How? and Why to Become a Ham
First I would like to expel the myth that Amateur Radio Is all about Grey haired Old pipe smoking Blokes with glasses, Sitting in a garden shed, around a big old valve transmitter The size of a 26” television set, tapping away on a Morse key with his headphones on, and talking to some one in China about nothing more than the weather. While some do, this is a very stereo typical view of the modern Radio Amateur and it couldn't be further from the truth, there are actually many thousands of male & female operators, including children. Once you have heard or seen Amateur radio in operation and have seen what we can achieve with even basic stuff then you will soon realise we hams are at the cutting edge of technology and we can do some pretty neat stuff, and have some pretty cool gadgets. Soon after you will catch the bug and want to become an Amateur yourself, well in order to do so, you first have to pass an exam. "Don't worry it’s not that hard And you will get tuition to start "See below". Becoming licensed opens up a whole new world to you And is a great hobby to choose and is one of those hobbies that you can do all year round, and for as long as you like, there are male and female hams, young & old, & even some famous hams. the hobby can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be, you can buy commercially available equipment for hundreds of pounds or make a lot of it yourself and save money its up to you. and there are hams all over the world just waiting to help & speak to you..
In the UK there are three types of licences that can be obtained. Each one gives a different level of privileges and requires an exam at different level (And don't worry you no longer have to Learn Morse Code like in the old days).
The three levels are as follows:
Foundation level.
Intermediate level
And advance level.
However the entry point for all newcomers into the hobby is via the foundation licence. If you wish to further you privileges in the hobby then you may progress to the intermediate level , and then finally to the advance level should you wish to. Its entirely up to you, (Many foundation level amateurs are quite happy with their privileges and stay at this level for Many years). The foundation licence is obtained by taking the foundation licence training course, this course give you some insight into ham radio and all about the do's and don'ts, including some of the dangers and problems that could occur if your station is incorrectly installed or operated,. Once you pass your exam, you can choose a callsign and be operating pretty soon afterwards…
The training course & books that you will require, to become a licensee will cost you. The amount you pay will vary from club to club however it is usually quite cheap and shouldn’t break the bank.
The books can be ordered from the RSGB book shop or via your clubs trainer.
Unfortunately Halton Radio Club Is Not Currently running any Official Training Courses, However we may be able to assist you in preparing you for taking your Radio Exam by providing Some Preoperational Tutoring. Please Telephone Sam Bell (Daytimes only please) Our Senior Tutor for further details on the following telephone Number 01928 714231.For all other Enquires or Questions please Email Paul at hrc-mail@haltonradioclub.co.uk.
To Locate your Nearest Clubs training Course or Examination Centre Follow this link and then follow the instruction on screen
Unfortunately Halton Radio Club Is Not currently running any official courses however we may be able to assist you in preparing you for taking your radio exam by providing training. Please Telephone Sam Our senior tutor on the following telephone number 01928 714231 Daytime only please. For all other Enquires or Questions please Email Paul at hrc-mail@haltonradioclub.co.uk.
To locate your nearest Club, training course or examination centre Follow this link and then follow the instruction on screen.
Here are the Answers to some frequently asked Questions about becoming licensed.
(Q) Is it expensive to become a Amateur Radio operator?
(A) No Study books can be loaned from the library or purchased cheaply through the RSGB Bookshop. The Foundation course and exam on average Costs Around £25.
(Q) Do I have to renew my licence every year like a TV licence?
(A) No Once you pass your licence is issued for life and Renewed for free every 5 years - there is no further costs.
(Q) Do I Have to take an Exam every year?
(A) No Good news - once you have passed it is issued for life or until revoked..
(Q) What Is a Callsign?
(A) A callsign is a bit like a car registration it’s a combination of letters and numbers issued personally to you by “Ofcom” the radio licensing authority. It not only helps to identify your station, it also helps to identify what part of the country or world you come from, and what class of operator you are.
(Q) Why do I need a callsign?
