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Portions of this FAQ are taken from the Rec.radio.amateur.misc Frequently-asked Questions posting. The rec.radio.amateur.misc FAQ answers many more questions that this FAQ, and should also be read by aspiring hams.

Links to other FAQ's

What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur Radio is a non-commercial radio communication service whose primary aims are public service, technical training and experimentation, and communication between private persons. Amateur Radio operators are commonly called hams. Hams often communicate with each other recreationally but also provide communications for others at public events or in times of emergency or disaster.

FCC rules allow persons to obtain amateur radio licenses without learning Morse code! If you have had a basic Physics or Electronics class, you may already know enough theory to pass the tests. If you haven't had this kind of class, the material is extremely easy to learn on your own.

Who can become a ham?

In the USA, anyone who is not a representative of a foreign government can be an Amateur Radio operator. You do not have to be a citizen to obtain a license. There are tests that you must pass to get a license, however, the tests are not insurmountable. On that general level, the requirements are probably similar in almost every country.

How much does it cost to join the hobby?

To take the tests for any class of amateur radio license, there is a small charge (around $14 currently) to cover copying costs and running the testing sessions. The cost of a radio is really dependent on what you want to do. You can buy a used single-band radio for $75-$300. A new entry level radio cost about $150 to $1000 depending on the type and frequency coverage. Or you can buy a new multi-band multi- mode radio with all the doodads for $2000-$7000. I'd suggest you learn more about ham radio, talk to local hams, and find out what you want to do with ham radio first.

Where can I take the tests?

The Conejo Valley Amateur Radio club has a team of Volunteer Examiners (VEs) that conduct amateur radio license exams in Thousand Oaks, CA every two months. There are also many other locations and groups in the Southern California area. Click here for more info.

What can I do with a ham radio license?

There are so many things, it's a difficult question to answer, but here's some ideas:

• Talk to people in foreign countries either by ionospheric propagation or via amateur satellites.
• Talk to people (both local and far away) on your drive to work.
• Help in emergencies by providing communications.
• Provide communications in parades or walkathons.
• Help other people become hams.
• Hook your computer to your radio and communicate by computers.
• Collect QSL cards (cards from other hams) from all over the United States and foreign countries and receive awards.
• Participate in contests or Field Day events.
• Provide radio services to your local Civil Defense organization thru ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) or RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service).
• Aid members of the US military by joining MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System).
• Participate in transmitter hunt games and maybe build your own direction-finding equipment.
• Have someone to talk to on those sleepless nights at home.
• Receive weather pictures via satellites.
• Build radios, antennas, learn some electronics and radio theory.
• Send and receive live television pictures.

What can't I do with an Amateur Radio license?

The most important thing you can't do is transact business of any kind over ham radio (under new FCC rules, some types of personal business transactions are now allowed, however, there are still major limitations). Interference to other hams or services, as well as obscene, profane or indecent language is not tolerated and is illegal. Music and broadcasting are not allowed on ham radio.

Some personal conversations may not be appropriate to Amateur Radio. Do you really want the whole world to hear about Aunt Mabel's arthritis?

What are the different US amateur classes and what can each of them do?

Technician Class

Hams enter the hobby as Technicians by passing a 35-question multiple-choice examination. No Morse code test is required. The exam covers basic regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. Technician Class operators are authorized to use all amateur VHF and UHF frequencies (all frequencies above 50 MHz) and are entitled to limited power outputs on certain HF frequencies.

General Class

The General Class is a giant step up in operating privileges. The high-power HF privileges granted to General licensees allow for cross-country and worldwide communication. Some people prefer to earn the General Class license as their first ticket, so they may operate on HF right away. Technicians may upgrade to General Class by passing a 35-question multiple-choice examination. The written exam covers intermediate regulations, operating practices, and electronics theory, with a focus on HF applications. In addition to the Technician privileges, General Class operators are authorized to operate on any frequency in the 160, 30, 17, 12, and 10 meter bands. They may also use significant segments of the 80, 40, 20, and 15 meter bands.

Extra Class

The HF bands can be awfully crowded, particularly at the top of the solar cycle. Once one earns HF privileges, one may quickly yearn for more room. The Extra Class license is the answer. General licensees may upgrade to Extra Class by passing a 50-question multiple-choice examination. No Morse code test is required. In addition to some of the more obscure regulations, the test covers specialized operating practices, advanced electronics theory, and radio equipment design. Frankly, the test is very difficult, but others have passed it, and you can too. Extra Class licensees are authorized to operate on all frequencies allocated to the Amateur Service.