Book 4 of 5
On The Air
You have your license. Now get on the air with confidence.
RadioBook: On The Air
is the practical operating guide for newly licensed amateur radio operators. This book takes you from your first tentative CQ to confident participation in nets, contests, DXing, and digital modes. Written by an experienced operator, it covers the real-world skills and etiquette that make ham radio enjoyable and rewarding.
This book covers what you need to know after you get your license. The exam tests your knowledge of regulations and theory, but it doesn’t teach you how to actually operate. You can pass the test and still not understand how to call CQ, join a net, or make a confident contact. This is where you learn the real-world skills.
What This Book Covers
- Your First Contacts — How to call CQ, respond to calls, and conduct a clean, enjoyable QSO
- Nets and Scheduled Operations — Participating in traffic nets, emergency nets, and club nets with proper protocol
- DXing — Working distant stations, understanding DXpeditions, and the thrill of long-distance communication
- Contesting — The competitive side of ham radio: rules, strategies, and how to jump in for the first time
- Digital Modes — FT8, PSK31, RTTY, and more: what they are, how to use them, and when to choose digital over voice
- Portable and Mobile Operating — Field Day, SOTA, parks on the air, and operating from your car
- Logging and Awards — Keeping accurate records, chasing DXCC, WAS, and other popular awards
- Building Your Station — Antenna upgrades, equipment additions, and growing your capabilities over time
Who This Book Is For
- Newly licensed operators ready to make their first real contacts
- Technicians looking to explore beyond local repeaters
- Returning hams who need a refresher on current operating practices
What Makes This Book Different
- Real-world focus — Based on actual operating experience, not just theory
- Companion game included — Interactive operating simulator for practicing contacts and nets
- Mode-by-mode guidance — Clear explanations of voice, CW, and digital operations
Release Status
This book is currently in development. This page will be updated with the cover, table of contents, and purchase links once it is available.
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Related Titles
You are reading Book 4 of 5 in the RadioBook series:
- Welcome to Amateur Radio
- How Radio Works
- Getting Your License
- On The Air — You are here
- Troubleshooting and Interference
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