Frequently Asked Questions

  • "What can Ham radio do for me: - LOTS------ If your family is like mine and has to go separate directions a lot, it is easy to keep tabs on each other. Go to Benefits Page
  • "Don't Ham radios cause all the interference in my TV and Computer?" - NOT USUALLY! Since most people don't really understand what Ham radio is, they believe that Hams are the source of all interference to their electronic equipment, "what with all them towers and stuff". But in reality, It is seldom a Ham Station that is causing the interference.
  • "Aren't the Radios Big and Heavy and take up a lot of space, and.......?"- Not any more - many are as small as a cell phone and easily fit in a pocket or purse. Most of the bigger radios will easily fit under the dash of most cars. Remember, this is the 21st century, where miniaturization is the key to most electronics. 
  • "Do I have to have an antenna farm in my back yard?" --NO. Many condo dwellers operate with "stealth" antennas. Of course, beauty IS in the eye of the beholder.
  • "Is there an age requirement?" - NO! None. Zip. Nada. Next Question........
  • "Is this like those Family radios that are popping up in ads everywhere?" - Yes, but better. the range of those radios is very limited. They will work ok in the neighborhood or ball park, but they wont reach across town like Ham radios.
  • "Is it like CB Radio?" -Sort of--but don't call a Ham operator a CB'er. See answer for family radios above.
  • "Aren't they expensive?" - Again, No. You can get on the air for about $150 these days. Or less, if your lucky.
  • "I'm not technically oriented." -You don't have to be a Techno-Wizard. Can you operate your VCR? If you are reading this page, you obviously are smart enough to use a computer and the internet. So you should be able to handle a few buttons on a radio.
  • "I could never learn Morse code!"- NOT NECESSARY!- For the entry level license, which gives you access to several practical frequencies, there is NO CODE NEEDED!
  • "License? What license!"-- To operate a radio, you do need a license. BUT, it is not hard to get. And once you do--- the fun you will have is terrific, and the friends you will make are just wonderful, helpful people. 

Go to Getting Started Page

Return to the first page for related and fun links.