HOW TO GET STARTED IN AMATEUR RADIO
Getting started in Amateur Radio has never been easier! You can usually find a ham radio class in your area sponsored by
friendly volunteers who will help you learn the "ropes."
Two Entry-Level Licenses To Choose From
The Novice Class license lets you talk by radio using voice, Morse code or computers. You'll take a relatively easy exam on
radio operating practices, FCC rules and basic electrical theory. You'll also pass a 5 words-per-minute Morse code test.
Novice Class operating privileges include FM voice, digital packet, single-sideband voice and Morse code. Novice operators
can use many of the popular shortwave frequencies (below 30 Megahertz) to communicate worldwide using Morse code, and
on one shortwave frequency band they can even use voice.
The Technician Class license NO LONGER REQUIRES A MORSE CODE EXAMINATION, and gives you all ham radio
privileges above 30 Megahertz. You'll pass a relatively easy exam on radio operating practices, FCC rules and basic electrical
theory. Technician Class operating privileges include FM voice, digital packet, satellite, television, single-sideband voice and
several other interesting modes. You can make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple equipment.
Where Do I Start?
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and others publish ham radio license study guides to help you learn the things
you'll need to pass your exam and have fun with Amateur Radio. ARRL can also assist you in finding ham operators in your
area who'd like to help you get started.
The ARRL Educational Activities Department (EAD) distributes a "Prospective Ham Package" that is sent at no cost to you.
The material describes Amateur Radio, popular ARRL study guides, and includes a list of your local ham radio clubs, ham
radio classes and volunteer examiners in your area. Contact us for a "Prospective Ham Package", today!:
TOLL-FREE - 1-800-32-NEW HAM (our New Prospect "Hot Line")
mail - ARRL EAD, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111
phone - (203) 666-1541
fax - (203) 665-7531
e-mail - [email protected]
(Make sure to include a specific request for the "Prospective Ham Package" and include your postal address because there is
too much material to send via e-mail or fax.)
Any and all comments sent to me will be read and suggestions will be considered. Here is my email address, but if you click on the link, you will have a pleasant surprise when you go to my very special email page.