Amateur Radio
The background Morse Code translates to ''Enjoy the fun of amateur radio''.
The sound file was created with the WinMorse program...see their website for more details.
Even though Morse Code is NO LONGER REQUIRED for any U.S. Amateur Radio license, it's an important part of the heritage and history of ham radio.
After being a Technician Class licensee since 1991...in 2007, I upgraded from Technician to General to Extra Class in a total of 27 days with:
As of June 5, 2009, I hold the Vanity Callsign of AE5WX... click on the picture between the 2 radios below, for a picture of where I operate from, plus a list of all the things that I currently do in amateur radio. The reasons I chose the vanity callsign of AE5WX are:
1) AE for that I'm an Amateur Extra Class licensee.
2) 5 for Arkansas being in the 5th callsign district...and
3) WX for weather...specifically Skywarn Storm Spotting...which was what got me into amateur radio in the first place.
Overview
Amateur Radio (often called ''ham radio'') is a hobby and an important public service authorized by the United States Federal Communications Commission, in Part 97 of the FCC Rules and Regulations. Its purpose, quoted from SubPart A, Sec 97.1, is as follows:
''...to provide [a] service...as expressed in the following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of amateur service to the public as a voluntary, non-commercial service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
(c) Encouragement and improvement of the Amateur Radio service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians and electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill''.
Licensed Amateur Radio operators are people of any age, sex, profession, or nationality...who are fascinated with communications via two-way radio. Generally a skilled group, they are required to pass examinations to receive the authorization to operate an Amateur Radio station.
Federal law also dicates that, with very limited exceptions, (see Section 97.113 of the Part 97 Rules for details), amateur radio operators are PROHIBITED from receiving any compensation...monetary or otherwise...for whatever work they do with amateur radio. Basically, hams provide these things ''out of the goodness of their hearts''.
The typical Amateur has a variety of interests, and the hobby provides for a multitude of individual preferences. Amateurs engage in things such as:
1) General chit-chat (ragchewing).
2) Involvement with on-the-air nets.
3) Emergency Operations (including participation in Civil Preparedness).
4) Sending, relaying, receiving and delivering free radiograms for the public.
5) Providing communications support for civic functions such as local parades, marathons, etc.
6) Making friends with amateur radio operators in foreign countries.
7) Investigating the mysteries of radio signal propagation.
8) Building, modifying and designing radio equipment, antennas and accessories.
9) Winning awards for operating proficiency in many areas.
10) Helping others prepare for (and even administering) Amateur Radio license examinations.
And many more exciting, and valuable facets of the hobby. For a list of 65 great things about amateur radio (courtesy of CQ Magazine), click here.
Getting A License
There are no limits on who can become a ham. Ages range from under 8 to over 80. In fact, I heard of a young lady in Tennessee who passed her Technician exam at age 5...her General exam at age 6...and her Amateur Extra exam at age 7!! An elderly gentleman in Ohio passed his Technician exam at 91...so, you're never too young or too old to join the hobby.
Ham radio operators...current and former...have come from all walks of life, including:
1) Political figures...such as Arkansas Congressional Representative Mike Ross (WD5DVR), Oregon Congressional Representative Greg Walden (W7EQI), the late Barry Goldwater, Arizona Senator (K7UGA, SK), and the late King Hussein of Jordan (JY1, SK). As a side note, SK stands for ''Silent Key''...used for a ham radio operator who has passed away.
2) Musicians...such as Joe Walsh of The Eagles (WB6ACU), country western star Ronnie Milsap (WB4KCG), and Grammy Winning Gospel Singer/Songwriter, Larnelle "Stu" Harris, (WD4LZC).
3) Sports figures...such as Joe Rudi (NK7U), retired Major League Baseball Player.
4) Nobel Prize Winning Scientists...such as Joe Taylor (K1JT).
Some are rich....some are poor...but most are in between...and you'll find all of these at hamfests.
Ham radio is also wide open to handicapped and disabled individuals...blind, deaf, paralyzed, etc....and, many of these are also members of Courage HandiHams.
