They are a better option than getting a separate transmitter and receiver, especially if you are inexperienced. Transceiver: A transceiver is a combination of a receiver and a transmitter. There are many retailers that sell this, and beware of some places like Radio Shack! They overprice cheap items that you could otherwise get for a cheap price. There are a few items you will need, but, don't let this deter you, it is actually much easier than it seems, especially when it is put in a list for you like this one! You will need: -A Transceiver -A Power Supply -An Antenna -An Antenna Tuner -Microphone or Key That is the basic equipment you need to make a QSO. Great! I passed, now what? Now you must get the proper equipment to make a QSO.Īlready have the proper equipment? Skip this step! What equipment do I need? Unfortunately, there is no 'one big machine' that will do it all. What do I bring to an exam? You should always bring 2 sharpened pencils, a pen, ~$20, legal photo ID (such as a passport or driver's license), but if you have no legal photo ID, you may bring two of the following items: Social Security Number, birth certificate, library card, or a utility bill. You can find the nearest one to you here. ALWAYS email the examiner before going, because sometimes they cancel without notice. There are no online exams, so you must drive to the nearest place where there is an exam. Where? The ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) website has a whole section that advertises ham radio exams in your area. I've studied and taken the online practice exams. What are these study materials you talked about earlier? There are many different programs and authors, but here are some of the most popular: Online Programs:, , Literature (Books and Online Literature). If the skip is in, you could probably make a contact with someone across the globe using way less than 100 watts! And that is a huge accomplishment.

However, I don't mean that when conditions are good, it's partly cloudy and the temperature is 80☏. Are you talking about the weather? Well, yes. What do you mean when you say 'conditions are good' or 'the skip is in'. However, you don't need more than 100 watts to have a QSO with someone anywhere in the world (as long as the conditions are good or the skip is in!). Why? Unfortunately there is only so much I can write in this how-to. The General and Extra frequencies often are better to use to make a contact with someone farther away. But General and Extra licenses offer much more frequencies to transmit on and more power.

With the proper equipment, you can talk to people very far away using way less than 100 watts. For you to make a QSO, all you really need is a Technician class license. What are the frequencies each licensee can transmit on? Click here to see what frequencies each licensee can transmit on. You can transmit a maximum of 1500 watts. Extra Allows you to operate on all ham bands and frequencies. General Allows you to operate on a much larger range of frequencies. You can transmit using no more than 100 watts. These are the different types: Technician Allows you to operate on a limited range of frequencies. Each type gives you a certain amount of privileges. I, myself have studied using both online programs and books. There are different forms of studying material, and you should use whichever you feel most comfortable with. How do you get a license, or 'ticket'? First, you must purchase study material. Children as young as 8 years old have gotten licensed, or as hams say, got their 'ticket'. It requires some basic knowledge and studying, but can easily be accomplished. First off, you must get be licensed to operate on ham radio frequencies.

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