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Amateurs are often affectionately called hams or ham radio operators
To become a radio amateur you will need to get a license. Licensing requirements are different in every country
Quick answers to most common questions
asked by our visitors
So you now have your license and you are ready to get on the air. The most important thing to do before beginning is to listen and observe how other hams are making their contacts. As different modes and bands seem to have slightly different approaches it helps to have heard a few exchanges on a band before you make that first contact.
Depending on your radio and license you may have to decide on where and how you want to begin operating. If you are using a hand-held transceiver you may begin through a local repeater or direct (simplex) on the VHF and UHF bands. If you passed a CW test you may begin on some of the HF bands using CW or SSB. So let's give a quick run-down of each of these operations.
Using a HT and a Repeater
Many amateurs begin by getting the Basic (Canada) or Technician (U.S.) class license. By far the most common mode of operation for them is the HT through a local repeater. Assuming you have the HT set up to the appropriate frequency, offset, and if necessary, CTCSS tone then you are ready to make your first contact.
It may seem obvious but you need to know your call sign before you begin. You might also want to review the appropriate phonetics in case someone asks you to clarify your call sign.
Part of the fun of amateur radio collecting cards, called QSL cards,
from other amateurs that you've talked to on the radio. Some people like
to collect stamps form various parts of the world but hams
collect QSLs. If you are also a stamp collector you will find that often a card comes from
a distant country with an interesting stamp on the envelope.
Another reason for collecting QSL cards is to participate in the many certificate
programs available to amateurs. Whether it's getting your DXCC (DX century club) for
getting cards confirming contacts with 100 or more DX countries, working all states in
the U.S., all provinces in Canada, or many other awards available you will need the
cards to support your claim for the award.
We will do our best to provide you most of information for free. Considering that we spend a lot of time gathering documentation and tracking local laws, we need to charge small fee in order to keep our amateur radio venture working
We have many people with passion for amateur radio. We are always prepared to help our users
Passionate for amateur radio since early childhood.
Her father was her teacher. After years working with radios she decided to help other people
Alex is here to make fun of our problems. He is able to fix everything
She has great knowledge about amateur radio things.
We will do our best to provide you most of information for free. Considering that we spend a lot of time gathering documentation and tracking local laws, we need to charge small fee in order to keep our amateur radio venture working