There's some way just about anyone can use ham radio to open their door to the world. As long as you're NOT a representative of a foreign government...and you either live in the United States, or have a U.S. mailing address, you're eligible to take the exams necessary to become an amateur radio operator.
U.S. Ham Radio Licenses
Becoming an amateur radio operator can be very easy. With just a little study, just about anyone can qualify for an Amateur Radio license. What you have to study depends on which level of license you want to go for. There are three classes of amateur radio licenses in the United States and its territories...and there is no longer any Morse Code exam requirement for any class of U.S. Amateur Radio license. While there are still Novice and Advanced Class amateur radio licensees, no new licensees for these are being issued...but these licensees may continue to renew them at the appropriate time. Those previously known as Technician Plus licensees (those who had passed a 5 wpm Morse Code test), have had their licenses renewed as Technician, as the privileges for both of these are now identical.
For a color chart overview (in PDF format) of available amateur radio privileges by license class,
click here. You will need the
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and/or print the file.
The Technician Class License
This is now the entry license into Amateur Radio. It gives you all Amateur Radio privileges above 50 Megahertz, including the popular ''2 meter'' band. World-wide contacts, via satellite, are now possible on these bands. Technician Class or higher licensees can also use the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) modes, such as Echolink (a List Of Echolink Nets can be found here), CQ100, and HamSphere.
To get the Technician license, you have to pass an examination covering rules, regulations, propagation, RF safety, and basic electronic theory. As of Feb. 23, 2007, Technician class licensees...whether or not they've passed a Morse Code exam...also have these HF privileges (Mhz is the abbreviation for Megahertz):
80 meters: CW (Morse Code) only: 3.525 Mhz to 3.600 Mhz
40 meters: CW (Morse Code) only: 7.025 Mhz to 7.125 Mhz
15 meters: CW (Morse Code) only: 21.025 Mhz to 21.200 Mhz
10 meters: CW (Morse Code), RTTY, and data only: 28.000 Mhz to 28.300 Mhz
10 meters: SSB (single sideband) Phone Only: 28.300 Mhz to 28.500 Mhz
These HF privileges are identical for Novice Class licensees. Note that NO OTHER HF PRIVILEGES EXIST for
Novice or Technician Class amateur radio licensees.
The General Class License
This is the license that most amateur radio operators hold. It lets you operate voice on all amateur radio bands (except for the 30 meter HF band)... and Morse Code on all amateur bands (except for the 60 meter HF band). This also includes all privileges above 50 Megahertz, as the Technician Class license has...plus 86.7% of the amateur radio spectrum below 30 Megahertz. The theory test deals more with operating on the high frequency bands. All amateur radio privileges, except the 500 kilohertz of frequencies of amateur radio spectrum on the 80, 40, 20, and 15 meter bands, reserved for Amateur Extra Class licensees, are available.
The Amateur Extra Class License
The highest grade of amateur radio license lets you operate with all amateur radio privileges, including on frequencies closed to other hams. You need to know more theory...a combination of the Amateur Extra, and the former Advanced exams.
Studying For A License
Normally, you can NOT walk into an amateur radio license exam session from off the street, without some preparation. You'll be tested on such things as the FCC Rules and Regulations (Part 97) as they relate to amateur radio. These include bands, frequencies, privileges, and modes for that particular amateur radio license...propagation...RF safety...and basic electronic theory, including Ohm's Law ...among other items. Each of these is in more detail and difficulty as you progress up the amateur radio license ladder.
Like it or not, you MUST devote some study time to prepare for the exam. Fortunately, there are several options for you to study for your ham radio license. You can study with a local ham radio club study group, or do it on your own. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) website has links to classes here. If you do find an entry, it's wise to check with the contact person to verify details, and check for any last minute changes.
The Question Pools for each class of amateur radio license CHANGE EVERY FOUR YEARS, with the current pools expiring at 11:59pm local time on June 30 of a particular year...the new pool taking effect the next day (July 1) at 12:00am local time for the particular element.
The current schedule is as follows:
a) Technician: Changed in 2010...changes in 2014, 2018, etc.
b) General: Changed in 2011...changes in 2015, 2019, etc.
c) Amateur Extra: Changes in 2012, 2016, 2020, etc.
