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n1ep.com

Study & Operations Resources

This page is geared towards new and prospective hams, but there are also items here that may interest seasoned operators as well.

Jan 18, 2024 Update. I have scheduled 5 days in March to conduct Technician Level Study Sessions/Instruction via Zoom. This will not be a complete class, just an opportunity for you to get some extra help on the harder topics. The sessions will be on March 13, 15, 20, 22, and 27 at 7PM. You must contact me at n1ep@yahoo.com to register.

License Study Tools

  • The 5th edition of the ARRL's Ham Radio Licence Manual, contains a lot of good information on the hobby and includes the entire updated Technician class question and answers pool and is available on the arrl.org web site.
  • Practice exams and more are available at the AA9PW.COM website.
  • Ready to TEST? Check out these on-line exam sites: hamradioprep.com on-line exams
  • Ham Radio Answers by Dave Casler, KE0OG. A very popular site.
  • Another popular web site for ham radio study resources is HamTest OnLine
  • Here is a PDF file of a BEGINNER's STATIONS presentation I gave at a local club a while back. Click here to download

    • Hints & Tips

    1. When calling another station, end with your call sign. For example, I am N1EP. If I want to call Steve W1DTX on the local repeater, I will key the microphone and say "W1DTX N1EP" or "W1DTX this is N1EP. I often hear new hams do the opposite on the 2 meter band.
    2. Start simple and learn the ropes as you go. Build your own VHF/UHF/HF antennas. There are many Youtube videos on how to build simple dipole antennas for HF or 2-meter jpoles, etc. It is fun and a valuable emergency communications skill.
    3. Morse Code is no longer required in order to earn your license. However, if you take the time to learn the code, it opens up many great opportunities. You can build your own simple CW transceivers for next to nothing and be able to talk with people hundreds of miles away, and even across the globe! And kit building is fun and a great skill to own.
    4. The most important part of any ham radio station is the ANTENNA system, no doubt about it! This includes the transmission line. Good quality coax or ladderline, and efficient antenna will ensure you hear a lot and others can hear you!
    5. Join a local ham radio club. Most clubs have members willing to be elmers, or mentors. They can answer questions and help in other ways. When you are just starting out, having an experienced ham's advice and assistance is invaluable.