newbie trying to get into ham radio...

[ali6x944]

hi everyone,
I want to become a ham operator but I really don't know where to start from and I want some guidance on this matter...
as some might notice I'm from Saudi and regulations are a bit different to other countries, so I searched and I have found some useful documents about allowed transmission frequencies and other stuff that might help...
http://www.citc.gov.sa/ar/RulesandSystems/RegulatoryDocuments/EquipmentApproval/Documents/TA%20933%20E%20RI021.pdf
http://www.citc.gov.sa/en/RulesandSystems/RegulatoryDocuments/FrequencySpectrum/Documents/SM%20008%20E%20-%20Terms%20and%20Conditions%20of%20the%20amateur%20radio%20licenses.pdf
http://www.citc.gov.sa/en/RulesandSystems/RegulatoryDocuments/FrequencySpectrum/Documents/SM%20005%20E%20-%20Technical%20controls%20and%20operational%20procedures%20for%20the%20regulation%20of%20amate.pdf
http://www.citc.gov.sa/en/RulesandSystems/RegulatoryDocuments/FrequencySpectrum/Documents/SM%20007%20E%20-%20List%20of%20services%20to%20amateur%20radio.pdf
I have read all of the following docs, and I found some amusing things like in the last doc chapter 7 article 23, amateur radio operators are supposed to pay annual fees for just having a licence?? 

Article 23:
CITC shall impose the following fees as follows:-
1- Fees for performing technical testing to the Radio Amateur SR(300).
2- Fees for re-testing SR(100).
3- Fees against Radio Amateur License SR(100) annually.
4- Fees against Radio Amateur Station License SR(150) annually.

do you have similar legislation or it is only saudi?

[w2aew]

I can't speak for other countries, but there are no annual fees in the US for amateur radio licensees. 

I'd recommend searching for a local amateur radio club in your area (if one exists).  Members there should be able to provide you the most accurate advice and information.  A quick google search resulted in this facebook page for a Saudi radio club:
https://www.facebook.com/KSARadio/

[ali6x944]

I can't speak for other countries, but there are no annual fees in the US for amateur radio licensees. 

I'd recommend searching for a local amateur radio club in your area (if one exists).  Members there should be able to provide you the most accurate advice and information.  A quick google search resulted in this facebook page for a Saudi radio club:
https://www.facebook.com/KSARadio/

Thanks a lot 
But what kind of equipment should I look at?
I mean for long distance communication, that has a max power output of 200W ?

[w2aew]

I can't speak for other countries, but there are no annual fees in the US for amateur radio licensees. 

I'd recommend searching for a local amateur radio club in your area (if one exists).  Members there should be able to provide you the most accurate advice and information.  A quick google search resulted in this facebook page for a Saudi radio club:
https://www.facebook.com/KSARadio/

Thanks a lot 
But what kind of equipment should I look at?
I mean for long distance communication, that has a max power output of 200W ?

Typically, VHF, UHF and above are limited to line-of-sight unless you operate through repeaters or satellites.  HF is better for worldwide long-distance communications.  However, the frequency bands and power levels that you're allow to operate will depend on the licensing and permissions in your country.

[Johncanfield]

The digital modes or CW do not require much power and are a bunch of fun. However a good antenna makes the difference in being heard or not. 200 watts is plenty of power to work the world.

John, WB5THT

[retrolefty]

Good luck with this great hobby. Take that prior advice about trying to contact local HAM club as finding a personal "Elmer" (mentor) will help greatly on early equipment purchase advice.

 #1 priority for HF bands is to get as an effective antenna(s) that your budget allows, and that doesn't have to be expensive. Many very effective HF antennas can be made with just wire and support poles and recall that any improvement in antenna performance helps both receive and transmit modes.

WA6TKD

[ali6x944]

thanks a lot, everyone 
I did some research and I founded a couple of interesting things about RF, but the thing that is astonishing is how some of these signals propagate throw the atmosphere...
but I have a question, what is the use of 1-millimeter band, and the much lower 160-meter band in ham radio?

[Lord of nothing]

I have read all of the following docs, and I found some amusing things like in the last doc chapter 7 article 23, amateur radio operators are supposed to pay annual fees for just having a licence??

I can speak for Austrian / Swiss and German Amateur Radio Operator here you have to pay a fee for the Exame and every Year for the Call Sign.
In Austria the fee is depend on the Licence Class. The are not cheap. 
Thats why I refuse to make an Licence.

[ali6x944]

hi all, I know this is old but any recommendations for good books or educational material to help with trying to get into ham radio?
is there any morse code training software? is there any good startup DIY projects that u would recommend for a newbie getting into ham radio?

[Lord of nothing]

is there any morse code training software?

I would say in the most country its just an option for the exame.

Do you check what is required in your Country to pass the National Test?

[Grandchuck]

http://www.justlearnmorsecode.com/

Have you located any hams or clubs in your area?

[radiolistener]

3- Fees against Radio Amateur License SR(100) annually.
4- Fees against Radio Amateur Station License SR(150) annually.

do you have similar legislation or it is only saudi?

There is no such fee in my country, but some fee is really present in hidden form. Because government don't deal directly with ham radio amateurs and processing requests through local ham radio club. In order to request license, there is needs to join radio club and it needs to pay some fee as a member. It is about $10...20 annual or something like that. But it is possible to leave radio club and continue to use license until expiration, in such case it needs to pay member fee for just one year