Getting Started in Amateur Radio

GETTING STARTED IN HAM RADIO

It is easier than ever to get started in Amateur Radio. Up until April, 2000 there were six different license classes. They were Novice, Technician, Technician Plus (or no-code Tech), General, Advanced and Amateur Extra. In addition, Morse code exams had to be passed in order to advance to certain license classes. The Novice exam required 5 wpm code. Advancing to General class required you to pass a 13 wpm code test. To advance to the highest level, Amateur Extra, required you to pass a 20 wpm code test. The No-Code Technician class was one of the most popular classes. You only needed to pass the Novice theory and the Technician theory exams. Morse code was not required.

On April 15th, 2000 the new FCC license class restructuring went into effect. Instead of six license classes, there are now only three. Morse code exams are only needed to advance to General class license, and only require you to copy 5 wpm. Morse code proficiency requirements began dropping all over the world. Countries such as Australia and South Africa, among others, also lowered their code requirements to 5 wpm. It was announced that Morse code would no longer be used on the world's oceans. But the code is not completely dead. It is still being used by thousands of Hams all over the world. 5 wpm makes it very easy to advance to the HF bands and attain the General and Extra class frequencies.

Where do you begin if you would like to become a licensed Amateur Radio operator?

TECHNICIAN CLASS

The Technician class license is the present entry-level license. The previous Novice and Technician theory questions have been combined into one exam. This exam includes the basic information needed to become a licensed operator. It covers such subjects as RF safety, basic electronics, recognizing frequencies and knowing which ones can be used for your license class, and other general knowledge questions. This will give you access to all of the entry level shortwave bands. As you progress in technical knowledge and proficiency, you can move on to the next license class.

GENERAL CLASS

The General class license opens up a wide range of frequencies for you to use, and allows you more flexibility in the operating modes you can use, including CW, voice and data, plus all of the VHF and UHF bands to work in. The General theory exam is a bit harder than the one for Technician, but the categories are much the same. Also, to attain a General class license you will need to pass your 5 wpm Morse code exam. This is the only code test you will ever need to take.

EXTRA CLASS

The Extra class license is the highest license awarded in the United States. This exam is the most difficult of all the classes. The former Advanced class question pool has been added to the Extra class question pool, and the number of questions in the exam have been increased. On passing the Extra class exam, you will have access to all available amateur frequencies.

Our club, like many others, offers classes to help you study for your license exams. Dedicated volunteers are available to offer their experience and knowledge to help you prepare for your exams. The only cost to you is the purchase of your study materials. In the fall and winter months we have regular classes at the Franklin Township Municipal Building. Our most popular class is the beginning, or Technician class license. We all love helping others get started on their first license. Classes for those who wish to advance to General or Extra are arranged according to interest. If no class is being offered at the time you need it, or you aren't able to attend due to work schedules or a handicap, we will do our best to arrange one-on-one tutoring for you.

After you have studied and feel you are ready to tackle the exams, we have a team of Volunteer Examiners to test you. We normally have test sessions every two months throughout the year.

We also have a Technical class the third Sunday of each month at the Tree of Life Wellness Center in Ewing Park. The class is taught by Butch McGee, K3YO. The class covers such subjects as basic electronics, antennas, modes of operation and just about any area of Amateur Radio. The class is free, and you don't have to be a member of our club or even a licensed operator to attend.

When you finally get your license, you are not out there on your own. We have lots of people ready to help you and willing to answer all of your questions. The best way to learn is to get involved!