So you’ve heard about amateur radio and you’re curious. Maybe you stumbled across it through a friend, a YouTube video, or an emergency preparedness group. Whatever brought you here, welcome. Ham radio is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can get into — and getting started is easier than you might think.
What Is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio (also called ham radio) is a licensed radio service that allows ordinary people to communicate across town, across the country, and around the world using radio waves. Unlike CB radio or FRS walkie-talkies, amateur radio operators are licensed by the FCC and have access to a wide range of frequencies and power levels. That license opens up everything from local FM repeaters to HF DX contacts, digital modes, satellite communication, and emergency communications.
Step 1 — Get Licensed
You need an FCC license to transmit on amateur radio frequencies. The good news is the entry-level license, the Technician class, requires no Morse code and the exam is 35 multiple choice questions. Most people pass it after a few weeks of study.
There are three license classes:
Technician — Entry level. Gives you access to all VHF and UHF amateur frequencies plus limited HF privileges. This is where everyone starts.
General — The next step up. Unlocks the majority of HF (shortwave) frequencies, opening up domestic and international contacts on bands like 20m, 40m, and 80m.
Amateur Extra — The top tier. Unlocks all remaining amateur frequencies and privileges. Worth pursuing once you’re comfortable on the air.
How to study:
HamStudy.org is the best free resource available. It has the full question pool, flashcard-style practice, and tracks your readiness. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual is a solid printed option if you prefer a book.
Finding an exam session:
Search for a VE (Volunteer Examiner) session near you at arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session. Many sessions are now available online as well. The exam fee is typically around $15.
Step 2 — Your First Radio
Once licensed, the most common first radio is a handheld VHF/UHF transceiver, called an HT (handie-talkie). It gets you on local FM repeaters immediately and is a great way to start making contacts and learning the basics of radio operation.
Budget option: The Baofeng UV-5R or BF-F8HP are popular entry-level HTs in the $25–$50 range. They work well for getting started, though the menus can be confusing at first. Use CHIRP (free software) to program frequencies easily from a computer.
Mid-range option: The Yaesu FT-60R or FT-70DR are more polished radios with better build quality and easier operation. Worth the extra investment if your budget allows.
For HF (shortwave): If you want to jump straight into HF operating, the Icom IC-718 is a reliable 100W all-band HF transceiver and a great first HF radio. The Yaesu FT-891 is another solid portable-friendly option.
Step 3 — Find a Repeater
Repeaters are automated stations that receive your signal and rebroadcast it at higher power, extending your range dramatically. Most cities and towns have several active repeaters on 2m (146 MHz) and 70cm (440 MHz).
Find repeaters near you at repeaterbook.com. You’ll need the output frequency, offset direction (+ or –), and any CTCSS/PL tone required to access the repeater. Program these into your HT and you’re ready to make your first contact.
Step 4 — Make Your First Contact
Keying up on a repeater for the first time feels intimidating. It isn’t. Most amateur radio operators are welcoming to newcomers. A simple way to start is to listen to the repeater for a while to get a feel for how conversations flow, then during a break say your callsign and mention you’re newly licensed. You’ll almost always get a response.
If you’d rather ease in digitally, FT8 on HF is a great first contact mode — it’s almost entirely automated, works with weak signals, and lets you make international contacts with modest equipment and a simple wire antenna.
Useful Resources
HamStudy.org — Free license exam practice, the best study tool available.
ARRL.org — The American Radio Relay League, the national organization for amateur radio in the US. Great resource library.
RepeaterBook.com — Find repeaters anywhere in the world.
CHIRP — Free open-source software for programming HTs. chirpradio.org
QRZ.com — Callsign lookup, logbook, and operator community.
HamRadioPrep.com — Another solid paid study course if you want structured video lessons.
Ready to Get Started?
The hardest part is taking that first step. Study for a few weeks, pass the Technician exam, grab an HT, and find a local repeater. From there the hobby takes on a life of its own. Feel free to reach out via the Contact page if you have questions — happy to help a new operator find their footing.
73 de WZ4JM