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How to Use Ham Shortwave Radios

For people used to operating complex equipment with a click of a mouse, operating a ham (amateur) radio can be a little daunting. By computer and Internet standards, a ham radio is an old-fashioned, complicated way to communicate with people over long distances.

But operating a ham shortwave radio is not that difficult. If you have learned enough of the basics to pass the required technician's license test, you should be able to operate your radio with very few problems.

Things You'll Need

FCC technician's license
Transmitter
Receiver
Repeater

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain an FCC operator's license. Unless there is literally a serious threat to life or property, only a licensed amateur radio operator may talk on an amateur radio. Using a ham radio without a license in a non-emergency situation results in heavy fines from the Federal Communication Commission. You will need to study for a basic (technician) license and arrange to take a written license exam through your local amateur radio club.
- 2
  Have a working transmitter and receiver. Most modern amateur radios combine the transmitter and receiver in one working unit. The transmitter includes a microphone of some kind for you to speak into, and the receiver includes a speaker so you can hear other operators' transmissions. There is also a gauge similar to a radio dial to determine what frequency you are speaking on.
- 3
  Find out what the local repeater frequency is. A repeater boosts your transmitter's signal much like a radio tower boosts your local radio station's signal past one city block. Your local amateur radio club likely owns and maintains a repeater tower; your club dues help keep the repeater working.
- 4
  Have an "on-air" conversation. This is why most people become ham radio operators--to talk to and make friends with people in different cities or countries. Once your equipment is turned on and you are tuned to a frequency you are licensed to use, speak into the microphone and see who answers back.
- 5
  Watch your language. All transmissions via ham radio must be "child-friendly." If you wouldn't say it in front of your grandma, don't say it on the air.

Ham Radio