Want to become a ham?

 

Becoming an amateur radio operator can be a fun hobby and it can also be a great way to give back to the community.  So how can you become a ham?  The following information is designed to get you into ham radio at the Technician Class level, the first of the three amateur radio levels.

 

First, you need to do a little bit of studying.  Some do very little studying but some dive right into the technical side of the hobby.  Do you think you can do a self study program?    For those that want to do it on their own, a great place to start is a book called, “Now You’re Talking.”  This book is a great self study guide that will allow anyone to pass the Technician Class exam.  It explains many things, including the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), FCC rules and regulations for amateur radio operators, technical components (like antennas), selecting radio equipment, and testing.  The book contains the questions and answers that you will find on the Technician Class exam.  Here are some other books that may be helpful:

   ARRL Ham Radio License Manual: All You Need to Become an Amateur Radio Operator

   Ham Radio For Dummies

   Technician Class

There are many places online to take practice tests. 

   http://www.eham.net/exams

   http://www.radioexam.org

   http://www.qrz.com/testing.html

Or, do you need a class?  Many ham radio clubs around the country offer classroom training followed by an exam.  Go to the ARRL website (www.arrl.org) to find a club near you. 

 

Now that you’ve studied and you are confident that you’ll be passing, you need to find a place to take the test.  Again, visit the ARRL website to find a testing location near you (http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml).  When selecting a testing date/time/location, be sure to notice if you must register in advance or if you can walk in.

 

So, you’ve studied and found a testing date, time, and location that works for you, now all you have to do is pass the test.  What does that consist of?  Relax, the FCC no longer requires you to learn Morse code to become a ham radio operator, you just have to pass a 35 question, multiple choice test.  You must get 26+ correct to pass.  You will know before you leave if you passed the test.  You do need to come prepared to take the test.  The following things are required:  Valid state or federal issued photo ID and $14 examination fee.

 

If you do pass, it still may be a few weeks before you can go “on the air.”  You cannot transmit without a callsign, and that will be systematically assigned to you by the FCC.  Your license will be mailed to you.  Your license will not expire for 10 years, and can be renewed online or by mail.  As long as you renew your license when required, you will be a ham for life.

 

What does this mean for Skywarn?  Ham radio is the easiest and fastest way to report severe weather to the National Weather Service in most areas of the country.  Most NWS offices have ham radios in them and many of the forecasters are licensed amateur radio operators.  It is a valuable resource for the meteorologists to be able to talk directly to the spotters in the middle of the action.  It makes it fast and easy to make warning decisions this way.  And that is what Skywarn is all about—getting warnings to the public, as fast as possible, to protect lives and property.