Why amateur radio?
Amateur radio, or ham radio, is an exciting hobby which includes many different activities, including:
- Talking to people all around the world — without wires!
- Contests and awards.
- Old communication modes like Morse code and RTTY.
- New communication modes like digital and spread spectrum.
- Meteor scatter (talking to people by bouncing radio waves off of meteor trails).
- And dozens of other activities.
Amateur radio opens up an entire world of excitement!
How do I get started?
First, you must have an amatur radio lisense. The requirement to get a license takes out many of the riff-raff and stops ham radio from becoming a garbage pile like CB radio. (Pardon my French!)
To get your entry-level license, you need to pass a relatively simple written exam on operating practices, safety, basic electronics, and regulations. As you progress further into the hobby, you may decide to take further exams to advance to higher class licenses. At one time you also needed to learn Morse code, but that requirement has been eliminated entirely.
Your license will give you your very own amateur radio call sign, like W7VXQ or K8MUY. You will be the only person on Earth with that call sign!
Find out more about ham radio.