Southern Oklahoma Amateur Radio Emergency Services; How to become a Amateur (Ham) Operator

How To Get Started In Amateur Radio

Getting started in Amateur Radio has never been easier! You can usually find a ham radio class in your area sponsored by friendly volunteers who will help you learn the "ropes."

The Technician Class license NO LONGER REQUIRES A MORSE CODE EXAMINATION, and gives you all ham radio privileges above 30 Megahertz. You'll pass a relatively easy exam on radio operating practices, FCC rules and basic electrical theory. Technician Class operating privileges include FM voice, digital packet, satellite, television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. You can make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple equipment.

Where Do I Start?
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and others publish ham radio license study guides to help you learn the things you'll need to pass your exam and have fun with Amateur Radio. ARRL can also assist you in finding ham operators in your area who'd like to help you get started.

Radio Shack Stores also sell a very good reference book, NO-CODE PLUS cat. #62-2417, This is a complete study guide for the Novice, Tech and Tech-Plus exams.

The ARRL Educational Activities Department (EAD) distributes a "Prospective Ham Package" that is sent at no cost to you. The material describes Amateur Radio, popular ARRL study guides, and includes a list of your local ham radio clubs, ham radio classes and volunteer examiners in your area. Contact them for a "Prospective Ham Package", today!:

TOLL-FREE -- 1-800-32-NEW HAM (our New Prospect "Hot Line")
mail -- ARRL EAD, 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111
phone -- (203) 666-1541
fax -- (203) 665-7531
e-mail -- newham@arrl.org

(Make sure to include a specific request for the "Prospective Ham Package" and include your postal address because there is too much material to send via e-mail or fax.)

You can also send a message to JD WG5B & Chad KB5VUG and your message will be forwarded to a local ham radio operator who will answer your questions about Amateur radio and help you through the licensing procedure. The Southern Oklahoma Amateur Radio Emergency Services also will hold classes, contact Kevin N0IRW & Mike N5KEY for information on dates and times.

Ham it up! 73 from WG5B

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