from the subject line alone.  If you
      post, don't deprive yourself of an audience!
    * Before answering a question, check if the FAQ adequately answers it
      or if someone else already answered it.  If you have more to add,

      make sure to reference either the FAQ or the related articles.
    * If a user posts a question which is directly answered by the FAQ,
      there is no need to post an answer - the information is already
      available on the newsgroup.  Instead, just send an e-mail message
      which politely explains where to find the FAQ.  They will probably
      appreciate it if you include the answer to their question.  (Don't
      send a "nastygram" - that would just discourage future participa-
      tion.)
    * Pay attention to the size of your audience - use the "Distribution:"
      header.  If you leave it blank, your message will go to every civ-
      ilized country in the world and occupy disk space in all news sys-
      tems in all those places.  If that's what you intend, that's fine
      but make sure your article is relevant outside your country.  (In
      particular, Hams should already know there is more to the world than
      just their own country.)
    * If you have an item for sale, please limit the distribution area so
      that, for example, an article about a radio for sale in New Jersey
      won't get to California or Europe.  If you wish, you may cross-post
      your for-sale article to rec.radio.swap.
    * Software sources should be posted to either alt.sources,
      comp.sources.misc, or comp.sources.* for a specific machine type.
      Software binaries should be posted to the appropriate subgroup of
      comp.binaries.

**  What is Amateur 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.

    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.

**  What can't I do with an Amateur Radio license?
    The most important thing you can't do is transact business of any
    kind over ham radio.  Interference to other hams or services, as
    well as obscene, profane or indecent language is not tolerated and
    is illegal.  Music and broadcasting are not allowed on ham radio.
    Some personal conversations may not be appropriate to Amateur Radio.
    Do you really want the whole world to hear about Aunt Mabel's
    hemorrhoids?

**  I'm interested, who will help me?
    There are hams who are willing to become "Elmers" (mentors, helpers)
    in your local area.  Look around and ask local hams.  Search out local
    radio clubs.  As well, some people have volunteered to be an Elmer
    over the Usenet.  A list of UseNet Elmers and their e-mail addresses
    is posted to the newsgroup monthly.  If anyone wants to be an Elmer,
    send e-mail to
        [e-mail]

**  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

    relationship between the antenna element length and the frequency or
    wavelength it is designed for.  An antenna performs best at multiples
    of 1/4 of that wavelength, though 5/8 wave also has beneficial qualit-
    ies.  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 neighborhood.  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.
=========================================================================
·    Subject: rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently Asked Questions (Part 2 of 3)

Posted-By: auto-faq 2.4
Archive-name: radio/ham-radio/faq/part2
Revision: 3.7 02/19/93 17:49:15

Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently Asked Questions
Part 2 - Amateur Radio Organizations, Services, and Information Sources
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Questions discussed in Part 2: (dates indicate last modification)
**  Where can I find Ham Radio information with a computer? (11/92)
    * The rec.radio.* newsgroups (new 1/93)
    * The ARRL e-mail server (1/93)
    * The Internet File Transfer Protocol (FTP) (1/93)
    * Access to FTP archives via electronic mail (1/93)
    * The Info-Hams mail list: rec.radio.amateur.misc by mail (1/93)
    * Telephone BBS's with Ham-related information (11/92)
    * Callsign servers and geographical name servers (11/92)
    * FTP access to FCC Part 97 and FCC Amateur Radio question pools (11/92)
    * Lists of radio modifications and extensions (11/92)
**  Can I send ARRL or W5YI electronic mail? (11/92)
**  "Why doesn't the ARRL do...?" (11/92)
**  What magazines are available for Ham Radio? (pre-4/92)
**  How do I use the incoming and outgoing QSL bureau? (11/92)
**  Are there any news groups for CAP? (11/92)
**  What's the name of the QRP club that issues QRP numbers? (pre-4/92)
**  How do I become a 10-10 member? (pre-4/92)
**  How do I join MARS? (1/93)
**  How do I join RACES? (pre-4/92)
**  What organizations are available to help handicapped hams? (pre-4/92)
**  I am looking for a specific ham, can anyone help me find him? (pre-4/92)
**  Can I post my neat new ham related program on rec.radio.amateur.misc?
    (pre-4/92)
**  Where can I get ham radio software for my computer? (4/92)
**  Are there Dialup News services or BBSs for Amateur Radio? (4/92)
**  Where can I find VE sessions in my local area? (6/92)
**  Why isn't XXX available electronically? (4/92)

--Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently-asked Questions------------------Part 2--

**  Where can I find Ham Radio information with a computer?
    This question has many answers spanning several electronic media
    including UseNet, electronic mail, the Internet, dialup bulletin board
    systems (BBS) and others.  Various electronic information sources are
    summarized under the subheadings that follow.

    All electronic mail addresses listed are in Internet format.  If your
    site is not connected to the Internet and does not support Internet-
    style mail addresses, you will need to contact either your system
    administrators or a local "guru" to find out how or if you can send
    mail to the sites listed.  Ask them, "how can I get mail to the
    Internet?" and show them the address you're interested in.

    * The rec.radio.* newsgroups
    The primary distribution mechanism for this FAQ is UseNet.  There
    are several newsgroups dealing with Amateur Radio and other aspects
    of radio.  The full list is as follows:

    rec.radio.amateur.misc (*)   Ham Radio - misc/general topics
    rec.radio.amateur.packet     Ham Radio - computer/packet radio
    rec.radio.amateur.policy     Ham Radio - policy & regulation
    rec.radio.broadcasting       public broadcast radio
    rec.radio.cb                 Citizens' Band Radio
    rec.radio.info (*)           periodic info from all rec.radio groups
    rec.radio.noncomm            misc non-commercial radio topics
    rec.radio.shortwave          Shortwave Radio
    rec.radio.swap               radio equipment wanted and for sale

    This FAQ is cross-posted to the newsgroups marked with asterisks (*).
    It is also cross-posted to rec.answers (the archive for FAQs in the
    rec.* newsgroups) and to news.answers (UseNet's general repository for
    FAQs.)  These should be the first places to look for new current
    copies of the FAQ.

