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Ham Radio Beginner's Guide: Getting Started in the Hobby
A plain-English beginner's guide to ham radio: what it is, how licensing works, picking a first radio, learning to operate, and finding help along the way.
Amateur radio
Get on the air, learn as you go.
Practical ham radio guides: getting licensed, call signs, bands, antennas, digital modes, emergency communications and radio electronics.
63 in-depth guides
12 topics
Oct 2026 latest guide
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Guides to start with
Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.
Do You Need a License for a Handheld Ham Radio? US Rules
In the US, you need an FCC amateur license to transmit on ham frequencies, even with a handheld. Here is what you can do without one and how to get licensed.
Ham Radio Call Sign Prefixes List
A practical list of ham radio call sign prefixes: how a call sign is built, who assigns prefix blocks, common country prefixes, and how to look one up.
Q Signals for Ham Radio: Meanings and Common Uses
Learn the Q signals ham radio operators use most, including QTH, QSO, QSL, QRP, QRM and QSY, with meanings, examples and tips on CW versus voice use.
Is Ham Radio UHF or VHF? Both Bands Compared
Ham radio uses both VHF and UHF, plus HF and more. Learn how 2 m and 70 cm differ in range, building penetration and antennas, and which suits a first handheld.
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Getting Started
Getting started, licensing and exams, call signs and operating language.
Getting Started 5 guides, starting with Ham Radio Beginner’s Guide: Getting Started in the Hobby. 5 guides Licensing & Exams 5 guides, starting with Do You Need a License for a Handheld Ham Radio? US Rules. 5 guides Call Signs & Regions 5 guides, starting with Ham Radio Call Sign Prefixes List. 5 guides Operating Language 7 guides, starting with Q Signals for Ham Radio: Meanings and Common Uses. 7 guides
Bands, Modes & Software
Bands and range, digital modes, software, shortwave and other radio services.
Bands & Range 5 guides, starting with Is Ham Radio UHF or VHF? Both Bands Compared. 5 guides Digital Modes 7 guides, starting with Ham Radio Digital Mode Identification by Sound and Waterfall. 7 guides Ham Radio Software 3 guides, starting with Ham Radio Mapping Software for Logging and Propagation. 3 guides Shortwave Radio 5 guides, starting with What Is Shortwave Radio Good For? Uses and Listening Tips. 5 guides Ham vs Other Radio Services 3 guides, starting with Ham Radio vs CB vs Walkie-Talkie: Which Should You Choose?. 3 guides
Equipment & Emergencies
Antennas and feedlines, radio electronics and emergency communications.
Antennas & Feedlines 7 guides, starting with Types of Ham Radio Antennas: Dipoles, Verticals, Beams and More. 7 guides Radio Electronics 6 guides, starting with Diagram of a Radio Transmitter. 6 guides Emergency Communications 5 guides, starting with Ham Radio Emergency Communications (EMCOMM). 5 guides