Chapter 8
Receiving Signals
IN THIS CHAPTER
Listening on ham radio frequencies
Finding and tuning in signals
Interpreting a contact
Making contacts on your own
The chapters in Part 3 introduce you to the way hams operate. I’ve structured things this way so you’ll know what you’re trying to accomplish as you learn about setting up a station in Part 4. After you have your ham radio transceiver (or rig) set up and a license (ticket) clearing you for takeoff, you’ll be ready to make your first contacts with other hams.
I start by showing you how to listen in and then explain the basics of how contacts are made. I also cover on-the-air manners and the “little things” that make contacts flow smoothly.
Learning by Listening
The ham bands are like a 24-hour-a-day party, with people coming and going all the time. Just as when you walk into any other big party, you need to size up the room before jumping in:
- Tune: Receive on different frequencies to assess activity
- Monitor: Listen to or watch an ongoing contact or conversation
By listening first, you discover who’s out there and what ...
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