    Most of the rec.radio newsgroups have their own FAQs as well.

    * The ARRL e-mail server
    ARRL is the American Radio Relay League, representing and promoting
    Amateur Radio in the USA.  They have established an automated file
    server which responds to information requests via electronic mail.
    To use the server, send mail to [e-mail] with any number of
    one-line commands in your message.  Valid commands are as follows:

    help        sends more detailed instructions about the e-mail server
    index       sends a list of the files currently available
    send file   sends a file (replace "file" with the file's name)
            several files are referenced by name in parts of this FAQ
    quit        ends command processing - use it if a signature will be
            appended to your message

    The server program will respond to the commands, each in a separate
    message.  Among many other informative files, a current copy of the
    FAQ (updated monthly) can be obtained from the ARRL e-mail server.

    * The Internet File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
    Sites connected to the Internet can access large amounts of data
    almost anywhere in the world, often at high speeds.  One common way
    to transfer the data you want is FTP.  Some sites offer a service
    called "anonymous FTP" which allows remote users to access a set of
    public files without requiring a password.

    Tom Czarnik coordinates a fairly definitive list of anonymous FTP
    sites, their IP numbers, time zones, general contents, and access
    policies which he posts to the comp.misc, comp.sources.wanted,
    alt.sources.wanted, and news.answers newsgroups.  It is itself
    available via anonymous FTP (how about that?? :-) from (among other
    places) rtfm.mit.edu (18.172.1.27) under directory
    /pub/usenet/news.answers/ftp-list.

    For specific information about exact locations of files by name,
    the Archie database server may be of help.  First check if anyone has
    installed the "archie" program on your machine and use it.  Archie may
    also be accessed by telnetting to one of the following sites (use the
    one closest to you):

    Finland/Europe: archie.funet.fi (128.215.6.100)
    Canada: archie.mcgill.ca (132.206.2.3)
    Australia/New Zealand: archie.au (128.184.1.4)
    Israel: cs.huji.ac.il (132.65.6.5)
    UK/Ireland: raquel.doc.ic.ac.uk (146.169.11.3)
    USA (Maryland): archie.sura.net (128.167.254.179)
    USA (Nebraska): archie.unl.edu (129.93.1.14)
    USA (New York): archie.ans.net (147.225.1.2)
    USA (New Jersey): archie.rutgers.edu (128.6.18.15)

    Login is archie.  Type "help" at the prompt for a description of all
    server commands.

    For those without telnet capability, the database may be accessed non-
    interactively via mail server.  Send E-mail with the word "help" to
    archie@host where host is one of the Archie sites above.

    The above two resources (the FTP list and the Archie server) are
    extremely powerful tools for finding out "what's out there" at various
    FTP sites around the world.  *PLEASE* exhaust their capabilities
    before posting requests to the net.

    The following is a brief summary of major ham-related FTP sites and
    places where you can obtain a current copy of this FAQ:

    ftp.cs.buffalo.edu (128.205.32.9)
        (submissions to this ftp site should be made to
        [e-mail]) - contains many ham radio files,
        including the FAQs, Elmer list, SWL and scanner info, Packet
        FAQ, examination opportunities, information on various
        regulations, information on commercial radios (i.e. GE or
        Motorola), SSTV (slow-scan TV), HTs (handheld transceivers)
        and the KA2UGQ worldwide BBS list.  See ~pub/ham-radio.  This
        FAQ is updated monthly here.
    wsmr-simtel20.army.mil (192.88.110.20)
        Keith Peterson, W8SDZ, has apparently returned as the
        maintainer of this huge repository of ham-radio (software and
        modifications), MS-DOS, and CP/M files.  To find out how
        to submit files to this archive, please read his informational
        posts to the comp.binaries.ibm.pc.archives newsgroup. If you
        cannot directly FTP from wsmr-simtel20, there is a mail server
        that can help.  Send mail with the text "help" to
        [e-mail] (128.113.5.11).
    wuarchive.wustl.edu (128.252.135.4)
        A "mirror" of the files available on Simtel20, plus a *LOT*
        more.  A more user-friendly Unix environment (plus a faster
        net connection) makes this site preferred over Simtel20.
        If you are on a Unix box locally, see if your system
        administrator will "NFS-mount" these files for faster/easier
        access.
    ucsd.edu (128.54.16.1)
        The "home" site (with the most recent versions for the largest
        number of different computer platforms) of the KA9Q TCP/IP
        Network Operating System (NOS), other ham-related software,
        and the archives for the Info-Hams, Packet-Radio, Ham-Policy,
        Radio-Info and TCP-Group digests.
    uxc.cso.uiuc.edu (128.174.5.50)
        cd pub/ham-radio - This site contains the HyperCard Hamstacks
        written by Diana Syriac as well as ASCII readable ham radio
        question pools.
    ftp.apple.com (130.43.2.3)
        cd pub/ham-radio - Ham software and information, especially
        Macintosh software
    ftp.uu.net (137.39.1.9)
    wuarchive.wustl.edu (128.252.135.4)
    wolfen.cc.uow.edu.au (130.130.68.4)
    athene.uni-paderborn.de (131.234.2.32)
    nic.funet.fi (128.214.6.100)
        ham radio files and software for the Amiga computer system
    rtfm.mit.edu (18.172.1.27) also called pit-manager.mit.edu
        cd pub/usenet/news.answers - all participating FAQs and
        periodic informational postings are archived here, including
        those from the rec.radio.* newsgroups which can be found in
        pub/usenet/news.answers/radio.  Participating FAQs are
        automatically archived here when they are posted on UseNet.
    uts.mcc.ac.uk (130.88.200.3)

        cd gopher-data/justforfun/faq/recreation - see *radio* for
        radio-related FAQs.  This site is located in the UK and is
        a good place to obtain the FAQ from the UK and the European
        mainland.
    ftp.amdahl.com (129.212.11.1) also called charon.amdahl.com
        cd pub/radio/amateur - the most up-to-date copy of the FAQ
        (updated nightly when changes are made)

