Welcome to the World of Ham RadiO

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of amateur radio? Whether you're looking to communicate with fellow enthusiasts around the world, participate in emergency preparedness drills, or simply explore a new hobby, you've come to the right place!

The Simpson County Amateur Radio Society is a vibrant community of ham radio operators dedicated to helping newcomers get started and seasoned veterans stay connected. As an active club affiliated with the ARRL, we offer a wide range of resources and activities to engage and inspire radio enthusiasts of all levels.

From license testing to participating in events like Field Day, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of ham radio, share valuable study resources, and connect with a global community passionate about amateur radio.

Ready to get started? Let's dive in and discover the exciting world of ham radio together!

Getting started in amateur radio begins with obtaining your license. The entry-level license, known as the Technician license, is the perfect starting point for newcomers. Here are some steps to help you get on the air:

1. Study Materials: There are several good books available that can help you prepare for the licensing exam. These books cover the basics of radio theory, regulations, and operating practices.
2. Online Learning: If you prefer online resources, there are many websites that offer study guides and practice exams to help you prepare for the test. Online courses can be a convenient way to study at your own pace.
3. Set a Goal: Start by setting a goal to obtain your Technician license. This will give you a clear target to work towards and help keep you motivated.
4. Attend a Local Club: Joining a local amateur radio club can be a great way to meet other hams, learn from experienced operators, and get involved in the hobby. The Franklin Club (https://kn4utv.club) and the Bowling Green club (https://ky4bg.com/) both offer testing once you are ready.
5. Don't Try to Know it All: Amateur radio is a vast hobby with many different aspects. Start by focusing on learning the material for the Technician license, then expand your knowledge as you become more comfortable. Joining a club can help you find a specific area of interest within the hobby.
6. Attend a Club Meeting: The Franklin Club has a meeting this Saturday at 11 am at the Red Haven Property. Feel free to join us, and we'll be happy to answer your questions and help you get started.

Remember, getting started in amateur radio is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. Start by setting your sights on the Technician license, and before you know it, you'll be on the airwaves enjoying all that ham radio has to offer!

Studying for your amateur radio license can be an exciting and rewarding experience, especially with the variety of online study resources available. Here are some popular options to consider:

1. Ham Study (https://hamstudy.org): Ham Study is a comprehensive online resource that offers study guides, practice exams, and flashcards to help you prepare for your license exam. Start in Study Mode to learn the material, then move on to reviewing questions and taking practice tests. Also check out their new book.
2. Find a Test Session (https://hamstudy.org/sessions): Use this tool on Ham Study to find a testing session near you once you feel ready to take the exam.
3. Ham Radio Prep (https://hamradioprep.com/how-to-get-your-ham-radio-license-made-easy/): Another excellent option for online study, Ham Radio Prep offers a step-by-step guide to getting your ham radio license, making the process easy and accessible.
4. ARRL Online Courses (http://www.arrl.org/online-courses): The ARRL offers a variety of online courses covering a range of topics related to amateur radio, including licensing preparation. These courses can be a great way to supplement your study.
5. Ham Test Online (https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/): While this course has changed hands, it still provides a solid study program. It offers a structured approach to learning the material and preparing for the exam.

Remember, the key is to find a study method that works best for you. Whether you prefer self-paced online courses, practice exams, or in-person study groups, the important thing is to get started and stay committed to your goal of obtaining your ham radio license.

If you prefer learning from physical books, there are several great options available to help you get started with amateur radio. Here are some recommended titles:

1. A new option: Ham Book.org. The HamStudy Technician License HamBook is your friendly guide to obtaining your Technician class amateur radio license.
2. A Short Introduction to the Hobby of Amateur Radio: This book provides a concise introduction to the hobby of amateur radio, complete with pictures to help illustrate key concepts. Read more or purchase here.
3. Ham Radio Technician Class Test Study Guide 2022 - 2026: This study guide is designed to help you prepare for the Technician class license exam, covering the material you need to know for the 2022-2026 exam cycle. Read more or purchase here.
4. Pass Your Amateur Radio Technician Class Test the Easy Way: This guide offers a straightforward approach to studying for and passing the Technician class license exam. Read more or purchase here.
5. Amateur Radio Technician: Tricks for Beginners to Master Ham Radio Basics: This book provides tips and tricks for beginners looking to master the basics of ham radio. Read more or purchase here.

