7
INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR RADIO
Your transceiver is the perfect first radio for anyone entering the
exciting world of amateur radio as well as a great additional trans-
ceiver for the experienced amateur radio operator. Your trans-
ceiver opens a door for you to the world from almost anywhere!
All you need is an Amateur Radio Operator’s License (Technician
Class or higher) issued by the Federal Communications Commis-
sion (FCC). If you do not have a license, it is easier than ever to
get one and help from licensed operators is available. Here are a
few tips to help you get started.
You can turn on your transceiver and scan the entire band to hear
what is going on. However, do not attempt to transmit until
you get your license. If you transmit without a license you are in
violation of federal law that can lead to severe penalties. Note that
ham operators take the FCC rules very seriously and want noth-
ing to do with “bootleggers” — their term for people who operate
without a license.
Find out if there is a ham radio club in your area. Most clubs wel-
come newcomers and are glad to help you get your license.
There are thousands of clubs across the country, so there is prob-
ably one in or near your own community. Often, the staff at your
local RadioShack store can help you locate a club.
If you do not hear anyone talking about a local club in your area
as you listen to local transmissions, write to the American Radio
Relay League (ARRL), at the following address, to find out how
to contact a local affiliate. The ARRL is the national organization
representing amateur radio in the United States. The league has
more than 150,000 members. Most are ham operators, or mem-
bers in the process of obtaining their license.
The American Radio Relay League
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
http://www.arrl.org
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