
The holder of a General Class license can operate in all 27 amateur bands and most High Frequency bands, and the privilege of an Amateur Extra license is the use of all the High Frequency bands. In the Technician Class, the license holder can basically transmit on channels in any of the 17 amateur short wave frequency bands above 30 MHz, and on some High Frequency bands. Most new amateur operators begin at the Technician Class and then advance up to the other classes. They are the Technician Class, the General Class, and the Amateur Extra Class. The FCC issues licenses in three different classes, each authorizing varying levels of privileges based on the degree of skill and knowledge for operating a Ham radio station. An unlicensed operator can only listen in on his or her receiver – not transmit. Cost of study material for passing the FCC examįirst of all, to transmit over the airwaves an operator must have a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).For those interested in becoming a Ham radio operator, there are several steps one must go through first, all of which have costs such as: (The origin of the term Ham in this context is unclear but some refer to the early connotations of the word as slang for someone who is a poor operator or incompetent.) There are local radio clubs that will assist members and organizations such as the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) where members can obtain a myriad of technical information as well as its monthly magazine. Today, amateur radio operators in the United States, popularly known as “Hams”, are always ready to accept new converts into their organization. Thiessen?” With these words, the very first spoken over the airwaves, a new chapter in telecommunications history was opened. On that day, Canadian-born Reginald Fessenden, working with a crude radio-transmitter prototype on Roanoke Island, N.C., called out to his assistant stationed fifty miles away. The world-wide fascination in amateur radio has grown enormously ever since the cold, wintry day of December 23, 1900. Looking for a new hobby that uses cutting edge technology a hobby that can be fun, rewarding, and challenging, all at the same time? Join the world of Ham radio, where people with the same interest in communications, in many countries, and of all ages and backgrounds, are waiting to say hello and to talk with you about their interests, their families, their culture, and their friendships.
