What Comes to Mind When You Hear the words, Ham Radio?

Maybe it’s a dim basement, the smell of strong coffee, and a maze of wires snaking across the ceiling. Dusty shelves cradle vintage radios with glowing dials and mysterious switches. In the corner, under the soft glow of a desk lamp, sits a figure—white beard, baseball cap, eyes fixed on the rig. He leans in and calls out:

“CQ, CQ, CQ…”

Or, if you’re fluent in dits and dahs, maybe: – · – ·   – – · –

It’s a classic scene, and yes, it still exists. But amateur radio today is so much more.

Meet the Modern Ham Radio:  Powerful, Portable, and Professional

Hams are known for their courtesy and professionalism. Every licensed operator uses a unique call sign, and even entry-level licensees have access to powerful tools:

• Repeaters extend handheld range to tens or even hundreds of miles

• EchoLink, Allstar, and IRLP allow global communication via analog signals

• DMR & digital hotspots connect you worldwide—even from a handheld

• Apps & software like Chirp Next make setup easy

• Some newer radios take advantage of Bluetooth apps to not only program radios but connect through VoIP 

No repeater nearby? Use your phone or computer to connect to analog systems like EchoLink. Going digital and no  repeater in range? A hotspot and internet access will get you on the air. No radio? There's a solution. With a phone or computer and internet access, there's DroidStar that will connect you worldwide using any one of ten (as of fall 2025) supported digital systems.

Ham Radio in Emergencies

When disaster strikes, amateur radio often becomes the only reliable way to communicate. Repeaters are made available to emergency services, and many hams serve as:

• Weather spotters

• Search-and-rescue volunteers

• ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) members

• RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) operators

In life-or-death emergencies, FCC rules allow anyone—licensed or not—to use any frequency to call for help.

Power When the Grid Goes Down

Ham radio doesn’t rely on fragile infrastructure. Radios can run on:

• Commercial power

• Generators

• Solar panels

• Vehicle batteries

• Even a 9-volt battery powering a CW rig

When nothing else works... it’s ham radio.

Amateurs have played vital roles in disasters like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Maria.

Why Get a License?

Licensing opens the door to the full amateur spectrum:

• Technician Class: CW on 80, 40, 15, 10 meters + all bands above 50 MHz

• General Class: Adds voice and digital modes across most HF bands

• Extra Class: Full access to all amateur frequencies

Licensing also allows you to:

• Build and modify your own equipment

• Operate legally and safely

• Volunteer with emergency services

• Understand and follow FCC rules (Part 97)

And yes—RF burns are real. You’ll never forget your first one.

Join a Ham Radio Club

JCARC is a welcoming, hands-on community. Every Saturday morning, members gather for coffee, stories, and gear talk. Monthly meetings mix business with camaraderie—and newcomers are always welcome.

Need help with an antenna? Just ask. You never know who’ll show up with tools and a ladder.

The Cost of the Hobby

Affordable Options

Thanks to Chinese manufacturers, ham radio is now accessible:

• Analog handhelds: Under $25

• Entry-level DMR: Starting around $70

• Programming tools: Free software + $10 cable

Apps like Chirp and Chirp Next make programming easy—even across brands. We offer Chirp image files and code plugs for our local area to help you get started.

A Free Option

DroidStar works on nearly any modern smart device that support Windows, Android, and IOS. There is even a version that requires a bit of tech know-how for Mac, at least at the time of this writing. Click on the links in this paragraph to go to our page on DroidStar.

License Fees

• FCC fee: $35 (since 2022)

• VEC exam fee: ~$14 (pass or fail)

• Laurel VEC: Free testing (FCC fee still applies)

You can take all three exams in one sitting. Pass Technician and General but miss Extra? You’ll still earn the highest class you passed.

High-End Gear Still Exists

If you want to go big:

• Radios: $500 to $13,000+

• Amplifiers, towers, rotators, tuners

• May require electrician-installed power lines and grounding systems

Ham radio can be as affordable or advanced as you want it to be.

Ready to Get Started?

Explore our site for study resources, local repeater info, and club events. Whether you're here to learn, serve, or just have fun—welcome to the Jay County Amateur Radio Club.

📡 Discover the signal. Join the conversation. Be part of the community.

The Lowdown:

Becoming a ham radio operator, also known as an amateur radio operator, can offer several benefits and opportunities. Here are some reasons why you might consider becoming a ham radio operator:

1. Emergency Communication: Ham radio operators play a crucial role in emergency communication during natural disasters, emergencies, or when other communication methods fail. They often provide a reliable means of communication when traditional infrastructure is compromised.

2. Community Service: Many ham radio operators actively participate in community service by providing communication support for public events, marathons, parades, and more. This helps build a sense of community and camaraderie among operators.

3. Technical Learning: Operating a ham radio involves understanding radio technology, antennas, propagation, and other technical aspects. It provides a hands-on opportunity to learn and apply practical skills in electronics and radio communication.

4. Global Connectivity: Ham radio allows you to communicate with people around the world. It provides a unique way to make international contacts and learn about different cultures through radio communication.

5. Personal Development: Becoming a ham radio operator involves obtaining a license, which often requires studying and passing an exam. This process can contribute to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.

6. Hobby and Social Interaction: Ham radio is a hobby that offers social interaction with other operators. There are clubs, events, and contests where operators can connect, share experiences, and enjoy the hobby together.

7. Experimentation and Innovation: Ham radio operators have the opportunity to experiment with different equipment, antennas, and communication modes. This spirit of experimentation can lead to innovations in radio technology.

8. Preparedness: Being a ham radio operator can contribute to personal and community preparedness. In times of crisis, having the ability to communicate independently can be valuable.

9. Lifelong Learning: The field of radio communication is dynamic, and there's always something new to learn. Ham radio operators often find that the hobby keeps them intellectually engaged and provides ongoing learning opportunities.

10. Fun and Enjoyment: Many operators find the experience of communicating via radio to be enjoyable and fulfilling. Whether it's making contacts, participating in contests, or exploring different bands, ham radio can be a source of fun and excitement.

Before getting started, it's important to research the licensing requirements in your country, as each country may have its own regulations for amateur radio operators.

Volunteer Examiner Test Sessions

Want to find out more about local or online test sessions and what's currently required to get your amateur license? Here's a link to the page on the ARRL website:

 Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area (please allow the re-direct if your browser asks)

Interested in a free testing session? You can find out if there's one in your area by visiting the Laurel VEC website. They've been giving free exams since 1984.

Here is that link: https://www.laurelvec.com

As has been mentioned several times on this page, you must obtain your FCC Registration Number before you can get your first Amateur license. It can take a while to receive your number, so please get it as early as possible. You can get your FRN here.