*An amateur radio operator is an individual who uses equipment at an amateur radio station to engage in two-way personal communications with other similar individuals, on radio frequencies assigned to the amateur radio service by the government. Amateur radio operators are trained, tested, and licensed, and must demonstrate adequate technical and legal knowledge of radio regulations. They are allowed to transmit on any frequency within small frequency bands, using a variety of modes, such as voice, text, image, and data.

They may also communicate via satellite or the Internet. Amateur radio operators come from all walks of life and have a purely personal aim and without pecuniary interest. They are often referred to as ‘ham’ radio operators. They can function even when other means of communication have failed and form a volunteer backbone communication system in case of disasters.

Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. US licenses are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government.

The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz, allowing these licensees the ability to communicate locally and most often within North America. It also allows for some limited privileges on the HF (also called “short wave”) bands used for international communications.