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Short Wave Radio Requirements

Communicating by shortwave radio is a popular and useful pastime. Shortwave radio operators, or hams as they call themselves, communicate with each other across the short radio wavelength frequencies higher than those used for AM radio. By bouncing radio signals off the ionosphere, shortwave radio operators can communicate worldwide.

Becoming a shortwave radio operator requires knowledge of basic electronics and how radio works. Shortwave radio operators must also be licensed to broadcast by the Federal Communications Commission.

Knowledge
- Radio operators must be licensed.
  
  Amateur radio operators are really highly skilled radio technicians. They are only amateur in that they do not get paid to operate shortwave communications. Licensed ham radio operators are really operating private radio stations broadcasting in the frequencies above 30 megahertz. They can use computers and satellites to broadcast radio signals and can even broadcast television signals.
  
  A shortwave radio operator needs to understand the equipment needed to broadcast and receive radio signals. According to the American Radio Relay League, a ham operator needs to know the type and power needs of the transceiver and the properties of the antenna needed to broadcast and receive the radio signal.
Licensing
- Before you broadcast anything, you need to get licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. This is the regulatory agency that oversees all communications in the United States. The FCC classifies amateur radio licensing into three categories---Technician Class, General Class, and Extra Class
  
  According to Radio Exam.Org ham radio operators must pass a written test to get licensed. The tests for the Technician Class, General Class, and Extra Class licenses are administered by FCC accredited Volunteer Examiner Coordinator organizations.
  
  A listing of organizations near your location is available from the FCC. Many amateur radio clubs are accredited to administer the exams and can offer practice tests and study materials.
Equipment
- Shortwave radio antenna
  
  An amateur radio operator is actually operating a radio station. The basic equipment needed includes a transceiver, power supplies, and broadcast antennas. Modern amateur radio operators can use computers and the Internet to broadcast streaming voice and television signals around the world.
  
  The transceiver used to send and receive shortwave radio signals range from less expensive handheld units for talking on the FM and VHF bands locally to larger, more complex transceivers that can cost thousands of dollars. While the handheld transceivers have the antenna and power supply built-in, the larger, more powerful units will need a separate power supply and antenna to work.
  
  The type of antenna you use will largely depend upon what frequency range you want to transmit in. High frequency directional antennas allow the signals to be focused in a given direction. This also reduces noise because the received signal is focused as well.
  
  According to the American Radio Relay League shortwave radio antennas do not necessarily have to be expensive. While a commercially available direct beam antenna and tower can cost several thousand dollars, the operator can build one of several different types of lower cost, dipole antennas that will work well on HF bandwidths.

Ham Radio