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Introduction
This page is designed for people who interested amateur radio and would like to earn their licenses and become "Hams". It also provides information to existing Hams that want to move to higher license levels.
Why do I need to take a test to get a ham license? Unlike other radio services like CB radio (Citizen's Band) or FRS (Family Radio Service) ham radio operators are allowed to run much higher power levels over a much wider range of frequencies using a wide range of operating modes. Ham radio operators are allowed and encouraged to experiment with new technology, build their own transceivers and antennas. The FCC needs to know hams have the operational skills and technical ability to operate safely and not interfere with each other and other radio services.
There are three amateur radio license levels or classes:
Technician
General
Extra
Each level provides a greater access to frequencies and operating modes. Licensing and training are needed to keep the airwaves usable by everyone.
If you are interested in becoming an Amateur Radio Operator; here are the required steps to achieve that goal:
Study the materials related to the level desired - generally starting with a Technician level.
Pass testing by FCC approved testers
Purchase appropriate equipment
Get on the Air and enjoy the hobby.
Along the way you will meet and become friends with other Hams. You will also get to know the many things that you can do with your radio besides just chatting. Ham Radio is a hobby of a thousand hobbies.
Learning
To learn more about getting licensed for amateur radio a good starting point is the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Licensing, Education & Training site.
Another good resource is the Gordon West training series.
A couple of good YouTube channels to learn about ham radio are:
Dave Casler KE0OG's "Ask Dave"
and
The Ham Radio Crash Course "Getting Started"
Other places where study material can be found:
www.qrz.com (click on resources)
Practice Exams Sites:
http://arrlexamreview.appspot.com
https://blog.hamstudy.org/links/a
Testing
Prior to testing and getting licensed you must first obtain a FCC Registration Number (FRN). For more information on what a FRN is and how to register for one you can go to the ARRL page on FCC License Info and Forms
License exams are held both online and in person. You can go to the ARRL's Find an Amateur Radio License Exam Session to find online examiners or an in person testing session in your area.
Purchasing Equipment
There are a number of sources to buy ham radio equipment, we've listed a few below. There are a lot of options and the sky is the limit and what you can spend, however with a technician's license and a small investment you can get on the air and start operating. Members of the RARC are knowledgeable resources to talk to about what equipment to buy that fits your budget and what you want to get out of ham radio. Club events like Parks on the Air (POTA) and the 2 field days are excellent opportunities to see different ham radio gear in operation.
Here are a few outlets* to buy ham radio equipment:
Ham Radio Outlet (HRO) - Has a retail outlet in Plano
Main Trading Company - Located in Paris Texas
Univeral Radio Inc. - Online retailer
GigaParts - Online retailer
Get on the Air - You have your license, you have your first station, it's time to get on the air.
*Note: Rockwall Amateur Radio Club does not endorse or recommend any of the above products or vendors. They are listed here simply as a convenience to our readers.
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