At this time...NO QUESTION POOL CHANGE IS SCHEDULED for 2013, 2017, 2021, etc. However, that could CHANGE...as could the release dates of future Question Pools.
In short, you need to be sure that you are studying the most current set of questions for the desired amateur radio license. Otherwise, you could be in for a RUDE AWAKENING on Exam Day. Note that you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and/or print the .PDF files noted on the sites below...10 options for study material:
1) The Question Pools alone. These are available at either the ARRL website, or at the NCVEC website. You will need the appropriate utilities to read the PDF or Microsoft Word files.
2) The NC4FB website. It offers an extensive array of ham radio learning and study materials. You can find study plans, flash cards, PowerPoint presentations, specialized explanations of concepts, such as ''Ohm’s Law for Technician License Exams'', and even commercial exam preparation materials. Everything is free, and available to anyone. A great feature is the practice exam section. This site also offers Canadian amateur radio license preparation and commercial study for the GROL (General Radio Operators License) plus ship radar endorsement.
3) The AA9PW website. A special item of note is the proven accessibility to blind users. There is an option for ''no figures'' in the exam, and many blind users do indeed report that this site works well for them. Additional features include on line Morse code training, and a Morse code app available from the iTunes store (even though Morse Code is no longer required for an amateur radio license). The site also includes practice exams for commercial licenses.
4) The QRZ website. Besides practice exams, it also includes a ''Practice Tests 2.0 Large Print Edition'', that features scalable fonts for those users who can see the screen, but who require large print. The font size can be scaled to the user's needs.
5) The Ham Exam website. It offers up to date exams on line, and includes a ''flash card'' learning option. What is unique here is that you create an account (it's free), and as you use the site, it learns which questions are giving you trouble and will emphasize those in subsequent practice exams.
6) The Radio Exam website. It offers exams for all three levels, but interestingly enough, it allows for testing on each section of the pool separately, as well as selecting questions from the complete pool.
7) The American Radio Relay League has license preparation materials for the Technician, General, and the Amateur Extra exams. Cost varies per item.
8) The W5YI group has the study guides done by Gordon West, WB6NOA...with similar materials to what the ARRL has available. Again, cost varies per item.
9) If you are disabled, and need assistance with learning the materials, you can contact Courage Handi-Hams. They help people with disabilities obtain, then study the material to obtain or upgrade their ham radio license. Once again, cost varies per item. More resources for the disabled are located here.
If you have a disability, the Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team may be able to make certain accomodations for you to take the license exam, such as giving a test without schematics, graphics, or diagrams...for an individual who is blind, or severely visually impaired...or reading the questions and available answers to the examinee...who, in turn, tells the VE what answer to mark on the test.
Note that MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION OF YOUR DISABILITY MAY BE REQUIRED IF YOUR DISABILITY IS NOT OBVIOUS...and it's best to notify the VE Team as far in advance of the test session as possible, so that proper arrangements can be made. If you wait until the test session itself to notify the VE Team of your disability, they may NOT be able to make the accomodations for you to take the exam...and you will either have to take the exam without special assistance, or wait until another scheduled license exam session. If the VE Team is limited on exam materials without any schematics, graphics, or diagrams (these are usually reserved for those who are blind/extremely visually impaired), you may only be able to have one try at that particular license class exam at a test session...and will have to attend another session to ''try it again'', should you fail the exam.
10) HamTestOnline. This option only requires a computer and internet connection (either dial-up, DSL, broadband/cable, etc.). It is all web browser based, with nothing to download. Unlike the options where you have to buy books, etc. for each license class, you get a two (2) year subscription at different prices, depending on which class of license(s) you want to study for (see the price list for details). It can be cheaper than all the other license class books combined from all the sources noted above!! You can take as long as you need to study...in the privacy of your home, to take as many practice tests desired. Once your study time, plus your practice test scores are both above 80%, you're ready for the real thing at a VE Test Session. However, if after adequate study time and practice tests, you still fail on exam day, just send HamTestOnline PROOF of the failure...and they will CANCEL your subscription, and REFUND your money. Around 1% of all who have signed up with them have requested a refund. Personally, it was the best money I ever spent in amateur radio. I went from Technician to General in only 14 days...and to Amateur Extra just 13 days later!!
