Starting in Amateur Radio
Getting Started
To become an Amateur Radio operator you must first pass an exam and become licensed. Once you have qualified you can apply to OFCOM (The Office of Communications, which is the UK regulatory body) to be issued with a personal callsign, subject to strict rules regarding its use. If you break these rules, you can have your callsign withdrawn, be fined or sent to prison. In the UK there are three levels of licensing, which have different privileges and responsibilities. These are listed below:
Foundation
The Foundation level exam is the basic level and is the first step to getting on the air. At Foundation level you can operate on HF, VHF and UHF at 25w output subject to your licence regulations.
Intermediate
The Intermediate level of licencing requires the operator to further their knowledge of all the topics covered in the Foundation level and more. At Intermediate level you can operate on HF, VHF and UHF at 100w output subject to your licence regulations.
Full
The full level of licencing is the highest level available and allows the holder to supervise lower levels, operate abroad in certain countries and to use the full spectrum of the amateur radio bands at up to 1kw output.
Study and Exams
You can take a course either at a club, online or use self study. The operator normally progresses through the levels, however the RSGB (Radio Society of GB) has recently introduced a direct to Full licence scheme for those who have extensive knowledge of radio and electronics. Once you have completed your study you apply to the RSGB to sit an online exam. There is no longer a requirement to pass a practical exam and it is therefore recommended you join a club to achieve these skills. On passing the exam you, will be issued with a candidate number. You then register this candidate number with OFCOM and can then choose a callsign from a list of those available and receive your license to operate.
Courses
There are many courses available, both online and in person. Many of the online courses allow you to work through the syllabus at your own pace. You do not have to take a recognised course to apply for the RSGB exam. Exam fees are applicable and can be found on the RSGB website, along with the procedure for booking and sitting exams. A popular online course is the Ham Train course at Essex Ham, which is currently free, but you can make a donation. Once licensed, the operator may wish to take further courses such as CW (Morse code) and a whole new range of oportunities are available.