    If you experience difficulty connecting to the above FTP sites, some
    troubleshooting hints are shown below.  The unfortunate situation here
    is that Netnews is far more prevalent than direct Internet hookups,
    accurate name servers, smart mailers and routers, and of course,
    telnet and FTP client services.  What this means is that your trouble
    may be caused by MANY factors.

    Here's some hints to check what's wrong:
    * It may very well be that your newsfeed and email are via dialup line
      and UUCP (Unix-to-Unix copy) in the wee hours of the morning.  If
      this is the case, then you have no direct connection to the Internet
      and thus cannot use real-time interactive services like FTP and
      telnet.
    * If you are at a college or university, your host (ie, the computer
      you are logged onto) may be on the Bitnet network, which has an
      email gateway to the Internet, but no direct connect capability.
    * If you do have a direct connection to the Internet, does your host
      have telnet and/or FTP client programs?  (ie, if you type "ftp" or
      "telnet" at your command prompt, do you get anything?)  Many hosts,
      particularly IBM mainframes not running Unix, do not support these
      services!
    * Can you telnet to other hosts and get a login prompt?
      It may very well be that some hosts are "not recognized" due to
      misconfigured connections and inaccurate host tables/name servers
      (*.mil computers are *NOTORIOUS* for this!)
    * If you get "host not in host table" or "host unknown" or similar
      error, try telnetting via the IP number, a set of four 1-3-digit
      numbers separated by periods (eg, 137.48.1.1).  The exact IP number
      for the site can be obtained via the nslookup utility, if your
      computer supports it....or check the FAQs.  Your host may not
      recognize the "fully-qualified domain name" (like
      callsign.cs.buffalo.edu), but it should ALWAYS recognize an IP
      number if their network is reachable from yours.
    * If you get "network unreachable" check with some more knowledgeable
      users if your site is actually connected to the Internet.  If it is,
      a link in the network may be temporarily disconnected for maintenance
      (or by accident.)
    * In the case of telnetting to a non-default port (as in the case
      with the callbook servers), if telnet <host> <port#> doesn't work,
      but you can telnet to the default login port (ie, no qualifiers),
      then the manner at which the port qualifier is entered may be
      system dependent.
    * Syntax for telnetting from different operating systems differ.
      Some common command syntaxes are:  (angle brackets are for
      readability, do not type these in literally)
      Berkeley Unix or VMS with Wollongong TCP/IP uses syntax:
        telnet <host> <socket#>
      Other possibilities to try:
        telnet console <host> (for 2000 port)
        telnet <CR> open <host>:<port#>
        telnet <host>/<port#>
        telnet <host>/port=<port#> (for Multinet on VMS)
    * Compression techniques are different for different operating systems.
      However, these hints should help: foo.sit needs MacIntosh UnStuffit
      to unstuff; foo.hqx needs MacIntosh BinHex to uncompress; foo.Z
      needs Unix 'uncompress' to uncompress or VMX compress_vms.exe (on
      gatekeeper.dec.com) will work too.  If more than one method was used,
      like for foo.hqx.Z, start at the outside and work in (so uncompress
      on Unix with 'uncompress' first, transfer to MacIntosh, then
      uncompress with BinHex to get uncompressed file).
    * There is an excellent introduction to FTP and archiving software
      regularly posted to comp.binaries.ibm.pc and news.answers.
    * If all else fails, ASK your system administrator or check system
      documentation.

    * Access to FTP archives via electronic mail
    ANY BITNET, EARN, or NorthNET site can access the Princeton mail
    server.  It will be most efficient if you know the complete path
    and filename for anything you wish to transfer, but you can use
    'cd' and 'ls -l' commands to move about and browse the remote site's
    directories.  The Archie database server may also be useful to search
    for files and their directory locations on FTP sites around the world
    (see below).  Please be patient when using non-interactive mail
    servers such as BITFTP as each request may take several hours (or
    longer) to be fulfilled.

    For access to the FTP server, send email to [e-mail] (for
    BITNET, EARN and NorthNET users ONLY!).  Subject doesn't matter.
    The text of the email is the FTP commands one after another.  For
    example, suppose you wanted to access the FTP site lcs.mit.edu:
        FTP lcs.mit.edu
        USER anonymous
        PASS yourname@yoursite    (not required)
        ASCII
        CD telecom-archives
        GET filenames
        BYE
    A help file is available giving detailed instructions by putting
    the single word HELP into the text of the email.

