Excuse me: I'm a beginner, and I just got an FT-DX10. Where should I start, and what should my goals be?

BG5UWQ

2021 年的时候，我获得了 B 类操作证，趁着五五节，才正式打算入手短波机器。咨询了 @BI1NJK @BI1JNP @venzo 之后，最终选定了 Yaesu FT-DX10。

大概是 17 年的时候，我在高中阶段，图书馆中的电脑报，看到了树莓派加杜邦线可以发射无线电的玩法，于是我便知道了业余无线电。

和我刚接触业余无线电的时候一样，现在我遇到了同样的流程问题。

2019 年，大三阶段，想起来高中时候的无线电，想尝试玩玩。泉州地区差不多是一年组织一次考试。我并不知道考试步骤、报名方式、考试内容，也没有现在的各种微信小程序，本地的活跃度也并不高，隔了一段时间才找到了群体。

考了证书后，只知道要买个手台，在 HamZone 群里按照大家的建议，入手了宝峰 UV-5R，后来才知道核准证是有残缺频段的。

鉴于那时候的踩坑，我想需要有个社区，并且需要有个方便查阅的新手文档，于是有了 HamCQ 和手册。

现在终于入手了短波机器，却又面临了同样的困惑：

@venzo 指导了省内执照的登记，在材料方面，我才知道有很多需要注意的细节，并且需要争取。
设备到了之后，看到电源线是黑白的两根裸线，两眼一黑，问了 @BI1NJK 才知道需要自己配电源，于是买了求精 6 代
@venzo 送了一套协谷的拉杆天线 VM-01 给我，这时候我知道了，电台和天线之间还需要馈线，于是买了钻石 M 的 10m 馈线。
我自己在 JYR 的淘宝店，入手了 40M 的端馈， @venzo 告知我这太长了，很不方便，于是又入手了 20M 的端馈。
考虑到后续可能会尝试野外架台，于是又入了大疆的户外电源，还有一个小推车，放后备箱。

当设备、端馈、天线，都到齐之后，我把天线伸到窗户外，又被难住了，我要怎么操作这个电台？哪些频段比较热闹？天线的加感要如何使用？室内地网要如何铺设？

venzo 送的天线，并没有详细的说明书，我甚至搞错了地针和拉杠的衔接方式......

以上这些，都是走一步看一步的结果，平时也没有太多时间能够和本地爱好者们交流，当我遇到问题的时候，尝试搜索B站、抖音、小红书、HamCQ、HelloCQ，发现友台们更多是在分享自己的日常，或者晦涩难懂的参数。

术业有专攻，虽然我对软件开发已经有轻车熟路的了解，但在经营了这些年的社区之后，我仍然一无所知，这可能会被笑话。

只是我感觉，仿佛又陷入到了以前的信息孤岛了，假如我是一个新人，想快速入手，该怎么做？怎么避免这些“冗余”的流程？在开发者中，我们有 Github、Serverless、Low Code，有各种 Framework、SDK 和清晰的文档，到手即用。

我大概知道，后面需要考虑天线的一些指标、日志软件的一些运用、字母解释法、Morse Code的练习、竞赛等等，但我更希望有一份完整的内容，有类似的套餐服务，告诉我 ABC 怎么搭配，像 Go 官网的 Playground、Swift Playground，或者 PHP 的手册那样，有清晰的1、2、3、4......

可能还是会有人劝我，要多和本地周边的爱好者们交流，但我认为，这并不是什么好方法（我本身不是什么社恐）。

这比接触软件开发的时候，还更让我迷茫，更加无从下手......

