Getting Started

New to amateur radio? Amateur radio is a hobby that has been around since the late 19th century. It allows you to transmit and receive radio signals from around the world — voice, Morse code, or digital, including internet packets. Here's a quick guide to get you transmitting on the air.

  1. Get your ticket! A ticket is a license granted to you through your government's amateur radio licensing program. In the United States, this is done through the Federal Communications Commission. To get your license, you'll need to pass an exam. In the U.S. there are three license levels: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. With each license, you're 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.org 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 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 sessions is the 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.
  6. Get your gear! You'll need a few things to get going: a radio, an antenna, and a keyer or 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!