Getting in Touch...Converting an Old Toy Into a New Tool

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Some excellent study material is available from ARRL, the national ham organization. You'll want the License Manual ($1.00) for sure, and probably an introduction to the basics titled Understanding Amateur Radio ($2.50). The comprehensive Radio Amateur's Handbook costs $4.50 but can be found in most libraries. Prices are postpaid, direct from American Radio Relay League, Newington, Conn. 06111. ARRL also publishes a magazine, QST, at $7.50/year. For what it's worth, I write a monthly column on Slow-Scan Television for CQ magazine ($6.00/year, 14 Vanderventer Ave., Port Washington, N.Y. 11050) and code practice tapes and records are available from Radio Shack, Lafayette and other electronic outlets.

Your approach to the equipment end of ham radio will depend upon your budget and how deeply you want to dig into doing it yourself. The Heath Company of Benton Harbor, Michigan makes excellent kits. Prices run from about $70.00 for a 2-watt, lantern-battery-operated, code-only transceiver to $450 or so for a 5-band, 180-watt voice or code unit with either an AC-operated power supply or one that will work from a car battery.

Many brands of ready-to-operate commercial equipment are available at prices appreciably above Heath's, and good used amateur radio gear can usually be found at about half of new equipment prices. Not to be overlooked is the possibility of getting some of your rig free. Hams are a very friendly (if generally straight) bunch and take real pleasure in helping newcomers get started. Most amateurs have some extra gear, or parts for building, left over from earlier days. Find the radio freaks in your area ... ask around, and look for big beam antennas on backyard towers.

To those of you reading this who already have ham licenses: Let's get some information-sharing roundtables started. And let's start brainstorming some of the tough problems that haven't been solved yet. Drop me a fine with your thoughts-subjects, bands, times - and let's see what jells. My address is P.O. Box 483, Rochester, Minnesota 55901.

To those of you who aren't hams but are still reading: DO IT! Get your license ... build, buy or scrounge some equipment ... and break that isolation.

Let's get in touch and keep in touch, though the snow may drift around the cabin door and old "civilizations" crumble away.

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