On the Air: The Practical Guide to Your First Station, First Contacts, and Confident Amateur Radio Operating (RadioBook)

On the Air takes newly licensed amateur radio operators from qualification to confident, active operation. Beginning with the practical decisions involved in assembling a first station, it explains how to choose equipment, install antennas, make contacts, join nets, handle directed traffic, explore digital modes, work satellites, troubleshoot common problems, and become part of the amateur-radio community.

Written for operators in both Canada and the United States, this practical guide connects radio theory with what actually happens at the operating desk. Clear explanations, realistic station examples, diagrams, photographs, exercises, checklists, and troubleshooting procedures help readers develop sound operating habits without assuming an elaborate station or a large budget.

Readers will learn how to:

• Plan and assemble a station suited to their licence privileges, interests, property, and budget
• Select antennas, feed lines, power supplies, accessories, and test equipment
• Make effective voice and digital contacts
• Participate confidently in repeaters, nets, traffic handling, and emergency communications
• Get started with popular digital modes and amateur satellites
• Understand propagation and choose suitable bands and operating times
• Diagnose interference, high SWR, receiver problems, and failed contacts
• Build skills, relationships, and long-term interests within amateur radio

Whether the goal is a dependable local station, long-distance contacts, public-service communications, digital operating, or simply greater confidence behind the microphone, On the Air provides a detailed path from owning a callsign to using it well.