Central Arkansas Test Sessions
I personally administer, or help with VE Testing (amateur radio license exams) in central Arkansas, at these locations... this list was updated on Jan. 16, 2012. Please note the test times, and if walk-ins are allowed, the cut-off time that these will be accepted (usually 30 minutes after the session start time). If pre-registration is required, note the registration deadline. If you fail to register by the pre-registration deadline, you likely will NOT be allowed into the exam session.
Testing in Sherwood is in the Meeting Room of the Amy Sanders Library, at 31 Shelby Drive. Testing begins at 1pm, and walk-ins are welcome until 1:30pm. Note that the meeting room can become crowded, if a large amount of individuals register for the session.
Shelby Drive is the third traffic light west of the traffic light on the west side of US 67/167 at Exit 5 (Kiehl Avenue). At Shelby Drive, Sherwood First Christian Church will be on your right. Turn right at the traffic signal, and go past the apartment complex (and fence) on your left...the library is the next drive on the left (turn at the Senior Citizens Center sign). Free parking is available there, and at the Senior Citizens Center next door (the Senior Citizens Center is closed on exam days).
If coming from Highway 107 (JFK Blvd.) in North Little Rock, Kiehl Avenue (Highway 176) is the 11th traffic light, north of the traffic light on the north side of Interstate 40. Turn right onto Kiehl Avenue, go past the Sherwood Municipal Complex on your left, and turn left at the traffic signal, which is Shelby Drive. Go past the apartment complex (and fence) on your left...the library is the next drive on the left (turn at the Senior Citizens Center sign). Free parking is available there, and at the Senior Citizens Center next door (the Senior Citizens Center is closed on exam days).
Upcoming testing in Sherwood is on these Saturdays in 2012:
February 4, April 7 (Easter Weekend), June 2, June 30 (the weekend following Field Day 2012, to give those wanting to take the Amateur Extra Class exam, before it, and its Question Pools change), August 4, October 6, and December 1.
NOTE: At the June 30, 2012 test session, ONLY ONE RETEST FOR A FAILED ELEMENT WILL BE ALLOWED, due to time constraints.
In short, those waiting until the last minute to try to upgrade to Amateur Extra, will only get 2 shots at it. If they
fail both exams, they will have to study data for the NEW Amateur Extra Question Pool. So, it is advised that you do NOT
wait until the last minute to take the exam.
Testing in DeWitt is at Fisher Communications, at 202 North Grandview. Testing begins at 1pm, and walk-ins are welcome until 1:30pm.
Testing in DeWitt in 2012 is on these Saturdays:
February 25. Other dates will be added later.
Testing in Vilonia is done at the Vilonia Fire Department at 7 Bise Street. Testing begins at 1:30pm, and walk-ins are welcome until 2pm.
From the intersection of State Highway 107 and US 64, go west...the Vilonia Municipal Complex (including the Fire Station, Library, City Hall, and Senior Citizens Center) will be approximately 1/4 mile west on your left. For obvious reasons, PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF THE FIRE STATION DOORS!!.
Testing in Vilonia in 2012 will be on the following Saturdays:
March 17, and May 19. Other dates will be added later.
Testing is also done at the CAREN Club All Arkansas Hamfest, in mid-September. The 2012 Hamfest is set for Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Catholic High School at 6300 Father Tribou Street, in Little Rock. Testing begins PROMPTLY at 8am, when the hamfest opens, and no walk-ins are accepted, or re-tests for failed elements are done after 9am. This cut-off time is so that the Volunteer Examiner (VE) Team may view the rest of the hamfest. As a side note, I personally had done a forum at the 2010 and 2011 hamfests...but I do NOT plan to do a forum at the 2012 hamfest. However, I will be helping with the test session. Further details on the 2012 hamfest are located here.
