[rescue] ham gear

[Steve Sandau]

> On second thought the last thing I would do is to start by buying anything.

Gotta save a few bucks before buying anything. I also think I ought to 
get the license first anyway. I did want to find out what kind of money 
it would take to get started here. I didn't want to get into something 
that I really can't afford.

> Unless you are in the middle of nowhere (or in Jerusalem) there are
> probably dozens if not hundreds of hams nearby. I would go to www.qrz.com
> and do a search on your zip code and other nearby ones if the range is
> close enough.

Excellent suggestion with www.qrz.com. I found two hams in town that I 
already know. I also see that there is a ham just up the street from me 
as well. Good places to start. I'll make a phone call or two tomorrow.

> See if anyone you know is a ham, ask your friends and neighbors and if
> all else fails, go calling or knocking on doors. LOOK FOR ANTENNAS.
> Any ham that has an "antenna farm" will be more than glad to show you
> their shack, do an on the air demo and introduce you to local clubs.
> 
> You should find a ham who is willing to help you. A ham doing so is
> called an "elmer". Emering is an time honored tradittion among hams.
> 
> Getting a license is simple now. You can download the questions and answers
> to the tests and there are many test yourself programs. There are books,
> video tapes and in some places classes. Testing is done by volunteers.

I already ordered and started reading the ARRL's book "Now You're 
Talking" which is supposed to be a guide to getting a Technician 
license. It's actually prett interesting even though I probably know 
some of what is in there.

Thanks all around for the suggestions.