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Become a Ham Radio Operator

9M2PJU — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:53:00 +0000

Become a Ham Radio Operator

A Yaesu FT-2000 tranceiver. Photo by Hideki Saito on flickr

Amateur radio is a popular hobby with over 690,000 participants in the U.S. alone. But you can’t just sit down in front of a radio and start transmitting. You must be licensed by the FCC in order to operate a transmitter.

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Find a Club

The best way to learn about amateur radio is to find a local club. These are hams who get together and do fun exercises like fox hunts (tracing rogue transmitters) and talk shop.

The biggest organization of hams in the US is the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) with around 154,000 members. You can also contact ARRL at 800-32-NEW HAM ) or email newham@arrl.org to learn more. Between reading ARRL’s forums and by searching the web, you should be able to find a local club in no time. The ARRL has a searchable Find-A-Club database.

Study

One guide for studying for your Technician Class exam is the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual (ISBN: 0-87259-963-9). Another study that’s popular (and free!) is KB6NU’s No-Nonsense, Technician Class License Study Guide. You can download this study guide from KB6NU’s Ham Radio Blog.

In addition to studying for the test, you can take practice tests online. One example is the QRZ Amateur Radio Practice Test site.

Etiquette

Etiquette is very important in ham radio, and much of the Technician exam involves learning about following correct procedure. The first rule of operation is to not interfere with other peoples’ signals. That’s not just etiquette, it’s the law. If that means moving your contact to another frequency, so be it. Also, remember that the FCC polices the airwaves, which means swearing is a no-no.

Morse Code

As telegraphy becomes less important to commercial radio operators, it is less important for amateur radio operators to learn it, so the FCC reduced their requirements for knowing Morse Code. Over the years the FCC eased the Code requirement for various classes until finally, in 2007, they did away with it altogether. There are still plenty of opportunities to learn and use Code, and there are even certain frequency bands that are Code-only. However, you no longer need to learn Morse Code to pass a license exam.

Get Licensed

There currently are three different classes of licenses available to new amateurs in the US. The entry-level license, called Technician Class, has limited transmitting privileges below 30 megaHertz (MHz), but all privileges above that. Technicians may test for the General Class which grants greater privileges. The highest level of ham is the Amateur Extra which enjoys all the privileges available to an amateur.

The Advanced Class license is an intermediate between General and Extra. The Novice Class was for new amateurs below Technician Class, and restricts their transmitter power. Amateurs who hold current Novice and Advanced Class licenses may renew and modify them indefinitely, but no new Novice or Advanced Class licenses will be issued.

Tests are offered by local radio clubs during their hamfests, and other times. To find an upcoming test near you, check out ARRL’s Find-An-Exam page, or contact your local club to see if they’ll schedule a test by request. Many of the Volunteer Examiners who offer tests are willing to coordinate a test at a mutually convenient time.

Call Signs

Every licensed ham has a unique call sign. For example, the ARRL president Kay C. Craigie has the callsign N3KN. When you pass your exam you’ll be given a callsign by the FCC. However, so-called vanity callsigns can be purchased if you don’t like what you got.

The official FCC callsign search page is at: http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp

To know who you’re hearing and talking to, the two largest world-wide callsign databases are:

Emergencies

There are several organizations devoted to organizing volunteer radio operators to assist authorities in the event of a disaster. For example, when Hurricane Katrina hit, cell towers and telephone poles were down. Hams mobilized to provide communications. Additional information can be found at the following websites:

Build or Buy Equipment

A swap meet table at Dayton, Ohio’sHamvention, the biggest ham radio convention in the world.
Photo by n4zpt on flickr

Once you’re licensed, you still need something to transmit with. That can mean a rather expensive piece of electronics. However, there are alternatives to purchasing new. First, many people who are skilled at electronics simply build their own transmitter. There are DIY kits available. Others shop for used equipment at ham conventions, which usually have a flea market as part of the program.

Several online ham radio communities have used equipment for sale by individuals who upgraded their gear, as well as equipment reviews which cover both current and older gear. Amateur radio technology from years ago still communicates just fine. Many people start with used gear, and some even prefer (and collect) older radios with vacuum tubes and analog dials.

Transmit

Once your equipment in place, start transmitting! Just make sure you’re operating on a frequency you’re entitled to, and remember to use your call sign to let everyone know you’re out there.

It’s a Sport

Radiosport is the word, lots of hams on the air all at the same time. Over 10,000 people participated in the CQ WW (World Wide) contest in 2008. If the ham bands seem under-populated during the weekdays, just wait until a radiosport weekend. More information at Arrl Contest Page

Learn the Lingo

You are officially a New Ham. Try to avoid motorboating (low frequency hum) and busted calls (improperly stated callsigns) while making the trip (transmitting a message successfully). Continue to gather knowledge and experience and you’ll be an Elmer (a ham radio mentor of new hams) in no time. Meanwhile, brush up on your jargon. Also, learn the NATO phonetic alphabet for relaying callsigns, spelling, abbreviations and numerals.

