doehme <doe...@maritimecon.com.au>

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.

Thanks in advance.

Dene