(Sorry if this is in the wrong forums subsection, move it if needed)
So recently I was looking up FCC frequency bands (I know, how random). Then I remembered that HAM Radios exist! Problem is, I don’t know squat about them. I am really interested in applying for a license. I was just curious, does anyone have one on these forums? If so what do you do on the HAM radio? Is it useful these days? What neat things can I do with it? Where do I apply and study for my license? 
I am sure there are some with amateur radio licenses here. I understand the the FCC is dropping all Morse code requirements in the coming months.
There is a lot you can do with ham radio: Talk around town, state, country, world, and much more. You can send and receive television signals, all kind of data (RTTY, packet, FAX) you can communicate via satellites. Just about every astronaut gets a ham license becaluse the International Space Station has a ham transceiver and they talk to schools and just plain hams like me. There are even contests and awards and such. Many hams are involved in public service (usually the people at marathon and bike races with the radios) and in time of emergencies, you hear a lot about the hams setting up the communications with the “outside world”.
There are three classes of licenses: technician, general, and extra. There is a FCC multiple choice test for each of them. Start with the technician test.(35 questiona) You can take a practive one at: http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl
The license is free, but the FCC test session costs $14. You do not have to be a citizen and there is no age limit. The license is valid for 10 years and then renewals are free. What a deal
We encourage our team to get a ham license. Currently 10 have them and a few more will take the test in a month. It’s fantastic on “away trips” and the knowlwdge that we have to learn to pass the test, basic electronics, basic emergency communications, rules and regulations, etc. is good stuff for a “techie” to know anyway.
Like FIRST, the ham community is very encouraging. Chances are, there is a ham in your neighborhood, or even a club, that would be happy to assist you. In turn, you may discover a new FIRST mentor!
Ask me anything and let me know how I can help you.
Allan, N7UJJ <-- … and you earn your own unique callsign!
“Just about every astronaut gets a ham license becaluse the International Space Station has a ham transceiver and they talk to schools and just plain hams like me.”
Woah! I can talk to the ISS? Do I need the expert license?
I am already ordering some books to study, I can’t wait to start. I needed someone with experience in HAM’s to answer those questions, and you even gave me more than that. So thanks a million! 
Just look at my signature.
Eeven the most basic license (Technician) can have a conversation with the ISS. It’s not easy, because they are not always overhead and, when they are, they also need to be sitting at the radio. But, the radio signals go in direct line of sight, so even a small (and inexpensive) handheld radio is adequate.
Ham radio is one of those hobbies where you can get involved in a huge number of different things, as N7UJJ touched upon, all united by a common theme: Radio.
Let us know if you have any questions, need to find local hams, take the test, find equipment, or whatever…
Don
Ara,
I also am a licensed Ham operator. Ham radio is huge in California. There is not just one aspect to our hobby but so many different ones that many hams get involved in just one part of the hobby. I personally like to experiment and learn about antennas and like to build my own equipment. One of my interests has been portable equipment and I currently own four low power portable radios. three of them were built from kits. I have talked to other hams using these radios hundreds of miles away with only 1-5 watts. With all the Internet activity you would think that radio is obselete, but it is quite the opposite. I enjoy getting on and talking with people I have never met just because they heard me or I heard them on the radio. I have talked with Marines at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a doctor in the bush in South Africa and people from all over Europe.
I would recommend searching for a local radio club. You can find someone there who will help you get the right books and might actually have classes and help getting a license. As always, you can come on CD and ask questions.
We should all get together at the Championships, maybe even have a small booth or display!
FIRST and Amateur Radio a great mix!
WA1MOW
Nice callsign, sounds cool in code.
Great idea!
I just found out that morse code has been taken off the test, the FCC doesn’t require it anymore. I am going to get a book on all this and study, hopefully I will have my license by competition. I am not sure how long it takes, but man this sounds like so much fun… lots of expensive fun. :yikes:
Find a local ham, they can help a, lot from a practical side.
The UALR web site allows you to search by ZIP code (and other ways), that should help you find someone local.
You can find a HAM licensing course in your area by entering
your zip code using the arrl link at:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/courses/
Most of these courses are free, offered by the members of your
local radio club and only take about a month of weekly sessions.