CQ CQ CQ DE 9M2PJU AR

9M2PJU — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 05:54:00 +0000

9M2PJU’s on QRZ.com, HamCall.net.

ITU Prefix For Malaysia

9MA-9MZ

9M0 Spratly Is (ITU Zone 50 CQ Zone 26)
9M2 West Malaysia (ITU Zone 54 CQ Zone 28) [lat 3.2 long 101.6] {start 9/16/63}
9M4 West Malaysia (ITU Zone 54 CQ Zone 28)
9M6 East Malaysia (ITU Zone 54 CQ Zone 28) {lat 5.8 long 118.1] (start 9/16/63}
9M8 East Malaysia (ITU Zone 54 CQ Zone 28)

9WA-9WZ

9W West/East Malaysia (ITU Zone 54 CQ Zone 28)

The post CQ CQ CQ DE 9M2PJU AR appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

How To Get Amateur Radio License In Brunei

9M2PJU — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:35:00 +0000

Amateur radio service is defines as a radio-communications service in which a station is used for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorisedauthorised persons who are interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without any pecuniary interest. In Brunei Darussalam, the amateur radio service is regulated by Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI). Amateur Radio services may provide alternative for emergency communication in time of natural disaster. Amateur Radio has been recognized as an important part of the radio community. ITU has allocated frequency bands for amateur radio service internationally in a sharing basis.

Amateur radio license category

Standard Class License – This is for new amateur radio operators. New amateur radio operators are only allowed to transmit and receive in the VHF frequency band in the range of 144.000 MHz to 148.000 MHz.
Advanced Class License – An upgrade from Standard Class license. Advanced Class Amateur Radio operator is able to operate in all amateur bands.

License that is issued by AITI is only valid to be used in Brunei Darussalam territory. Applicants are advised not to proceed with the purchase of equipment and installation of the station until their application for a license has been approved.

License Application

Standard class license – To apply for Amateur Radio Standard Class License, applicant is required to fill in and submit the completed AITI License Application form together with the following document:-

Copy of Identity Card (IC) of applicant (which is signed).
For young applicants aged between 14-17 years old, must also fulfill condition stated below:

a) A permission letter and photocopy of identification card (IC) of the guarantor. Guarantor must be among his or her family (Father or Mother or Guardian).

b) Guarantor must renew his or her letter every year and attach while renewing license holder’s radio amateur license.

c) Guarantor’s letter is valid until expiry of radio amateur license of license holder.

* Guarantors will be held responsible for activities done by license holder.

For non-Bruneians who want to operate the amateur radio station, he or she must have a valid amateur radio license issued by his/her home country authority and a written letter from local guarantor stated in written form with a copy of guarantor identification card (IC) with additional conditions:

Guarantor must renew his or her letter every year and attach while renewing license holder radio amateur license.
Guarantor letter is valid until expiry of radio amateur license.

* Guarantors will be held responsible for activities done by license holder.

* For non-Bruneian who does not have amateur license, he or she must sit for the radio amateur examination.

Advanced Class License

For existing Standard Class License holders issued before June 2007, they can apply the Advanced Class license subject to:-

Sit for another amateur radio examination and pass the amateur radio examination.
Must be active.
Licensee are required to submit their amateur radio logbook for the previous 6 (six) months.

For new Standard Class Amateur Radio License holder issued after June 2007, they can apply to Advance Class License subject to:-

The amateur license holder have hold the standard class license for a minimum of six (6) months.
Must be active.
Licensee are required to submit their amateur radio logbook for the previous 6 (six) months.

Application Procedure (Flowchart)

Duration of amateur radio license

Each amateur radio license is valid for a year (1 year). Amateur radio license holders must renew their license 2 months before expiry date

Amateur radio examination

Amateur Radio Examination is a part of a procedure to have an Amateur Radio license. This is to ensure the applicant knows the regulation, procedure and the operation of Amateur Radio.

Amateur Radio Examination Schedule

AITI will conduct Amateur Radio Examination 3 times annually.
The date for the Amateur Radio Examination will be announced in local newspaper and AITI website at www.aiti.gov.bn.
The Amateur Radio Examination’s schedule for the year can be downloaded via Amateur Radio Examination Schedule.

Registration for Amateur Radio Examination

Date for Amateur Radio Examination registration will be announced in local newspapers and AITI website (www.aiti.gov.bn).
Payment for Amateur Radio Examination registration is B$10. This payment is not refundable.
Payment for Amateur Radio Examination can be made during AITI office hours.

