Becoming a HAM🔗︎

I've been interested in radio for a while. There are some hobby projects that I'd intended to write about, but only ever got so far as a draft. A few projects I have planned require me to be a licensed operator. This is a collection of the resources I found most useful throughout the process.

UPDATE 3-26-26

I passed my Tech.

My Motivation🔗︎

People have many reasons to get their HAM license, and love to talk about them. Here are my reasons.

Stay Sharp🔗︎

Good operators have a solid understanding of fundamental electronics, and RF. Knowing this information has many practical applications in everyday life.

Scratch the Maker Itch🔗︎

Makers are great. The HAM community is chock full of them. For illustration purposes, here's the AirBoss. A literal air cannon with a fishing reel attached for launching Antennas over trees.

Do More with SDR🔗︎

Software Defined Radio is a natural intersection for me personally. Combining my technical expertise, with Radio as a hobby. I'd like to explore GNU radio, and re-create, in software, some of the common radio transmissions around my house (baby monitor, garage door, etc...)

Stay Informed, and Get Involved🔗︎

There's a good deal of real-time information available if you just listen in. Weather, local police / EMS, we all share the air waves. It's a great way to keep a pulse on what's happening in your locale.

HAMs are often called upon to assist during emergencies. Time permitting, I wouldn't mind volunteering with my local community. Participating in exercises, helping other HAMs get certified, things of that sort.

My Goal🔗︎

Become a part of the HAM community, which appears to be incredibly welcoming... with a growing desire to encourage young folks to become HAMs as the hobby has been aging steadily for decades. To this end, I intend to earn the Technical, and General class licenses. Here's an overview of the available license levels.

Resources🔗︎

Studying has been straightforward. If you have a basic understanding of electricity, and know your orders of magnitude... you're well on your way. Here are the items I found most useful for study:

The app specifically is fantastic. It will intelligently feed you questions, and has great explanations for questions you're having trouble with. You're able to take practice exams, and it will track areas where you need more practice. With a single tap, you can study just those areas for a bit. Here are a few screenshots.

exam-list

exam-list-2

question

explanation