I listened for years on my scanner before I became a ham, mostly on 2 meter 
repeaters, even though I knew back then I'd want to go on HF and at the time 
I couldn't listen to HF, it gave me a sense of what's out there, a place, on 
a swap and sell net, to buy my first radio, and worked out pretty well as 
well as being entertaining and showing me who I did want to get friendly 
with, and might not. Unfortunately in many ways I can't say that around here 
now, but hopefully it's still good in other parts of the country. I still 
love HF and really wish I was setup to get going on HF again in the new 
place, I'm getting there. I have everything I need including the help the 
weather's not working out and I'm afraid it won't until after our little one 
is born which could be another hold up but I'm still on 900 MHz, and the 2 
meter repeaters for the clubs I belong to so the locals can talk to me 
anyway and I'm still involved in ARES and RACES.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John J. Jacques" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 11:58 AM
Subject: Re: would like a better understanding of nets


> Hi Linda, if you have a reciever, or a scanner, you can listen to
> anything you like, even before you get your license!  In fact, listening
> to nets and other activities is a great way to learn operating practices.
> Until you get your license, you would be known as a SWL, wich stands for
> Shortwave listener!  That is the way many of us got are start and
> developed an interst in ham radio!  Once you get your call sign, you can
> listen to and participate in many nets, even on 2 meters and echo link.
>
> Hope I have clarifyed things a bit for you!
>
> By the way, my girlfriend, Aimee, is also studying for her tech ticket!
> She lives in Jacksonville and is atending a local class there.  She is
> also using Handi-hams and I expect she will have no trouble passing the
> exam in a few months.  She had a novice back when she was in high school,
> but didn't do anything with it then!  Her call was KA4VRW!  I can't wait
> until she gets her Tech so she can participate in some of the nets that I
> am involved in!
>
> 73 and 88 whare appropriate:
> John
>
> John Jacques
> Amateur Radio Station: KD8PC
> "Where Cat Is,  Is Civilization!"