What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur Radio Operators use home, mobile and portable two-way radio equipment to make new friends in their local community or around the country and the world. They communicate with each other using voice, computers, and Morse code. Amateur Radio Operators are commonly referred to as "HAMS". 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.

Hams exchange both still and full motion pictures 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. Many of our space shuttle astronauts are also hams and often carry amateur radio equipment with them on space shuttle missions giving many hams on earth quite a thrill with a call from space.

What Equipment do I Need?

Amateur communications is easily accomplished with the simplest of equipment. Using even the most conservative 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:

How Do I Get Started?

Contact a ham in your area. Hams that assist new-comers are know as "Elmers". An Elmer makes your efforts easier by guiding you through the process of gaining your amateur radio operator's license. Examinations are administered by groups of hams called "Volunteer Examination Coordinators (VEC). You may also find that ham radio clubs in your area conduct licensing classes. These classes are always free of charge and help keep you focused on the learning objectives. VECs may charge a minimal fee when conducting the examination but the fee is limited to recovering the cost for exam materials and is usually waived altogether.