Information for a new Ham

This is some information for someone who is starting out wanting to do Ham radio as a hobby.  It is a collection of stuff I stumbled on as I was trying to get up to speed.  Remember I have only been doing this since June, but it is a good start.


The Guide I used to study for the radio license test:  The Tech and General License study guides  are free,
   the extra license guide is $8.00 -  
   No nonsense study guide:  http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual/

A site that has information on the $35.00 Baofeng radio (UV-5R) : 
      http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/

Where to buy the Baofeng Radio:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=baofeng+uv5r
        I would buy with the programming cable and hand mike

Programming Software for the Baofeng Radio and others (freeware) 
      Chirp - http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home

There are other radios out there for more money (and worth it) - 
     Wouxun  -  nicer/ more solid but around $100
      Some of the Kenwood/ICOM/Yaesu HT radios can be had starting at $150-$$$

Places to buy stuff:
   Gigaparts - http://www.gigaparts.com
   universial radio  -  http://www.universal-radio.com
   HRO - http://www.hamradio.com
   AES - http://www.aesham.com
   cheap ham  - http://www.cheapham.com
   main trading - http://www.mtcradio.com


How to build your own VHF antenna:  http://www.hamuniverse.com/2meter300ohmslimjim.html
If you want to just buy one:  http://www.2wayelectronix.com/Dual-band-2m-70cm-Slim-Jim-Antenna-dual-slim.htm

The best ham forum site I have found
   http://www.eham.net

Leon County ARES -  The ham emergency folks: 
   http://www.leoncountyares.org/index.php/Leon_County_ARES_Overview

Fldigi -  Digital modes for ham radio -  Freeware 
   http://www.w1hkj.com/beginners.html