| Ham radios are two way radios that, in essence, talk | | | | there are even handheld transceivers. To truly answer |
| to one another without the help of any outside force. | | | | this question, you first need to consider what you are |
| The technology has been around for a very, very long | | | | going to use your ham radio for. For example, if it is |
| time. They are a great way to be prepared in case of | | | | going to be used solely for emergencies, then you |
| an emergency. Here are three helpful tips on how to | | | | should consider an HT. They are the smallest and |
| get started with ham radios. | | | | most portable types of two way radios. |
| 1. You need a license! | | | | The research also applies to taking the test. There are |
| The law requires that you, as an amateur operator, | | | | different bands that ham radios can "talk" to. Different |
| you need a license in order to legally operate your | | | | bands require different levels of certification. The lower |
| device. Licenses are required because of the range of | | | | bands, such as the 2 meter band, require the lowest |
| ham radios and the uses of them. If you do not know | | | | (and therefore easiest to get) license. The higher up |
| what you are doing and get in the way of an | | | | you get in the bands means that the radios can |
| emergency operation, you could potentially cause harm | | | | broadcast further. Communications equipment also |
| to the persons involved. Because of this, law requires | | | | becomes more expensive the higher up you go (as do |
| that you get a license. Licenses are relatively easy to | | | | the antennas), which brings up a good point! |
| get as long as you do your research. All you have to | | | | 3. What frequency band will you be using? |
| do is sign a few forms and take a test. Once you are | | | | This section is going to be relatively short because for |
| done with the test, you'll get your call sign mailed to | | | | me to truly cover all of the bands I would need hours |
| you and then you are set. | | | | and hours of your time. What you need to get out of |
| It does get quite a bit more complicated than what | | | | this section is this. The lower frequency bands of ham |
| was just stated, but you'll find out all the information | | | | radio are for the beginners as they do NOT broadcast |
| you need once you start doing research for your test. | | | | as far and the license for said bands is much easier to |
| To truly cover the whole topic of ham radio licenses, | | | | get. The higher the band, the farther the signal will go. |
| this guide would have to be massively long! | | | | You should do your research so you know what band |
| 2. Do your research! | | | | will be best suited for you and your needs! |
| You will need to do a decent amount of research | | | | Ham radios can be complex things, but do not let |
| before you start on your ham radio journey. For | | | | yourself become overwhelmed! The research has all |
| instance, what type of equipment are you going to | | | | been done; all you have to do is find it. |
| need? There are mobile stations, base stations, and | | | | |