Let the Excitement Begin |
Here's your invitation to a friendly, high-tech hobby that's got something fun for everyone! You can become an Amateur
Radio operator--no matter what age, gender or physical ability. People from all walks of life pass their entry-level exam
and earn their Amateur (ham) Radio license. They all share the diverse world of activities you can explore with ham radio.
You never know who you'll run into when communicating with Amateur Radio: Young people, retirees, teachers and students,
engineers and scientists, doctors, mechanics and technicians, homemakers...
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and even
entertainers! |
Getting started in ham radio has never been easier! We invite you to explore the following information and learn about
Amateur Radio, and a little about us, the ARRL... the National Association for Amateur Radio, a non-profit membership organization.
We've been helping hams get started since 1914! We know you'll enjoy this fascinating world of Amateur Radio, and we hope
to have the chance of meeting you on the air--when you become an Amateur Radio operator!
A FUN Hobby...
What Can Amateur Radio
Operators Do?Ham radio operators use two-way radio
stations from their homes, cars, boats and outdoors to make hundreds of friends around town and around the world. They communicate
with each other using voice, computers, and Morse code. Some hams bounce their signals off the upper regions of the atmosphere,
so they can talk with hams on the other side of the world. Other hams use satellites. Many use hand-held radios that fit in
their pockets.
Fun for All Ages |
Hams exchange pictures of each other using television. Some also like to work on electronic circuits, building
their own radios and antennas. A few pioneers in Amateur Radio have even contributed to advances in technology that we all
enjoy today. There are even ham-astronauts who take radios with them on the International Space Station and thrill thousands
of hams on earth with a call from space!
These videos from ICOM America demonstrate more ways that hams have fun with Amateur Radio.
With a SERIOUS Side...
Listen to amateurs talking through an FM voice repeater (RealAudio).
Using even the simplest of radio setups and antennas, amateurs communicate with each other for fun, during emergencies,
and even in contests. They handle messages for police and other public service organizations during all kinds of emergencies
including:
- Hurricanes
- Earthquakes
- Tornadoes and floods
- Motorist accidents
- Fires and chemical spills
- Search and rescues
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Here are some other Frequently Asked Questions about Ham Radio
Sounds interesting....
Where Do I Start?
The rules for earning an Amateur Radio license vary depending on which country you live in. In the US, there are three license levels, or "license classes" (Technician class, General class and Extra Class). These licenses are granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
It's Easy to Get Started
The most popular license for beginners is the Technician Class license, which requires
only a 35 multiple-choice question written examination. The test is written with the beginner in mind. Morse Code is not required
for this license. With a Technician Class license, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 megahertz (MHz). These
privileges include the very popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to
stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband
voice and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively
simple equipment.
Getting started in Amateur Radio has never been easier. First, locate a radio club in your area. Some radio clubs offer ham radio licensing classes, or they can find a club volunteer to answer your questions. You may even be invited to attend a local radio club meeting.
Do you learn best from a manual, a teaching videotape, an in-person course or an on-line course? Which of these choices
will fit better into your busy schedule? You can choose what will work best for you because ARRL has it all! ARRL produces
popular ham radio license study guides, fast-paced learning videos, and even a brand new on-line course. You'll learn the things you need to pass the license exam and have fun with Amateur Radio.
The Amateur Radio license examinations are administered by ham radio volunteers. When you're ready to take your exam, you'll
need to locate an exam session near you.
The American Radio Relay League
Who are we? The 170,000+ members of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) are among the most active and enthusiastic amateurs
in the country. Headquartered in Newington, CT, ARRL speaks on behalf of its members in Washington and internationally as
well as providing direct member benefits.
ARRL, The national association for Amateur Radio --
Helping
Hams Get Started Since 1914.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Allen Pitts, W1AGP
Media and Public Relations Manager
(860) 594-0328
apitts@arrl.org
To find out how to get started and who to contact in your area, call or write The American Radio Relay League,
225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111.
Telephone 1-800-32 NEW-HAM. or click here for the A.R.R.L. web site: http://www.arrl.org/
