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<\/p>\nThe days of the pandemic seem to be bringing more people to amateur radio.\u00a0 Maybe it’s the fact that with so many things being closed or restricted we have more time to investigate hobbies we didn’t before.\u00a0 Maybe with the uncertainty people are interested in a form of emergency communication.\u00a0 Maybe it’s something I haven’t thought of.\u00a0 Whatever the reason or the path to this point, the way forward is actually pretty simple.\u00a0 Getting a beginner’s (Technician’s) license is pretty straightforward and the gateway to what many find to be a lifelong interest.<\/p>\n
Getting your feet wet by listening.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Aspiring operators often purchase a handheld transceiver (referred to as an HT) to begin listening to amateur radio communication.\u00a0 This is a great way to get started.\u00a0 Remember, you can’t legally transmit until you have a license, but you can listen<\/em> to anything you want.\u00a0 Many people purchase the inexpensive Baofeng brand HTs, and this is a genuinely affordable gateway to amateur radio.\u00a0 I originally purchased a Yaesu VX-6 and I still have that radio, in good working order, more than 10-years later.\u00a0 It’s more expensive than a Baofeng, but I think I’ve gotten my money’s worth.<\/p>\n There are a lot of other inexpensive options for listening to amateur radio, including an array of scanner products from companies like Uniden.\u00a0 Purchasing a scanner can open a world of listening opportunities including amateur radio, so this avenue is a valid option.\u00a0 The scanner will never be a transceiver, but it will allow you to monitor a wide range of communication and augment your amateur radio operation after you are licensed and purchase a transceiver.<\/p>\n Study and get trained so you can pass your license exam.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Whatever path you choose, pick a goal date for scheduling your exam and get started.\u00a0 As the pandemic winds down, in-person classes will likely start again and that will be an option as well.<\/p>\n Take your License Exam.<\/strong><\/p>\n This was initially very difficult in the early days of the pandemic, but now there are many organizations offering licensing exams online.\u00a0 A handy reference for finding them is also available on the HamStudy.org<\/a> web site.\u00a0 Exams are given by Volunteer Examiners (often referred to simply as ‘VEs’). Using HamStudy you can find a session that fits your schedule and take your exam.\u00a0 You’ll find out if you passed, right away.<\/p>\n The FCC does not automatically mail a paper copy of your license (they used to).\u00a0 You’ll need to check the license database using this web site<\/a>.\u00a0 Simply click the ‘advanced search’ link and enter your name.\u00a0 Once your call sign appears in the database you are authorized to being operating according to the limit of your license level.\u00a0 Most amateurs start with the Technician license.\u00a0 These privileges are outlined in the ARRL study guide and may also be referenced here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get on the air!<\/strong><\/p>\n If you’ve been listening to the amateur bands around your home, you’ll have an idea of what’s active.\u00a0 You’ll also have an idea of how things operate on your local repeaters.\u00a0 The operating etiquette and techniques you learned during your training and studying should get you started.\u00a0 You can also search for amateur radio clubs in your area.\u00a0 In my local area the Cascades Amateur Radio Society runs a repeater and two weekly nets.\u00a0 Club members and other hams are also active on the repeater at various times of the day and night.\u00a0 Throw out your call and see who responds!<\/p>\n Learn, Learn, Learn<\/strong><\/p>\n Your amateur radio license is your ticket to getting on the air, but just as important, it’s your license to learn.\u00a0 Amateur radio is a VERY broad field and there’s a lot to do and enjoy.\u00a0 And if you start out as a technician there’s two more license levels with more opportunities to access more frequencies and expand your communication around the world.\u00a0 You can learn to participate in emergency exercises and even get certified to participate in communications for real-world disasters and emergencies.\u00a0 What you do is up to you!<\/p>\n Consider joining your local amateur radio club<\/a>.\u00a0 The cost is usually nominal and it’s a great way to get to know other hams and learn from them.<\/p>\n Consider joining the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL)<\/a>.\u00a0 They are the main advocacy group for amateur radio in the United States, and have a wealth of information and resources.<\/p>\n\n
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One area to consider is the STEM aspect of amateur radio for children having an interest in science and technology.\u00a0 You can help them grow by using amateur radio as an illustration for many scientific and mathematical principles.\u00a0 Amateur radio represents an avenue into engineering that has no limits. Start as simply as learning Ohms Law and basic electronics. In time move toward electromagnetics and antenna theory.<\/p>\n