Ham Radio is a  FUN Hobby..  

What Can Amateur Radio Operators Do?

• Ham radio operators use two-way radio stations from their homes, cars, boats and outdoors to make hundreds of friends around town and around the world. They communicate with each other using voice, computers, and Morse code. Some hams bounce their signals off the upper regions of the atmosphere, so they can talk with hams on the other side of the world.

• Where Do I Start?
  
  In the US, there are six license levels, or "license classes." These licenses are granted by the
  Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

• The 'Beginner License'
  
  The most popular license for beginners is the Technician Class license, which no longer requires a Morse Code examination, and gives you all ham radio privileges above 30 MHz. These privileges include the very popular 2-meter band.

  Many Technician licensees enjoy using small (2 meter) hand-held radios to stay in touch with other hams in their area. Technicians may operate FM voice, digital packet (computers), television, single-sideband voice and several other interesting modes. They can even make international radio contacts via satellites, using relatively simple equipment.
  To earn a Technician license, you'll need to pass the Novice and Technician written exams. To earn a Novice license, you'll need to pass the Novice written exam and a 5 words-per-minute Morse code test.
  

• Learn more about Amateur Radio and about the ARRL,
  explore ARRL Web, ARRL web page   http://www.arrl.org/