    For nonBITNET users, there is also a FTPMAIL server at
    [e-mail] (16.1.0.1).  Commands include:  REPLY
    <mailaddr>, CONNECT [HOST [user [pass]]], ASCII, BINARY, COMPRESS,
    COMPACT, UUENCODE, BTOA, LS <directory>, DIR <directory>, GET <file>,
    QUIT, HELP.  Get the help file for more information by sending mail
    with the single line "help".  The ftpmail site may complain if you try
    try to get more than 1 file per email request.  Here is an example of
    a request:
        reply your_name@your_site
        connect uxc.cso.uiuc.edu
        binary
        uuencode
        get pub/ham-radio/Tech.v3.3.sit.hqx.Z
        quit

    A note on the use of FTP mailservers:  If you want to use FTP
    mailservers, like FTPMAIL, please be considerate of any systems that
    your mail must pass through.  The quickest way to find yourself cut
    off from the world is to make the admins of sites that pass your mail
    pass 60Mb of X11 graphics system source.  If you need large amounts
    of information from a mailserver, contact your admin for help -- it
    may already be available, or he may know a better way to get it.

    * The Info-Hams mail list: rec.radio.amateur.misc by mail
    You can use rec.radio.amateur.misc even if your site has no NetNews
    feed.  To subscribe to rec.radio.amateur.misc, send email to:
        [e-mail]
    In the body of the message, write:
        subscribe Info-Hams
    If your local e-mail software does not provide a valid return address
    (i.e. Bitnet, many Milnet sites, and many non-Unix e-mail packages)
    you can provide your return address between the "subscribe" and the
    name of the mailing list (i.e. "subscribe [e-mail] Info-Hams".)

    Similarly, to subscribe to some other rec.radio.* newsgroups, use
    the following directions:
    * To subscribe to rec.radio.amateur.packet, send email to
      [e-mail], message is "subscribe Packet-Radio"
    * To subscribe to rec.radio.amateur.policy, send email to
      [e-mail], message is "subscribe Ham-Policy"
    * To subscribe to rec.radio.info, send email to
      [e-mail], message is "subscribe Radio-Info"
    * To subscribe to rec.radio.shortwave, send email to
      [e-mail], message is "subscribe swl-l (your name)"

    TO UNSUBSCRIBE, follow directions above, changing the command word
    "subscribe" to "unsubscribe"
       DON'T POST TO THE NEWSGROUP ITSELF!  USE THE REQUEST ADDRESS!
    Help is available by using the command word "help".  Note that command
    words MUST be the first word on each line of the message.

    You can post to rec.radio.amateur.{misc,packet,policy} by sending
    your posting email to Info-Hams, Packet-Radio, or Ham-Policy, all at
    ucsd.edu.  Since rec.radio.info is a moderated newsgroup, requests
    to post to it may be sent to Radio-Info but they will be mailed to
    the moderator, [e-mail], for posting.

    All of the Amateur radio newsgroups are archived for FTP on ucsd.edu
    under subdirectory mailarchives/{Ham-Policy, Info-Hams,Packet-Radio}.
    Radio-Info is not archived at UCSD.  (See the news.answers archives
    at rtfm.mit.edu.)

    * Telephone BBS's with Ham-related information
    WB3FFV has one, phones are 301-625-0817 or 301-625-9482 or
    301-625-9663.  Data settings are 8 bits, NO parity, 1 stop bit.
    Login is bbs, no password.
    This BBS is also available via UUCP, login is uucpanon, no password.
    For a listing of available archived, try:
    uucp wb3ffv!~/FILES /usr/spool/uucppublic

    Another one is N8EMR at phone [phone], login hbbs.  Data settings
    are 8 bits, NO parity, 1 stop bit.  N8EMR has a comprehensive list of
    other ham-related BBS's on-line.

    * Callsign servers and geographical name servers
    If you are at an Internet site you can connect using telnet to one
    of the two primary servers:

    callsign.cs.buffalo.edu (currently 128.205.32.2)
    ham.njit.edu        (currently 128.235.1.10)

    There is also a general geographical name server at:

    martini.eecs.umich.edu (currently 141.212.100.9)

    The callbook servers sit on port number 2000 and the geographical
    name server sits on port 3000.  These are different port numbers
    than what telnet usually defaults to. So if you just telnet to these
    machines, you will get a login prompt instead of the server. How you
    tell your telnet program to connect to port 2000 or 3000 instead of
    the default port is operating system dependent but it is usually done
    with a line like


    telnet callsign.cs.Buffalo.EDU 2000

    If this doesn't work, check the telnet/FTP troubleshooting hints
    above or consult your local systems guru for the proper command string.

    The interactive servers are designed to be somewhat self-explanatory
    and they support fairly detailed help facilities. The first command
    you should execute when connecting to one of these servers is "info".
    This will list general info about that server and how to use it. You
    should then type "help" to list the various commands available.
    Typing "help" followed by a command name will give you a little more
    detail about that command. Servers allow searches by call, last name,
    zip code or city and also provide regular expression filters to trim
    your searches so you get a reasonable amount of output.

    Both these servers are built from a database distributed by Rusty
    Carruth, N7IKQ. This database currently contains US and Canadian
    callsigns and it does not contain club calls. A new version of the
    database is sent around approximately once a year.

    There is also an email callsign server at [e-mail]
    (The UUCP address is ...!uunet!dptspd!callbook).  In the body of the
    text, say "lookup" followed by callsigns you want to look up.  If
    your mailer appends signature files, you should put a line "quit" at
    the end of your request (before the signature file).  If you want
    help, put the word "help" on a line by itself.  Here is what a
    request might look like:
        help
        lookup kc1sp wn4bbj
        lookup n0fzd
        quit

    There is another email callsign server at [e-mail].
    The subject line is the list of callsigns to lookup.  All other lines
    are ignored.  This same callsign server can be accessed with packet
    radio via cbook@n8jyv.#cmh.oh.usa.na.  The body of the message should
    include "REPLY n8jyv!HOME_BBS!CALL" (where HOME_BBS is YOUR home BBS,
    and CALL is YOUR callsign), carriage return, "CALL call1 call2 ..."
    (where call1 call2 .... is space separated list of callsigns you want
    to lookup).

