GETTING STARTED IN AMATEUR RADIO [If you're already an Amateur Radio operator, please help us "spread the word" about our exciting hobby. Include this information in your local newsletter, Web page or anywhere you might find prospective hams. And don't forget, ARRL makes getting started in ham radio easy. New and prospective hams may call 1-800-32-NEW HAM (800-326-3942).] YOU'RE INVITED! Here's your invitation to a radio service that's got something fun for everyone. Welcome to Amateur Radio! Many people are familiar with the voluntary communications Amateur (ham) Radio operators provide during emergencies. Hams use their radios to get life-saving messages through during hurricanes and earthquakes, plane crashes, and search-and-rescues. Some amateurs experiment to develop better radio communications technology. Other amateurs enjoy communicating for the fun of it...sharpening their operating skills by making contacts with other hams around the world. You can become an Amateur Radio operator--no matter what age, gender or physical ability. People from all walks of life pass the exams to earn their licenses. They all share the diverse world of activities you can explore with ham radio. How do I get in on the action? Read on, and ARRL will show you how getting started in ham radio has never been easier! ARRL is the national association for Amateur Radio. We've been helping hams get started since 1914! What Can Amateur Radio Operators Do? Ham radio operators use two-way radio stations from their homes, cars, boats and outdoors to make hundreds of friends around town and around the world. They communicate with each other using voice, computers, and Morse code. Some hams bounce their signals off upper regions of the atmosphere, so they can talk with hams on the other side of the world. Other hams use satellites. Many use hand-held radios that fit in their pockets. Hams exchange pictures of each other using television. Some also like to work on electronic circuits, building their own radios and antennas. A few pioneers in Amateur Radio have even contributed to advances in technology that we all enjoy today. There are even ham-astronauts who take radios with them in space and thrill thousands of hams on earth with a call from space! Using even the simplest of radio setups and antennas, amateurs communicate with each other for fun, during emergencies, and even in contests. They handle messages for police and other public service organizations during all kinds of emergencies. Today's technology allows hams to link computers to their equipment. They use "packet radio" to send and receive electronic messages, and to track marathon runners, emergency vehicles and weather systems on maps. Where Do I Start? The rules for earning an Amateur Radio license vary depending on which country you live in. In the US, there are three license levels, or "license classes." These licenses are granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). When you prepare for your tests, you'll study topics such as radio operating practices, FCC rules and basic electrical theory. Each license has different "frequency" or "band" privileges. To help you decide which license to begin with, you'll need to understand the differences between these privileges: The VHF/UHF and microwave bands are popular for local communications and operating through satellites. Thousands of voice "repeater stations" can be accessed by hand-held VHF/UHF radios. With the help of repeaters to extend their range, these tiny radios can be used for distances of 50 miles or more. Repeaters also make it possible to communicate when you are mobile--on foot, from a car, or even a plane! The shortwave, or HF bands are used for long-distance contacts, since radio waves on these bands travel around the world. Voice and Morse code are popular ways of "talking" to hams in foreign countries on the HF bands. 3 Licenses! STEP 1: Technician license EXAM REQUIREMENT: 35-question Technician test (Element 2); No Morse Code Exam PRIVILEGES: All VHF/UHF amateur bands (frequencies above 30 MHz). STEP 2: General license (upgrade from Technician) EXAM REQUIREMENTS: 35-question General test (Element 3); 5 words-per-minute Morse code (Element 1) PRIVILEGES: All VHF/UHF amateur bands and most HF privileges (10 through 160 meters). STEP 3: Extra License (upgrade from General) EXAM REQUIREMENT: 50-question Extra test (Element 4) PRIVILEGES: All amateur privileges. The most popular license for beginners is the Technician license, which does not require a Morse Code exam. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. They can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple station equipment. Technician licensees who pass the 5 words-per-minute Morse code test earn additional privileges on HF, including a segment of the 10 meter band for voice communications (28.300-28.500 MHz, maximum power 200 watts PEP). Classes and Exams ARRL publishes popular ham radio license study guides and many publications covering all aspects of Amateur Radio. ARRL will help you learn the things you'll need to pass your exams and have fun with Amateur Radio. You may choose to study on your own, or enroll in a licensing course. Many local Amateur Radio clubs sponsor inexpensive classes. They can usually find a club volunteer to answer your questions. Contact ARRL for help locating a club in your area. You may even be invited to attend a club meeting. The exams are given by volunteer ham radio operators. When you're ready to take your exam, contact a radio club or call the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator's office (ARRL/VEC), (860) 594-0300. They'll help you find examiners in your area. Where Do I Start? The ARRL publishes ham radio license study guides to help you learn the things you'll need to pass your exam and have fun with Amateur Radio. ARRL can also assist you in finding ham operators in your area who'd like to help you get started. Here are some helpful web sites to get you started: Find a Club- http://www.arrl.org/field/club/clubsearch.phtml Find a license exam session- http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml Find exam study materials- http://www.arrl.org/catalog If you'd prefer to receive this information by mail, ARRL distributes a New Ham Package that can be sent at no cost to you. The material describes Amateur Radio, popular ARRL study guides, and includes a list of your local ham radio clubs, ham radio classes and volunteer examiners in your area. To serve you best, we'd like to know the following when you request a New Ham Package: -Your First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name -Call Sign (optional) -Date of Birth, MM/DD/YEAR -Street Address -City, State, Zip (US only, please) -Phone 1 (day), Phone 2 (evening) You can reach ARRL by any of the following methods: Mail: ARRL 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA Telephone Toll-Free: 1-800-32-NEW HAM (800-326-3942) Telephone: (860) 594-0355 FAX: (860) 594-0303 email: newham@arrl.org WWW: http://www.arrl.org/newham.html (Make sure to include a specific request for the New Ham Package and include your postal address because there is too much material to send via e-mail or fax.) Join the World of Amateur Radio...The Hobby of A Lifetime! NEWHAM.TXT RJI 7/19/2000 .