We were all new once.
What did you wish you knew on day one?
This started as a small printed zine for Ham Radio Village at DEF CON 33.
It’s still a small printed zine.
The goal is simple:
Give this to a brand-new technician and say: “This is how you can use your radio today.”
Cut through the noise, provide just enough real info to:
- make a contact
- build a basic antenna
- find a fox
- inspire them to keep learning
Also note: if you just passed your exam at the con and don’t have your license yet — what can you still do in the meantime?
-
Not a replacement for the ARRL Handbook or any serious reference
(this fits on a single sheet — manage expectations) -
Not legal advice
(seriously — verify your local laws and band plan) -
Not a universal frequency guide
(this version is US-leaning; international use will vary) -
Not an exam prep tool or by any means all-encompasing
- Cover (includes version number, QR code to source, somewhere to write your callsign)
- Field checklist (what to verify before transmitting)
- Common frequencies and what they’re used for (not the whole spectrum)
- First contact / transmission protocol (exact phrasing)
- Omnidirectional antenna builds (dipole, Slim Jim)
- Basics of foxhunting
- Directional antenna builds (Yagi, loop)
- (back cover) Phonetic alphabet (+ Morse reference)
- Call log (2/3 of back side)
- Essential formulas and rules of thumb (1/3 of back side)
See CONTRIBUTING.md for details about how you can help.
Always follow your local laws and band plans.
This guide is for practical learning — not legal authority. Breaking the law is illegal.