What is Amateur Radio?

"The reports of my death," Mark Twain once famously quipped, "are greatly exaggerated."

If you listen and read the comments offered in recent years, you'd swear that amateur radio is on life support, or worse. Kids just aren't interested anymore, so the story goes, and why should they be? With the internet, cell phones, and computer games, young people have too many other "fun" things to do and can communicate with just about anyone in the world instantaneously. Where in the world does amateur radio fit anymore?

Good question, and I'm glad you asked. True, the hobby has gone through great changes in recent years. The advent of sophisticated communications equipment has eliminated the need for building one's own station. Plug and play is the norm today. (Although many amateur radio operators --"hams" to us -- still build their own mini radios, antennas, and other equipment.)

No, the days when a young boy -- and it often was a boy back then -- built his simple Morse code radio, tossed a wire in the nearby tree, and sent his dits and dashes all over the country are pretty much over. But amazingly many young people, boys and girls, are getting into the hobby. Sure, they still tinker at home, but these spirited young people also contribute to their communities, and in the process derive as much or more satisfaction as before.

Public service is extremely important to amateur radio operators, who regularly volunteer to help their fellow citizens. They provide much-needed communications support for charity walks and runs. But where hams really shine is during crises; those catastrophic events that so devastate a community or region as to tax its every resource. Amateur radio operators stand ready to respond any time of the day, seven days a week. Among the more recent disasters, hams have provided additional communications during:

- Hurricane Katrina
- Hurricanes that hit Texas in 2008
- Numerous incidents since then

The next time you're riding your bike to raise money for cancer research or some other noble cause, tip your helmet to the many ham radio operators who selflessly give of their time to help make your event a successful one. Look around: You may even spot a young person at the rest stop or finish line. They represent the future -- yes, the future -- of amateur radio.
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In addition to amateur radio, I like to spend time outdoors biking, hiking, hanging out at the cabin....just about anything related to being outside of the four walls. I own Supreme Communications, LLC, a marketing communications firm located in suburban Milwaukee. You are welcome to join me on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additional columns may be found at EzineArticles.com. Do you like to travel, and help others do the same? Check out this exciting new opportunity.

Many people, if they have any impressions about amateur radio at all, feel that the hobby is way beyond their capabilities. "Too much about electronics (or math, or equipment; pick your area)," they might say. That's not necessarily true.

I say "not necessarily," because like any hobby, it depends on how well you grasp the material. For example, I know folks who could fix just about any problem with their cars. I wouldn't even go near the spark plugs anymore. Others could compete with the average CPA if they wanted to. I balance my checkbook each month, but leave the year-end taxes to a pro.

Get my point? Each person has his or her own strengths. So it's impossible to say whether a ham radio exam is "difficult," as I'm often asked. I mastered the material, but can you? Only you can answer that. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Times have changed in the amateur radio world, and that means good things for those interested in getting involved. Specifically, the Morse code exam--once the bane of many a prospective "ham"--is long gone. The FCC still requires a written exam, but it's a lot easier to study now. The material is in the public domain, and is available via the Web.

How do I get started in ham radio?

Good question. The best place is with another ham radio operator. Do you have one for a neighbor or co-worker? If not, look for a ham radio club in your area. A good place to start is with the American Radio Relay League. The ARRL is our main educational organization and acts as a source for everything related to amateur radio. Click on the "Clubs" link found near the top of the home page, and follow the instructions from there. Then, check out one or more ham radio clubs. Be sure to mention that you are interested in becoming an amateur radio operator, and are looking for an Elmer--that's ham-speak for mentor--to help guide you. You can count on one or two cheery folks offering to assist.

The next step is to start studying for the exam. The amateur radio service offers three classes of license, each with its own operating privileges. The first one is Technician Class. The higher up the scale you go, the more privileges (in terms of frequency bands, primarily) you get. There's no rush to upgrade. One nice feature about amateur radio is that you may proceed at your own pace.

You can find study guides for the Technician Class license through numerous sources, including Amazon.com (see below), ARRL, the W5YI Group, and Amateur Electronic Supply, among others. At least one Web site, QRZ.com, offers online practice tests. You can "test" yourself to see how well your studying is going. (Official tests are taken in person.)

The next step is to take the exam. Ham radio tests are offered in numerous places around the country; chances are one is offered near your home sometime during the month. I've found one really good source; check it out, and contact the group offering the exams for more information, including cost.

Once you've passed the test, you'll be fired up to get on the air. But first you'll need some equipment and simple instructions about on-air procedures and etiquette. There are numerous options to purchase new and used amateur radio equipment and ham radio supplies. Your Elmer can help you with those decisions, as well.

Soon you'll be talking like a pro (or OT, for Old Timer). Pumped up, you'll want to jump into operating; many opportunities exist, and I'll cover one valuable way you can use your new ham radio license in my next column.

