K4VRC

Interested in becoming a ham?

Amateur radio has been around for a long time and has grown itself into a worldwide community of licensed hams on the airwaves using the oldest to the latest digital communications technology. Ham radio attracts those who have never held a microphone as well as deep technical experts who grew up with computers. The United States Amateur Service license is required similar to a driver’s license and grants you the most wireless communications privileges available to any private citizen anywhere in the world. In the United States, amateur radio licensing is governed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 2012 marked one hundred years of amateur radio operator and station licensing by the United States government. Licenses to operate amateur stations for personal use are granted to individuals of any age who can demonstrate an understanding of pertinent FCC regulations, knowledge of radio station operation and safety considerations. Operator licenses are divided into different classes, each of which correlates to an increasing degree of knowledge and corresponding privileges. Over the years, the number of the classes and privileges have evolved to the current system of three open classes. Today we have Technician, General and the top US license class is Amateur Extra Class.

 

Ham Radio is an enjoyable pastime to add to your “bucket list”. Likely as a youngster you wanted to be a ham but didn’t know where to start or have anyone to help you. If you fit this description you have come to the right place. Ham radio is still a popular hobby that brings people together around the world. hams will tell you that communicating internationally is a fascinating and fun hobby. They enjoy amateur radio as another way to socialize, have memorable conversations with people as far away as New Zealand or Egypt and proudly stick a pin in a world map at each far-off location they have contacted. There is no limit to what you can do with Ham radio! Want to talk around town or around the world, (including with satellites)? Ham radio has it! Today’s Ham Radio is not just an old school hobby but has embraced the advancements of the digital age.  ham radios today are smaller, less expensive and ca[b1] n be operated from an APP on a smart phone. Over two-thirds of ham communications is digital; text, data and images. The vast majority of today’s hams purchase radios then add APPs like the rest of us load software on their phones. 

Ham Radio Operators must be Licensed

Just like driving a car, you need to take a test to get your license. ham licenses are good for 10 years and are renewable. You don't have to be a genius to get your ham radio license. Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate. Federal Communications Commission regulates the airwaves so that everyone had a fair shot at using them, and as a result, a licensing system was devised for all of the various governmental, military, commercial, and personal uses of the spectrum. In the US there are three license classes issued by the Federal Communications Commission; you start as a Technician, progress to General and then Extra Class Amateur radio operator. Each license level has more privileges, but they do come with additional knowledge requirements.  Getting your license requires passing an FCC examination on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. Just be aware in the US, operating a radio transmitter without a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is illegal, and can lead to fines, equipment seizure, and even imprisonment. There are a few exceptions, such as Family Radio Service (FRS) for family and group activities, using hand-held radios similar to walkie-talkies and certain low-power consumer devices; garage door openers, Wi-Fi transmitters and Bluetooth radio devices.

Technician Class License: In order to obtain this entry-class license, you need to get at least 26 questions correct on a 35-question exam that is taken from a pool of over 400 questions.  This license class allows most operations at frequencies which allows communications locally and around the country.

General Class License: The General license also requires 26 correct answers on a 35-question exam that is taken from a pool over 500 questions.  You need to pass your Technician license before taking the General. This license class allows the licensee to operate on all amateur radio bands and most modes which opens up worldwide communications. 

Amateur Extra Class License: Extra class license holders have earned all privileges on all bands and modes which allows communications worldwide and is recognized internationally.  You need to pass your Technician and General licenses before taking the Extra exam. This class of license has the most difficult exam that requires at least 37 correct answers out of 50 questions that are taken from a pool of over 700 questions. 

Starting your journey