WHAT IS AMATEUR RADIO, YOU ASK...? Amateur Radio (often called "Ham Radio") is a hobby and an important public service authorized by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in Part 97 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. It's stated purpose, quoted from SubPart A, Sec. 97.1 is as follows: "...to provide [a] service...as expressed in the following principles: (a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications. (b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art. (c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur radio service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art. (d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts. (e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill." Licensed Amateur Radio operators are people of any age, sex, profession, or nationality who are fascinated with communication via two-way radio. Generally a skilled group, they are required to pass examinations to receive the authorization to operate an Amateur Radio station. The typical Amateur has a variety of interests, and the hobby provides for a multitude of individual preferences. Amateurs engage in general chit-chat; emergency operations (including participation in Civil Preparedness); sending, relaying, receiving, and delivering free Radiograms for the public; providing communication support for civic functions such as local parades, marathons, etc.; making friends with Amateurs in foreign countries; investigating the mysteries of radio signal propagation; building, modifying, and designing radio equipment, antennas, and accessories; winning awards for operating proficiency in many areas; helping others prepare for Amateur Radio FCC license examinations; and many more exciting and valuable facets of the hobby. The FCC grants five classes of licenses to operate Amateur Radio stations, each requiring the candidate to demonstrate progressive levels of ability and knowledge. The license Classes are as follows (from lowest to highest), each successively allowing greater operating privileges and access to more usable radio frequencies): For most persons, the initial license is Novice operator. It requires the applicant to pass an elementary written test and to demonstrate the ability to understand Morse Code when sent at just 5 words per minute (wpm). Novices are authorized to use the following radio frequency ranges, or "bands" (bands are often referred to by their approximate wavelength, as well as by frequency): 1.25 meters (222.1-223.91 MHz), 23 centimeters (1270-1295 MHz), 10 meters (28.1-28.5 MHz), 15 meters (21.1-21.2 MHz), 40 meters (7100-7150 KHz), and 80 meters (3700-3750 MHz) bands. The Novice license examination is administered by two Volunteer Examiners (VE's). These may be any Amateur Radio operators who hold a current General, Advanced and/or Amateur Extra operator license. There is no charge for taking the Novice class examination. The second step up the ladder is the Technician operator. Another written examination, Element 3(A) is required. This license authorizes privileges on all Amateur bands from 6 meters (50 MHz) on up to 248 GHz, plus all Novice privileges. The third step up the ladder is General operator. Another written examination, Element 3(B) must be passed, as well as a test to demonstrate the ability to understand Morse Code at 13 wpm. This license authorizes the use of designated portions of all Amateur service frequency bands. The fourth step up the ladder is Advanced operator. Another written examination, Element 4(A) is required. This license authorizes additional frequency privileges on Amateur service high-frequency (HF) bands, from 1.8 to 30 MHz. The final step up the ladder is Amateur Extra operator. Another written examination, Element 4(B) and 20 wpm Morse Code proficiency is required. This license authorizes ALL Amateur Radio privileges and frequencies, including additional frequencies in the Amateur service HF bands. For all licenses above Novice operator, the examinations are administered by at least three local Amateur operators serving as Volunteer Examiners (VE's). They provide information as to when and where examination sessions are being held. Their efforts are coordinated by a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). The VEC makes public the questions used in the written examinations. Study aids are available from many Amateur Radio publications and equipment dealers. The administering VE's may charge the candidate a fee as stipulated by the FCC for certain reimbursable expenses incurred in preparing, processing, or administering the examination (currently $4.95 per exam session, regardless of how many Elements are taken). Many licensed Amateurs enjoy joining and participating in local Amateur Radio clubs. These clubs provide comradeship, coordinate special activities, support members via exchange of information, and often have members who conduct free FCC exam preparation classes for people interested in getting licensed. Amateur Radio is a versatile and flexible hobby. Some people get on the air with minimal equipment, home-building, borrowing, or purchasing used transmitting and receiver gear for very low costs. At the other extreme, Amateurs can easily invest tens of thousands of dollars in the latest transceivers, antennas, towers, computers, accessories, and other gadgets that reflect the top equipment from major manufacturers. Most Amateur Radio stations fall somewhere between the two. Amateurs tend to collect, swap, and sell gear and over the years may accumulate an impressive setup for a relatively low cash outlay. Amateur Radio is a truly unique and thrilling avocation that can give years of unforgettable pleasure and allow you to serve your community in a very distinctive way. GETTING INTO AMATEUR RADIO Anyone interested in becoming involved with Amateur Radio can find out more very simply by contacting the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). This is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to Amateur Radio, and is made up of thousands of members all over the United States. You can also look through local hometown newspapers for listings of local Amateur Radio club meetings; knock on the door of anyone whose home sports a bizarre array of radio antennas; or contact me via telephone, U.S. Mail, or BBS. If you think you may not be able to get too involved in Amateur Radio right now because you can't afford the fancy gear, let me point out two facts: 1) Just getting licensed won't cost you anything ('cept if you get a license of a class higher than Novice--which I recommend--because the higher class licenses must be given by Volunteer Examiner teams, and they ususally charge the FCC-regulated maximum of $4.95 to cover the costs of exam preparation materials--no personal gain or profit!). 