Amateur "Ham" Radio

Amateur Radio: What is it?

Amateur radio, or "ham radio", is a multifaceted hobby of personal enjoyment and accomplishment. Hams make hundreds of friends while operating two-way radio stations from their homes, cars, and the out-of-doors. They visit with other hams across town or across the world, using the simplest of radio setups and antennas. All amateur radio operators are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and must pass a test to get a license.

Who are hams?

Anyone can be a ham radio operator -- no matter what age, gender or physical ability. There are no limits! Hams range in age from under 6 to over 100. People from all walks of life pass the entry level amateur radio exams and become part of the ham radio family.

Amateur radio is a hobby of personal enjoyment. But in times of need, hams are transformed into self-trained public service communicators, ready and able to help their neighbors during emergencies and natural disasters. Just take a few minutes to look at a video about Amateur radio today (6.38 minutes). Hams enjoy practicing for these times by sending Radiograms -- free personal messages -- from anyone, to anyone, anywhere in the United States.

Becoming a Ham...

can be very easy. With a little studying, anyone can join in the fun on the airwaves!

The license lets you talk by radio using voice, Morse code or computers, giving you many options for local, regional or worldwide contacts. You will pass a mutiple-choice exam covering rules of the airwaves, basic electricity/electronics.

There is no requirements to pass a Morse code exam for any class of license.

License Classes

There are several levels of licencing, depending on knowledge. See the "How to Be a Ham" in the Ham Information page, or send e-mail to the address at the bottom of this page for more information.

Want to Know More?

If you are interested in knowing more about amateur radio, browse this WWW site, or the ARRL WWW site, or send e-mail to the address at the bottom of this page.

(Parts of this file were paraphrased from the ARRL pamphlet, "Hobby of a Lifetime! Ham Radio".)

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