    If you are a packet radio station, callserver data is available from
    [e-mail], subject line should be up to 5 US callsigns,
    separated by spaces.  For Canadian calls, use the callserver at
    [e-mail].  Body of message is ignored.  The server is an
    OS interface to the MBL packet BBS using the Buckmaster CD-ROM
    callsign database.

    The REQQTH address is for the AX.25 radio-linked amateur packet
    network, *NOT* the Internet.  If you attempt to send Internet mail to
    this address, and use the old .NA suffix instead of the new .NOAM
    suffix, it will get routed to Nimibia (Internet suffix .na) which is
    currently paying a lot of money for misdirected ham mail.  Help
    maintain a positive example for amateur radio and please do not
    attempt this!

    The FCC "call sign hotline" at 717-337-1212 is available for those
    who wish to listen to the call signs allocated in each group for each
    district.  This requires only a touch-tone telephone to use.

    * FTP access to FCC Part 97 and FCC Amateur Radio question pools
    Part 97 is part of the FCC regulations and only applies to the USA.

    The text to part 97 is available by ftp from several locations:
    Western US
       ftp.amdahl.com              /pub/radio/amateur/part97.txt.Z
    Central US
       pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu  /msdos/ham/part97.arc
    Eastern US
       gandalf.umcs.maine.edu      /pub/ham-radio/part97.txt
       ftp.uu.net                  /networking/ka9q/part97.arc
    The *.arc files are MSDOS ARC files with the same ASCII text.

    An ASCII copy of the question pools are available by ftp from
    uxc.cso.uiuc.edu (128.174.5.50) in /pub/ham-radio/<class>-pool.txt.Z,
    where <class> is novice, technician, general, advanced or extra.

    * Lists of radio modifications and extensions
    Some mods can be found on wsmr-simtel20.army.mil or
    the Simtel20 mirror directories on wuarchive.wustl.edu.

    There is a new server at [e-mail].  Some
    examples of main body email requests are as follows:
        HELP
        SENDME RADIO MODS
        SENDME TH215 MODS
        SENDME ALLBAND MODS

    There is a packet radio Mods Server.  To get the directories, send
    a packet as follows:
        SP [e-mail]
        Subject:  MODS\Dir.1
        /EX
    To get the mod, send to same place, with Subject MODS\Filename.ext.

    REMEMBER that any modification is likely to void your warranty and
    that these mods are NOT guaranteed to work.  This list is supplied
    here because it is sometimes a frequent question on the newsgroup.

**  Can I send ARRL or W5YI electronic mail?
    Several ARRL HQ staffers can be contacted via the net.  Their e-mail
    addresses are available from the ARRL e-mail file server in the
    file called "email".  See above for more information on the ARRL
    e-mail server.

        ARRL requests that you include your postal address (the slow kind) in
        case they need to send you nonelectronic material in answer to your
        request.

        W5YI, a large VEC, can be reached at the following address:
    Fred Maia, W5YI                               [e-mail]

**  "Why doesn't the ARRL do...?"
    If you want the ARRL to do something, tell them!  Direct input from a
    concerned member (or, actually, any concerned Ham) carries a lot more
    weight than hearsay from any source.  Their e-mail addresses are
    available from the ARRL e-mail file server (see above).  They want
    direct input - that's why those addresses are available.

**  What magazines are available for Ham Radio?
    Your local ham store may have some, but here's some popular ones
    (this is NOT a complete list!):
    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, including
        VE information and statistics

**  How do I use the incoming and outgoing QSL bureau?
    To use the outgoing QSL bureau, you must be a member of ARRL.  In
    general, you send a bundle of foreign (not States!) QSL cards to
    the outgoing bureau in Newington, Connecticut, along with a label
    off of your QST magazine (which shows ARRL membership), along with
    $2 per pound of cards (approximately 150 cards) or $1 for 10 cards
    or less.

    To use the incoming QSL bureau, you do NOT have to be a member of
    ARRL.  Send one or more Self-Addressed Stamped Envelopes (size 5x7
    or 6x9, NO BIGGER, NO SMALLER) with one ounce of postage attached
    and with your callsign in 3/4" letters in top left hand corner where
    the return address label would go.  If you expect a large quantity
    of foreign QSL cards, attach extra money or postage with a paper
    clip; do NOT affix extra postage to envelope.  Send the envelopes to
    the QSL bureau for your callsign area.    If your callsign is xx3xxx/5,
    you would send it to the 3rd call area, NOT the 5th call area.
    Addresses for QSL bureaus are listed in QST and on the ARRL e-mail
    server (see below); if you don't have access to a QST magazine, ask
    another ham.  IMPORTANT:  BE PATIENT!  Turnaround time for a US QSL
    bureau, not considering foreign QSL bureaus, is about 3 months.
    Foreign QSL bureaus and hams can be as fast as 2 months or as slow as
    TEN YEARS, while average is about 6-12 months.

    Addresses for the US incoming and outgoing QSL Bureaus are available
    from the ARRL e-mail server in the files called "qsl-in" and "qsl-out".
    See the question above

**  Are there any news groups for CAP?
    There is no news group just for Civil Air Patrol discussions.  However,
    rec.aviation.misc is appropriate for CAP aviation discussions and for
    CAP radio information, these rec.radio.amateur.* groups are available.
    CAP-related files are also stored on the FTP site
    sunburn.cps.udayton.edu in pub/capital.

**  What's the name of the QRP club that issues QRP numbers?
    QRP Amateur Radio Club International, c/o Bill Harding K4AHK,
    10923 Carters Oak Way, Burke, VA 22015.

