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 $4.75 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.
 
    Anyone interested in becoming involved with Amateur Radio 
can find out more very simply by contacting the American Radio 
Relay League (ARRL), 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111 
(203-666-1541).  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.
 
     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.
 
Brian Battles WA1YUA    +-------------------------------------------+
P.O. Box 176            | after            228 Pleasant Street      |
Colchester, Conn. 06415 | August 1, 1989:  New Britain, Conn. 06051 |
(203) 537-0311          |                       (203) CALLYUA       |
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