ham radio q's

[SCWDP911]

My 14 yo son has asked about getting a ham radio. I don't know much other than some basic info on hams. Can someone help me out. What does it take to get involved? I know he will need a license, but how much equipment does he actually need and how much is it going to cost me? Is used equipment a no-no in hams?

Thanks,SV

[widgeon13]

See if there are any ham radio clubs in your area? The cost should be pretty reasonable and used equipment is fine if you can find it. I think the club route would be the way to go to see how serious he is before getting any equipment.

[dad911]

It's all here: http://www.arrl.org/

[slakjaw]

You can get a decent all mode rig for like 600.00 bucks.

Look for a club. Most of the time some of the old timers will loan or GIVE the equipment to kids. Then it wouldn't cost you a dime.

[Embraer]

I'm a ham...been doing it since I was 12. I can't believe your son wants to do it...kudos to him. Being a ham back in the day was a pretty prestigious thing. Whenever I hear of CB operators, I think of them as 2nd class compared to Hams.

There's lots of theory involved, but it's a great learning experience. PM me with your address, and I might be able to dig up some manuals and send them your way.

They've changed the licensing structure in the last few years. I'm an Advanced Class (which apparently doesn't exist anymore), which means I have the 2nd highest class license, with the most amount of operating privelages.

I took morse code tests, and can copy and receive at around 20wpm. That doesn't sound fast, but it's pretty speedy.

ALSO....a big thing for your son, would be the scholarship opportunities. Old Ham Radio guys tended to have money. When they die, they also tend to set up fellowships and scholarships (perfect for books and whatever). I had an academic full-ride...but I ended up easily getting over 2K in ham radio-related scholarships. All it required was me putting a stamp on an envelope and sending it in.

PM me for more info,

Embraer

[SCWDP911]

Thanks all for the info. Embraer, I will PM you tonight. Thanks again for the info. I had no idea about the scholarship stuff. Is that with respect to college, or with respect to HAM itself? I was not clear from what you said, but it might be me>

The club thing sounds good too, as I have been a little surprised by this interest... only because most of his true interests to this point have been outdoors related (camping, hiking, sailing, speelunking(SP?), and now rock climbing. This has been a good thing though as this seems less risky to his mom. I guess I won't tell her he has already asked about how you have to be to autcross,etc...

[Rot 911]

Shane you either have a great kid or someone told him you can get free access to sex phone sites by ham radio.