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PLEASE NOTE: The entry point for all newcomers into the hobby is via the Foundation licence, progressing on to Intermediate, culminating in the Advanced licence. Each licence level has to be achieved before the next can be taken.
Amateur radio is a unique hobby in that it allows you to develop and
experiment with radio equipment; for some amateurs, building equipment
is the most satisfying part of the hobby. It also enables you to
communicate with other radio amateurs throughout the world. Most
countries allow amateur radio operation, so regardless of your language,
circumstances, age or cultural background, there will always be the
excitement of a possible chance contact (which may lead to a life-long
friendship) with someone hundreds or even thousands of miles away. In
this way amateur radio can be a great asset to those who are housebound,
or find mobility a problem, because of the opportunity it provides to make
friends. Even language differences need not be a barrier when you use
Morse code and 'Q' codes (these are three-letter codes, which have the
same meaning throughout the amateur radio world).
The hobby also enables you to help others. Many amateurs offer their
services to the first aid organisations, and even the police, at public events
and during disaster relief operations at home and abroad.
For more than a hundred years radio amateurs have been at the forefront
of developments in telecommunications. Today you can even use your PC,
if you wish, as an additional component of your amateur radio equipment,
thereby combining IT and radio technology. You can also experiment with
antennas, television, RTTY (radio teletype), data (including computer
controlled communications such as packet radio and the internet), satellite
communications and, of course, short range voice or Morse code
transmissions.
As a beginner, where should I start?
Many people gain a lot of enjoyment simply from listening to amateur
radio transmissions. No licence is required for this, provided that the radio
equipment you use is designed for reception only. If you do not wish to
take the Training Course and exam, or are not sure how to proceed, a
period of listening to amateur transmissions can be a very useful
introduction to the hobby.
Or You can enter the hobby by getting a licence.
There are three levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Full.
The Foundation Licence:-
The Foundation Licence has been designed for people of all ages and
abilities. The aim of the Foundation Licence is to make it as easy as
possible to get started in amateur radio.
This licence provides access to most amateur radio bands, and restricts
licensees to a maximum radio frequency output power of 10 watts. The
transmitting equipment must be either a commercially manufactured
transceiver, or a properly designed commercial kit.
Study for the Foundation Licence can be undertaken over a single weekend
or a longer period (whichever suits you best), and is based on the tradition
that amateur radio is learnt mainly through self-training. The Foundation
Licence is based on a concept of producing "safe and competent" radio
amateurs:
• Safe, in terms of understanding the personal safety issues involved.
• Competent, in terms of understanding correct operating procedures
and the need to ensure that transmissions do not interfere with
other radio users, and being able to operate radio equipment
efficiently and effectively.
The Foundation Licence course:
The course is straightforward and focuses on safety, how to avoid
interference and good operating practice. It lasts about 10 hours
altogether, and is followed by an assessment consisting of 25 multiple choice
questions.
The course covers the following:
1. The nature of amateur radio
2. Licence conditions
3. Technical basics
4. Transmitters and receivers
5. Feeders and antennas
6. Propagation
7. EMC
8. Operating practices and procedures
9. Safety
10.Morse "assessment"
These are just a few pointers for you to work with.
