Ham Radio - How to get started in Amateur Radio?

Well if you want to get started with Ham Radio there are a few easy steps:

Decide to be come a Radio Ham:

First of all you need to decide to do it. Yo have to make sure you want to do it as it is going to take a real effort from you to become a Radio Amateur. It is time and effort you want to put to good use! It will take commitment and hard work to study the theory and do the examination. It will probably mean that you will have to be assisted by fellow hams but it will be worth the while, as you will not only learn the theory and technicalities but also the ethos of being a Ham.

Get in touch with local Amateurs.

Next you will probably need to get in touch with your local club or association. Do a search of the web with the words "Radio Amateur"+(name of your city or town or country). Chances are that you will get the required information on how the process would work in your country.

Do the amateur radio license training program.

The club or association will also be able to put you in contact with a testing centre close to where you live where you can enroll for the course and get the study material for the Ham Radio Examination. The best way by far is to attend the course or get a computer aided training system.

Do the amateur radio license examination.

Once you are ready to do the exam - do it. Often you will be able to know within a few days if you passed or not. The rest is History . . .

Get the radio amateur license.

If you pass the examination you can apply for the license. Once the application is lodged or approved depending on local regulations - you will probably be allowed to start using equipment on the frequencies your license permit you.

To read more about becoming a radio amateur in your country please follow the link below:
USA
South Africa
United Kingdom

Enjoy becoming a Radio Ham.

Written by JD
South Africa
21 Dec 2006