Getting Started

New to Amateur Radio? Amateur Radio is a hobby that has been around since the late 19th century. Amateur Radio allows one to transmit and receive radio signals from around the world. These signals can be voice, morse code, or digital, including internet packets. This is a quick guide of what you'll need to do to get you transmitting on the air!

1. Get your ticket! A ticket is a license granted to you through your governments amateur radio licensing program. For the united states, this is done through the Federal Communications Comission. To get your license, you'll need to pass an exam. In the United States, There are currently three license levels available, Technician, General, Amateur Extra. With each license, you'll be able granted more frequencies to transmit and operate on.

2. Study! If you're just starting out you'll need to study for your licensing exam. I recommend studying for the Technician license, and if you're feeling ambitious, study for the General too. I've used hamstudy to quickly learn all the relevant test questions. However the best way to learn, is to learn the concepts from a book, or wikipedia. Another good resource to ask questions is https://ham.stackexchange.com

3. Find a test location. Tests are conducted by local volunteers. You'll need to find out where these tests are taking place. A good resource to find exam locations is ARRL.

4. Schedule your test, contact the exam location and make an appointment.

5. Take your test! You've studied, and know your rules inside and out, time to prove it to everyone.

6. Get your gear! You'll need a few things to get going. A radio, an antenna, and a keyer or a microphone, or a computer with software for digital modes.

7. Transmit! That's it! You have everything you need to get yourself on the air, knowledge of the equipment, rules and regulations, and your gear. You may want to join a local radio club, or find someone to help mentor you with your new hobby. Enjoy!