What is “Ham Radio?”
The truth is that nobody knows how the nickname came to be. Today, it just means “amateur radio”. It refers to the collection of radio frequencies and bands that allow licensed individuals to transmit, receive, and communicate with others. It also refers to the two-way radios and hardware that operators use to transmit and receive. Finally, it refers to the user himself.
Why should I buy an amateur radio?
Portable radios have saved countless lives in the wilderness by enabling those in need of rescue to broadcast on emergency frequencies, which are monitored and used by emergency services. In the event of disasters, amateur radios provide reliable communication between family and friends over great distances. In short, amateur radio is the form of communication for survival. In fact, our Club cooperates with local authorities and participates in all major Civil Defense radio exercises in the Varese area. But if you only focus on that, you miss the point… Being Amateur Radio is fun! There are many transmission techniques to practice, signals to decode, satellites to connect to, antennas to build and test, and opportunities to be outdoors!
Do I need a license to be an amateur radio operator?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: Not when it is an emergency and not when using certain frequencies. Laws allow unlicensed users to broadcast without a license during disasters or life-threatening situations. But the use of amateur radios requires practice. To practice legally, a license is required.
How does the amateur radio license work?
Amateur radio licenses provide a unique international callsign (i.e., station name, e.g., our club’s callsign is IQ2XH) that must be used when transmitting. Licenses are valid for ten years. Renewal of a license does not require a new examination if it is renewed before its expiration. The amateur radio license is granted to all radio amateurs who demonstrate a basic knowledge of radio phenomena, the legislative regulations governing radio communications and the Amateur Radio Service, and the basic operating rules that an amateur radio operator must know.
Is the amateur radio exam difficult?
The exam requires candidates to answer a multiple-choice test, and our club organizes a training course to prepare future radio amateurs to pass the ministerial exam. There are situations where it is possible not to take the exam, such as with recognition of studies (high school or college).
Where do I start?
You can get in touch with us through our website and we will provide guidance. The Club radio station is at the CCR Clubhouse, you will find us on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. onwards in the Azalea Room. The more we are, the funnier it gets!