你愿意分享一下你是怎么入坑到现在的吗？

做为新人，我还有许多无法理解的问题，例如：1 万块钱我可以买到 Macbook 拥有生产力，并且有最先进的 M 芯片，还有优秀的苹果生态，1 万块钱买的电台，为什么像上个世纪的产物，这里面有什么高科技吗，真的值这个价位吗

BloodBlade

BG5UWQ 做为新人，我还有许多无法理解的问题，例如：1 万块钱我可以买到 Macbook 拥有生产力，并且有最先进的 M 芯片，还有优秀的苹果生态，1 万块钱买的电台，为什么像上个世纪的产物，这里面有什么高科技吗，真的值这个价位吗

就个人来看，电台贵的因素和测量仪器的贵是相似的，即对稳定和精确的要求，而这取决于厂家在现有技术上的经验积累，而非追求研发高科技带来的革新。简单来说，电台是匠人的产物，而M芯片是学者的产物。

当然也有销量不足以摊平成本的因素在。

BI8FRF

BG5UWQ 说复杂其实也不难，只要自己努力去学习、去折腾总会有非常大的收获；现在网络发达也有很多视频教程，要看那些干货视频，比如” 成都 M 哥 “的教程就是指导我从 0 开始的，在学习和折腾过程中，让自己变成 “万金油”，成为泥工、瓦工、木工、钳工、焊工、电工、图工、视工、网工……，让自己好像无所不能一样，反正我家里这些工具都齐全了。
设备、天线、馈线并不是越贵越好，比如某钻线死贵，其实最后使用起来也差不多，关键是自己要根据需求并掌握基本原理，总之适合自己的就行。建议去看一下业余无线电第六版的书，上面有很多干货，我是反复看第四版、第五版，然后再应用到实际中。

BG5LU

Just a personal suggestion for your reference.

After connecting the power supply, radio, feed line, and antenna, take some time to listen in when you have a chance.
For example, the 7068 and 14270 frequency channels in the evening, as well as the 14M channel on weekends during the day, may also be active. The 15-meter band around 21300 may also experience increased activity at times.
If you've been listening to SSB for a while, try listening to CW to see if you find it interesting.
Connect the audio to your computer and install WSJT-X or JTDX to try FT8 communication.
If you're feeling bored, you can listen to shortwave radio broadcasts, for example.
It only needs to receive; as long as it doesn't transmit, the requirements for the antenna are not so high. You don't need to worry about resonance or grounding, as long as it "works."

After a while, I had gotten used to it and was starting to understand the equipment better. The desire to make QSOs (communication exchanges) was becoming quite strong, and I would then consider issues like antenna impedance, efficiency, and elevation angle.
We can then consider issues such as inter-system communication rules, logging software, and alphabetic interpretation methods.

There's also a shortcut: find a local HAM and borrow their equipment, including antennas. Then you can try it out and see if it works for you.

From a software development perspective, we should first act as users and try out the software to see what functionalities it can provide. We should focus on understanding its capabilities rather than solely focusing on development.
Once I'm familiar with the basics, I will gradually start contributing to the development and refinement of specific modules.

Personal opinions are often one-sided and for reference only.

yitsunc

I started my journey with radio by experimenting with the DE-STAR PL660. Initially, my understanding of radio was limited to listening to broadcast stations. However, I gradually learned that I could also set up my own radio station for communication, which marked the beginning of my exploration into this field.

While shortwave radios are definitely expensive, the MacBook I bought a few years ago for over 10,000 yuan is now completely inadequate. The 7300 yuan radio I purchased around the same time is still in good condition and should last me many more years. I think this radio is worth more than other electronic devices.

BG8AMG

So, why didn't I have this confusion at the beginning? Before taking the exams, I was already using an SDR to listen and knew about several antennas. After getting my A license, I started building my own UV band antenna. When I got my B license, I used my homemade inverted V antenna for the first time, and then I started making end-fed, vertical, and Yagi antennas for shortwave. If you're interested in something, just focus on it and don't worry about following a specific menu or checklist.

