Once the technology became affordable almost immediately people began forming amatuer radio organizations fascinated by long distance communication. Unlike regular CB radio amateur radio is not restricted to only 4 watts. The frequencies available for amateur radio are more diverse and less crowded. With the addition of satellite technology no corner of the world is out of reach. There is a price to be paid for access to all this wonderful technology of course, you must take and pass a series of licensing exams.

There are several different types of amateur radio license available.
Acquiring a Novice licence means you can access some HF frequencies and transmit between 28.3 and 28.5 MHz also between 28.1 and 28.3 for radio teletype. To access these channels all you need is a 10 Meter Radio Although these radios are often referred to as a 10 Meter CB Radio they are quite differnt as a CB radio does not require you to have a license and a 10 Meter Radio does. SSB and FM transmissions are allowed between 222.01 and 223.91 Mhz and also 1270 - 1295 Mhz.It is not hard to  recveive a Novice licence, you simply need to be able to do Morse code at five wpm and complete a radio theory test.

The Technician license restricts voice communication to the same frequency range as the Novice in addition to the VHF and UHF amateur radio bandsAcquiring a Technicians license opens up the VHF and UHF bands.|The Technicians license means that you can now transmit on the UHF and VHF frequencies. To get this license you must pass a theory examination which includes questions about FCC rules and requirements.

Next after the Technicians Class is the General Class. The General Class aloows operation on HF and UHF across the spectrum and even some television frequencies. To get this level of license you must be able to transmit Morse code at atleast 13 words per minute and pass exams on general radio theory and FCC regulations.

Once you have passed the more advanced theory test the Advanced License allows access to even more frequencies.

The pinnacle ham radio license is the Extra license class. Acquiring the Extra Class Licence means you are granted access to every frequency  assigned to amatuer radio operators. This license is not easy to get you must take a test on complex radio theory and operate Morse code quickly.

If you need help passing your exams you can look to the American Radio Relay League. They are a non profit organization that helps aspiring amatuer radio operators.

CB radio offers a solid alternative for people not interested in taking tests. There are no examinations to pass and there is no license to obtain. CB channels tend to have more conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. All you need is the right equipment. Come and join us?

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