2) Believe it or not, you can get on the air and have a ball on a shoestring! Lots of Amateurs get their first rig as a loaner/gift/cheap sale from other Amateurs who have accumulated spare equipment. In fact, I only "bought" my first radio this year, for around $400; until then, I used borrowed/giveaway jobs, and maybe spent a total of $40 on Flea Market used stuff (over a 10-year period!). And I've been licensed since 1976. And, by the way, if you're relatively young and unencumbered by a spouse, kids, full-time jobs, excessive outside commitments, etc., this is an IDEAL time for you to invest in getting your license. It will probably take you all of a month (or less) to study the Morse Code and theory to pass your Novice exam, if you can COMMIT to putting in two 20-30 minute sessions per day. (Maybe an extra week or two to get the Technician class stuff down, but it's worth it for the additional privileges.) Just think: You set a goal of being licensed by, say, the first of May...you study/practice Code twice a day every day 'til then...you successfully pass your exams...the FCC issues you your license (that'd probably get to you by mid-June)...and from then on, FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE you are a bona-fide, official, licensed Amateur Radio operator!!! You could certainly study more later on and upgrade to a higher class of license, but that's entirely up to you. Just think of how proud you'll be, how much fun you'll have (I guarantee that some other Amateur will at least loan you an old rig to get on the air), and when you hit 35 years old and don't see how you could possibly sit around learning the stuff to pass an Amateur license exam, you'll be able to smile and say, "Hah! Lucky for me I DID IT already, years ago!" Oh, yeah, one more reason to get your license NOW: It appears that, in general, the younger you are, the easier it is to learn Morse Code. Obviously, anyone who determines to do it CAN, but young folks' brains haven't solidified so much yet, and they seem to pick it up in a flash. If you want to, or ever think you're GOING TO want to, operate in Amateur Radio, take my advice: nail down that license NOW! You'll thank me someday!! AMATEUR RADIO vs. CB RADIO ========================== Amateur Radio and Citizen's Band (CB) are two systems of two-way communication regulated and authorized in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Amateur Radio licensees are sometimes informally called "hams. USES PERMITTED Amateur Radio: Noncommercial public service-oriented communication service. Hobby and experimental communications. Home computing by radio. Emergency and routine public service. Providing reliable two-way radio contact for special community events and activities. Transmission and delivery of free Radiograms on behalf of the general public. CB: Business and casual conversations. Public aid channel for emergencies. OPERATING RANGE Amateur Radio: Unlimited. Amateurs have communicated with orbiting astronauts. International communications are commonplace. CB: Limited by Federal Law to less than 150 miles. CB users typically talk within less than 4-5 miles. FREQUENCIES OFFERED Amateur Radio: More than two dozen Amateur frequency bands are spread across the entire airwave spectrum, from 1.8 kHz to 250 GHz. CB: One frequency band of 40 channels, from 26.96 to 27.41 MHz. POWER PERMITTED: Amateur Radio: Up to 1,500 watts, if needed. Essentially unlimited antenna height and configuration. CB: Less than 5 watts. Antenna height is limited by Federal Law. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Amateur Radio: Tests for technical knowledge, operating rules, knowledge of Morse Code. Exam difficulty progresses by license level. CB: Permit no longer necessary. No exams. HOW TO TELL WHO IS WHO Amateur Radio: Government-issued call signs indicating country/zone of operator, as well as personal identification. Formal station identification is required at frequent intervals. Operators also typically identify themselves in ordinary conversations using their real names. Most states offer licensees special Amateur Radio call sign license plates. CB: No formal system of identification. Users typically identify themselves by aliases or "handles". SIGNALS ALLOWED Amateur Radio: Voice, Morse Code telegraphy, digital computer data, telemetry, and visual images using FM, AM, continuous-wave, single sideband, personal computers, teletype, television, satellite, repeater, relay, modulated light beams, and spread-spectrum. CB: Voice only on AM and single sideband. Wireless control of hobby gear. AUTHORIZED EQUIPMENT Amateur Radio: Users can design, construct, and experiment with home-built equipment and they can modify, overhaul, repair, and improve store-bought gear. CB: Federal Law prohibits any adjustment, modification, or repair by users. MAIN ATTRACTION Amateur Radio: Ability to experiment by radio, home computer, and television. Local, regional, and worldwide communications; enhancement of international goodwill. Public service. Mutual cooperation between licensees. Voluntary self-regulation by common tradition. CB: Avoiding speed traps. Motorist pastime. Neighborhood contact. Enjoyment limited by profanity, low power, discourtesy, and interference. JOURNALS, CLUBS, AND GROUPS Amateur Radio: American Radio Relay League (ARRL), national nonprofit membership association. International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). Over 2,000 clubs throughout the country. Several major national publications. CB: Some local clubs. Emergency group REACT found in some areas. No national publications. FOR INFO CONTACT: ARRL 225 Main Street Newington, Conn. 06111 Voice (203) 666-1541 BBS (203) 665-0090 2400-8-N-1 SysOp: Luck Hurder, KY1T Best of luck to you, and hope to hear you on the bands soon! 73...WA1YUA