Is is hard to become a Ham?
Not really.  It does require some effort though.  In order to have access to the airwaves, which are a public resource, you must obtain a license from the FCC.  To get the license, you must pass an exam.  It's not a terribly difficult exam, but you do need to study for it. Then you need to obtain the gear (radio, antenna).  Radios are readily available new and used from a variety of sources.  I make all my antennas.

OK.  So once you've studied for and passed the exam, got your license & radio & antenna, what do you talk about when you get on the air?
Well, we talk about exams, licenses, & radios, and antennas.  Also medical problems.  And the weather.

Do you need to know Morse Code?
For the entry level license, no.  But for access to frequencies that favor world-wide communications, you need to learn Morse Code.  There are currently levels of proficiency, 5 words per minute, 13 words per minute, and 20 words per minute.  Each level, to oversimplify a bit, gives you additional privileges.  I've passed the 13 wpm exam, but beginning April 15, 2000, there will only be a 5 wpm requirement.

What do you use Morse Code for?
We use it to talk about exams, licenses, radios, antennas, medical problems, weather, and Morse Code.

Does anybody besides Hams use Morse Code for anything?
Well, no....

So you guys study and practice for weeks and months to learn a skill nobody uses so you can get a license from the federal government to talk about things nobody else cares about over the publicy owned resource of the radio frequency spectrum?
Um, well....you're not really a newbie are you?  Actually,  we experiment with new technologies, serve the public in times of need, promote international goodwill, and...

Yeah whatever.  Where's the link to your beer page?
Go back to the main page here, and you'll see the link.  Thanks for stopping by.

When baking, do you use whole cloves or crushed, and how long should it take for the ham to be done all the way through?  I'm worried about food poisoning.
No no no, this page is about "hamming", as is "Amateur Radio".  We're called "Hams".  What you want is probably here.  Thanks for stopping by.

I know what this page is.  But you said something about public service earlier, or are you just  blowing smoke?
Ah, ok.  I use whole cloves, but I usually buy hams that are already baked, so I'm not sure about cooking time.

I have a shortwave receiver that I can hear Hams on.  How come they all have southern accents and sound really old?  And what does "Rogerrrrrrrr Contact!  Rogggggerrrrr Contact, oooooovvvverrrrrrrr?" mean?
Oops, look at the time.  That's enough for today.