Damon...

 DA{at}>     I know that some people are going to say FFS just google it, but I
 DA{at}> thought I'd ask here first because obviously there are some seriously
 DA{at}> knowledgeable people here.  So what I'm wondering is if any of you have
 DA{at}> any primers/study materials to recommend for a person trying to start

  I personally recommend Ham Test Online (www.hamradiolicenseexam.com). I
went from Technician to General in 14 days, and to Amateur Extra 13 days
later. Prices vary depending on which license class you want to go for, but
it's a 2 year subscription. For me, it was the best money I ever spent in
ham radio.

  It's all web browser based, with nothing to download or install on your
computer. You can do it on either dial-up or DSL broadband internet.
Questions are covered, and concepts are explained. You are actually
LEARNING something, and NOT just memorizing the answers. 

  I recommend 2 hours a day, for 2 weeks study time. When you get to 80%
studying, start taking practice tests. When you start scoring 80% or better
consistently, then you are ready for the real thing at a license exam
session. However, if after adequate study and practice tests, you still
fail on exam day, send them proof of the failure...and they will cancel
your subscription and refund your money. Only about 1% of all who have
ever signed up with them have asked for a refund.

  As for gear, you have to consider where you are going to operate, if
there are antenna restrictions or prohibitions where you live, etc. It
also depends on what license class you are going for. 

  For VHF/UHF operations, I recommend the Yaesu FT-8800R mobile rig, which 
can be used as a base station, with the proper power supply hook-up...
covering 2 meters and 70 centimeters, with 50 watts max on 2 meters, and
35 watts max on 70 centimeters. It's around $460 from Ham Radio Outlet.

  For HF operations (Technicians are very limited on HF privileges), I 
recommend the Icom IC-718...it covers 10 to 160 meters, with a max of 100 
watts. It's described as a "get your feet wet in HF rig"...which is true.
It's not a fancy "DC to daylight" rig, but it'll get you started. It's
around $745 from Ham Radio Outlet.

  I also recommend getting the LDG IT-100 antenna tuner...it's around 
$185...half the cost of what Icom wants for their proprietary tuner
over $420). 

  You can get a Wouxon dual band HT for under $200, but unless you get 
the programming cable and software, it'll take you forever a day to set 
up everything.

Daryl, WX1DER

... Ham Radio Messages And Replies Will Be Sent In Morse Code.
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