[GreenKeys] Getting RTTY on-the air

[WA3FRP at aol.com]

Brandon, 
 
I also live in a restricted area.  I could put up an outside antenna  but the 
divorce would be too expensive. So, I've gone with low power and an  attic 
antenna. 
 
Even with a limited antenna, I was able to work 140 countries over the past  
year and confirm (get QSL cards) from 123 - so far.  More cards come in  each 
week. 
 
So, it is very possible to send and receive Teletype effectively even when  
you are in a restricted area.  I say this knowing that propagation  conditions 
are rather poor as we approach the 11 year sunspot minimum in late  2006 or 
early 2007.  But there are still very good days when you can hear  and work to 
many parts of the world.
 
My recommendation is to first find a teleprinter, terminal unit, receiver  
and antenna that meets your needs while you start to work on getting  your 
Amateur Radio license. 
 
Also, there is an FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order (NPRM&O)  that 
would do away with the current 5 word per minute Morse code requirement for  
all license classes.  The requirement to learn Morse code has kept some  people 
away from Amateur radio in the past.  
You might be able to locate ham radio operators and a couple of clubs in  
your area by check with ARRL.  The ARRL list of Clubs can be found at www  dot 
arrl dot org and then look for the "Clubs" heading at the top left of the  
webpage right under "Classes" and "Exams".
 
Good Luck!
 
73 
 
Russ
WA3FRP