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What is Amateur Radio?
Students at an HF practical
session on a Foundation course
Amateur Radio, or Ham Radio as it is also known, is a fascinating hobby that allows millions of people around the world to communicate, experiment with technology and, in general, have fun and learn new skills at the same time.
Fun for all
It is a hobby that truly spans social classes, sexual gender, religious beliefs and international boundaries. Regardless of whether you want to talk to friends, 'work' the world, practise Morse code, operate through satellites, talk to astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), enter contests, or experiment with computers, Amateur Radio has something to interest you.
Important national asset
Furthermore, at times of national disaster (recent forest fires in Australia, or floods in the UK last year, for example), it is the Radio Amateur that voluntarily responds and establishes emergency communications networks when all other methods of communication have failed.
Amateur Radio courses
However, with the ability to practise world-wide communications as a hobby comes a few responsibilities and, to make sure that you are equipped to carry them out, the Government requires all new entrants to the hobby to attend a training course and pass a simple test. Your reward for passing the test is a Foundation License. Having gained your initial license you can upgrade to the Intermediate and Advanced Licenses, gaining additional benefits as you progress.
Further information
If you would like further information about Amateur Radio, contact us and we will be happy to discuss this great hobby with you further.
If you would like to take an Amateur Radio course with us, then please contact our Course Administrator and we will reserve your place on our next course.