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What is Ham Radio


Amateur Radio: A Hobby for the 21st Century
Produced by the Radio Society of Great Britain.
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What is Ham Radio?

Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.

You can set up a ham radio station anywhere! In a field...

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 ...at a club station....

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 ...or at home.

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Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the FCC license to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur Bands." These bands are radio frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by ham radio operators.

Amateur Radio in Hollywood

Amateur Radio is part of the storyline in the ABC television series Last Man Standing, starring Tim Allen. Read More

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FAQ

  • Who is the Typical Ham?-

    Amateur Radio operators come from all walks of life -- doctors, students, kids, politicians, truck drivers, movie stars, missionaries and even your average neighbor next door. They are of all ages, sexes, income levels and nationalities. Whether through Morse Code on an old brass telegraph key, voice communication on a hand-held radio or computerized messages transmitted via satellite, all hams use radio to reach out to the world.


    Find out what you can do with ham radio!

  • What's the Appeal of Ham Radio?+

  • Why Do You Need a License?+

  • How Much Does it Cost?+

  • What are the Amateur Radio Bands?+

  • What are Some of the Other Ways Radio Hams Communicate? +

  • Do I Have to Learn Morse Code?+

  • What is ARRL?+

  • Where Can I Get More Information?+

  • How Do I Get Started?+

  • How Can I Get Involved?+

  • Why are Amateur Radio Operators also called "Hams"?+

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