Amateur radio - easiest way to get a legit license online?

[rthorntn]

Hi,

Just read iWoz and it made me want to get in to Amateur Radio here in AU and build a radio, has anyone done the exam recently, whats the easiest way to get that in the bag?

Also any cool DIY radio kits to get me started?

Thanks.

Richard

[TSL]

Go here for most of the info you require....

http://wia.org.au/

Find a local club from the affiliated list on that web site and go along to a meeting or two and join them.

regards

Tim

[Fletchez]

I want to know many of the knowledge in this forum to distribute it to the people.

[vk3yedotcom]

Richard - the easiest is to start tinkering and build some receivers and small transmitters.  And read some theory on the way.

This video shows some of the many things happening in amateur radio in Australia today.



A good Australian radio theory book is Ron Bertrand's. It's reviewed at



Don't let its thickness put you off - the print is large and it goes from very basic to a higher level than is required for the advanced licence.

Clubs vary. Some are special interest while others are more general. Some have their own station and activities while others may be more technical. 
Some have licence training programs and run exams while others don't.  The WIA website has a clubs list.  You don't need to attend a course if you
don't wish to or prefer to learn at home.

You can now buy a versatile 10 watt multiband HF transceiver kit for about $150, spend a few hours putting it together (the main board is pre-assembled)
 and make contacts up to 1000 - 3000km away. Last night I had a morse code contact with the US with it.



If you want to build something from scratch, this is a simple and cheap voice transceiver.

http://home.alphalink.com.au/~parkerp/projects/projbeach40.htm

An Australian-produced kit like the above but better is the MDT described at http://www.ozqrp.com/



Many here are hams so if you've got more questions just ask it here!

[rhb]

I'd like to suggest getting a QCX kit from QRP-Labs:

https://qrp-labs.com/qcx.html

and/or a BITX kit:

http://www.hfsignals.com/

Both are inexpensive, very well designed radios.  I bought two QCX40s, but have not assembled them yet.  Mostly because I need to get relicensed and I have lots of other projects.  Ahead of getting licensed is having a decent antenna or two. 

If you do not currently have a general coverage receiver, the uBITX is a stunning deal at $129 US.

The QCX is particularly suitable to digital modes.  It's also a bag of parts, rather than a preassembled board. So you'll learn a lot more, and even before you're licensed you can use it as a WSPR receiver.

I just learned of the uBITX when I went to get the link for you.  But I shall probably buy one tomorrow. It's ideal for a solar powered portable "survival" radio with the addition of a LiPo battery pack and charger.  Installed  in a US style .30 cal or .50 cal ammo can with solar panel, battery, antenna, microphone and key it's something that you'd enjoy having your whole life.