BI8FRF

BG8AMG 那是因为你可能有天赋，加上自己多折腾多总结多提练，很快就上手了

BG5LU

To add, entering the world of shortwave radio requires a certain level of practical skills.
Amateur radio itself is not a productive tool, and its use cases are not in a production environment; it's simply a "toy."
Furthermore, this "toy" is too niche and unprofitable; it essentially just burns money, with very few cases where it actually generates revenue.
As society develops and communication becomes increasingly convenient, the hobbyist radio community has inevitably been shrinking.
Most often, the appeal of shortwave radio lies in its ability to tap into a man's innate "hunting" instinct. The act of connecting with someone (especially foreign or rare radio stations) at a specific time is inherently uncertain and heavily influenced by factors such as weather, ionospheric conditions, and antenna performance.
However, with the widespread adoption of modern social networks, it is no longer rare to connect with people from other countries and regions, and to maintain reliable and stable communication. This has significantly reduced the excitement associated with this "hunting" instinct.

NB6G

Previously, I also worked on software development, but I started with C/C++, which are often referred to as "hard" modes. I even dabbled in the Linux kernel. In those early days, there were no user-friendly starting guides like "Getting Started," as is well known. Even a simple "Hello World" program in C isn't straightforward, and it only provides a way to test the compiler. Later programming languages and frameworks have their own quick start guides, which are very helpful. However, they are still at the level of a basic "Hello World" program. To create a more sophisticated program, you need to learn more and experiment further.

I'm not sure if the original poster remembers the "maker" community that existed about ten years ago. They were constantly tinkering with things, creating various objects to modify their lives, using 3D printing for casings and Arduino as the core circuit board. They had countless ideas, and all they needed to do was bring them to life. Although the term "maker" has largely disappeared from media and online platforms, this group is still around, although they have changed their appearance, but that inner desire to constantly tinker remains.

In essence, the "ham radio hobbyists" are among the earliest adopters of this practice. Ham radio is all about experimentation and trying different things. They enjoy the small victories and the surprise of connecting with other ham radio operators around the world. They also find satisfaction in the process of constantly experimenting and learning.Process。

Related to urgent productionResultsUnlike modern software development, amateur radio enthusiasts, makers, and even early tinkerers focused on the process of modification and enjoyment. My electrical engineering professor at university particularly emphasized the 555 timer chip, covering a vast amount of knowledge in one semester. He taught us how to use the 555 timer for controlling lights, detecting sound, and even building an electronic keyboard. Many of my classmates didn't understand why he was teaching us these things that weren't relevant to exams, and some even reported him to the university administration. It wasn't until many years later that I realized that he genuinely enjoyed sharing his knowledge with students, but we hadn't appreciated it at the time.

Those who seek immediate results and a direct path to success are unable to understand the satisfaction and joy that comes from the process of seeking. The small, incremental achievements and joys experienced along the way continuously stimulate the release of endorphins, allowing us to move from one success to another. However, those who only focus on the outcome may experience joy when they achieve their goal, but they will also feel a deep sense of emptiness. If the outcome is not satisfactory, the resources (mental effort, time, and money) invested in achieving it become wasted, which can lead to anxiety and self-doubt."Is this useful?"Even to the point where I began to doubt my own usefulness.

At school, we measured value in terms of grades. After graduation, we measured it in terms of money. But when we look back on our lives as we get older, we only remember the small successes and joys, while the ultimate outcomes are forgotten. The grades and money that once seemed so important have lost all meaning in the face of death. There is only one ultimate outcome to life: death, and everyone must eventually face it. On the journey towards death, I want to make it a more meaningful one.

BG6HFD

For me, amateur radio is a hobby – it's similar to playing games.

For elementary school students, a good starting point would be to introduce them to radio-related topics. They could begin by listening to the radio and then, while researching, discover amateur radio.

Back then, obtaining licenses locally required payment, even for a basic UV-5R radio, which cost over 100 yuan. It was difficult to save up enough money, let alone the fact that minors were not allowed to set up radios.

Until high school, I watched a science education video on Bilibili featuring a chemistry creator who recommended videos from "Tech Small Dog." Intrigued, I started to learn more about shortwave radio. I was still relatively young at the time, so I decided to get certified and start studying. I obtained AB licenses locally, and then set up my own equipment. All of my knowledge came from self-study, including equipment, antennas, and transmission methods. I learned from books like "Green Treasure," as well as videos from other enthusiasts. I also learned by researching on forums and chatting with friends in online groups.

