Posts Tagged ‘License’

Put Your Amateur Radio License to Good Use - Participate in a Public Service Event

OK, so you've passed your amateur radio exam and are waiting for your "ticket" (license). All that studying, cramming, and worrying are behind you. It's about this time that you start to ask yourself, "What do I do now?" Great question. Your first step is to consider the type of equipment to buy. That's something your Elmer (mentor) can help you with. (A link at the bottom takes you to a discussion of my equipment.) My focus here is to help you put your ham radio skills and enthusiasm to work for the betterment of your community.

One of the more rewarding ways is to get involved with a public service event. Most often a walk or bike ride, these events support the efforts of many fine organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, among others. It doesn't make sense for organizers to buy and maintain equipment for just a one-day event, so they turn to local amateur radio operators.

"Hams" are happy to help out, particularly for the larger events.

How might you, a new ham radio operator, help? Each event needs operators at numerous points along the route. Hams provide extra sets of eyes, and help ensure a smooth operation. There are a number of areas to choose from:

1. Net control - The command center of all public service events, net control contains the "dispatchers" (net control operators) who keep all radio traffic flowing smoothly. Net operators tend to be more experienced; newer ones may assist with logging, monitoring the APRS system (similar to GPS), or other duties.

2. Aboard a SAG wagon - Support and Gear vehicles ride a predetermined route, looking for injured walkers/riders and broken bikes that are then transported to the appropriate location.

You may also be asked to deliver supplies to a rest stop during the event. (Initial supplies are provided by event organizers.) With your radio, your vehicle can be dispatched as needed.

3. At a rest stop - This can be a more relaxing assignment. Ham radio operators stay in touch with the event volunteers on the scene, and stand ready to call in any needs. Occasionally you'll hear from someone with a broken bike or pooped walker/rider who wants a ride to the finish line.

4. With a Sentry Captain - Some rides employ Sentry Captains. These folks are assigned a particular route, and are responsible for the flag-carrying volunteers (sentries) you find along the route and at many intersections. The Sentry Captain rides the route continuously, making sure the sentries have sufficient water, munchies, and so forth. If you spot any walker or rider needing assistance, you call net control for help.

5. At an intersection - Some intersections are staffed by ham radio operators. Much like at the rest stops, you watch the crowd go by, and stand ready to call in assistance for a rider or walker.

As you can see, there are many opportunities during a charity walk or ride for you to put your amateur radio license and gear to good use. Although you need to get up early, and the morning can seem long, you will feel very satisfied afterward. You helped a worthwhile organization meet its fundraising goals, and in the process, you gave back something to your community.

Your Elmer should be able to help you get involved in public service. You can learn more at most ham radio club meetings and by monitoring the repeater nets. Have fun!

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Where to Take the Amateur Radio License Exam

The first thing to do is to get yourself registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC requires an application to be filled out. The aplication process is free. The only fee will be paid to the Volunteer Examiners (VEs) at the exam session for administering the exam and processing the test documentation. The FCC application is easily done online at the FCC's Universal Licensing Site (http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/). You should do this prior to taking your exam at the testing center because it will speed up the processing of your test results allowing you to get your license issued without delay.

In a previous article called "How To Get Your Amateur Radio License", I told you how to learn what you need to know to pass the exam. Here you'll learn how and where to register and take the exam. A good way to help you retain what you have learned is to take sample question and answer exams. These interactive online exams also tell you when you are ready to take the actual exam. Here are some links where you can practice what you've learned and test yourself: QRZ.COM , AA9PW.COM , eHAM.COM , ARRL.COM . It is a good idea to take more than one of these to test yourself, as they probably use slightly different question pools.

Now, once you've taken your class, studied your license manual, or were tutored by an 'elmer' (an 'elmer' is a friendly ham who helps a newbie get started), the next step is to find out where to take the exam. Amateur radio exams are given by volunteer examiners called VEs. VEs are required to be adults with General class licenses or higher and to pass certain other tests to be certified. VEs are tested and approved by a VE Coordinator staff (VEC). Exam sessions are organized by a VE team who administer and score the exams. As mentioned above, a fee is collected at the time of the exam and passed on to the VEC to cover the cost of checking all documentation and entering the data into the FCC database. You will know before you leave if you passed.

These exams are offered in easy to find places like schools, churches, and other public and private buildings. They are often also given at hamfests. A hamfest is a flea market for amateur radio enthusiats. If you know a ham with a copy of QST, the ARRL monthly magazine for hams, there is usually a listing of upcoming exam locations, dates, and times. You can also go online to the ARRL website (arrl.org) and click on "Exams" at the top left for a list of exam locations, dates, and times which you can search by Zip code or state. These exam location listings will usually have a telephone number and an email address. Be sure to make contact to make sure information is still current and the exam will take place as scheduled. Important: you need to bring a photo I.D. to take the exam.

Well, that's it. Now go do it!

How To Get Your Amateur Radio License

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the operation of all equipment that uses radio waves to communicate. This includes amateur radios (ham radios), AM and FM radios, televisions, cell phones, cordless phones, police and fire department radios, etc. In order to operate a radio in the Amateur Radio Service you have to take and pass a test to show that you understand something about how radios work and what the rules are to operate a ham radio.

The test for the entry level license is not hard. People as young as 5 years old have become licensed ham radio operators. The most popular license for beginners, is the Technician Class license, which requires only a 35 question multiple-choice test. The test covers basic regulations, operating practices, and simple electronics theory. It is written with the beginner in mind. Morse code is no longer a requirement for any class of Ham Radio license. A good way to learn the material needed for the exam is to go to a series of classes held by a local ham radio club. Usually the classes are free or at a nominal cost except for the cost of a study book. Go to the American Radio Relay League (arrl.org) to find a club in your area. Then contact the club to see when they are running the next beginners class.

