The IRC channel #hamtech was created so that the members of The Hammond List e-mail discussion group could relax & chat without clogging the "In" boxes of other members.

        Topics of discussion for #hamtech are relatively simple:
                a)     anything that is relevant on The Hammond List,
                b)     anything that is NOT relevant on The Hammond List.

        In order to access #hamtech you will need an IRC client program.  Most IRC clients are shareware, but there are exceptions.  There are alternatives to the programs mentioned on this page, but these seem to be the standard ones.

        Windows users can download mIRC (and a helpful IRC intro file) at mIRC's home page.  If you run into problems using mIRC, you can contact Adrianne (aka Ad on IRC).

        Mac users can download Ircle at the Ircle home page.  

        To connect to the StarChat network, you need to have your IRC program connect to one of it's servers. Detailed directions for connecting can be found in your program's help file, and several of StarChat's servers have entries already installed in the server lists of recent versions of mIRC.  Click here for a complete list of StarChat's servers.  

        If you have chosen a nickname already registered by another user, you will be asked by the network to identify yourself. If the nick is not registered to you, please disconnect, select another nickname and reconnect. Repeat this process until the network does not ask for identification when you connect.

        Once you have successfully connected to the StarChat network, see your program's help file for directions to join the channel #hamtech.  If you are using a version of mIRC, the command is:  /join #hamtech

        In order to protect your nickname, you must first register your nickname with StarChat's NickServ.  Registering prevents others from using your nick (or your powers as an Op, if you are one).  The command to register is:  /msg nickserv register your_email_address your_password  (Note:  it is not mandatory to register your nickname, it is simply a recommended security measure.)

        Once you have registered your nickname, you will need to activate it.  The server will email you directions when you register.  After your nickname is registered and activated, you will need to identify yourself to NickServ each time you log on to the network.  The command to identify yourself is:  /msg nickserv identify your_password

        If you do not log on to the network for more than 10 days, your nickname registration will be dropped by NickServ. You will have to re-register (and be re-added to the channel's op list) when you next log on (assuming that your nick was not claimed by someone else in the meanwhile--if it was, you will need a new one).

        If you have questions about the channel, send them to the admins.