**  How do I become a 10-10 member?
    10-10 is simply an organization to sponsor the use of the 10 meter
    band.  It was first conceived when propagation was poor on 10 meters,
    as a method to get more hams to use 10 meters.  The past few years
    have been great for 10 meters worldwide.  However, "the bands are
    closing down" again, and 10 meters will once again be limited more
    for local communications, except for sporadic band openings, until
    the next sunspot cycle.

    To join 10-10, work ten 10-10 members and LOG each 10-10 number, call
    sign, operator's name and location.  Send the list to your numeric
    call sign or DX area manager (as shown below), with $5.00 U.S. new

    membership registration fee ($6.00 for foreign addresses).

    10-10 International Area Managers:
    USA 1 - Al Kaiser N1API,       194 Glen Hills Rd, Meriden,     CT 06450
    USA 2 - Larry Berger WA2SUH,   9 Nancy Blvd,      Merrick,     NY 11566
    USA 3 - Chester Gardner N3GZE, 9028 Overhill Dr,  Ellicott Cty,MD 21042
    USA 4 - KY, TN, FL, VA, NC, SC only
        Rick Roberts N4KCC,    7106 Ridgestone Dr,Ooltewah,    TN 37363
    USA 4 - GA, AL, Puerto Rico only
            Jim Beswick W4YHF,     112 Owl Town Farm, Ellijay,     GA 30540
    USA 5 - Grace Dunlap K5MRU,*   Box 445,           LaFeria,     TX 78559
            *summer addr Jun-Oct   Box 13,            Rand,        CO 80473
    USA 6 - Dick Rauschler W6ANK,  4371 Cambria St,   Fremont,     CA 94538
    USA 7 - Willie Madison WB7VZI, 10512 W Butler Dr, Peoria,      AZ 85345
    USA 8 - John Hugentober N3FU,  4441 Andreas Ave,  Cincinatti,  OH 45211
    USA 9 - Jim Williams N9HHU,    240 Park Rd,       Creve Coeur, IL 61611
    USA 0 - Debbie Peterson KF0NV, RR 1 Box 35,       Duncombe,    IA 50532
    All DX- Carol Hugentober K8DHK,4441 Andreas Ave,  Cincinatti,  OH 45211

**  How do I join MARS?
    To join MARS, you have to be 14 years or older (parental consent
    required under age 17), be a US citizen or resident alien, possess a
    valid Amateur Radio license, possess a station capable of operating
    on MARS HF frequencies, and be able to operate the minimum amount
    of time for each quarter (12 hours for Army and Air Force; 18 hours
    for Navy-Marines).  Novices must upgrade to Technician within 6
    months, else be dropped from MARS.  No-Code Techs can apply, provided
    they have transmit and receive HF capability for MARS frequencies
    (they don't need transmit capability for Amateur HF frequencies).  For
    application forms contact:

    Chief, Air Force MARS
    HQ AFCC/SYXR (MARS)
    203 W. Losey St.   Room 1020
    Scott AFB, IL 62225-5219
    [phone]   Fax:  [phone]

    Chief, Army MARS
    HQ, US Army Information Systems Command
    ATTN: AS-OPS-OA
    Fort Huachuca, AZ  85613-5000

    Chief, Navy-Marine Corps MARS
    Naval Communication Unit
    Washington, DC   20397-5161

**  How do I join RACES?
    Contact your nearest Civil Defense or Emergency Management Agency.
    The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service is a part of a municipal,
    county, or state government.  This does not mean, however, that
    every such government has a RACES program.  If your government does
    not have a RACES, ask them to refer you to the nearest jurisdiction
    that does have a RACES program.

**  What organizations are available to help handicapped hams?
        Courage Center
        Handihams
        2915 Golden Valley Rd
        Golden Valley, MN  55422
        [phone]
    ARRL has a Handihams information package (get it by requesting it
    thru [e-mail]) and a book called "The ARRL Plan for the
    Disabled", available at no charge from the ARRL Regulatory
    Information Branch.

**  I am looking for a specific ham, can anyone help me find him?
    Rather than sending out a message on Usenet, you might first try
    directory assistance from the phone company or the locator service
    provided by the Salvation Army.  A Salvation Army post in your
    local area may be able to help you.  If you have his/her callsign
    or name, you might also try one of the on-line callservers shown
    above.  Also, the Quarter-Century Wireless Assn maintains a collection
    of callbooks going back to "the beginning of time".  Their address
    is: 1409 Cooper Drive, Irving, TX 75061.  Also, the Callbook has a
    dial-in line for accessing new ham callsigns.  Try (1-708-234-8011)
    at 2400 baud.

**  Can I post my neat new ham related program on rec.radio.amateur.misc?
    This is really not a good idea, since many of the readers receive
    these newsgroups as mail digests.  Posting is also a one-shot thing.
    If you post and someone missed it, it is gone.  A better way would be
    to announce the existence of your program here, along with
    information on how to obtain a copy of your program.  You can also
    submit it to one of the FTP archive sites, which will allow the world
    to access it without you having to mail it to each requestor.  If you
    just GOTTA post it somewhere, post it to more appropriate groups,
    like comp.sources.unix or alt.sources or comp.binaries.ibm.pc.

** Where can I get ham radio software for my computer?
    Atari:    John Adams KC5FW, 17106 Happy Hollow, San Antonio, TX 78232
        "or tune into the weekly net Sundays 1600 UTC on 14.325 MHz".
    MacIntosh:  MacNet, John Seney WD1V 144 Pepperidge Dr, Manchester,
        NH 03103 (sent 2 800k FORMATTED diskettes, one of which
        contains a TEXT file containing your name, address, home PBBS,
        your radio & computer interests and equipment).

