What is Amateur Radio?
A licensed hobby where ordinary people build and run their own radio stations. Talk across town or around the world, tinker with electronics, and keep communicating when everything else goes down. Also known as ham radio.
Part science, part craft, part community
Some people come for the gadgets, some for the friendships, some to be ready for the worst day. Most end up with a bit of all three.
A hundred hobbies in one
Chat with a stranger on another continent, work a satellite as it crosses the sky, or hike to a summit and make contacts from the top.
- Talk around the world on HF with just a few watts
- Make contacts through amateur satellites and the International Space Station
- Portable operating with Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air
- On-air contests, awards, and friendly competition
Learn by doing
Ham radio is hands-on electronics, physics, and computing. The license exam is a gentle introduction; the real education comes from building things and making them work.
- Antennas and how radio waves travel
- Batteries, solar, and power systems
- Digital modes, networking, and software
- Weather, space, and the ionosphere
Useful on an ordinary Tuesday
When cell coverage ends where the trail begins, a handheld radio keeps your group together. Clubs and nets are an easy way to meet people who share your curiosity.
- Stay in touch on trips and hikes beyond cell coverage
- Local repeaters and weekly on-air nets
- Put vehicles and trackers on a live map with APRS
- Help with parades, races, and community events
Ready when the grid isn't
Radio runs on your own equipment and your own power. When the internet, cell towers, or electricity fail, you can keep messages moving for your neighbors and community.
- Works without internet, cell service, or grid power
- Volunteer groups such as ARES and Skywarn storm spotters
- Email over radio with Winlink; position and text with APRS
- Batteries, solar, and generators: this station is one example
Curious what a working station looks like? See how a station fits together →
Three steps to your callsign
It's more approachable than it sounds. The entry-level license is a single exam, and every question on it is published in advance.
Study for the Technician exam
One exam of 35 questions, drawn from a public pool of 409 (the 2026–2030 pool, in effect since July 1, 2026). You can study the exact material.
Free practice sites and local classes walk you through it: HamStudy · ARRL question pools
Take the exam, in person or online
Volunteer examiners run exam sessions in person and online. ARRL VEC sessions charge $15 in 2026 (other exam teams set their own fee), or $5 if you're under 18.
Get your callsign and get on the air
Once you pass, you pay the FCC application fee and receive your callsign. A Technician license covers every mode on VHF and UHF, plus limited HF including voice on 10 meters.
Most people start with an inexpensive handheld and a local club. Ask whether they'll let you try theirs first.
Figures as of September 2026, from the ARRL and current FCC rules. Exam teams and the FCC can change fees, so check with your local session. Under 18 at an ARRL VEC session, the ARRL Youth Licensing Grant also reimburses the $35 FCC fee.
Every ham had an Elmer
In ham radio, an “Elmer” is a friendly, experienced mentor who helps newcomers get started. If you have questions about studying for the exam, choosing a first radio, or how this station works, write to me. I'm happy to be yours.