How to become a ham
Amateur Radio At A Glance
What is a HAM?
Amateur Radio Operators are often called a HAMs. They are people whose hobby is to communicate with other Amateur Radio Operators using radio equipment. The communications can be with someone a block away or to someone around the world. HAMs can also be persons that use their equipment to help public services, i.e., Hospitals, Blood Banks, Relief Centers, Fire / Police Department, and other served agencies in the time of local and national disasters.
Most of the Amateur Radio Operators are self-trained and when they receive their license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) they like to display their issued CALL LETTERS with personalized plates on their cars.
Amateur Radio Operators come from all walks of life; engineers, doctors, members of government, rock stars, movie stars, and even some athletes are HAMS. So you just might fit right in if you like to help others in the time of need or you like to talk around the world and meet new friends every time you turn on the radio.
Why become a HAM?
Amateur Radio Operators are often called a HAMs. They are people whose hobby is to communicate with other Amateur Radio Operators using radio equipment. The communications can be with someone a block away or to someone around the world. HAMs can also be persons that use their equipment to help public services, i.e., Hospitals, Blood Banks, Relief Centers, Fire / Police Department, and other served agencies in the time of local and national disasters.
Most of the Amateur Radio Operators are self-trained and when they receive their license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) they like to display their issued CALL LETTERS with personalized plates on their cars.
Amateur Radio Operators come from all walks of life; engineers, doctors, members of government, rock stars, movie stars, and even some athletes are HAMS. So you just might fit right in if you like to help others in the time of need or you like to talk around the world and meet new friends every time you turn on the radio.
Study Guides
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) as well as others have published many study guides that you can study to learn and pass all three tests: Technician, General and Extra. More information about the ARRL please visit www.arrl.org. or private study guides like Gordon West Schools www.gordonwestradioschool.com. There is a free web-based question and answer pool where you can take practice tests before taking the real test. Please visit www.qrz.com.
Where to Test
You can go to the www.arrl.org website to find testing in your local area. For San Diego County area you can visit www.LakesideARC.org/testing for information concerning local test site. There is a test site open every 4th Saturday of the month here in San Diego.
How long before I can get on the AIR?
Once you pass your first exam for a Technician License , you can check online the FCC Data Base at www.fcc.gov or the private site at www.qrz.com to see if your name comes up with your new call sign and license. In a few days after you verify that your license has been issued, you should receive the paper copy from the FCC in your mailbox at which time you can immediately start using your new license within the privileges of your license. From there we hope that you enjoy the hobby so much that you are inspired to upgrade to the next level of General and Extra. You receive additional privileges and frequencies to use after you upgrade to the next level.
Find a Local Amateur Radio Club
You can go to the ARRL website at www.arrl.org to find a club near you. As a brand new Amateur Radio Operator, finding a mentor or as a HAMs call them, Elmers will help you learn how to use, talk, program, and even how to handle traffic in you new endeavor as an Amateur Radio Operator. You will also find that Elmers like to pass down the knowledge that they have learned to new Hams, like this club, Lakeside Amateur Radio Club!.
Where to find the Radio Gear?
The Amateur Radio gear that you will use in your new hobby can be found through your local club where someone might be upgrading their radio gear and are selling their used gear at a reduced price. Also, you can try a retail store that specializes in Amateur Radio equipment. You might be able to find some deals on E-Bay, Craigslist or at the occasional swap meets setup by hams, known as Hamfests, like the San Diego Hamfest to make equipment available. Also, you can try a retail store that specializes in Amateur Radio equipment such as HRO www.hamradio.com www.aesham.com, and www.Hamcity.com. Consult an Elmer for advice in selecting the right equipment for you.
What can I do once I get my license?
Immediately upon receiving your Technician license and securing minimum radio gear, such as a 2 meter hand held properly programmed radio, you can start communicating with your local community. Again, join a local club or organization so you can find local frequencies for your radio, meet new friends, learn how to work emergency traffic on your radio and you may find working with a served agency can be very rewarding.
Talk to us
Have any questions? We are always open to talk about your Ham Radio and you have any Ham Radio Gear you like to get ride of we can help you.