    (See also the information about Anonymous FTP and ham-related
    telephone BBS's above.)

**  Are there Dialup News services or BBSs for Amateur Radio?
    There are two major news services for ham radio.  Both are run by
    volunteer hams and provide bulletins of specific interest to amateurs,
    hence they are perfectly legal to rebroadcast on ham bands according
    to FCC Regulation 97.111B(6).  To lessen the load on the dialup lines,
    consider getting your local repeater operator to rebroadcast it, or
    tape record it to play at your favorite HF net.

    RAIN (Radio Amateur Information Network) is produced by Hap Holly,
    KC9RP, located in Illinois.  The news is typically updated 8am CST
    Fridays.  Phone numbers are 1-708-299-INFO (299-4636) and
    1-708-827-RAIN (827-7246).

    NEWSLINE is another, produced by Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF.  Donations
    for NEWSLINE are accepted at Newsline Support Fund, c/o Dr. Norm
    Chalfin K6PGX, Pasadena, CA 91102.  Phone numbers are:
        Chicago        1-708-289-0423
        N.Florida    1-407-259-4479
        West Palm Beach    1-407-965-1234
        Los Angeles    1-805-296-2407 (Instant Update Line)
        Los Angeles    1-213-462-0008
        NYC        1-718-353-2801
        Ohio        1-513-275-9991
        Seattle        1-206-368-3969

**  Where can I find VE sessions in my local area?
    VE sessions are often announced in the local newspapers, but more
    often, they are announced by local radio bulletin boards.  The
    local packet BBS will most likely have a monthly updated schedule
    for VE sessions.  ARRL or W5YI can generally be called and asked for
    local VE sessions as well.  Don't forget that you will need the
    following when you go in for an upgrade:  a copy of your current
    Amateur license; your original Amateur license; any CSCEs (duplicate
    not required), if applicable and less than a year old; a picture ID,
    preferably a driver's license, passport or visa; and the VE test
    fee (approximately $5 right now).

    Bart Jahnke, KB9NM, the ARRL VEC Manager ([e-mail]) posts a
    definitive listing of VE exams indexed by state (and some overseas
    sites, usually at embassies and military bases) to the net every 6
    weeks or so.

**  Why isn't XXX available electronically?
        This is a theme for a lot of common questions.  For the "XXX" above,
        substitute any of the following:
           Callbooks
           DX QSL Lists
           Radio station lists
           ARRL publications (i.e. conference proceedings, repeater directory)
           and more...

        Except for the Callbook (via callsign servers), these are not available
        because of any of several reasons.  Either there are copyright restric-
        tions, royalty fees, or the source just may not have done the work.
        Also, not everyone that has information has reliable UseNet access.

        In one example of someone's effort to bridge the information gap, there
    is a new repeater-mapping project which can automatically accept
    entries via e-mail.  If you can get enough details about a repeater
    for a complete listing, you may want to help by submitting an entry.
    For more information, use the following e-mail addresses:

    [e-mail]
        Just send a message with only the word "help" in the message
        body.  The project's software will reply with instructions.
    [e-mail]
        For other questions (Steve Watt KD6GGD)

    As soon as the list is big enough to be useful, the project will make
    it available electronically.  That will mean one less "why isn't it
    available electronically" question for the net.
=========================================================================
·    Subject: rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently Asked Questions (Part 3 of 3)

Posted-By: auto-faq 2.4
Archive-name: radio/ham-radio/faq/part3
Revision: 3.2 01/27/93 23:07:48

Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently Asked Questions
Part 3 - Amateur Radio Advanced and Technical Questions
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Questions discussed in Part 3: (dates indicate last modification)
**  What are the different US amateur classes and what can each of them do?
    (pre-4/92)
**  What is the best way to learn Morse Code? (10/92)
**  What is the standard for measuring Morse code speed? (pre-4/92)
**  I'm confused. What do all those abbreviations mean??? (5/92)
**  What do all those "tones" mean? (pre-4/92)
**  Where can I learn more about Amateur Radio if I live outside the US?
    (4/92)
**  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)? (11/92)
**  My apartment or housing complex does not allow outdoor antennas, now what
    do I do? (pre-4/92)
**  I got TVI...HELP!!! (pre-4/92)
**  Did you know that you can get college credit for being a ham? (pre-4/92)
**  On what frequencies do JPL and GSFC retransmit the shuttle audio?
    (10/92)
**  Can I take my HT on an airplane and operate it if I get the permission
    of the captain? (4/92)
**  How do I modify my current Amateur license? (4/92)
**  I'm confused about XXX, should I ask the FCC? (4/92)
**  Is there any information on antique radios? (pre-4/92)
**  Where can I buy vacuum tubes? (pre-4/92)
**  What do I need to get started in packet radio? (5/92)
**  What do I need to get started in satellite communications? (pre-4/92)
**  What is available to get started in ATV, SSTV and WEFAX? (5/92)
**  What are these contests I sometimes hear, and how do I participate? (7/92)

--Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently-asked Questions------------------Part 3--

**  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.

**  What is the standard for measuring Morse code speed?
    The word PARIS was chosen as the standard length for CW code speed.
    Each dit counts for one count, each dash counts for three counts,
    intra-character spacing is one count, inter-character spacing is three
    counts and inter-word spacing is seven counts, so the word PARIS is
    exactly 50 counts:

        PPPPPPPPPPPPP     AAAAA     RRRRRRRRR     IIIII     SSSSSSSSS
    .   -   -   .     .   -     .   -   .     .   .     .   .   .
    1 1 3 1 3 1 1  3  1 1 3  3  1 1 3 1 1  3  1 1 1  3  1 1 1 1 1  7 = 50
          ^                      ^                                     ^
          ^Intra-character       ^Inter-character            Inter-word^

    So 5 words-per-minute = 250 counts-per-minute / 50 counts-per-word or
    one count every 240 milliseconds.  13 words-per-minute is one count
    every ~92.3 milliseconds.   This method of sending code is sometimes
    called "Slow Code", because at 5 wpm it sounds VERY SLOW.