These books can be valuable resources as you study for your license exam and begin your journey into the world of amateur radio. Whether you prefer studying online, watching videos, or reading physical books, there's a learning method that's right for you.

If you're someone who learns best through videos, YouTube can be a fantastic resource for learning about amateur radio. Here are some recommended videos to help you get started:

1. Ham Radio Crash Course (https://www.youtube.com/@HamRadioCrashCourse): The Ham Radio Crash Course YouTube channel offers a wealth of information for newcomers to ham radio. Check out their "Getting Started" series for a step-by-step guide to getting involved in amateur radio.
   
   • Are you new to radio? Start Here! (https://youtu.be/0MKBXBCENMY?si=Cis7JcrYzwfi8fK5): This video provides a great introduction to ham radio for beginners.
   • Ham Radio Technician Prep Intro (2022-2026) (https://youtu.be/DdzQS10JnHU?si=ts3mXlJ5ZNGpnaPS): This video is a perfect starting point for those preparing for the Technician license exam.
   • Getting Started (https://youtu.be/FUCIRAJ9DQw?si=HrYvgRF0ds4MolwY): A helpful video that covers the basics of getting started in amateur radio.

These videos can be a valuable supplement to your study materials, offering visual explanations and demonstrations to help you better understand the concepts of amateur radio. Whether you're brand new to radio or preparing for your license exam, these videos are a great resource to have in your toolkit.

Congratulations on taking the first steps towards getting your amateur radio license! The Simpson County Amateur Radio Society is here to assist you in your journey to becoming a licensed ham radio operator. Here's what you need to know about testing for your license:

1. Testing Sessions: The club holds several testing sessions throughout the year. Keep an eye on our website for details about upcoming sessions. You can also find other testing sessions on HamStudy.org (https://hamstudy.org/sessions) or the ARRL site (http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session).
2. Preparation: Before showing up at the testing site, there are a few things you need to do. First, register with the FCC and get a FRN (FCC Registration Number). This is a simple process that involves creating an account on the FCC website. It's free, and you just need to provide a few details to generate your FRN. Begin this process at https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do.
3. Registering for Testing: Once you have your FRN, you can register for one of our test sessions on HamStudy.org. Use this link: https://hamstudy.org/sessions. Study diligently using the resources mentioned earlier, and make sure you're prepared for the exam.
4. Test Day: On the day of the test, we collect a fee of $15 per test session. You can choose to take one, two, or all three tests for this fee on the same day. If you pass, the FCC will require you to pay a one-time fee of $35 for your first license. They will then send you your license details.

We're excited to help you on your journey to becoming a licensed ham radio operator. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Good luck on your exam!

In this guide, we've covered everything you need to know to get started with ham radio. From studying for your license to finding a local club and preparing for your exam, you're well on your way to becoming a licensed operator. Here's a quick recap:

1. Licensing Training and Test Prep: Start by setting a goal to get your Technician license. Join a local club like the Simpson County Amateur Radio Society (https://kn4utv.club) or the Bowling Green club (https://ky4bg.com/) to find support and resources for your journey.
2. Online Study Courses: Explore online resources like Ham Study (https://hamstudy.org), Ham Radio Prep (https://hamradioprep.com/how-to-get-your-ham-radio-license-made-easy/), and the ARRL online courses (http://www.arrl.org/online-courses) to help you prepare for your license exam.
3. Videos to Help You Along the Way: Check out YouTube channels like Ham Radio Crash Course (https://www.youtube.com/@HamRadioCrashCourse) for informative and engaging videos on amateur radio.
4. Ready to Test for Your License: Once you're ready, register with the FCC and get your FRN. Then, sign up for a testing session on HamStudy.org (https://hamstudy.org/sessions) and show up prepared to take the exam. Remember, the club collects a fee of $15 per test session, and the FCC requires a one-time fee of $35 for your first license.

Remember, getting your amateur radio license is just the beginning of an exciting journey. Whether you're interested in emergency communications, contesting, or simply making new friends around the world, ham radio offers a world of possibilities. So keep studying, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun!

We look forward to welcoming you to the amateur radio community. 

Good luck, and 73s!