The first device I used was the G90S, along with a joystick for vertical communication. I also connected to local repeaters, but my primary focus was listening to conversations between adults. This resulted in very few voice communications over a long period of time, which significantly reduced my interest.

I continued using it for about a year, but the joystick broke due to water damage from heavy rain, and I also had to move, so my radio activities were put on hold.

In late 2023, while in my second year of university, I unexpectedly met a young teacher who was also a HAM. We discussed the topic extensively, and then I researched the new regulations, which required anyone using equipment above 15W to obtain a full license. I applied for a 100W license for G90S. On the day when there were no local technical inspections, I set up my vertical antenna in a corner of the school building and successfully made contact with the Beijing University collective station (it was quite challenging, but after six years of experimenting, I finally managed to transmit on shortwave SSB). This further fueled my interest, and I subsequently built a 100W amplifier. The project took over four months, from researching and designing the PCB to assembling it, and I even integrated a simple antenna tuner. Feeling overwhelmed by the complexity, I decided to purchase an DX10 (which was primarily for looking at), along with a teacher and fellow enthusiasts, we set up a 20-meter feed-line antenna and built a new adjustable vertical antenna.

This year, I also have my own car, and both WAPC and I went to the field for the Chinese Amateur Radio Festival. It was a lot of fun. Recently, since I'm living off-campus, it's not very convenient to operate shortwave radios, but I've started experimenting with UV frequencies as well.

As times change, amateur radio also has a new future. I can clearly feel that the open access for minors has brought in many fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Several of my classmates have become enthusiasts, some are very passionate, while others are even more enthusiastic than me. It seems that forming a club or collective station is not going to happen anytime soon.

Last year, I also brought my partner into this, and she passed her A license. We plan to take the B exam next year, and I'll take the C exam. Then we'll build a DIY USDX-like small radio together.

My total spending on amateur radio is likely to exceed $20,000, and it will only increase in the future. It's like a "pay-to-win" game – buying virtual characters or equipment, spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars is not uncommon; what matters is finding something that makes you happy. This could be the excitement of receiving messages from distant stations via amateur radio, the satisfaction of building your own antenna or equipment, or the camaraderie and fun of playing with like-minded friends... There's no need to look for elaborate reasons to do things that make you happy.

This is my experience and perspective, and I hope it is helpful.

BG5JFI

As someone who isn't particularly strong in science and math, but enjoys humanities... I'm just starting to learn about shortwave radio.

My experience should be considered as being initiated by a friend; the initial machine was K5.
The exams in Jiangxi are infrequent, so I didn't get my A license until June of last year, and my B license only at the end of last year.Unauthorized UV, A short wave, B turtle (not following)）

I feel that the documentation and manuals are a bit lacking... However, to be honest, it would actually be quite difficult to write them. At most, I could probably just explain some general concepts, such as standing waves, weather conditions, antenna types, and satellite communication procedures. But even these don't necessarily need to be written down in a manual. If you search online, you can probably find the information you need.

Regarding the use of specific machines, it seems that the only option is to refer to the manual. After all, each machine has different operating procedures... I bought a G90s, and the manual seems to be well-written. For example, when I researched and successfully flashed and programmed the K5, I still encountered problems with the UV5R's programming function due to its poor compatibility.

Regarding the application for a license, I didn't encounter any difficulties because I studied law. Basically, it only requires one visit. You can apply in person or call ahead to inquire. If that doesn't work, you can also mail the materials. The notification about corrections is also handled differently in each province. While individual documents can be organized, organizing everything systemically is indeed challenging.

It's still too fragmented... If we compare it to software development, there are too many vendors with different operating systems and interfaces. The vendors themselves also don't pay much attention to documentation. Perhaps that's the reason why non-commercial projects are so disorganized. I previously researched AX25 and APRS, and their documentation was also very messy, although it was relatively better than before.

