Your radio license also shows you have gained competence in a new hobby and that will be recognized by fellow hams the world over. Sometimes, special permissions need to be added to your license for these frequencies. Some hams push the boundaries in very high microwave frequencies, which could be dangerous if care isn’t taken.
Part of the hobby is self-learning and experimentation.
Your license and ham station could be the first to be in contact with the stricken region and be a lifeline for those affected.Ī ham radio license is essentially the ‘rules of the airwaves’ when it comes to the radio spectrum. In the third world, after a major event, frequently the first contact with the region affected comes from radio hams. Radio amateurs are often involved in providing emergency communication in times of crisis. During an amateur radio course, you’ll discover safety for yourself, your equipment and other people. Part of the training to hold a license is for your own personal safety and the safety of your equipment. This may sound an extreme example, but it shows why there is a learning curve before you take to the airwaves with a ham radio license. This could prevent despatch of a fire truck and put a life in danger. The principal reason why you need a license to transmit is so you understand how not to interfere with other users of the radio spectrum.įor instance, if you were unaware of the right frequencies to use or adjusted your equipment badly, you could cause interference to an emergency service. Each regulator will issue broadcasting licenses for anything from ham radio to a music FM radio station. Why Do I Need a Ham Radio License?Īuthorities the world over control the radio airwaves and frequencies. There is plenty of help available for you as well. Obtaining a ham radio license where you live can be quite straightforward with a little effort. In those days, I also needed to take a morse test but this is no longer the case in most parts of the world. When I was first licensed as a radio ham, my license in the UK restricted me to VHF and higher frequency bands only. Having an amateur ham radio license gives you access to worldwide radio frequencies to communicate.
Ham radio foundation licence test how to#
The levels of ham license and how to obtain one varies from country to country. Ham radio operators are licensed to use the radio waves by the regulator in their home country. As a radio ham for several decades with my license, I have talked with and met thousands of fellow amateur radio operators from around 200 countries.ĭo I Need a License for Ham Radio? Yes. Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is perhaps one of the most friendly and global hobbies in the world.