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Now that you've had a chance to learn a little bit about amateur radio, now you may be ready to go for that license.
The neat thing about amateur radio is that you do not need to be an astro-physicist to get into the hobby. The hobby is all encompassing, with everyone from engineers to homemakers.
As I mentioned last week, getting the license is just the beginning. The real learning comes from 
talking with other hams, and from operating the equipment. I learn new things about this hobby every week, and I have been licensed since 1994.
One good way to learn about the hobby and prepare for the Federal Communications Commission test is to get with an established amateur. He or she could be a friend or relative, or casual acquaintance. In the hobby, they are known as "elmers". (Yes I know, not a very complimentary name!) But they can keep you enthused about the hobby, and keep you on track to get your license.
Under recently revised FCC rules, amateur licenses now fall into three categories. The port of entry is the Technician License, which allows operation on 10 meters (28 mhz) through 23 centimeter (1240 mhz). Meters and centimeters refer to the wavelength of the signal.The italics denote the frequency on the dial.
Many Technicians want to expand their privileges and work the High Frequency bands. These bands include everything from 160 meters (1800 to 1999 kc) to the 23 centimeter band. To operate on these lower bands, you must become a General class licensee. It is some extra study, but the benefits are great. In the high frequency or HF bands, you can talk to people all over the world.
For those who want all operating privileges on all of the bands, the Extra Class license is the ticket. While the Technician and General licenses restrict which parts of the band you can work, the Extra gives you the whole enchilada. Yes, a tougher test, with more electronics theory. But well worth the effort.
From the beginning until just recently, the General and Extra Class licenses also required knowledge of Morse Code. While that privilege is still allowed on the bands, it is no longer a requirement on the tests.
There are some great study guides and videos available from the American Radio Relay League and other sites.
Tests are given by Volunteer Examiner Coordinators. These are hams who also grade the tests and have the authority to okay your license. Sessions with VECs are available all over the area.
Check out the links and see what you think! If I can do it, I know you can!
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