A potentially better approach is to learn by doing. However, this also has drawbacks because learning requires practice, and starting with finished products makes sense. But finished products are often too expensive... A shortwave positive V antenna can cost several thousand yuan, and a finished FT8 audio cable costs over 50 yuan. So, if you want to make one yourself, you need to learn soldering and the definitions of various ports first... This is not very friendly for beginners, and those with weak practical skills will be at a significant disadvantage.

Also, if you really want to master radio communication, it feels much more complex than writing code. At the very least, you need to learn a lot of scientific concepts... especially things like building your own antennas/transmitters/amplifiers. For someone with a humanities background, seeing all those formulas is just overwhelming.

FengziLeo

My introduction to shortwave radio came through listening to various local stations that broadcast on this frequency, and I want to thank them here. @BH7HHR 、 @BH7HQT BH3VBH @BI3TJT "They function similarly to product documentation, allowing me to ask questions and discover other aspects of the software that I wasn't aware of. Therefore, I might disagree with you; instead, it would be better to seek guidance from experienced local experts, especially those who are willing to share their knowledge and mentor newcomers. My equipment selection and initial setup were also guided by the advice of senior colleagues, and VBH has consistently provided me with helpful recommendations."
My current equipment consists of a TKM707 and a 20m end-fed antenna. The length of the end-fed antenna essentially dictates that I can only use it in an outdoor setting. Every time I set up outdoors, I also contact several other stations. I believe that the joy of amateur radio is not just the invisible radio waves, but also the simple communication between people. I am confident that these two aspects will support me in continuing my hobby.
As someone who studied law at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, my physics knowledge was limited to what I learned in high school. Consequently, I had very little understanding of the deeper aspects of radio communication. Whenever I encountered something I didn't understand, I would try searching online for answers, but it was often difficult to find solutions that worked for me. Over time, I realized that many other amateur radio operators faced similar challenges. Therefore, I frequently turned to others for help, especially VBH, who would occasionally share books or articles with me. This not only helped me solve my specific problems but also allowed me to learn a great deal more about the subject.
However, while I was recently reading "Amateur Radio Communication," I came across some introductory information about shortwave radio that I thought might be helpful to you. You could borrow a copy from the library and see if it's useful.

BH7JUO

In today's era of rapid information development, trying to set up a complete and cobbled-together system from scratch is risky. Even experienced users can fall into traps if they rely solely on a single document or tutorial. While you might understand how to install individual components like the N1MM DX10 antenna mast, combining them together can still lead to countless unexpected problems. However, it's clear that the forum administrator has some prior experience. In this situation, the best approach is to seek advice from an experienced user who can help you troubleshoot any issues you encounter or immediately ask for help in a familiar online community. This will allow you to quickly familiarize yourself with the new system. However, based on my own experience, once you've become familiar with a particular system, replacing some of its major components (like the radio, computer, and antenna) will inevitably lead to new problems. Therefore, it's always best to continue learning and seek advice from others when needed. Don't hesitate to ask for help in online communities or forums.

BG4IJK

About my own experience of getting involved.

One day, I stumbled upon a video by "Morina Film" on a video website, and that's how I learned about the "amateur radio" field. Later, through frequent searches for exam registration information, I was able to obtain notifications about the exams and contact local amateur radio organizations.

After obtaining the operating certificate, I immediately purchased a K5 and started learning. I also bought several more devices through group purchases. I personally prefer to learn by doing first, then summarizing. In terms of operation, I haven't encountered any major difficulties; basically, just using the machine naturally allows me to understand how it works. If I don't understand something, I can search for information online and usually find what I need.

Through observing conversations and forum posts from fellow listeners, I learned how to "continuously upgrade" my equipment and started saving money for that purpose. Currently, I'm at the stage of acquiring shortwave receivers and antennas.

When setting up a shortwave radio, I encountered some difficulties. For example, my home didn't have the necessary conditions, so I bought a car antenna with low efficiency, intending to go out and set it up, but also wanted to set it up at home. At this point, I tried doing things according to my own ideas, and if I couldn't figure it out, I would discard it. In addition, I occasionally looked at the experiences of others, including posts and videos, and through these subtle accumulations, I later found that when I accidentally picked them up again, I suddenly knew how to do it.

