Chapter 9

Basic Operating

IN THIS CHAPTER

Bullet Operating via repeaters

Bullet Getting your radio ready to use

Bullet Using simplex communication

Bullet Introducing digital voice systems

Bullet Having a conversation

Take another step into ham radio with this chapter’s review of easygoing operating. The technical aspects of station configuration and operation are covered in Part 4. (Links to even more technical stuff are available on the Ham Radio For Dummies page at www.dummies.com.)

After you tune around the amateur bands for a while, you’ll agree that the lion’s share of the ham’s life is making relaxed, casual contacts. Some contacts are just random “Hello, anybody out there?” encounters. You’ll also hear contacts between hams who are obviously long-time friends or family members who meet on the air on a regular basis.

In this chapter, you find out about the different ways to conduct these casual contacts. As with most things in life, “There’s kindy a knack to it,” as my dear Aunt Lexie used to say. Learning the ...

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