Taking one of these courses is the most convenient way to learn
the material for your first license and will hook you up for a testing
opportunity at the end of the course.
Lots of study material can be found offered at:
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/lm/
I would suggest that you attend a course offered by your local HAM
radio club and then use one of the computer based practice test programs
to practice for the test that will be given at the end of the course. By
taking the practice test until you consistently get the questions right you
will be sure to pass your license exam the first time.
I had not heard that the FCC had dropped the morse code
requirement, but they indeed have. Perhaps it is time to
knock off the general test and get that HF radio.
Have fun,
Eugene, KF6HQT
When I went to get my license I spent 2-3 nights going through the questions on www.QRZ.com then went to the place a HAM club was did testing, and had a license in less than 2 weeks. 
Once the CW(Morse code) is dropped from the test, which it should be this spring, you can use radios that you can use to talk to people on the other side of the world!
Even if you don’t get a a higher level license you can have a lot of fun, and the thing you can do and learn are unlimited.
If you have any questions PM me.
Eric Haskins KC9JVH
Note: I didn’t know there were this many HAMs on CD.
WOW! I can’t believe how many people helped out here! I can’t believe CD has this many HAMmers (<-- ha!). Really thank you all for your help, I have found a high school 10 miles away that offers the test. I just bought my book on HAM radios and I am starting to study for the test already! Thanks again CD!!! You all rock!
P.S. - I will post my callsign when I get it.
Now I have one question on my mind. How much is this HAM radio going to cost me?
Does anyone know a good place to find HAM radios? Desktop would be nice, I would like to set it up on my desk.
My range is somewhere like $0.00-$600.
Ara,
When you get in touch with the club, ask them for advice. Many times club members have used equipment around that they will let go for cheap to a new ham to help get them started. There is a lot of new equipment on the market for slightly above your budget but it runs about the same price range as computers. Don’t forget you need an antenna. Wire dipoles work fairly well if you have the room and can be built for minimal dollars. Verticals are a goo alternative on small lots but need some ground wire (radials) for best operation. The local club should be able to help there as well. Good luck and ask questions here when they come up.
Al
de WB9UVJ
Whiskey Bravo Nine Uniform Victor Juliet
Most people, when they first get thier Technician license, usually buy a 2 meter handheld. With the 5 watts, you can do an awful lot of stuff: Talk to others dierctly, 10-50 miles away via a repeater, or to other states and countries via the IRLP. New handhelds are $100-$300.
A 2 meter mobile (100 watts) can be installed in a car or run it from home with a 20 amp 12 volt power supply or car battery. They are $150-$400. You can buy an antenna ($30-$80) or make your own (almost free)
One thing to remember, in this hobby, there really are no expenses to using it. Photography, fishing, bowling, etc have the equipment costs, but then it costs money when you use it. After the initial equipment costs, amateur radio is cheap!
Once again, it would be wise to find someone in your neighborhood that is a ham. It’s always good to get local advice. A lot of young people have received thier first equipment from a ham that just gives them thier old handheld or transceiver.
A national chain that sells amateur radioequipment is Ham Radio Outlet:
http://www.hamradio.com/ They will send you a catalog.
There are deals on ebay too.
http://electronics.listings.ebay.com/Radios-CB-Ham-Shortwave_Ham-Radio_W0QQfromZR4QQsacatZ4670QQsocmdZListingItemList
Most parts of the country also have “hamfests” – swapmeets for radio equipment. Lots of deals possible.
While you are exploring all of this, find out about “field day” in June.
Keep us informed about your progress!
Allan
This just in, the FCC is dropping the Morse Code requirement for amateur licensing on Feb 27,2007. See this article for more info… http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/01/24/100/?nc=1
Everyone already said everything I could say.
My call sign is KC7TKB.
I got it a while ago in 1996. I was seven, so don’t worry about the test. Just study hard.
I’m a Technician. I used to be a Techincian Plus ten years ago. I should test to become a higher class.
WOHOOO!!! I finally got my license!!! KI6KGY!!! It took me long enough! It’s almost impossible to find people these days who are giving the test.
Callsign: KI6KGY
thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions a while back!