Until then, best wishes as you prepare to join the amateur radio community.
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In addition to amateur radio, I like to spend time outdoors biking, hiking, hanging out at the cabin....just about anything related to being outside of the four walls. I own Supreme Communications, LLC, a marketing communications firm located in suburban Milwaukee. You are welcome to join me on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additional columns may be found at EzineArticles.com. Do you like to travel, and help others do the same? Check out this exciting new opportunity.

You're done studying, and you feel you're prepared to take an amateur radio exam. What happens next?

If you don't already know where to go for an exam, one good source is the American Radio Relay League. Their search page offers a comprehensive list of the ham radio sessions occurring around the United States. Please bear in mind that not every community offers a test session. You may need to drive some distance to take your exam.

The layout and procedure, along with cost, vary from one testing group to the next, but some similarities exist. After arriving at the session you will be provided at least one form to fill out. Form 605, as adopted by the NCVEC, is used by the amateur radio community for exams and other license-related matters. (This form is different from the FCC's Form 605, which is longer. NCVEC Form 605 may not be used for applications sent to the FCC. See the FCC's Web site for a copy of that document and instructions.) You may be asked to fill out one or more other forms. Staff will check your identification and collect the testing fee, if one applies.

Print clearly on all documents. Some of that information will be keyed in for transmission to the FCC. Sloppy handwriting could slow the application process.

You are then offered the exam, answer sheet, and perhaps a piece of scrap paper. They may have pencils, also, but it's best to bring your own. Take a seat where instructed, and place any papers or books aside or underneath your table. You do not want to give testing staff any reason to think you may be cheating

Mark your answers clearly, and erase thoroughly if you change your mind. If the graders are unable to determine your intent, they will mark the answer wrong. You generally are allowed as much time as needed to complete an exam. Take advantage of that. Review all the questions until you are satisfied with your answers. Once you turn in your exam, there is no going back.

Your exam is then delivered to the graders. According to Part 97.509, at least three VEs (volunteer examiners) must review the exam and certify that the results. This may take time, so be patient. You may be instructed where to wait while your exam is being graded. Please do not loiter near the graders and try to talk with them. They are engaged in an important task.

Eventually you will be notified of your results. If you pass, you will receive a Certificate of Successful Completion of an Element, otherwise known as a CSCE. If you just passed a General Class or Extra Class exam, you may begin using your new privileges immediately. On CW, you include /AG or /AE at the end of your callsign. For voice contacts, you can use something like "temp General" or "temp Extra." Once your license has been upgraded on the FCC's system, you may use just your callsign. Newly licensed Technicians must wait until they receive their callsigns to begin operating.

The entire application and filling process can take anywhere from one day to approximately two weeks. It depends on the number of applications each VEC receives. Smaller VECs, which test infrequently, often can file the applications in a day or so. Larger groups, like ARRL VEC and W5YI-VEC, require more time to process the hundreds of applications they receive each week.

A few additional thoughts.

1. If possible, leave any books or study materials in your vehicle. As stated above, you don't want to give anyone the impression that you are or are capable of cheating.

2. Bring along your license, if you have one, and a photocopy. If you need to present a CSCE, bring along a copy of that, as well. The photocopies usually are kept with your paperwork.

3. Turn off your cell phone and pager when you enter the testing room.

4. Be respectful of other candidates. If you need to chat with someone, leave the testing room.

5. Be respectful of testing staff. They are merely doing their jobs. If you did not pass, accept it graciously and ask what your options are. (Of course, you deserve to be treated respectfully, as well.) Understand that the VEs - all hams themselves - want candidates to succeed. They enjoy helping out at the test sessions, and view it as a way to give back to the community. They hope you pass, but will act according to the results of your exam.

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Tom Fuszard, KF9PU, has been licensed since 1991. Holder of an Extra Class license, he joined the staff of MRAC VEC in 1999, and has been attending the annual NCVEC conferences since 2000. He is immediate past chairman of the NCVEC and co-manager of MRAC VEC. You're welcome to follow Tom's main blog, his YouTube channel, and Facebook fan page. Feel free to connect with him on Twitter.

OK, so you've passed your amateur radio exam and are waiting for your "ticket" (license). All that studying, cramming, and worrying are behind you. It's about this time that you start to ask yourself, "What do I do now?" Great question. Your first step is to consider the type of ham radio equipment to buy. That's something your Elmer (mentor) can help you with. (A link at the bottom takes you to a discussion of my equipment.) My focus here is to help you put your ham radio skills and enthusiasm to work for the betterment of your community.

One of the more rewarding ways is to get involved with emergency services and public service events. Emergency services is a great opportunity for those who can commit to the program. It's outside the scope of this column, so I direct your attention to this background information.

