Subj : Re: No license operators
To   : Ciderbat
From : n2qfd
Date : Sun Apr 07 2024 07:51 pm

 Hey that's all great stuff, this is exactly how I started into the hobby back 
in the early 90's
 So I'm assuming you're in Canada? Mileage might vary here but in the US the 
FCC has ultimate say but the amateur radio system was set up so that amateurs 
who are registered as Volunteer Examiners (Vee-Eee's) administer  the testing 
to get you licensed. That being said exams are usually arranged with clubs or 
at Ham Fests. 
 I'm old so we had a different license structure here starting with Novice, 
Tech, General, Advanced, Extra each license class came with perks such as 
operating privileges like getting to do voice on the world bands not just VHF 
or the sweet spots on the world bands like Extra's had the bottom of 40m and 
didn't have to deal with as much QRM (man made interference) and better access 
to the DX (long range) calling frequencies. 
  I was part of the early No-Code program that didn't require you to know morse 
code but restricted you to a special no-code Tech license and if we got our 
code endorsement (I passed 5 words a minute at a hamfest in Rochester, NY) you 
became Tech+ Boy I was excited that night. I was still living at home and I 
finally had the privileged to use my dad's FT-990 on 40M! 
  I used to study with the practice tests on www.qrz.com It's under the 
resources header on the main page. 

  The Amateur Radio Relay League is a good resource www.arrl.org

  If you're in Canada, The Radio Amateurs of Canada www.rac.org

  I'd see what you have for local ham radio clubs around too. 

  Try not to let old lids (bad operators) put you off, like with most hobbies 
it's what you put into it. A good attitude and honest outlook goes a long way. 
I'm always reminded, does this need to be said, does this need to be said by 
me, does this need to be said by me right now? Some times it's just better to 
Read the Mail (listing in on a net!)

   Hope this is something to point you in the right direction. 

  best 73, es N2QFD AR SK..

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