Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio, synonymous with Ham Radio, is the less common, more “professional term” for the hobby. Amateur Radio is a hobby in which you use HF (High Frequency), VHF (Very High Frequency), UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) and Microwaves (Gigahertz) to communicate with other Amateur Radio operators locally, nationally and internationally. Amateur Radio operators use various modes, Analogue (FM, AM, SSB, CW) and Digital (C4FM, DMR, DStar, P25.) The hobby has evolved very much since its beginning. To get your Amateur Radio license you must pass the test to first get your Technician Class License, from there you can get your General Class License and then your Extra Class License. Many people get CB (Citizens Band Radio) confused with Amateur Radio. CB is a separate radio service with a small fraction of bandwidth which does not require a license. Other separate radio services, people may or may not be familiar with are GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), FRS (Family Radio Service) and MURS (Multi Use Radio Service.)