The Amateur Radio FAQ
Is it true that only old people who smell of moth balls and drink real ale use Amateur Radio?
Um... That's a tough one to answer! No, honestly, most of us aren't like that at all, in fact there are a lot of very young radio amateurs too. Like six year olds I mean, not 45 years young. Of course there are oldies too but they smell of gin and embrocation, not sure which one they are rubbing in and which one they are drinking though.
Isn't it just glorified CB?
Well, I could enrage the whole amateur fraternity and say yes, so I won't. The frequencies and power levels that the amateur can use are very different to those that CB-ers use. Some amateur frequencies can be used only on a secondary basis, which means that someone else has priority and the amateur must not interfere with them. Some frequencies are very close to other services both public and civil and the amateur must know how too keep their equipment radiating within amateur bands only, interference with people TV's, telephone, radios or hi-fi equipment can occur too. That said, it's not all rocket science and making radios out of cats whiskers, banana skins and a lemon.
Can I really make a radio out of cats whiskers, banana skins and a lemon?
No, stop being silly.
So, who can I talk to?
Well, you can't talk to anyone else who isn't a licensed radio amateur. So that just leaves radio amateurs really, but you can talk to French ones, German ones, American ones. In fact you can talk to amateurs all around the world, really, even on low power, I've got to Miami on ten Watts with a pretty dodgy antenna too, so it can be done. You also don't just need to talk, you can do all sorts of computer type stuff as well where you type words to other people, or send pictures, or Morse code, or moving TV pictures, or bounce signals off the moon, or talk to Astronauts on the Space Station, there's just a whole gamut of interesting things you can do.
Bounce signals off the moon and talk to the Space Station?
Yes, I'm not joking, honestly.
Do I have to pass lots of exams and know how to make Class 'A' amplifiers?
No. You do have to pass multiple choice tests though. The best place to go is to the RSGB (http://www.rsgb.org/) web site and check their up to date information out.
Ok, would Amateur Radio suit me?
Big question. If you like talking to people, yes. If you don't like talking to people, yes. If you like radio, yes. If you are a 'gadget freak' then most definitely. It really depends on you, the best thing I could suggest is that you find a local club, go along and see what goes on (don't forget the gin and embrocation). They are all nice people and they will help you with all your questions.
Where is my local Amateur Radio Club?
Look, do you think I have all the answers? I may not but I know a web site that does! Try http://www.rsgb.org/ and under 'clubs and societies' look for 'local clubs' and away you go. There is also a huge amount of information on the RSGB site, please check it out.
RSGB, is that something to do with birds?
No, it's the Radio Society of Great Britain. They look after the interests of the British radio amateur, have a look at the site and all will be explained. They even explain QSL cards.
QSL Cards?
Yes, these cards are proof that you contacted someone. They contain details of what frequency you carried out your chat (QSO) on, the mode (Morse, Voice or Data), the amateurs name and some other details. Some of the QSL cards are excellent, they usually have a picture on one side and details on the other, you can even do QSL cards online these days!
What am I waiting for?
I don't know, the sooner you go and see somebody the sooner you can see how easy it is. It really is a very interesting world of technicality mixed with almost constant chatting (should you be mad enough to want it), in one mode or another. You've also got the help and assistance of thousands of amateurs not only in the UK but as far as your signal will carry! Go to the RSGB site (http://www.rsgb.org/), find your local club and get in touch, they'll carry out or find a course for you to get your first license and you are on your way!