10/04/08

Well you made a good choice, there are thousands of people who learn and enter the hobby every year, it isn't hard, it just takes some effort.

How Do Start
Well first you might want to talk with someone near you to see what the hobby is about, club meetings like the W0MG meeting can be a great source of information.  You can also find lots of information written by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL), the largest national Amateur Radio related organization

In the US, there are three license levels, or "license classes" (Technician class, General class and Extra Class). These licenses are granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The most popular license for beginners is the Technician Class license, which requires only a 35 multiple-choice question written examination. The test is written with the beginner in mind. Morse Code is not required for this license. With a Technician Class license, you will have all ham radio privileges above 30 megahertz (MHz). These privileges include the very popular 2-meter band. Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. You can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple equipment.

Where Can I Find Local Clubs
W0MG, it meets on the second Saturday of each month at 7PM at the American Red Cross Building in Waterloo.

Check our Links page, we have links to other clubs here in the area.
You can also check the ARRL website, they have a link for local clubs.

Where Do I Get Study Materials (Books, Tapes/CDs, and Software)
 

ARRL publishes popular ham radio license study guides to help you learn the things you'll need to pass your exam and have fun with Amateur Radio.

There also lots of companies that offer software, for instance
Ham University, a great software package for learning at your own pace

 

Where Do I Take The Test
The tests are usually offered at hamfests, and are offered by some clubs on a monthly basis
Check here for ARRL listing of hamfests and Exams