    The "Farnsworth" method is accomplished by sending the dits and dashes
    and intra-character spacing at a higher speed, then increasing the
    inter-character and inter-word spacing to slow the sending speed down
    to the desired speed.  For example, to send at 5 wpm with 13 wpm
    characters in Farnsworth method, the dits and intra-character spacing
    would be 92.3 milliseconds, the dash would be 276.9 milliseconds, the
    inter-character spacing would be 1.443 seconds and inter-word spacing
    would be 3.367 seconds.

**  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, practicing 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.

**  Where can I learn more about Amateur Radio if I live outside the US?
    Write to the ARRL and ask.  They can usually tell you how to get a
    license in your country.

    If you know of any location where this information is available
    electronically, whether by an e-mail server, anonymous FTP, or a
    contact person, please mail it to us so we can include it here.  Send
    it to [e-mail].

**  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)?

    Editor's note (11/92): the regulations affecting this question are
    being changed.  Contact your local Volunteer Examiner (VE) and ask
    about a VE 60-day pass.  More details will be included in future
    revisions of the FAQ.

    This paragraph is soon to be obsolete:

    You need to submit a FCC Form 610-A to the FCC, PO Box 1020,
    Gettysburg, PA 17326.  They will then send you a reciprocal permit
    for alien amateur licensee (FCC Form 610-AL).  You must be a citizen
    of a country with which the United States has arrangements to grant
    reciprocal operating permits to visiting alien Amateur operators.

    This information is still current:

    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
      neighbors" 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 Consel'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.
    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
    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.

**  I'm confused about XXX, should I ask the FCC?
    Whatever "XXX" is in this case, the overwhelming ARRL and net opinion
    is a resounding "NO!", at least not as a first step.  Amateurs are
    generally very law-abiding people and have historically written the
    FCC asking for clarification on some operating practice or another.
    This is a very dangerous practice, for several reasons.

    Most amateur radio regulations (contained in Part 97) are generally
    very loosely-worded, so as not to restrict experimentation and new
    techniques.  But asking the FCC for a clarification will set in motion
    the process of "clarifying" it for everyone (i.e. new rulemaking.)

    Examples of such restrictive rulings include varying topics like when
    Hams can help non-profit agencies or effectively forcing packet BBS
    sysops to screen messages before forwarding them.  They were the result
    of well-intentioned questions by Hams that forced the FCC to make a
    ruling where they previously allowed the amateur radio community to
    police itself.

    Under all circumstances, it is better to first read the rules yourself.
    Then, if there's a problem, ask your national amateur radio organiza-
    tion (such as the ARRL in the US) which can give qualified advice about
    interpretation of FCC regulations.  Organizations like the ARRL also
    have the influence to ask the FCC informally, without forcing a ruling.

    Even if asking the FCC doesn't result in a restrictive ruling, it is
    generally a good idea to not overburden an under-staffed and under-
    funded government agency with a lot of correspondence.  The Amateur
    Radio Service has traditionally been a low-workload "hands-off"
    service, and has enjoyed a wide latitude from the FCC.  Please don't
    ruin this image for your fellow amateurs.

**  Is there any information on antique radios?
    Antique radio classifieds:  ARC, PO Box 802-B6, Carlisle, MA 01741 -
        old radios, TVs, ham equipment, 40s and 50s radios,
        telegraph, books, etc.
    Hallicrafter Service manuals:  Ardco Electronics, PO Box 95, Dept Q,
        Berwyn, IL  60402
    Antique Wireless Association, Bruce Kelley, W2ICE, Route 3, Holcomb,
        NY 14469 - sponsors the Wireless Museum

**  Where can I buy vacuum tubes?
    Kirby, 298 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032 (1-317-843-2212)
    Antique Electronic Supply, Box 1810, Tempe, AZ 85281 (1-602-894-9503)
    Fair Radio Sales, Box 1105, Lima OH 45802
    Fala Electronics, Box 1376-1 Milwaukee, WI 53201
    Southern Radio Supply, 1909 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
        (10504-524-2343)

**  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 centimeters 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 is available to get started in ATV, SSTV and WEFAX?
    This is a large subject area in itself.  Amateur Television (ATV),
    Slow-scan TV (SSTV), and Weather FAX (WEFAX) all deal with transmitted
    pictures.  (ATV includes moving pictures and audio just like your
    household TV.)

    Equipment is available to interface to most common microcomputers
    including PC clones, Amigas (which are prominent in most video
    applications anyway), Atari ST, and others.  (At last check, we didn't
    see Macintosh on the list.)  There are also a handful of publications
    on the subject.

    All this information is available via FTP in the /pub/ham-radio
    directory at ftp.cs.buffalo.edu.  (See Part 2 for more information
    on FTP.)  The file called sstv_wefax_info is maintained by John
    Langner WB2OSZ ([e-mail]).

    The ARRL e-mail server contains an introduction to SSTV in the
    file sstv-info.  (See Part 2 for more information on the ARRL e-mail
    server.)

    Another resource is the regularly-posted UseNet Elmers Directory.
    The list contains a volunteer Elmer who can help with ATV, SSTV, and
    WEFAX questions.

**  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.
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