Public service events typically involve a walk or bike ride on behalf of a non-profit organization. The amateur radio community is happy to support these fine organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, among many others. It doesn't make sense for organizers to buy and maintain equipment for just a one-day event, so they turn to local amateur radio operators. Ham radio operators are happy to help out, and do so by using their own amateur radio equipment and any other equipment as needed.

How might you, a new ham radio operator, help? Each event needs operators at numerous points along the route. Amateur radio operators provide extra sets of eyes, and help ensure a smooth operation. There are a number of areas to choose from:

1. Net control - The command center of all public service events, net control contains the "dispatchers" (net control operators) who keep all radio traffic flowing smoothly. Net operators tend to be more experienced; newer hams may assist with logging, monitoring the APRS system (similar to GPS), or other duties.

2. Aboard a SAG wagon - Support and Gear vehicles ride a predetermined route, looking for injured walkers/riders and broken bikes that are then transported to the appropriate location. You may also be asked to deliver supplies to a rest stop during the event. (Initial supplies are provided by event organizers.) With your radio, your vehicle can be dispatched as needed.

3. At a rest stop - This can be a more relaxing assignment. Ham radio operators stay in touch with the event volunteers on the scene, and stand ready to call in any needs. Occasionally you'll hear from someone with a broken bike or pooped walker/rider who wants a ride to the finish line.

4. With a Sentry Captain - Some rides employ Sentry Captains. These folks are assigned a particular route, and are responsible for the flag-carrying volunteers (sentries) you find along the route and at many intersections. The Sentry Captain rides the route continuously, making sure the sentries have sufficient water, munchies, and so forth. If you spot any walker or rider needing assistance, you call net control for help.

5. At an intersection - Some intersections are staffed by ham radio operators. Much like at the rest stops, you watch the crowd go by, and stand ready to call in assistance for a rider or walker.

As you can see, there are many opportunities during a charity walk or ride for you to put your amateur radio license and gear to good use. Although you need to get up early, and the morning can seem long, you will feel very satisfied afterward. You helped a worthwhile organization meet its fundraising goals, and in the process, you gave back something to your community.

Your Elmer should be able to help you get involved in public service and possibly even emergency services. (Or might know whom to turn to.) You can learn more at most ham radio club meetings and by monitoring the repeater nets. Have fun!
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In addition to amateur radio, I like to spend time outdoors biking, hiking, hanging out at the cabin....just about anything related to being outside of the four walls. I own Supreme Communications, LLC, a marketing communications firm located in suburban Milwaukee. You are welcome to join me on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additional columns may be found at EzineArticles.com. Do you like to travel, and help others do the same? Check out this exciting new opportunity.

Since spring 1984, candidates for a ham radio exam have been able to take advantage of a very convenient testing program. Instead of visiting an FCC field office, sometimes a great distance away offering tests only infrequently, candidates avail themselves of test sessions closer to home held various times throughout the month. Volunteer Examiner Coordinators, or VECs, now oversee the testing process, and it is through their efforts that amateur radio exams are available in communities all across the country.

With the stroke of a pen, Pres. Ronald Reagan in September 1982 signed into law legislation that created the VEC program. Subsequent FCC rule making made the act official, and the VEC program went live in December 1983.

Soon afterward individuals from around the country applied to be certified as VECs. At its peak there were more than three dozen VECs in the United States. That number has since dropped to 14, but that hasn't affected amateur radio testing. Each VEC is authorized to sponsor volunteer examiner teams anywhere in the country. These VE teams administer and grade the written exams, then forward the materials to their sponsoring VEC for review and filing. (Until Feb. 23, 2007, the VE teams also administered a Morse code exam when required.)

VEs are ordinary ham radio operators who graciously donate their time to help others get into the hobby or upgrade their licenses. Exam dates vary; Saturday mornings are quite popular, but some teams offer evening sessions during the week as well. The law provides for a test fee to help cover costs incurred in preparing and administering the exams. Each VEC sets its own fee; the average is around $10.

By 1985 the VECs realized a need to coordinate their efforts across the country. They formed an organization, the National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators, and agreed to meet in person or by phone on an annual basis. Through its Question Pool Committee, the NCVEC also maintains the question pools that are used to create the amateur radio exams.

Since inception of the VEC program, hundreds of thousands of US citizens have become amateur radio operators. By successfully administering thousands of exams each month, volunteer examiners have proven that amateur radio operators can be entrusted with this important function. The result is a program that has helped enrich the amateur radio service and provide an opportunity for many people to participate in this wonderful hobby.

P.S. Another lens reviews my ham radio equipment. Take a peek for some suggestions. Perhaps I'll "see you" on the air someday!
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In addition to amateur radio, I like to spend time outdoors biking, hiking, hanging out at the cabin....just about anything related to being outside of the four walls. I own Supreme Communications, LLC, a marketing communications firm located in suburban Milwaukee. You are welcome to join me on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additional columns may be found at EzineArticles.com. Do you like to travel, and help others do the same? Check out this exciting new opportunity.