                                                Monday – Thursday:           8.00 am – 11.45am
                                                                                         1.30 pm – 3.45pm

                                                Friday:                              8.00 am – 11.30am
                                                                                         2.30 pm – 3.30pm

Amateur Radio Examination Syllabus consists of:

Written Examination

a) Amateur Radio Written Examination consist of 2 sections with 30 questions in each section.
b) Section I: Licensing conditions, operating procedures with practices and transmitter interference.
c) Section II: Elementary theory of electricity, communication and transmitting techniques.
d) The Amateur Radio Written Examination Syllabus can be downloaded via Amateur Radio Written Examination Syllabus

Amateur Radio Written Examination Information

Candidate must be inside the examination venue 15 minutes before the examination start. Candidates who arrive late 30 minute after the examination start is not allow to sit for the exam.
Time allocated for the examination is 2 hours. Candidate can leave the examination hall after 30 minutes the Amateur Radio Written Examination start with the approval of exam supervisor.
Candidate must return the question sheet and answer sheet to examiner before leaving the examination hall.
Candidates must fill in their index and Identification Card number (I.C) on both question sheet and answer sheet.
Failure to attend the Amateur Radio Examination will be considered as a withdrawal and payment for the examination fee is not refundable.
Mobile phone and any other type of communication devices brought by the candidate must be switch off.
If there is any candidate who do not obliged any rules and regulations, further action will be taken to the candidate.
Only BLUE or BLACK PEN is allow to be use on the answer sheet. Use of electronic calculator is allowed.
Each candidate is only given One Question Paper and One Answer Sheet.
Candidate can only do calculation on the question paper.
The date of the examination result will be announced during the examination.
Question and Answer sheet must be returned to examiner.
Candidate must pass both section A and section B. Failure in one of the sections is assumed to fail in that examination paper.

Amateur radio past year examination paper

Amateur Radio past year examination paper is available for download via Amateur Radio Past Year Examination Paper.

Amateur radio license fee

After the applicants pass their amateur radio examination, the applicant can apply for a standard class license. Applicants are required to bring necessary document stated below:

Valid result slip of Amateur Radio Examination.
Receipt of radio equipment payment from authorized local dealer OR.
If the applicant imports radio equipment from overseas, AITI requires the Detention receipt or Notice of seizure issued by Royal Brunei Customs & Excise, Ministry of Finance, Brunei Darussalam. Applicant is subject to payment of type approval and import permit fee of the radio equipment.

Payment for amateur radio license is charge based on per equipment basis.
The charges are stated in the table below:-

No.	Types	Fee per year
1	Fixed Home base Station	B$ 25.00
2	Mobile Station	B$ 25.00
3	Handheld	B$ 25.00
4	Repeater Station	B$ 100.00

Other payments are shown as below:-
       Type Approval – B$50.00 a unit (B$300.00 for next unit)

         Import Permit     – B$20.00 per unit (valid for 2 weeks)

Accreditation for Amateur Radio Practical Examiner

For more information, please view at this page.

Callsign

Callsign are use to identify the operator or station during any and all radio communication.
In Brunei Darussalam, the callsign for Amateur Radio starts with V8. Further details on the callsign can be found in the Guidelines For Amateur Radio Callsign.
Callsign have to be said in English language. This procedure is required to avoid confusion.
All Amateur radio operators must transmit their callsign from the beginning of the conversation.

Amateur Radio Frequency Band

The table below shows a list of frequency bands use for Amateur radio in Brunei.
Amateur Radio user may use the stated frequency band according to their license and radio equipment

Frequency Band (MHz)	Metre band (m)	License class	Max Power Output (Watts)	Remarks
0.165 – 0.190	1750	Advanced
1.800 – 1.950	160	Advanced	10
3.500 – 3.900	80	Advanced	150
7.000- 7.100	40	Advanced	150
10.100 – 10.150	30	Advanced	150	Secondary Basis
14.000 – 14.350	20	Advanced	150
18.068 – 18.168	17	Advanced	150
21.000 – 21.450	15	Advanced	150
24.890 – 24.990	12	Advanced	150
27.120	11	Advanced	150
28.000 – 29.700	10	Advanced	150
50.000 – 54.000	6	Advanced	150
144.000 – 148.000	2	Standard	150
430.000 – 440.000	0.7	Advanced	150	See Table below*

*Band Plan and Spot Frequencies for UHF Amateur Radio Band 430 – 440MHz (on secondary basis)

No	Band	Mode	Frequencies	Maximum Output Power
1	432.000-432.150	Continuous Wave (CW) only	432.000	10 watts erp
2	432.150-432.500	Single-sideband (SSB) and CW only	432.200	10 watts erp
3	432.500-432.800	Radio Teleprinter (RTTY)	432.600	10 watts erp
4	433.375-434.600	FM Simplex Channels	433.625433.650	10 watts erp

For more info, go to http://www.aiti.gov.bn

The post How To Get Amateur Radio License In Brunei appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

How To Get Amateur Radio License In Singapore

9M2PJU — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 21:52:00 +0000

The following persons are eligible to apply for the Singapore Amateur Radio licence, which is issued by the Infocomm Development Authority (iDA).

