ARALB     ELMERING

The Associated Radio Amateurs of Long Beach  has several ARRL-registered instructors, and several more experienced "Elmers" available to assist you in obtaining your first license, upgrading to a higher class of license, and getting "on the air" - advice in choosing equipment, setting up your station and antennas, and operating procedures and techniques.

We highly recommend the ARRL publications, especially "Now You're Talking" for the entry level Technician license, and the ARRL General Class and Extra Class study guides, because they give you the background material you need to understand the question and why the answer must be what it is, rather than simply memorizing the answer.

A new Technician class amateur should obtain a copy of "On the Air with Ham Radio" by Steve Ford, WB8IMY, from the ARRL publications library.

A new General or Extra class amateur should have a current copy of the ARRL's FCC Rule Book. The ARRL Operating Manual is highly recommended to explore the huge variety of operating techniques and modes, certificates, contests, and public service activities that are possible. The ARRL Radio Amateur's Handbook is a valuable study aid and reference for electronics, propagation, construction techniques, and generally understanding what amateur radio is all about. If you're going for your Extra Class license, you need the Handbook as well as the Study guide to really comprehend the material.

Note that we mention comprehension repeatedly - just memorizing enough to pass the test will get you a license, but you won't have the understanding and enthusiasm to participate in as many activities to maximize your adventures in Ham Radio. Try to understand as much as you can, come to club meetings, talk to the speakers, talk to your club Elmers (we've typically been licensed 30 or more years, or deeply involved in Electronics at least that long) - before and after club meetings, or chat with us on the air, or email us with questions or problems.

ARRL has two more publications that may help -

If electrons, AC, DC, and capacitors and such are just not 'jelling' for you, ARRL's "Understanding Basic Electronics" may be the right supplement you need.

If you want a printed version of an Elmer to have handy, ARRL's new "Ham Radio FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)" might be worth a place on your operating table.

If you have a group who would like a specific class presentation, contact KQ6Q@arrl.net or KF6ECO@amsat.org and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

We also do out best to have an Elmer present at the monthly testing sessions at the CSULB police station on the 3^rd Saturday of the month; this facility is available to us on other Saturdays; contact one of your Elmers to schedule tutoring or kit-building assistance there.

Your ARALB Elmers -

Fred Wagner, KQ6Q@arrl.net (CW assistance available!)

Dennis Kidder, WA6NIA@arrl.net (CW assistance available!)

Hank Burwash, KQ6RG@arrl.net

Ray Rittenhouse, KF6WZN@arrl.net