Amateur Radio License

• Before you can start operating a radio, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. Licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government.
• There are three license classes—Technician, General and Extra. You must get 74% of the test questions correct to pass.

Technician Class License

This class of license is the entry-level license for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above 30 megahertz, allowing these licensees the ability to communicate locally and most often within North America. It also allows for some limited privileges on the HF (also called "short wave") bands used for international communications. (26 out of 35 questions from a pool of 411 questions).

General Class License

The General class license, the one you should aspire to after getting your Technician License, grants some operating privileges on all Amateur Radio bands and all operating modes. This license allows you to operate world-wide communications. Earning the General class license requires passing a 35 question examination. For most Hams, the General Class license provides plenty of enjoyment of this exciting hobby.(26 out of 35 questions out of a pool of 454 questions)

Amateur Extra License

After you have obtained your Technician and then General class licenses, try for the Amateur Extra class license, which conveys all available U.S. Amateur Radio operating privileges on all bands and all modes. Earning the license is more difficult since it requires passing a thorough 50 question examination. (37 out of 50 questions from a pool of 622 questions)

• Some good information on how to study is at Quicksilver Radio
• Ham Cram Sessions: A 1 day course where you study the questions and answers only, then given the test at the end of the Session. These will be posted on this website (Events tab) as we find out about them.
• On line Zoom Sessions: Occasionally there are on-line courses. These will be posted on this website (Events tab) as we find out about them.

Technician

W4EEY - Technician Class ARRL 5th Edition

General

W4EEY - General Class ARRL 10th Edition

Extra

W4EEY - Extra Class ARRL 12th Edition

Morse Code

Tips for CW Beginners (good overview)
K9KJ - Learn Morse Code - Index
W4EEY - Morse Code Beginners
W4EEY - Morse Code - Intermediate

• Ham Radio Prep (Paid Classes)
• HAMStudy

• ARRL Exam Review
• HAMStudy (same as all licenses)

1. EXAMINEES MUST PAY WITHIN 10 CALENDAR DAYS.
   Examinees do not have to wait for email from the FCC to pay the fee. As soon as the application file number is issued by the FCC, they can pay by logging into
   
   • The CORES FRN Registration system https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do
   • FCC Application File Number search using an FRN: https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchAppl.jsp
     
   • CORES payment system background information and instructions: https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/fees/cores-payment-system
     
   • CORES step-by-step payment instructions: https://www.fcc.gov/payment-process-uls-individual-filers
     
   
   
2. The FCC help center stated there are known issues with individuals paying the $35 application fee via a smartphone, tablet or Mac computer. This is not a new issue and they haven't been able to help troubleshoot the issue at the support center.
   Candidates are encouraged to login and pay the FCC application fee from a computer using Windows.


3. Examinees should NOT amend any applications that a VEC submits on their behalf, especially NEW license applications. Amending VEC filed applications will cause the application to be dismissed with action in the FCC system and potentially require the applicatn to pay another $35 fee. If there is a minor mistake on the application, either call us and we can correct and resubmit the application or the individual can pay the fee, be issued the call sign and then log back in and make corrections.


4. Individuals should review their application BEFORE paying the fee. If there is a major error on the application, such as the licensee's name or license class earned is incorrect or the answer to the felony question is wrong, DO NOT PAY the fee. Call the VEC immediately.


5. When in doubt, call the VEC! Even if you think you shouldn't bother us with your question, call us anyway.


6. Refer to the ARRL VEC's FCC application fee web-page (http://www.arrl.org/fcc-application-fee) for information and instructions.
   Contact ARRL VEC: 1-800-927-7583 or VEC@arrl.org

• Purchase a radio. A small Handy Talkie (HT) is a good first radio. You can listen to many repeaters in the area and depending on the terrain and locality and join in the fun.
• GigaParts and QRZ is currently offering a discounted radio package for new hams getting their first license. See the GigaParts/Jumpstart web page for additional information. This offer is good while supplies last.
• Many new hams are reluctant to join in the nets, don't let 'mic fright' stop you...we all have been there. You can check into a net to get the hang of operating your radio.
• Upgrade.. once you are somewhat familiar, you will know what you are interested in. You may want to add an external antenna and use it with your HT and possibly get a mobile radio and use it as a base station with your external antenna.
• ARRL pdf with the Technician Frequencies: Click Here
• A good web page: All About Ham Radio for Beginners

• Enjoy your new privileges
• Become a Volunteer Examiner (VE). We are always looking for additional hams to assist with testing. General licensed hams can only test Technician and usually used for admin functions.

• Search this website, the 'Nets' tab shows many nets and frequencies in the area and you can lookup the clubs in the area.
• Join a club. Many Houston area clubs are listed on the 'More' Tab. Lookup ones of interest to you and go to their web-page and see if it interests you and their face to face meetings are in your area.
• Many clubs have informal meetings at a restaurant or location where you can meet some of the members and ask questions in an informal setting. (This is where I learned a lot).
• All guests are welcome to attend any of the functions. You have the opportunity to chat with the members and get to know them, if you have a license or not... it does not matter.

• Enjoy digital communications such as FT4, FT8 and more in the bands your license is authorized. Click Here for a complete listing.
• Voice (SSB) is also available for all to enjoy for nets, rag chewing or any one to one conversations in your authorized bands.
• Join the Houston Local Traffic Net (HLTN), and learn how to correctly format and pass Radiograms. This net is on Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30pm. See the 'Nets' tab for details.
• Volunteer for public service. All you need is an HT and a Technician license to assist in communications for many public service events, such as MS150, Wings over Houston, Pedaling on the Praire and many more. See the 'Events' tab for upcoming public service and contact information.
• Join an emergency communications group to assist when emergenies arise, such as hurricanes, power and phone (landline and cell) are out of service as they have been.

  EMROG

  Emergency Management Radio Operators Group. Highly trained and qualified volunteers will be invited to serve as exercise support to Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and will aide in various capacities. The Fort Bend (District 1) group meets every Monday at 7:30pm on 145.49(-) PL 123.0 except the 2nd Monday the meetings are face to face and held at the Fort Bend Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 307 Fort Street in Richmond, Tx. You do not need to live in Fort Bend County to join this group and visitors are welcome at all meetings, on the air and face to face.

  ARES

  Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies When All Else Fails®. Hams serve our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers, and wired and wireless networks. Amateur radio can function completely independently of the internet and phone systems. An amateur radio station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.

  ARES is grouped by counties. To join ARES fill out the FSD-98, see this Flyer or participate on the weekly nets for information. Fort Bend County (FBC) is the same as the EMROG net/meeting and Harris County ARES differs by area and frequencies. See the 'Nets' tab or webpage for a listing. As always, visitors are welcome to all functions.

  RACES

  Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. A protocol created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC Part 97, Section 407). Many government agencies across the country train their Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) volunteers using the RACES protocol. The volunteers serve their respective jurisdictions pursuant to guidelines and mandates established by local emergency management officials.
  See Texas RACES or Flyer for additional information. The ARES group can assist you in joining if you need some help.

• Use Winlink to send messages to other Winlink users, also to send emails and text messages over the air using your radio, PC and sound card if not built in your radio.

• FCC RF Requirements (pdf)
• ARRL - How to Get on the Air as a New Ham
• KARS - New Ham Welcome Kit (pdf)
• W4RNL - A Heap of Antenna Information
• W4RNL - Main Page, more antenna info

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us: