Getting Started with Ham Radio: A Complete Guide

In this article, I will try to summarize in simple words what I think is truly essential to know before starting your journey into the world of amateur radio, also trying to offer some guidance based on my experience.

First of all, we will learn some basic terms of Amateur Radio that will help you better understand this article, and then we will look at the two requirements necessary to get started, which are obtaining a license and knowing how to choose the right equipment.

Given that this information will not be sufficient and exhaustive to complete your experience, it is certainly a solid starting point.

Basic Terminology and Concepts

To begin this fast journey in ham radio, the understanding of some key terms is crucial:

• Frequency Bands: Portions of the electromagnetic spectrum such as HF (high frequency), VHF (very high frequency), and UHF (ultra-high frequency).
• Licence: a formal authorization issued by your local government, to transmit and receive signals.
• Call Sign: A worldwide unique identifier assigned to each licensed operator.
• Modes: Transmission methods, such as voice (AM, FM, SSB), digital (FT8, RTTY,SSTV), and Morse code (CW).
• Transceiver: An equipment that can transmit and receive radio signals.
• Antenna: A device connected to the transceiver, that transmits or receive electromagnetic energy.
• Feed Line: A cable used to connect transceivers to antennas
• Repeater: A device that extends the range of communications by retransmitting signals.
• QSO: A code that means “conversation between two amateur radio operators.”
• Logbook: record-keeping tool for tracking QSOs, including details like date, time, frequency, mode, and call signs.

Overview of different aspects of the Hobby

The Ham radio activity landscape can be very wide, and if you are curious to learn, it willl offers you a variety of application opportunities.

Understanding the world of amateur radio in all its declinations will be of great help to guide you to in the selection of the right equipment.

Many hams are passionate about some of these activities, while others about just one or very few of them. I know, several hams who rarely transmit on the air, because they are really not passionate about it. I’ve learned they are attracted to other aspects of this fascinating hobby, that does not necessarily require transmitting. I mean home brewing equipment, restoring, and collecting antique radios, testing, or even shortwave listening.

Another class of radio amateurs that stands out from the rest of the amateur radio population is that of VHF and higher, so-called microwave enthusiasts, in whose shack you are unlikely to find HF radios, whereas the reverse is not true: in the log books of many HF enthusiasts, you are sure to find also VHF and UHF contacts.

Some popular activities among ham radio operators include:

• Emergency Communication (EmComm): Providing crucial communications during disasters when traditional networks fail.
• Ragchewing: Two-Way conversation covering casual topics and focusing more on social interaction than technical or formal communication.
• DXing: Contacting operators in distant locations, often in rare or remote areas. Or more generally, attempt difficult and unlikely connections (hey! we are on DX Zone)
• Contesting: Participating in competitions to get the most contacts in a given time period and a given operation mode.
• Digital modes: Using computer technology to send data over radio waves.
• Satellite communication: Connecting via amateur satellites orbiting the Earth.
• Homebrewing: Building your own radio equipment and antennas (my preferred !)

All the activities listed above, however, have a common requirement that you must meet before you can start being actively involved in amateur radio, and I mean, obtaining your own call sign, and this is only possible if you have passed the exams for obtaining your license.

Getting your Ham Radio Licence

Licensing Requirements Worldwide

To legally operate a ham radio station, you have to get your authorization. Licensing is fundamental; it ensures operators understand the international rules that govern radio emissions worldwide, and technical aspects of radio communication. Requirements vary by country, and I would recommend you check the internet for further and more accurate details. However, here are some key information for countries and regions with the largest population of ham radio operators.

• United States: Three license levels, Technician, General, and Amateur Extra, each requiring a written exam.
• Europe: Harmonized standards exist, but each country may have specific tests and rules.
• UK: The regulatory authority for UK Amateur Radio is Ofcom. There are three licence levels Foundation, Intermediate and Full.
• Japan: Four license classes, with higher levels allowing access to more bands and modes.
• Australia: Three levels : Foundation, Standard, and Advanced with progression offering increased privileges.
• International: Many nations participate in the CEPT agreement, allowing operators to use their licenses abroad.

You may be limited to particular bands or power outputs depending on the license class you obtain. For example you may be restricted to VHF UHF bands only.

This limitations should guide you on choosing the appropriate equipment and should be considered to operate abroad.

How to get the licence

Ham Radio Licence is assigned by your country Official Authority, and this is the very first step in obtaining your authorization. They are in charge of licensing, testing, and define regulations for amateur radio.

I’m referring in example to FCC in the US, Ofcom in the UK, ACMA in Australia, ANFR in France, and BNetzA in Germany. These local authorities are the only one you should refer to get information about application processes, exam dates, and license requirements, I do recommend you to visit their websites.

Amateur radio clubs like the ARRL (USA), RSGB (UK), or other IARU-affiliated organizations, can provide you with study guides, practice tests, and even in-person or online workshops. Usually clubs host yearly classes and even online workshops with the purpose to prepare applicants for the licensing exam.

Once you have obtained your license and requested your call-sign from the relevant authorities, the next step will be to proceed with the purchase of the equipment, which must have the appropriate characteristics for the type of activity you wish to start.

Let’s see now how to choose and stick to your budget.

Equipment Basics

Choosing the right equipment is critical to getting started the right way. Equipment is in fact the core of this technological hobby. You can either purchase equipment or build your own, if you gained the skills. Let’s begin by describing the core part of a ham radio equipment:

Transceivers

• Portable or Handheld transceivers: a battery-powered portable VHF or UHF with integrated antenna.
• Mobile Transceivers: Intended to be used within vehicles, can cover HF/VHF/UHF. With a reduced number of features, and a compact form factor can be the sole unique solution.
• Base stations: Usually larger, more powerful radios for fixed use, often covering multiple bands, HF or even HF VHF UHF, powered by a power supply.

Antennas

Also know as aerials, are essential for signal transmission and reception. I consider antennas, the most fascinating intriguing part of a ham radio station. Antennas can be small and integrated into handheld transceivers, or installed and raised on the house roofs, connected via a coax cable feed line to the transceiver. Antenna sizes can vary, and the size of the antenna is inversely proportional to the frequency used. Short antennas for VHF and UHF, long to very long antennas for HF bands. Common antenna types include dipoles, Yagi, and vertical antennas. Antennas can be monoband or multi-band, depending on models.

Feed lines

Cables (usually coaxial cables) with proper connectors, are meant to link antennas to transceivers. Are always needed except that for handhelds transceivers. Cables are sold usually without connectors, so you will have to practice yourself on soldering connectors to coaxial cables. Ready made cables are also availbale, usually the short ones to connect test equipment or shack accessories.

Power supply

Power supplies are usualy needed to powering most of the base stations and even additiona accessories. Batteries are also a valid solution, especially in portable operations scenarios.

Accessories

Some measuring instruments (SWR) are usually always present in the shack, like also headphones, to enhance functionality or confort.

How much does ham radio equipment cost ?

The type of equipment needed is somewhat determined by specific interests you may have and the class of license you own. I will try to provide you the indicative costs necessary to purchase new equipment, price may vary depending on your country or region.

Transceivers

Handheld transceivers (HTs) are compact and portable, primarily intended for VHF/UHF bands. Prices range from $30 to $500. Chinese Baofeng are popular cheap options.

Mobile transceivers are instead designed for vehicles and cover both VHF/UHF and, but in some cases even HF bands. They provide more power and features and cost between $150 to $800.

Base Station Transceivers: Larger, with greater functionality devices intended for dedicated setups that support the HF, VHF, and UHF bands with advanced capabilities. Prices typically range from $800 and $5,000, depending on features.

Major transceiver Manufacturers

The following are the most popular transceiver manufacturer currently in business

If you are limited in budget I would recommend beginning with a Chinese Baofeng HT, and for HF base station, I would look into second hand equipment, the best choice for me is the Yaesu FT-857.

Antennas

There are several types of antenna, that differs each other by shape, setup modes, and dimensions. Here below I listed those antenna that are suitable to begin on Ham Radio.

Wire Antennas (Dipole, Inverted V, End-Fed) are simple, cheep antennas for HF bands. Prices range from $30 to $200, depending on length and material. Home brewing such antennas is a popular activity among hams.

Vertical Antennas are space-efficient aerials, very common for VHF/UHF and HF bands. They are available for both base and mobile setups. Prices range from $50 to $300 for mobile models, and $80 to $700 for base station models.

Beam Antennas (Yagi,Quad) are directional and high-performance antennas designed DXing both on HF and VHF UHF. Those antennas provides a signal gain either in transmission and reception. All directional antenna need a rotator because are efficient just on the direction where they are beaming. Prices for base installations range from $200 to $3,000+, depending on the size and complexity.

For mobile antennas, consider at first Magnetic Mounts for antennas. These typically cost between $30 and $150. Handheld Antennas are usually provided with the radio itself.

Major Antenna Manufacturers

If you are working with a limited budget, I recommend starting with a wire or vertical antenna for HF operations. For mobile, a vertical or magnetic mount antenna is often the best balance of performance and cost.

Power Supply for Ham Radio Transceivers

Handheld transceivers (HTs) batteries are usually included Replacement batteries cost between $20 to $50.

Mobile Transceivers often require a 12V DC power supply that can handle higher power outputs. When used within a vehicle, can be connected tho the battery. For base instead the power supplies typically cost between $50 to $200.

Base Station Power Supplies are designed to provide stable 13.8V DC output to handle the higher power requirements of base station transceivers. Some transceivers have it included.

Feed Lines – Coax Cables and Connectors

Coaxial Cables are used to connect the transceiver to the antenna. They are not required for HT. So are needed just for mobile and base transceivers. The most common ones are

• RG-58 thinner and more flexible, typically used for mobile setup, lower power and shorter runs.
• RG-8 orRG-213 are much thicker and has a lower signal loss, suitable for higher power and longer runs. Prices range from $0.50 to $2 per foot depending on the type and quality.

The most common connectors are PL-259 (for HF/VHF/UHF) typically cost between $2 to $10 each.

If you’re on a budget, RG-58 cables and PL-259 connectors are an affordable choice for basic setups. I would recommend to avoid purchasing second hand used coax cables or connectors.

Getting Started

So, let’s recap and expand a bit the main steps and from where you should start:

1. Find a Ham Radio Club near you: Join a ham radio club to connect with hams who can offer guidance and practical tips. Meeting real hams, is the best way you could do. You will learn that hams share a common code of conduct and offer loyalty, encouragement, and support to other amateurs. At the very beginning it could be shy, as it has been for me, but keep in mind that associations are there to recruit new hams. Be sure they are waiting for you.
2. Study for Your License: Use online resources, books, or courses to prepare for the exam. Ham radio clubs usually hold amateur radio lessons to prepare for the licensing exam. This has been a real obstacle for many of us, especially in the last century, when exams, in my opinion, were much stricter and access to teaching or courses was very difficult. But don’t give up, I assure you that the effort will be abundantly rewarded.
3. Get you ticket and your call-sign: According to your local government rules, get your license, and apply for your call-sign. In some countries, obtaining the authorization does not automatically entitle you to the issuance of the call-sign. It might be that you need to apply. But surely, if you have followed the points listed above, you will already know this information. The call sign is certainly a requirement to be in the air.
4. Invest in Basic Equipment: Start with an affordable HT and a basic antenna setup. If you want to begin with long distance contacts, begin with HF transceiver and a simple wire antenna. Here, there would be a lot to talk about, but let’s assume you don’t have much money to invest. Today on eBay or at Ham Fests (ham radio fairs), you can find many used or new radios at great prices. Nowdays the cheapest ones are the Chinese ones, priced comparably to a meal at McDonald’s. For VHF, you can reach local repeaters even without an external antenna. For HF, a simple wire dipole will be sufficient.
5. Ham Radio Logbook: You can use a paper sheet logbook, or you can even download a free ham radio log book program to start logging of your first QSOs. The regulations require you to record the connections in a station log. But you will soon discover the usefulness of having noted down the connections precisely to track your progress. Today, computer science is coming to our aid with numerous open-source products developed specifically by us amateur radio operators.
6. Practice Operating: Listen to bands, join nets, and make your first QSOs. A piece of advice I can give you, but I’m sure you’ve already heard from many, is to start with listening. Don’t be in a hurry to press the PTT button on your microphone. Try first to understand what you are listening to, and follow the example and formalities of the radio operators you want to join. In this way you will easily engage the conversations as if you were an Old Man. [OM: another way to refer to Hams]. On the contrary, don’t be shy at the beginning, clearly state that you are at the start of this journey and you will receive a lot of help.
7. Begin your journey: As you gain experience, delve into areas like digital modes, contesting, or building your own antennas. If you’ve made it this far, you’re already a step ahead of the entrance, and the journey towards discovering new techniques and methods has just begun.

In summary

Throughout my ham radio experience, I have learned that ham radio is truly a rewarding hobby, supported by a large worldwide community, that combines growing your technical skills through technological self-learning, global communication, and community service. I hope with this article I have stimulated your curiosity and helped you acquire the basic knowledge that can guide you in obtaining your ham radio license. You will thus become part of the worldwide network of radio amateurs who share this fantastic passion for radio communications.

Happy DX and 73!

David @ dxzone

David Barbiere