Note that because of parking issues after dark, at the apartment complex where I live, testing at the CAREN Club meetings
is no longer done. It is a hassle when I get home in the mid-evening, to find no parking spaces in front of my apartment building, and I have to circle the
complex waiting for a space to open up. With Police Security out and about, my ''circling activity'' could be looked on as suspicious, since there have
been incidents of ''drug runners'', ''meth labs'', etc...even though I am a resident. I also do not want to impose on someone else to get me to and from the exam session
(if they have to leave early, I'm without transportation)...let alone paying an exhorbitant taxi rate in both directions. If that wasn't enough, at times, it has been difficult to
get enough VE's (noted below) to conduct the exam session on a weekday evening. So, to me, it is NOT worth it to be out after dark. Sorry for any inconvenience.
A MINIMUM of three (3) Amateur Extra Class VE's are REQUIRED for all license exam elements to be offered at a test session. If this number is not met, it could mean that either only the Technician class exam can be offered...or that the Amateur Extra class exam can NOT be offered at the test session...or the entire test session can NOT be held...no matter how many examinees show up.
For a list of amateur radio license exam sessions across Arkansas, click here, and select Arkansas for the state. Once there, the contact information for each session should be listed, and you can get on the roster by notifying the contact person on the list, usually by phone or email listed there. For the sessions above, look for Sherwood, Vilonia, or DeWitt. Note that all paperwork, test fees, etc., will be taken care of at the test sessions themselves...scroll down to the next paragraph for further details.
Exam Day
The exams are adminstered by a minimum of three (3) Volunteer Examiners (VE's)...who have taken the exams themselves...so, they understand your nervousness. But, there is no disgrace if you don't pass the test the first time...if you're willing to pay another fee (noted below), the VE Team may allow you to re-take the license exam element, with a DIFFERENT set of questions. Depending on the number of examinees, the testing could take a few hours to complete...but, your exam will be graded IMMEDIATELY (or as soon as possible) by the VE Team, after you finish it.
Before going to the test site, it's a good idea to check with the contact person, if you need directions, or for special instructions. Some sessions will allow walk-ins only, others will allow pre-registration only, and some will permit both. Also, some sessions may allow walk-ins up to a certain time...but after that point, no further walk-ins will be accepted, due to session time constraints.
Plus, registering with the ''VE Team Leader and/or Contact Person'' is a good idea...in case the session has to be cancelled at the last minute...such as in the case of winter storms, tornadoes, flooding, etc., and you can be notified before you make the trip. It's also best to check with the VE Team Contact Person to be sure that the test session will still take place...such as if a last minute cancellation (weather, flooding, etc.) has occurred.
For a list of what you need to bring to the session, click here.
NOTE: On exam day, please use the restroom BEFORE starting the exam...as ''nature tends to call at the most inopportune
time''. Once you start the exam, you may NOT leave the exam area for ANY reason...unless your test booklet,
answer sheet, scratch paper, and other forms, are turned in FIRST!! Then, if you want to re-take the test, you
will have pay another test fee, and take the exam with a different set of questions.
WARNING!! Cheating...in ANY form, will NOT be tolerated!!
This includes bringing a calculator without the formulas cleared, using ''crib notes'', an electronic device (computer, cellphone, iPhone, iPod, PDA, etc.) or other ''study aids'' during the exam...all these MUST be TURNED OFF and PUT AWAY during the test. Watches that have an alarm or hourly chime, MUST have the sound disabled.
If you bring scratch paper to the test session, IT MUST BE COMPLETELY BLANK...however, if you need scratch paper at the test session, please ask the VE Team (they should also have extra pens and pencils on hand, if needed). It is recommended that you fill out the top part of the NCVEC Form 605 in pen (blue or black ink); the VE Team will fill out the bottom part of the form. Also, it's recommended that you fill out the Answer Sheet in pencil (in case you have to change your answers). Make sure you either ''make an X through the letter (A, B, C, or D), or that you ''bubble it in''. This makes it easier for the VE Team to grade...please do NOT circle the answers... and please DO NOT WRITE IN THE EXAM BOOKLETS!!
Also, the exam booklets are different colors for each license class, and with ARRL/VEC test sessions, there are several sets of exam booklets for each element...each with a different set of questions. If the ARRL/VEC VE Team is using the ExamMaker software, that adds even more potential exam question sets to the mix...and other VEC's may have similar ways to ensure a wide range of exams. So, trying to ''copy answers'' off of someone elses test sheet will do you no good.
In fact, if it is determined that an examinee is cheating, their exam will be TERMINATED, marked as FAILED, and the examinee will be ordered to leave the premises IMMEDIATELY!!
Please DON'T put yourself...or the VE Team...into this embarassing situation. The occurrence of cheating could also affect your ability to take future amateur radio license exams!! If it takes you a dozen or more tries to pass an amateur radio license exam...even if just barely... you have as much right to be on the air as the person who made a perfect score the first time. So, you might as well ''take the test legally''. Basically, when you come to the exam session, you either are ready for it, or you are not.
During And After The Exam
All the paperwork needed, as well as pens, pencils, and scratch paper (if needed), will be provided at the session. Again, do NOT write in, or on the Exam Booklet, unless instructed to do so by the VE Team. In most cases, you will put your answers on an Answer Sheet, bubbling in the letter, or making a X through the desired answer.
There is NO RUSH to complete the exam. Answer the questions you know first, skip the ones that you're unsure of second, and save the hardest ones for last. Do NOT leave an answer BLANK, or mark more than one answer...as these are AUTOMATICALLY WRONG...and it could mean the difference between PASSING and FAILING the exam.
When done, turn in your test booklet, answer sheet, scratch paper, and other paperwork to the VE Team...they will grade your exam IMMEDIATELY after you've finished it (or as soon as possible)...and tell you whether you passed or failed. Please be seated after turning in your test materials.
You can miss as many as nine (9) questions on the 35 question Technician exam...nine (9) questions on the 35 question General exam...and thirteen (13) questions on the 50 question Amateur Extra exam...and still PASS...you do NOT have to make a perfect score. Once you have turned in your exam booklet, answer sheet, and scratch paper for grading, you may NOT have them back.
Please remain QUIET until everyone else has finished testing. If noise (talking) becomes disruptive to you during the exam, please ask the VE Team to have those responsible to ''tone it down to a low roar'', as it were.
As noted above, there is NO DISGRACE if you fail an exam the first time. If you're willing to pay another fee (noted above), the VE Team may allow you re-take the same exam element with a DIFFERENT set of questions.
If you pass (congratulations!), you'll be offered to take the next exam in line, at your option, at no additional charge. However, you will still have credit for the exam you passed (as long it was done without cheating)...even if you fail the next element in line. By the same token, if you wish to stop with the one exam that you passed, that is your choice. If you're not already licensed, it takes about 10 days after the exam until the FCC grants your license...then, you can go to one of four sites:
1) The QRZ New Hams Website, and look for your last name (archived listings are also available).
2) The FCC ULS Website....click on Search Licenses, and follow the prompts.
3) The HamData website. They have a list of the latest sequential callsign issuances from the FCC as well.
4) The ARRL Website...look for the Callsign/Name Search window.
Note that data is usually in the FCC ULS website 24 hours before it shows up on either the QRZ New Hams Website, or the ARRL Callsign Search Website. So, it's beneficial for you to register with the FCC ULS website (as noted above), before you go for the license exam, and obtain your FRN...as new licensees can get their callsign as fast as five (5) days after a test session. However, the ''quick turnaround'' is usually the exception to the rule...so, please be patient if it takes longer. The VE Team has ten (10) days after the test session to get the test data to the appropriate VEC...who will then process the data, and send it to the FCC ULS.
Once your callsign is there, you can begin operating, according to the privileges of the license class you have earned. Be sure that the VE Team gives you a Certificate Of Successful Completion Of Examination (CSCE) BEFORE you leave the test session, as it is the ONLY PROOF of your taking, and passing an amateur radio license exam. The CSCE is valid for 365 days after initial issuance, if you decide to upgrade before your new license arrives.
If you are already licensed...with a valid FCC issued callsign...you can begin using your new privileges IMMEDIATELY, according to the temporary suffix format on the back of the CSCE, that you will receive from the VE Team before you leave the test session. Once your upgrade appears in the FCC ULS, you no longer have to use the temporary suffix format.