I also want to mention the two major merchants that everyone knows on Taobao, although from today's perspective, sometimes they are simply providing them with…Pay tuition feesHowever, for beginners who don't know anything about the field, shopping from these two vendors can be a "one-stop" solution. As long as you browse around in the store, you can usually buy all the necessary machines and accessories within two visits, and you rarely encounter any confusing or misleading issues. Although it costs quite a bit, it saves a lot of trouble.

Regarding the HamCQ manual

While I was getting involved in amateur radio, I also found a lack of easily accessible beginner's guides. So, when I have free time, I write the HamCQ manual myself to share my experiences and lessons learned.

After writing a lot of content, I realized that beginners need three types of content:

Operating steps: For example, how to apply for a machine, and how to operate the machine.
Operational experience: For example, how to choose equipment and common mistakes.
How to "know how to operate": For example, various techniques for the UV and shortwave bands. If you haven't even heard of these techniques, it's obviously impossible to ask about how to operate them.

So, my approach when writing it myself was generally as follows:

The manual is written based on my own practical experience, while also referencing the experiences shared by other users. The goal is to create a comprehensive and accurate guide. Additionally, I have tried or heard about various methods, so the manual includes as many different approaches as possible to inspire ideas.
Regarding the first category, "How to Operate," due to its fragmented and instructional nature, it often requires the most visually engaging video tutorials. Furthermore, platforms like Douyin (TikTok) and Bilibili already have a wealth of useful resources that can be easily searched for. Therefore, it's best to avoid redundant efforts.
Valuable insights and lessons are often more precious. Many people don't deliberately try to summarize them, but sometimes a few well-chosen words can save the day for a HAM. Therefore, whenever you encounter useful experiences, be sure to record them.
I generally don't go into detail about the underlying principles, primarily because the concepts are readily available online and easy to find. Furthermore, explaining the principles first before discussing the operation is not conducive to beginners understanding. If it's absolutely necessary to understand the principles first, I would try to explain them in a clear and simple way.
While browsing the forum, if other users post high-quality content, such as step-by-step instructions or technical tips, I try to include them in my documentation. Because the posts lack a systematic structure and HamCQ's search function is not very effective, this helps ensure that more users who need information can find them. This also complements the forum with my documentation.

I hope that this approach to writing will help everyone avoid unnecessary detours and get more assistance.

captive

The search for HamCQ is not effective.

BG4IJK The search function in this forum is generally not very effective. I'm not sure if this site uses Elasticsearch. Using the "site" command with an external search engine to search for content within the site is still a viable option.

Momobako

BG4IJK The dog, Joy, was quite dangerous.

CQ-BG8LTU

BG4IJK 我也是看了狗乔伊的视频才入无线电的坑，真是害人不浅。

YofoaStudio

BG4IJK

Momobako

CQ-BG8LTU

~~甲级战犯~~

BG7NOD

Look at all these helpful responses from everyone! Isn't this what makes amateur radio so appealing?

BG9CHE

I became interested in building receivers, and then learned about amateur radio through the internet. In 2009, I wrote to CRSA to join, took the exam, and received a license application form that was mailed back to me. I obtained a license by handling it locally without any regulatory department. At that time, I learned about equipment and communication techniques primarily through reading books and self-study on forums like hellocq, as well as communicating with local repeaters and direct-mode communicators. However, the amount of information I could actually use was very limited.

In 2015, I made the decision to get into shortwave listening. I upgraded my equipment and purchased the FT897 and JPC-7 antennas that were recommended by everyone. I started spending time outdoors, setting up my antenna whenever I had free time, and packing it away when I didn't. Due to work and other life commitments, there were times when I wouldn't operate for a whole year. At the time, my focus was primarily on SSB, and I hadn't delved into topics like propagation, directional antennas, or other techniques. However, in recent years, I started watching videos from various HAMs on different video platforms, and after searching online, I found that there was an increasing amount of useful information available, including step-by-step instructions for operating techniques. This reignited my passion for experimenting, and I also got into contesting and QRP (low power) modes, and I passed the C license exam.

For a middle-aged man like me, amateur radio is still a way to explore the unknown and maintain my passion for discovery. It's also the most suitable relaxation channel I can find in my spare time. And with the development of the internet, it has become much easier to acquire the knowledge needed to get started, and many different ways of playing have also become more familiar and accessible to everyone.

Returning to the question, my own starting point was a curiosity about exploring the unknown world. As for where to go, I don't think it's necessary to set specific directions and goals for myself. Instead, as you delve deeper into an interest, I believe that when you look back years later, you will have found your answer.

Bg2gKg

The username seems familiar to me, and I suspect this post was written by someone else. (I would have included an emoji here, but the forum's emojis are currently unavailable?)

BG4IJK

Bg2gKg 帮你发个表情包：原来无线电论坛站长也玩无线电.jpg

BI6OTI

Starting with printing a radio manual, then simply assessing whether I have a base station setup, and finally installing WSJT-X or JTDX to try FT8 communication… I don't have a base station. For over a year, I've been using shortwave exclusively for FT8, communicating on over 100 different frequencies. Therefore, I'm most active on local repeaters. Everyone has their own way of doing things; some people enjoy competing to "break walls," others like DXing (long-distance communication), and still others prefer to simply turn on their radios and listen.

BH9FPK

I recommend first measuring the electromagnetic environment in your home. With a noise level of 59+ dB, there's no room for experimentation; you can only use it outdoors.

BH7HQT

Thank you @FengziLeo The recognition I received was actually just a small, insignificant gesture.

As one might expect from a programmer, the original poster's problem is very typical: when I encounter a bug, I need a manual that explains how it occurred and how to fix it.
However, for the hobby of amateur radio, knowing how to do and what to do might be relatively simple. But for truly understanding the theory, one can gain a fundamental understanding of some questions. Currently, I am still approaching it with an attitude of "not seeking in-depth knowledge," using my basic foundation in electrical engineering from my undergraduate studies to learn slowly.

From my personal perspective, the "learn-practice-learn" feedback loop is crucial. Otherwise, if you feel that the rewards from practical experience are too low, it becomes very difficult to continue this hobby. If you're not an electronics enthusiast or don't have a lot of free time, I advise against using kits to build your first radio. Just as many experienced ham operators discourage beginners from starting with 100W SSB on shortwave, the feeling of frustration that comes from practical experience can be very negative, especially for those who are new to setting up antennas outdoors for the first few times.

(By the way, I once tried setting up a 10-meter long antenna on a hilltop in a remote area during a dark and stormy night. Despite using a friend's 600W amplifier and achieving SSB communication with another station, I couldn't get through. The frustration was immense. In the end, the antenna even broke due to the wind, but thankfully it wasn't permanently damaged because of its flexibility.)

As a way to fully utilize the properties of electromagnetic waves, understanding the principles of electromagnetic waves and related equipment is actually very important. It determines the depth of your learning, but it should not become a hindrance to your interests.

From a successful SSB contact to participating in a competition, or even coordinating with other stations offline, all of these experiences are valuable. Amateur radio is essentially about practice, and the rewards gained through that practice provide motivation for continued learning and experimentation.

I hope that both the original poster and everyone else in this forum can ultimately find what they are looking for, and I also thank HamCQ for providing us with a more modern, friendly, and less burdened discussion space.

I also want to thank all the other contributors in this thread. Seeing your various comments has convinced me to continue working on my "HF Newcomer's Handbook," even though it will likely just be a collection of notes. I hope that by sharing my own experiences, I can help others avoid making the same mistakes.

Hope to see on air, 73

FengziLeo

[未知用户] Is it possible that the original poster is the administrator (doge.jpg)?
It's clearly not a proxy; it's the website owner themselves.

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