GET YOUR AMATEUR RADIO (HAM) LICENSE
Obtaining an Amateur Radio license is a very rewarding endeavor. In
order to participate in the ARES/RACES organization, a Ham Radio license
is mandatory. This page explains a little about Ham Radio, what are the
features of the different license classes and some resources you can use
to obtain a radio license.
Already have a Amateur Radio license?
Join ARES/RACES.
Introduction
Ham radio/Amateur radio is a high-tech hobby sanctioned by the U.S.
Federal Government that's got something fun for everyone. Ham Radio is
well known as the most important communications backup for our Federal
Government, that‘s why they are behind us!
Amateur Radio operators are people from all walks of life--no matter
what age, gender or physical ability. You’re never too young or old.
And, getting started in Amateur Radio has never been easier! Now, you no
longer have to learn Morse Code to get your first Ham Radio License, the
Technician Class, as in years past! Just pass a 35 question multiple
choice exam given by volunteer Ham Radio Operators who want you to pass
your exam and become one of them!
Licensing Features
There are several classes of amateur radio licenses available today.
Each offers the holder a set of operating permissions and modes. The
chart below outlines these classes.
Technician
The Technician class license is where you will open the door
and go inside to the exciting world of Ham Radio. It authorizes
you ALL ham radio privileges above 30 Megahertz (MHz). These
privileges include the very popular 2-meter band. Many
Technician licensees enjoy using small 2-meter hand-held radios
to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Imagine sending
live TV in real-time or just still pictures over the air!
Technician class Hams may operate FM voice, digital packet
(computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other
interesting modes. They can even make international radio
contacts via Ham Radio satellites, and actually communicate
directly to hams aboard the International Space Station (ISS)
using relatively simple and inexpensive equipment. Imagine the
thrill of talking to the Space Station or just around the block
or around the world using your own licensed equipment! Using the
computer and Ham radio, you can talk using your voice or the
keyboard to ham friends or make new ones literally around the
world! Hams know how to do this! It's certainly not CB
radio!
General
The General class license opens up the world of High
Frequency (HF) communications. With HF you can talk not only to
other parts of the country but to other countries in the world.
Imagine the thrill of talking to a ham in Australia, Europe,
Africa, South America or the orient! You can communicate
via Morse code, voice, digital packet, television,
single-sideband and other modes. Your antenna and equipment
requirements are somewhat larger than the technician class
licensees. You retain all your Technician class privileges.
Extra
This last class is for the more advanced ham. It opens up a
few more frequencies and operations modes than the General class
license. An advanced understanding of electronics and radio
theory is required.
Resources
There are many ways to prepare for your license exam. There are
online web sites that will help you to study for the questions. There
are private hams that are willing to tutor you. And lastly there are
clubs that sponsor classes. Whether you prefer to study on your own or
in a group environment preparing for your license can be a challenge
depending upon your background and education. The links supplied here
are just a sample of what is available.
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