I'm toying with the idea of getting into amateur radio and have been reading up on the foundation licence As such, I've got a few very basic questions about making inital contact in the amateur radio world.
Are specifc call channels/frequencies used on HF, VHF and UHF? I guess I'm thinking in CB terms here. Is it a similar system of frequency use or is it just a matter of finding any clear frequency and putting out a (correctly sructured) CQ call and hoping for the best? If there are calling freqs, where can I get some info on them for all bands available to a foundation licencee? I've found the WIA band plan no problem but unable (so far) to find anything specifically on calling frequencies (if they even exist).
Also what's the go with GSYing to another frequency after making contact? Do you basically just make inital contact on a calling freq then the called station stands by while the caller quickly finds one that is clear or does the calling station already have a clear frequency checked out and ready prior to making the CQ call? How far away from the calling freq do you usually have to go?
Are these procedures different on HF, VHF and UHF?
Also in some of the literature I've been reading it talks about identifying repeater stations. How are they usually ID'd? Is it just a matter of knowing that a repeater on a specific frequency is listed as being on "Mount Whatever" so if you can hear a repeater on that freq then it must be that repeater?
And finally.... How do you know what DTMF and CTSS control tones are applicable to what repeaters?
Ok. As I said... basic and dumb questions but someone's got to ask them.