(A) A callsign is required to help identify you Station, and to be able to contact you In case of an emergency or you are causing interference to domestic Radio or Tv, or any of the emergency services.
(Q) Can I choose my own callsign
(A) You may choose Part of your own callsign, many operators often use their name or initials, however sometimes they are already in use or have been reserved by someone else. Therefore another combination of letters must be chosen for to use.
(Q) Do I get a new callsign every year?
(A) Callsigns are issued for life, however if you upgrade your class of licence it may change.
(Q) Will My Equipment take up a lot of space?
(A) No Not at all most of our equipment is Small and compact, and is around the size of a Car Radio CD Player, or small computer printer. Some of our handheld equipment are as small as a modern mobile phone and are at the cutting edge of technology. So should easily fit into a small bedside sized cupboard.
(Q) Do I need A Large Back garden and a big Tall Mast?
(A) The more room you have outside the better, But its not essential. Even a flat in a high raised tower block can be home to a successful Amateur Radio Station There are big and small aerials and all perform differently but all will allow you to make a contact with someone.
(Q) How far Can I Talk?
(A) The distance you can talk depends of various factors, like the frequency in use, the amount of power you use, the type and size of your aerial, the time of day and year, so it could be as little as 20-30 miles Or as far as the other side of the world.
(Q) Do I need Lots expensive radios and lots of Big Expensive Aerials?
(A) No - many radios can be bough cheaply new or second hand, and certain types of transmitters and receivers can be made for pounds, Likewise many aerials can be easily and cheaply be made from old bit’s of wire, copper or aluminium tubing, and other bits you may have hanging around the home, garage, garden or shed.
(Q) Can I build by own equipment?
(A) Yes You can, There are lots of equipment that can be easily built including Aerials, Microphones, Power-supplies, Interfaces etc. It all depends on your technical ability. However As a Foundation Class Operator You Are not currently allowed to build your own Transmitter.
(Q) Do I have to learn Morse Code or CW?.
(A) No The requirement to know Morse Code is no longer required, just an understanding of it. Its really simple and you can take as much time as you like.
(Q) Can I let someone else use my callsign?
(A) No it could get you into trouble.
(Q) Do I need to keep a log book?
(A) No the Requirements to keep one was recently discontinued , however many people continue with it for references purposes.
(Q) Where can I buy my equipment from?
(A) Lots of places, Like Shops, Radio Rallies, News papers, Online Auction sites check out our links page.
(Q) Will I cause TVI like I did on CB?
(A) The answer is likely to be No, Our equipment is designed and manufactured to much higher specifications.
(Q) Can I operate from in my Car
(A) Yes, However we would recommend the use of hand free equipment.
(Q) Do I need any Special test equipment?.
(A) You will Require an Absorption Wave meter, However a SWR Meter and a Dummy Load is optional and recommend.
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Below are Some comments from newly licence amateurs....Their names have been removed to protect their identity....
" It was the best thing I ever did I wish I had done it before I retired."
" I was always scared of doing the Morse because of my hearing, but I shouldn't have been worried it was easy"
" Hey I'm on the air and talking to some great lads from Liverpool who has offered to help me with my aerial "
" I've Just bough a radio from a guy on eBay for £50, he even threw in an aerial in free. what a bargain"
" Its far better then CB ever was, best thing I ever did, the people are really polite and friendly, and no silly mike Keyers".
" Just made a aerial for £4 pounds and I was talking to a person called John Paul from France .. It was Amazing!!!"
" I love building my own equipment, and it saves me money, I don't throw anything away now"
" I used an internet repeater links while out walking the dog, and I was speaking to a fire fighter called John from New York"
" I love working DX, and love collecting SOTA and WAB Squares"
" I love listening to the more experienced hams late at night before I go to bed, I learn loads of new stuff"
" My school got us involved with ham radio, and now I speak to all my ham friends it saves us load of money on texts"
" I'm 12 years old and love talking to people, and finding out all about them and where they come from"
Best of Luck and hope to see you soon.