Radio Shack HTX-420 Owner's Manual

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Contents

BG TECH.VERSION III2001/2/28INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR RADIOYour transceiver is the perfect first radio for anyone entering the exciting world of amateur radio, s well as agreat additional transceiver for the experienced amateur radio operator. Your transceiver opens a door for youto the world from almost anywhere! All you need is an Amateur Radio Operator’s License (Technician Classor higher) issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you do not have a license, it is easierthan ever to get one, and help from licensed operators is available. Here are a few tips to help you get started.You can turn on your transceiver and scan the entire band to hear what is going on; however, do not attempt totransmit until you get your license. If you transmit without a license, you are in violation of federal law thatcan lead to severe penalties. Note that ham operators take the FCC rules very seriously and want nothing to dowith “bootleggers” – their term for people who operate without a license.Find out if there is a ham radio club in your area. Most clubs welcome new transmissions, write to theAmerican Radio Relay League (ARRL) at the following address to find out how to cntact a local affiliate. TheARRL is the national organization representing amateur radio in the United States. The league has more than150,000 members. Most are ham operators, or members in the process of obtaining their license.The American Radio Relay League225 Main StreetNewington, CT06111http://www.arrl.orgStarting for the license exams. Do not be intimidated by the word “study” because most people can go fromknowing absolutely nothing about amateur radio to passing the Novice and Technician written exams in lessthan a month.The exams test your knowledge of basic radio regulations and elementary radio theory. Many clubs holdlicense classes which can be a fun and easy way to learn about amateur radio. There are good books, cassettetapes, computer programs, and many other study aids available. Your local RadioShack store sells FCCLicense Preparation study guides for amateur radio operator licenses. While you are no longer required to