Tips to get started in Ham Radio
by Jeff Mathews (AJ4MQ)
Don’t fret.. It’s easier than you think.. Once you’ve seen how its done.
Where to begin?
You can find online resources to monitor.. I hope to add some soon…
To start, let’s look for a radio signal. A full-time broadcast signal in Volusia County is 162.400 MHz, KIH-26.
If you have an HT (Handi-talki) or portable radio, there is a way to enter it so you don’t kill your dial too quickly..
Some, you have to press Enter (ENT) first.. then you press 162400, then enter.. if this didn’t work, it might be in Memory or Call mode. Press VFO (manual tune) and try again.. If you are still having issues, contact us at contact@volusiaares.org for help.
With luck, you will hear an automated voice calling out weather information. this is the station your weather alert station listens to.
Now that you know how to change stations, you can try our local repeaters. Remember, you can listen to most frequencies without a license, but you likely need one to transmit. An example of non-licensed radios are FRS (Family Radio Service) or CB Radio (within proper power limits).
at 6:30pm daily, you can listen to 147.150 MHz to hear the National Traffic System passing messages by voice.
on Sunday starting at 7pm on 147.240 MHz, you will hear our SkyWarn net.
on Sunday starting at 8pm on 147.240 MHz, you will hear our Volusia ARES net.
The next step would be to come out to an event. We have monthly meetings every month except in December. Check our main page for time and directions.
I will write more soon.. Good Luck