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Ham Radio License? How to Start?
I'm interested in obtaining a LEVEL 1: Technician Class License.
Can I listen to Aircraft (Local ATC) with the LEVEL 1: Technician Class License?
I'm leaving for the Caribbean in a few months and before bringing a radio scanner or any transmitting device the foreign Customs Official told me I must forward my LEVEL 1: Technician Class License to the local Spectrum Management Authority and they will issue me my "Alien Amateur Operators License"
So would I be able to hear anything interesting with the basic LEVEL 1: Technician Class License? What what you recommend that picks up Aircraft, Boats, and other HAMS (I'm looking for something that is portable)?
Lot's of Mountains are in range (1500-2000 Feet) I'm in a concrete building 2nd Floor and the landlord says I can attach a antenna on the roof of the building, would this help with signals? I'm 7-10 Miles from a small airfield.
Get in-touch with the ARRL ( Amateur Radio Relay League) they will help you get started getting your license ( Level 1: Technician ) and receiving all the paper work for working in a foreign land.
As for just having a receiver for listening to, no license is required at least not in the states, maybe in foreign lands, though?
As for just a portable short wave receiver, Sony, Sangean, and a few others are good. But to receive VHF, UHF aircraft, public serivce (police, fire ect.) you will need a good scanner. Also check out portable amateur transceivers from Kenwood,Yaesu and Icom they have models that cover Shortwave plus VHF and UHF amateur bands.
Here are a few links:
www.arrl.org
http://www.aesham.com/
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/0360.html
http://www.bearcatscanner.com/
Add-on : Putting an antenna on the roof is a good idea, aways higher is better. A good discone antenna from AES or Radio Shack is a good one for the scanner and a multi-trapped dipole for the amateur low bands would be great. Ask the sales personal at AES for help on your situation.