You will receive a paper copy via U.S. Mail 1 to 2 weeks after your callsign shows up in the database. Your license is good for ten (10) years. Be sure to sign it before laminating it, as the license is NOT VALID WITHOUT YOUR SIGNATURE.
Be sure to keep your mailing address CURRENT...as your license could be SUSPENDED or REVOKED, if mail sent to you by the FCC is returned as UNDELIVERABLE. If you operate on a license that has been SUSPENDED or REVOKED, you will likely receive a Notice Of Violation from the FCC. For details on modifying your amateur radio license via the FCC ULS, click here.
Once you get your callsign, you may keep it, or request a new sequential callsign...free of charge. However, if you wish to apply for a Vanity Callsign, certain requirements and fees apply...details are located here. Once the new sequential or Vanity Callsign takes effect, your previous callsign is NO LONGER VALID.
Modifying Your License Via The FCC ULS
Amateur radio licenses can only be renewed within ninety (90) days of expiration...no sooner. But, if you need to modify your license, due to a move, a change in name or mailing address, etc., you can do that at any time during the 10 year license term, by following these steps:
1) Go to http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home.
2) Choose Login to login with your FRN (Federal Registration Number) (it's a 10 digit number on your amateur radio license), and Password. Make sure you use the FRN, and NOT the File Number. Note: TINs (Tax Payer Identification Numbers) may no longer be used for logging into ULS, effective December 14, 2003. If you don't have an FRN, have forgotten your password, or aren't sure if your licenses have an FRN associated with them, links are provided to Contact Technical Support, obtain an FRN, etc. Other ways to contact the FCC are further down this page. Note: For additional help with this process, click on the Common Questions that appear on most pages of ULS License Manager, or click the Help link at the top right of each page.
3) Choose Update from the Work on This License menu on the right hand side of your License At A Glance screen. If your license is within ninety (90) days of expiration...or if the license is EXPIRED, but within the 2 Year Grace Period...you can Renew your license. Note that you may NOT transmit while your license is EXPIRED.
However, if your license is Expired More Than 2 Years, YOU ARE NO LONGER LICENSED...and at minimum, have to take the Technician Class license exam, to get back into a ham radio, with a NEW CALLSIGN.
Check the data to be sure that it is correct, as you continue with the steps below.
4) Answer the questions on the Applicant Questions page. Then click Continue.
5) On the licensee page, update your licensee address, and any other relevant information, by typing your information into the text boxes provided. When ready, click Continue.
6) On the Summary page, review the information you have entered. If you wish to make additional changes, click the Edit button next to the section of your application you wish to Edit. You will be able to return to that page of the application. Make the desired change(s), and select the Return to Summary button.
7) When ready to submit your update to the Commission, choose the Continue to Certify button.
8) After reading the certification, enter your first and last names, and title if appropriate, in the boxes at the bottom of the page. You MUST sign the application. When finished, choose the Submit Application button. Note that providing false information is grounds for suspension or revocation of your license...plus you could risk monetary forfeiture (fines), confiscation of your equipment, jail time, and you may not ever again be allowed to hold an amateur radio license.
9) From the ULS Confirmation screen, it's recommended that you print a copy of your application and/or the Confirmation screen itself from your web browser. Note: The address and contact information you have entered in CORES registration will not be automatically associated with your licenses. To change the address or other contact information on your license, you must update your information in the ULS, as noted above, or submit Form 605 manually.
You may alternatively submit a paper FCC Form 605 (edition date July 2005 or later) to:
FCC
1270 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245
OR, you may deliver the form in person to:
FCC
1280 Fairfield Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
You can request forms by calling (800) 418-FORM (3676), download the form, or call the FCC's Fax Information system at (202) 418-0177. You can also contact the FCC by:
Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
Fax: 1-866-418-0232
E-Mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov
Ham Radio Links
Here are various ham radio links, updated Dec. 4, 2011. If you have any others, please contact me via this link.
Total Visitors to this website and its pages since Oct. 1, 1997: