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What is Ham Radio?

 

What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a hobby and public service that lets people use radios to talk across town, around the world, or even into space—without relying on the internet or cell phones. It’s used for fun, learning, and emergency communication. With just a simple radio and an easy-to-obtain license, anyone can get started. You'll join a global network of people who enjoy exploring technology, building skills, and making a difference in their communities.

Who uses amateur radio?

Teachers

Truck Drivers

Engineers

Computer Geeks

Actors

First Responders

Nurses

Outdoor Enthusiasts

and more

Anyone Can Become A Ham Radio Operator

Some are drawn to the technical side, others enjoy meeting people around the world, and many use it to support public service and emergency communication.


You don't need any prior technical knowledge.  The only requirement is passing a multiple-choice test that covers basic radio theory and regulations.  Kids as young as 8 have passed the exam and obtained their amateur radio license.  


Hams come from every age group and background, but they all share one thing: a license to explore the airwaves and a passion for staying connected.

Why Do You Need a License?

You need a license to operate an amateur radio because it ensures that you understand how to use the equipment safely and responsibly. The license helps prevent interference with other radio services, like emergency or aviation communications. It also gives you access to special frequencies and privileges that unlicensed users can’t use. Getting licensed shows that you’re serious about learning and being part of the amateur radio community.

There Are Three License Categories

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates and manages the airwaves in the United States. For amateur radio, it sets the rules, issues licenses, assigns frequencies, and enforces regulations to ensure operators use the spectrum safely and without interference. There are three levels of amateur radio licenses, and each one builds on the last. The first license gets you on the air and covers the basics. The second adds more knowledge, skills, and privileges, letting you communicate farther and in more ways. The third gives you complete access to all amateur frequencies and the highest operating privileges. Each step takes you deeper into the hobby and opens more opportunities to explore and connect.



Technician

The entry-level license opens the door to amateur radio. It provides privileges on all VHF and UHF bands and limited HF access, perfect for local communication, emergency work, and learning the basics of operating.

General

The intermediate license greatly expands your operating privileges, including access to most HF bands. With a General license, you can make reliable contacts across the country and around the world using a variety of modes.

Extra

The highest level of amateur radio licensing, granting full operating privileges on all U.S. amateur bands. Extra licensees enjoy exclusive segments of the HF bands and the maximum flexibility to explore every aspect of amateur radio.

What can I do with a license?

Talk Around The World

Once you're licensed, the airwaves are yours to use. Talk to other licensed operators across town or around the world without paying for minutes, data, or a subscription.

Explore Radio Frequencies

Dive into how signals travel across the air—from short-range local chats to long-distance global contacts. Discover how sunspots, weather, and terrain affect communication.


Mix Radio with Other Technology

Use Raspberry Pi computers and coding to automate stations, run digital modes, track signals, or even build your own weather or satellite systems—radio meets real-world computing.

Tinker with Electronics

Build your own antennas, modify equipment and experiment freely - learn hands on while turning your ideas into reality.

Expand Your World

Connect directly with people from different countries and cultures, learn about their daily lives and perspectives, and make genuine friendships that span continents - all from your radio. 

Make A Difference

Provide vital emergency communications when disasters strike and cell towers fail - be the lifeline your community needs. 

Be Competitave

Participate in contests, chase rare stations, or collect QSL cards from operators worldwide - turn communications into a game. 

Learn Skills that Transfer

Learn electronic, radio frequency theory, and problem-solving skills that apply to careers in engineering, information technology , emergency services and more. 

 

A License to Learn

Because amateur radio gives you access to a vast range of frequencies—specially set aside for licensed operators—to do more than just talk. You can experiment, explore, and serve your community. These bands, which stretch from just above the AM broadcast band all the way to microwave frequencies, allow for everything from neighborhood chats to worldwide communication, depending on the band and atmospheric conditions.


Each part of the spectrum has its own personality. Some frequencies are perfect for local conversations, while others let you reach across continents. Hams use voice, digital modes, Morse code, satellites, and more to connect, learn, and stay prepared. And because it’s all regulated and coordinated both nationally and internationally, you’re part of a global network with real structure and purpose.


Talking on the radio isn’t just about conversation—it’s about discovery, connection, and being ready when it matters most.

A Deeper Dive Into Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio, often known as ‘Ham Radio,’ is a popular hobby connecting people around the world using various radio frequencies. It allows individuals to communicate without the need for the internet or cellular networks, making it essential during emergencies and public events. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, ham radio is for everyone!

The Benefits of Becoming a Ham Radio Operator

Ham radio offers countless benefits! From enhancing communication skills to troubleshooting technology, it is a unique way to connect with others. With nearly 800,000 licensed operators in the U.S., you'll join a vibrant community collaborating during emergencies, public service events, and fun activities like contests and field days.

Getting Started is Easy

Getting started in ham radio is easier than you might think. All you need is a license from the FCC, which you can earn by passing a short multiple-choice test—no complicated math or Morse code required for the first level. Local clubs, online study tools, and practice exams can help you prepare, and many operators are happy to mentor newcomers. Once you’re licensed, you can choose a simple handheld radio to start talking with nearby hams or explore more advanced equipment as your interest grows. From there, the hobby is yours to shape—whether you enjoy casual conversations, experimenting with technology, or preparing to assist in emergencies.

A Radio, A Power Source & An Antenna

For beginners, you can start in ham radio with just a few basic items—nothing too expensive or complicated. Most new operators begin with a handheld transceiver (often called an “HT” or handheld radio). These are small, battery-powered radios you can carry anywhere, perfect for talking to local operators and checking into nets. You’ll also need a good antenna (the one that comes with the radio works, but an upgraded antenna can greatly improve your range) and a way to charge your radio. If you want to explore contacts beyond your immediate area, you can use your handheld with local repeaters or connect it to your computer for digital modes. Over time, you can add more advanced equipment like a mobile radio for your car or a base station for home, but to start, one handheld radio is enough to begin exploring the hobby.

What Does A Repeater Do?

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A repeater is like a relay station for ham radio signals. When you transmit, the repeater receives your signal on one frequency, then immediately retransmits it on another frequency at a higher power or better location—often from a tall tower or hill. This allows your signal to travel much farther than it could on its own, letting you talk across a city, region, or even longer distances. Essentially, repeaters help your radio “bounce” over obstacles like buildings, hills, or mountains, so you can connect with more people with less power.

The Radio Spectrum

The radio spectrum is made up of invisible electromagnetic waves, organized by frequency—the number of cycles per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). These radio frequencies, or RF, are all around us. Some are perfect for local communication, while others can reach across the globe.

How Simple Is It?

For most people, getting a ham radio license can be done in just a few weeks—or even faster—depending on how much time you spend studying. Many beginners prepare in about 10–15 hours using online courses, videos, or study guides, and some pass the test after only a weekend of focused learning. Once you’re ready, you take a short multiple-choice exam given by volunteer examiners, and your license is usually issued within a few days.

Step 1

Study for the exam

Step Two

Register for an FRN

Step Three

Take practice tests

Step Four

Schedule an online testing session

Step Five

Pay your $35.00 FCC fee

Step Six

Find a club

Step Seven

Join the National Amateur Radio Alliance