Amateur Radio, ARRL. So, You Want to be a HAM?

Jul 10, 2011
John Hanline

Technician License - John Hanline

The word HAM, is used to describe a person who has a license in Amateur Radio. Amateur Radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.

There are three different grades of HAM. And no, I am not talking about prime, choice, or select. In Amateur Radio, the three levels are Technician, General, & Amateur Extra. "The American radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting to hams around the U.S. with news, information, and resources" (arrl.org ). The ARRL mission statement is, "To promote and advance the art, science, and enjoyment of Amateur Radio" (arrl.org).

What you will need to pass the exam!

The Technician License is the first license you will need. You will have to purchase a book from the Amateur Radio Relay League website. The name of the book is, "Ham Radio License Manual Revised 2nd Edition." ISBN: 978-0-87259-097-7. Publisher: The American Radio Relay League, Inc.; Revised Second Edition/Second Printing (November 2010). The cost of the book is $29.95 plus shipping & handling. Order No. 0977.

What you will need to learn!

While studying for the Technician License exam, you will learn about radio and signals fundamentals, electricity, components, and circuits, propagation, antennas, and feed lines, amateur radio equipment, communicating with other hams, licensing regulations, operating regulations, and safety. You can study for the exam on your own, or you can join a club.

When you are ready to take the exam!

The exam is given by a Volunteer Examiner (VE). They hold a General Class or Amateur Extra Class License. They are appointed by the FCC to administer the exam. The cost of the exam is $15.00. When you are ready, you will have to search for an exam session. If you belong to a club, they will do it for you. If you are a walk -in, you will have to go to the arrl web site and search for an exam session.

When you pass the exam!

The exam is graded by the Volunteer Examiners right after you turn it in. You will know if you pass or fail the same day. There are 35 questions on the exam. You can only miss 9 questions. If you pass, you will not be able to broadcast only until the FCC has printed your name and call sign in their book. Once you get your Technician License, you will have radio privileges above 30 MHZ. This also includes the popular 2 meter band.