Amateur Radio - What's it all About?

Amateur (Ham) radio must surely be the only hobby to be formally defined by an international treaty drawn up by over 150 nations. This treaty, signed at the World Administrative Radio Conference held in Geneva during 1979, defined amateur radio as “ A radio communication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, by duly authorised persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.” 

What ? – I hear you all cry – Well I guess most amateurs would probably define their hobby in more simple terms as “the practice of two-way, radio communication as a spare time hobby, pursued from the pleasure derived from an interest in, study of, communication with, construction of radio equipment, and, the sharing of friendships with like minded individuals throughout the world” Really – it’s about talking, a skill which seems to be rapidly declining in our ever changing technological world. 

Ham Radio holds no bounds, and it makes no judgments regarding people, religion, race, colour or creed and more important than all of that (and that’s pretty important), its great fun! 

Over one and a half million people, of all ages and in almost every country in the world are enthusiastic followers of a hobby that many of us claim to be unique. Radio amateurs, with transmitters in their homes, at club stations, their cars, trucks and often their backpacks! Are able to communicate with fellow amateurs over distances of hundreds – sometimes thousands of miles.

How do I become a Radio Amateur ?

To operate an amateur radio station you will need to obtain a licence from the relevant radio regulatory department for your country. Before you can do this and again, depending on the part of the world in which you live. You will need to pass an examination in a variety of different subjects prior to obtaining your licence.

Are the Exams Difficult to Pass ?

Quite simply – no not really ! Providing you have a genuine interest in the hobby, with a certain amount of preparation and a willingness to learn. There is no reason why anyone should not be able to pass the required exams. Here in the UK we have licensed radio amateurs as young as 7 years old !