Getting a License

Exploring Radio: Hamsphere 4.0

When the idea came to explore radio it seemed likely that there was a software and internet method of replicating a receiver and transmitter. Maybe one didn't need to invest in real radios, antennas and take a license exam. A Google search found Hamsphere and specifically Hamsphere 4.0 (http://hs4.hamsphere.com/info). The info page suggested it did replicate the real thing - and at first, I thought it was actual radio signals that were behind the software. But, that is not the case. Hamsphere is a simulation best described as ROIP (radio over the internet protocol) similar to VOIP (voice over the internet protocol) that replicates phone calls. But, it is amazingly authentic. The info page gives some background and provides exposure to the multiple elements that constitute "real" amateur radio:

• • Realistic Transceiver interface

  • Simulated Antennas

  • Simulated Propagation based on real sun spot numbers and space weather

  • Simulated Radio Frequency Bands that replicate the amateur radio bands

  • Authentic sound of amateur radio

  • Licensed operators from around the world who use Hamsphere 4.0 as they would operate their radios

Hamsphere 4.0 can be downloaded for a free 30-day trial. Learning about its operation is learning about radio operation and all its arcane facets. Learning was facilitated by videos made by Mike, WB7ECW. This video convinced me that I would find amateur radio an exciting pursuit:

Why go beyond Hamsphere 4.0?

As you can see, even from Mike's 30 minute video, Hamsphere 4.0 is such a realistic simulation one could stop at this point and have a very interesting experience of radio. However, the arcane words I heard - QTH, Maidenhead Grid, Bands, Dipoles, 3-element Yagis - meant there was much beyond just operating this simulation that I had to learn. And there was the ego element. Mike has a licensed call sign, many Hamsphere users do as well. But many do not (Hamsphere assigns a call sign if one does not have an amateur radio license). If I was going no further than Hamsphere 4.0, I still wanted to have a real license - it was an ego thing - say no more.

Books and help on the internet

We had a book. Written by Stephen W. Gibson, my father-in-law in 1982, and given to my son with the hope he would get interested. It gave a good idea of the information one would need to master to take the "novice" exam. In 1982 the novice exam included a Morse code test. I did not find out that this had been dropped at first and assumed I would have to master some rudiments of Morse code. But there were many sites on the internet to help with learning code and I found a YouTube course that was helpful (The Ham Whisperer). So I began to struggle to learn code as I read Steve's book.

Eventually I found internet sites to help with the beginning license exam for what was now called the Technician class - and it did not include a test of one's abilities with Morse code! So, suddenly things became easier. I now realized that the questions I would be asked were quite different than I was reading in Steve's book. I found a digital book that focused on the exam's questions in a very readable and direct way and set about cramming.

Where and when the exam was given had also changed dramatically from what had been standard in 1982. It was now given by other Hams rather than the FCC. I found a list of examination sites online (http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session) and scheduled myself. I did most of this somewhat secretly since it had been motivated by ego and if my 72-year old ability to cram was not up to it, no one need know.

It was definitely work and it was definitely anxiety-provoking

I crammed as i would have done in my school days with lots of work during the week prior. The test was given by a local Ham club not far from my home. I walked in knowing no one and found there were about 20 others taking exams with only two of us taking the Technician's exam. I finished the test slightly later than one other test taker (I have always taken tests quickly) and laid my answer sheet on the desk to be graded and went back to my seat. Others followed and a pile developed on the examiner's desk. People were called up to be told whether they passed or not. Time went by. And then more time went by and I was not called. Did this mean I had flunked and they did not want to tell me in front of those still taking the exam? Some did not pass and were given a second chance to re-take the exam. Still I was not called. Yikes!

Finally, I was called and congratulated. I had missed only one question. But, my answer sheet had been on the bottom of the pile!

In couple of weeks my license appeared in the mail from the FCC. I was now KC1DVT with lots left to learn.

Next: KW2A, QRP, CW, and Digital modes