Ham Radio: An Introduction

posted onMay 18, 2002

by hitbsecnews

Grifter asked me to talk about something late last night, and after not having any time
sence then with dumpster diving and seeing the movie Spider-Man this morning, I have about
20 min before I have to be in salt lake to give this talk. So I'm going to quote a few
websites with just some basic facts to maybe get you started.

The most popular license for beginners is the Technician Class license, which requires only
a 35 multiple-choice question written examination. The test is written with the beginner in
mind. Morse Code is not required for this license. With a Technician Class license, you will
have all ham radio privileges above 30 megahertz (MHz). These privileges include the very
popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios
to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital
packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. You
can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple equipment.

- http://www.arrl.org/hamradio.html

2) What Can I Do With Ham Radio?

You can communicate from the top of a mountain, your home or behind the wheel of your car. You
can take radio wherever you go! In times of disaster, when regular communications channels fail,
hams can swing into action assisting emergency communications efforts and working with public
service agencies. At other times, you can talk to Shuttle astronauts or bounce signals off the
moon. You can use telegraphy, voice, digital, even images in communication with other hams. Know
any other hobby with so much to offer?

3) Why Do I need A License? Although the main purpose of the hobby is fun, it is called the
"Amateur Radio Service" because it also has a serious face. The FCC created the "Service" to
fill the need for a pool of experts who could provide backup emergency communications in times of
need. In addition, the FCC acknowledged the ability of the hobby to advance communication and
technical knowledge, and enhance international goodwill.

4) What will this cost me?

A basic new handheld radio can cost about the same as an inexpensive 19-inch color TV. Flea market
bargains can cost a lot less. A new tabletop multi-band unit for your home radio shack can cost
about the same as the PC you're reading this on. Materials to get you started are relatively
inexpensive, and the exam fee you'll pay when you're ready to test is nominal.

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/hamfaq.html

Take a practice exam at: http://www.gogas.org/hamexam/

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[cya]

The author of this guide takes no responsibility for the actions taken by anyone
other then himself. Practice safe sex. All trademarks mentioned are the
property of there owners. Steeling Moviez is bad. Using some programs mentioned
in this guide could be considered illegal in some jurisdictions. Breathing can
be hazordus to your health. Only use this guide in places that it is legal to
run any program you want, and you still have fair-use rights. If you enjoy a
movie, support the artists that made it, even if most of the money goes to
people that don't deserve it. Eat some pudding.

Fell free to spread this document arround, but please keep it intact and give me credit.
[/cya]

1.) Dumpster Diving - One Man's Trash - Grifter
2.) Ham Radio: An Introduction - A
3.) Pirate Radio - Manic Velocity
4.) Hacking by Numbers - madirish
5.) Authentication protocols and there weaknesses - Chernobyl Chickun
6.) Remote access and Security - Mark Jorgensen & Neil H Watson
7.) Myths about TCP Spoofing - Grandmaster Plague