HTX-404 440 MHz UHF FM Transceiver
(190-1140)         Introductions to Amateur Radio     Faxback Doc. # 46638

We designed your HTX-404 handheld transceiver to be the perfect first
radio for anyone entering the exciting world of amateur radio and a great
additional transceiver for experienced amateur radio operators.  You will
find that your HTX-404 opens a door to the world from almost anywhere!

All you need is an Amateur Radio Operator's License, Technician Class or
higher, issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you do
not have a license, you will find that it is easy to get one, and that
there is much help available. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

First, go ahead and turn on your HTX-404 and use the receiver to tune
around on the band to hear what is going on. Do not even THINK of
transmitting until you get your license. THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT!!
Transmitting without a license is a violation of federal law that can lead
to severe penalties. Also, ham operators take FCC rules very seriously and
want nothing to do with "Bootleggers" - their term for people who operate
without a license.

Second, find out if there is a ham radio club in your area. There are
thousands of clubs across the country, so there is probably at least one
in or near your own community. The people at the RadioShack store where
you bought your HTX-404 might be able to tell you. If not, and if you do
not hear anyone talking about a local club in your area as you tune around
the band with your HTX-404, write to the American Radio Relay League
(ARRL) for information on how to contact their local affiliate. Most clubs
welcome newcomers and are glad to help you get your license.

Next, start studying for your license. Do not let the word "study" scare
you, because most people can go from knowing absolutely nothing about
amateur radio to passing the Novice and Technician written exams in less
than a month.

The exams test your knowledge of basic radio regulations and elementary
radio theory. While Morse code is no longer required for a Technician
Class License, we encourage you to learn Morse now, so you can advance to
additional operating privileges.

Many clubs teach license classes (a fun and easy way to learn about
amateur radio), and there are good books, cassette tapes, computer
programs and many other study aids available. RadioShack stores sell FCC
License Preparation study guides for Novice, Technician, and General Class
Licenses.

When you are ready to take the test, you do not have to go to an imposing
Federal office building in a big city to take the test, because these days
the FCC has authorized ham volunteers to give all the exams. The examiners
for a Novice license test can be any two ham operators with general or
higher class licenses who are at least 18 years of age and are not related
to you. And the Novice exam is free.

If you pass the Novice exam, you can immediately take the Technician exam.
You must pay a small fee to take the Technician exam, and the test must be
administered by a three-member Volunteer Examiner Team. You can get a
schedule of exam opportunities in your area from the ARRL.

The Technician Class License lets you use the entire range of your HTX-404
to communicate directly with other operators, communicate through
repeaters, or connect to a terminal-node controller and use packet to
directly send and receive information with a computer.

We have mentioned the ARRL several times. That is because the League is
the national organization that represents amateur radio in the United
States. The League has more than 150,000 members; most of them are ham
operators, but many are ham operators-to-be. Here is the address of ARRL
headquarters.
The American Radio Relay League
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111

The ARRL staff helped us prepare this section of the owner's manual, and
they would be glad to hear from you if you need more information, or if
you would like to join!

Amateur radio is a great hobby that has enriched the lives of millions of
people all over the world. We take pride in bringing you the HTX-404 to
enrich your life.

(EB 3/3/98)