Some people have been able to pass the test just by reading a book about ham radio, or studying a published license manual, or even going online and reading sample questions and answers. Books about ham radio and license manuals are often sold at stores like Radio Shack, or your local book store. Stop in and ask. Books are also available at the ARRL website and Amazon.com. Another place to get a good study book for your first license is the w5yi.org. Make sure any book you buy is the current version (not more than a year old). If you decide to take a class, sign up for that first because you will need to use the book they are using.

Last, if you know of any ham radio operators in your town, call them or find out where they live and knock on their door. Ask them if they know of any local classes coming up or if they would have the time to help you learn what you need to know to pass the test. You might be surprised...hams are usually very friendly people.

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Get your Amateur Radio License this year.

Article by Carl Broady

Get your Amateur Radio License this year.

There has never been a better time become an Amateur Radio Operator or "Ham" Radio Operator in the USA. The average person with no prior knowledge should easily be able to study for and pass the test and receive a license in a month or two.Ham radio once required the Ham to learn Morse code or CW "Continuous Wave" as most Hams refer to it.Until quite recently anyone who wanted a full Amateur Radio License had to pass a Morse Code receiving test.The candidate had to receive Morse Code at five words per minute for an entry level license, receive thirteen words per minute for an intermediate level or General Class license and receive twenty words per minute for an Extra class license.

The FCC abolished Morse code testing as a requirement for an amateur radio license on February 23rd 2007.

Testing for an amateur radio license is a multiple choice test open book type test, almost. Almost in that the candidate can't bring study materials, books or notes into the examination room. The questions for this test are taken from a pool of questions. These questions and the correct answer and the three incorrect answers to these questions are readily available.The American Amateur Radio League AARL web site has the question pool available for free download.Read the question pool and memorize the correct answers. This is probably the only exam where you get to see the exact questions on the exam with the correct answers before the test.There are several sites online where you can practice taking the test. Practice until you pass most of the time in the practice test.There are three Amateur radio license classes Technician, General and extra each higher class giving the operator more privileges and frequencies to operate on.

To take an Amateur Radio test:Locate a Ham Radio VE "Volunteer Examiner" testing session in your area and find out when and where you can take your test. There is a nominal fee for the test usually or less. You can locate a testing session by calling a local Amateur Radio club, by contacting a local Amateur Radio Operator or by simply doing an online search.Take and pass your test. If you do fail the test "which you probably wont" you can just retake it usually the same day.After about a week you will receive your own unique Armature Radio Call sign from the FCC.Good Luck

About the Author

C. Broady is an Amateur radio operator who owns a small web based mail order company. Web site: http://sellit2us.com

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

Get your FIRST ham radio license! Easy-to-understand bite-sized sections. Use this book, and pass the 35-question license test. Includes the latest question pool with answer key, for use beginning July 1, 2006. Designed for self-study and for classroom use. Intended for all newcomers, instructors and schoolteachers.This is the most popular introduction to Amateur Radio! The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual is your ticket to joining the ranks of amateur radio operators.Use this book to discover the appeal of ham radio. The Amateur Radio Service offers a unique mix of technology, public service, convenience and fun. Some hams enjoy communicating across the country and around the globe, making new friends over the airwaves. Others like to build and experiment with electronics, experiencing cutting edge technologies. Some use their radios and skills during emergencies or disasters when all else fails. And, today's ham radio gear offers possibilities for getting started at any level. Your first radio station might be at home, in the car, or small enough to take with you on the go.

List Price: $ 24.95

Price: $ 59.98

ARRL's General Q&A

Upgrade to General and enjoy the thrill of high-power communications on all HF bands!

ARRL's General Q & A is your authoritative guide to every question in the General Class question pool--everything you need to pass your General Class Amateur Radio license exam! Using ARRL's General Q & A is the best way to review for the exam with confidence.

List Price: $ 9.99

Price:

Learn tips on ham radio licenses, why we need them and what they are used for in this free CB radio video. Expert: sledge Bio: Kurt Glaser, callsign of N7QJM, has been an active ham since the early 90's. He built his first ham radio in 1970. N7QJM operates out of his 'ham shack' on the All Emergencies channel. Filmmaker: kurt glaser
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Get Your Technician Class Ham Radio License Now

A great entry level license class is available for new entrants into the world of Amateur radio. Currently the most popular introductory Amateur Radio license, the Tech License has no Morse code requirement.  The Tech license enables an operator to use the popular VHF bands.

source: 2 meter antenna

A lot of operation in the 2 meter band is via Frequency Modulation (FM) two-way radios and utilize radio repeaters. With a tech license you can also communicate with other hams using computer data, television signals or even communicate through current Amateur Radio orbiting spacecraft. Operating on the VHF bands allows for all of these types of operation.

You can operate the VHF bands via a mobile station located in your car or a fixed station out of your home or simply using a handheld radio. Depending on your interests, all three of these modes of operation (mobile, fixed and handheld) are a great way to start out in amateur radio. 2 meters is a very simple band to operate and offers a lot to the new ham.

So, study up and get ready to take your tech license amateur radio test today and get in on the fun on 2 meters, there are a lot of fellow hams operating today that are waiting to introduce you to the hobby of ham radio. Once you get your tech license you will soon find yourself ready to find the right radio and then the important decision of which antenna to buy. Become a ham today and start talking with fellow hams!