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Ham Radio 101

What is Ham Radio?

Amateur Radio (or lovingly called ham radio) involves people communicating with each other on specific radio frequencies designated just for Hams (or the people who participate in Amateur Radio). You can try sending and receiving voice, image or morse code (CW) between others from across town, across the world and even into space! The hobby combined technology, electronics and communication in unique and sometimes surprising ways! No cellphones or internet access required. 

Amateur Radio contains so many different niches with an undeniable STEM foundation at its core. Exploring our website is a great way to see what area of the hobby piques your interest most. All Ham operators gain a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles and must pass an examination for the FCC Technician license to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur Bands." The Education Department works to provide the resources needed by the community. You can study for a license test with books or digital tools, refresh your radio knowledge with online courses hosted on our Learning Center and expand America’s view of how much Ham radio can do for future generations through the Education and Technology Program.

Fun Fact: You can set up a ham radio station anywhere! Come learn more about this ever-evolving activity that began over 100 years ago. Click "A Ham History" or "Ham Radio Glossary" subsections to read more!

FAQs

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

    The first wireless operators were landline telegraphers who left their offices to go to sea or to man the coastal stations. They brought with them their language and much of the tradition of their older profession. In those early days, every station occupied the whole spectrum with its broad spark signal. Government stations, ships, coastal stations and the increasingly numerous amateur operators all competed for time and signal supremacy in each other's receivers. Many of the amateur stations were very powerful. Two amateurs, working each other across town, could effectively jam all the other operations in the area. Frustrated commercial operators would refer to the ham radio interference by calling them "hams." Amateurs, possibly unfamiliar with the real meaning of the term, picked it up and applied it to themselves. As the years advanced, the original meaning has completely disappeared.

  • What's the Appeal of Ham Radio?+

  • Who is the Typical Ham?+

  • How Do I Get Started?+

  • Why Do You Need a License?+

  • How Much Does it Cost?+

  • Do I Have to Learn Morse Code?+

  • What are the Amateur Radio Bands?+

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

  • How Can I Get Involved?+

  • What is ARRL?+

  • Where Can I Get More Information?+

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