Amateur Radio Getting Started Guides

Essex Ham Getting Started GuidesAt Essex Ham, we know that once you’ve got your licence, taking the next steps can be tricky – we’ve all been there. To help out, we’ve put together some handy Amateur Radio Getting Started Guides, available as web pages or PDF files.

On this page, you’ll find links to our various “How to” guides created for those new to the hobby, as well as links to some of our training material.

We’re in the process of creating some additional content for this section, and you might be able to help: If you’re an M6 or M3, let us know what guides would you like us to add. If you’re interested in contributing an article to help newbies, we’d welcome your submissions, which will help others. Please Get in touch

Thinking of joining the hobby?

Already in the hobby?

Here’s our collection of guides. Also, take a look at our Amateur Radio FAQ for some tips.

Basic Guides
Get Your Callsign Just passed your Foundation? How to get your licence and callsign PDF (Essex)
Just Licensed? You’ve got your callsign, so what do you do next?
Which radio should I buy? Some things to consider when buying your first amateur radio transceiver PDF File
Your First Handheld What can you expect from your first handheld, and how can you improve on the experience? PDF File
Set Up Your Station Got your licence and looking to get your first radio? We offer some ideas and tips. PDF File
A Parent’s Guide Son or daughter taking up the hobby? What you need to know! PDF File
Using Repeaters Want to start using your local repeater? Here’s our guide to the basics PDF File
VHF QSO Script Here is a script for a basic VHF simplex contact. You can also take a look at our short VHF QSO example video PDF File
Set Up QRZ How to get your callsign registered with the QRZ.com website PDF File
eQSL Basics Starting out into the world of electronic QSL cards PDF File
Operating Hints Some suggested Dos and Don’ts for operating on-air PDF Files
EMF Assessments Advice on how to comply with Ofcom’s EMF requirements PDF Files
Introduction to HF Part 1: The HF Bands – A look at what to expect from each of the HF bands PDF File
Part 2: Selecting a Transceiver – What to consider when buying your first rig PDF File
Part 3: Aerials – A look at feeders, HF aerials, and options for what may work for your shack PDF File
SOTA – The basics What is Summits On The Air, and how to get started
2m SSB Contests Thanks to Terry G3VFC for this guide on the monthly 2m SSB contests
Working Portable A handy checklist on what to make on a field day PDF File
D-Star Basics A short introduction to D-Star (Icom’s digital voice mode)
EchoLink Basics A hands-on guide covering how to use Echolink PDF File
Foundation Glossary A selection of terms and abbreviations you may experience when studying for the Foundation exam. PDF File
Data Modes Guides
Data Modes Basics The basics on getting started with the various data modes and what you’ll need to get started PDF File
PSK31 Basics Getting Started with this popular digital mode. Also – check out our free EssexPSK application – the easy-to-use PSK31 and RTTY decoder PDF File
FT8 – The Basics Information on how to get started with the FT8 data mode
JT65 – The Basics Information on how to get started with the JT-65 data mode
SSTV Basics Information on how to send and receive images using Slow Scan TV PDF File
Troubleshooting Data Modes Help and advice on resolving problems sending and receiving data
Balloon Tracking Details on how to track high altitude balloons PDF File

Video Guides

Welcome to Amateur Radio Thumbnail
What is Amateur Radio?
What is Amateur Radio Thumbnail
Amateur Radio: Getting Started
Amateur Radio Rallies Thumbnail
Amateur Radio Rallies

 For more videos, see the Essex Ham Videos page

Related Content

Need Help?

See our Amateur Radio FAQ for some tips, or ask in our forum

Amateur Radio Training Material

 

Got a suggestion for a guide we should add? Please let us know in the comments section below.

20 Comments

  1. 2e0emo 8 December 2013 Reply
    • Pete M0PSXAuthor 8 December 2013 Reply
  2. Bob Houlston G4PVB 11 December 2013 Reply
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