1. Residents of Singapore:

– Citizens

– Permanent Residents

– Work Permit / Employment / Dependant Pass Holders

2. Temporary Visitors holding a foreign amateur license

For persons who are required to pass the iDA’s written Radio Amateur Examination (RAE), the syllabus of which, can be found in the Radio Amateur Handbook published by iDA.

Exemption from the Electronic Theory portion (Part II) of examination is available if you have a:

recognised degree in Communication / Electronic / Electrical Engineering with study topics covering the syllabus of the RAE.
City and Guilds of London Institute Radio Amateur Certificate.
valid Radio Radiotelegraph Operator’s or a Radio Communication Operator’s Certificate of Competency issued by iDA.
Reciprocal licensing is available to expatriate radio amateurs residing in Singapore who have passed the RAE in their home countries.

For Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, he application for amateur radio license is done online. You will need a Singpass to log in. The website is https://tls.ida.gov.sg/tls/login.do

General Informations

Examination will be held once per month on the second Saturday of the month from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. The registration form for the Radio Amateur Examination can be downloaded from IDA website @ http://www.ida.gov.sg

Candidates must score at least 60% in each of the two sections to pass; failure in either section entails failure in the examination as a whole.

Exemptions from Radio Amateurs’ Examination:

City and Guilds of London Institute Radio Amateur Certificate. (Part I only).
Valid Radio-communication Operator’s General Certificate of Competency issued by IDA.
Valid 1st or 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate of Competency issued by IDA.
Amateurs who have valid Amateur Radio Licences issued by a competent authority and possess radio amateur qualifications which are acceptable to IDA1.
A recognised degree or its equivalent in Electronics/Communication/Electrical Engineering which covered the subjects contained in Section II of the Radio Amateurs’ Written Examination. (Exempted from Section II only).

IDA has removed the Morse code requirement for HF amateur radio operations with effect from 15 September 2003. As such, the Practical examination on Morse code is no longer required for new applicants for Amateur Station (General Class) Licence. The Written examination is conducted by Singapore Amateur Radio Transmitting Society (SARTS) on behalf of IDA. If you have the original copy of your exam result slip from the last century, it’s still valid.

Examination Fees:

Fees payable by full-time secondary, pre-university, Institute of Technical Education, and tertiary students in Singapore $20
Fees payable by all other persons $40

Class of License:

After passing the Written Examination, the candidate may apply for General Class or Restricted Class Amateur Station Licence.
The Restricted Class licence permits the licensee to operate only on the VHF/UHF band allocated to the Amateur Service. The station shall transmit on F3E or A3E.
The issue of the licence is at the discretion of IDA and it is not bound to grant an Amateur Station Licence to any applicant and assign any reason therefor.

Station Licence Fees

General Class: $50 per annum
Restricted Class: $25 per annum

Downloads

Singapore’s Amateur Radio HandBook, Frequency Bands, Rules and Conditions, Band Plans And Class of Emissions.

Operating Procedures and Practice

Application for Amateur Station License (for Visiting Hams)
http://www.ida.gov.sg/doc/Policies%20and….uideAmateur.pdf

For Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, the application for the Amateur Radio Station Licence is done ONLINE.
https://tls.ida.gov.sg/tls/login.do

Technical Specifications for Ham Equipment
http://www.ida.gov.sg/doc/Policies%20and….AR_(Jul_05).pdf

Registration for Radio Amateur Examination
http://www.ida.gov.sg/doc/Policies%20and….cheme/EA100.pdf

Amateur Handbook (All the legal stuff you need to know about becoming a Ham in Singapore)
http://www.ida.gov.sg/doc/Policies%20and….eurHandbook.pdf

For more info, go to http://sarts.org.sg/

The post How To Get Amateur Radio License In Singapore appeared on Hamradio.my - Amateur Radio, Tech Insights and Product Reviews by 9M2PJU.

ticket - Hamradio.my

Become a Ham Radio Operator

Become a Ham Radio Operator

Contents

Find a Club

Study

Etiquette

Morse Code

Get Licensed

Call Signs

Emergencies

Build or Buy Equipment

Transmit

It’s a Sport

Learn the Lingo

Further Reading

CQ CQ CQ DE 9M2PJU AR

How To Get Amateur Radio License In Brunei

Amateur radio past year examination paper

Amateur radio license fee

Accreditation for Amateur Radio Practical Examiner

Callsign

Amateur Radio Frequency Band

How To Get Amateur Radio License In Singapore