How to become an Amateur Radio Operator
Amateur radio, or ham, operators have
opened to themselves to a new line of possibilities, broadening their
communication scope into an entertaining world of radio frequencies. A
license is required in the United States to operate on these
frequencies. Three classes of licenses are available for you to choose
from, each giving the operator another level of privileges and
broadening their scope even more. The technician class is the entry
level license, the general class gives extended frequency privileges and
the extra class gives privileges to all levels of amateur frequencies.
Step 1
Buy the home study materials to
prepare for your test offered at http://www.arrl.org/arrl-store. Order
"Now You're Talking." The National Association for Amateur Radio highly
recommends the book for studying to pass your exam.
Step 2
Find the nearest license exam
location in your area by visiting
http://www.arrl.org/finding-an-exam-session. Enter your ZIP code, city,
state, area of residence (you will be offered a list to choose from),
country and day you want to write the exam.
Step 3
Study the materials offered in the
Ham Radio License Manual that is offered at the National Association for
Amateur Radio. This material will provide you with information about
how to transmit without breaking the law. Set aside between two weeks
and two months to study. Familiarizing yourself with the study material,
which will cover operating your radio and the laws that restrict its
use.
Step 4
Fill out an exam registration form
found at
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/VEs/Print%20ARRL%20VEC%20session%20registration%20form.txt.
Include the test date, time, your sponsor if you have one, address of
the test side, your name, phone number, email address and home address.
Email the form to vetests@arrl.org.
Step 5
Attend your exam. The exam required a
fee of $14 in 2005. Bring a photo ID, 2 other forms of ID, calculator,
two pencils with erasers and pen.
Step 6
Wait for your Certificate of
Successful Completion and then file paperwork you receive in the mail
with the Volunteer Exam Coordinator either in person at the exam center
or by mailing to the address indicated on the paperwork. You will
receive a call sign in a few days, which will give your frequencies that
you can operate under.
Step 7
Purchase a ham radio that fits into
your desired operation. For example, do you plan to be fixed or mobile?
If you want to communicate from the road, then pick a radio that is
portable and with a long battery life. Most radios will be able to
function on the frequency you have been given, though choose a larger
antenna and a long range if your frequency range is narrow.
Step 8
Turn your radio to the frequency you
have been given. Choose a new frequency if the current one already has
people talking. Speak into the radio by pressing the corresponding
"speak" button. This is also called keying your mic. Wait for someone to
respond.
References
- The Natioanl Association for Amateur Radio: Exam Practice [
- QRZ.com: How to Become a Ham. [
- The National Association for Amateur Radio: What is Ham Radio? [
- Athens Amateur Radio Club: How to Become an Amateur Radio Operator [
- Hamtalk.org: Choosing a Radio [
- Hamuniverse.com: How to Use Amatuer (Ham Radio) Repeaters [
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